Evolution AB remains a 'strong buy' despite weak Q3 results and heightened volatility, supported by robust fundamentals and a defensible market position. EVVTY's Q3 saw a 2.4% revenue decline, driven by a 4% drop in Live Casino and significant weakness in Asia due to unresolved cybercrime issues. North America and Latin America continue to deliver double-digit growth, offsetting Asian headwinds, while share buybacks and a >4.3% dividend yield enhance shareholder value.
Evolution AB remains a Strong Buy, boasting exceptional margins, robust cash flow, and a market-leading position as an online casino gaming provider. Evolution faces near-term headwinds from cybercrime in Asia and its changes in Europe, but management is proactively addressing these challenges. Despite volatility, Evolution maintains a clean balance sheet, aggressive buybacks, and a combined dividend and buyback yield of ~9%.
Evolution AB reported weak Q3 results, as revenues faltered on a sequential basis after a Q2 recovery. Weakness in Asia caused weakness as Evolution continues to fight cybercrime. Mitigation efforts were overdone in Q3, causing especially weak financials. Other markets continue to perform relatively well. Europe returned to sequential growth after previous ring-fencing measures.
Evolution AB reported good Q2 results, alleviating growth concerns with a return to sequential growth. Profitability had a hiccup, but the hiccup isn't cause for concern. The great financial track record and secular growth in online gaming make Evolution's growth outlook good as the narrative shifts from regulatory scrutiny. As Evolution's stock has declined, the stock is now very attractively priced. I estimate 75% upside to $139 in a base scenario.
Evolution offers high-quality growth exposure to online gambling with strong profit margins and a robust balance sheet, yet trades at value-like multiples. The market is overly concerned about regulatory risks in unregulated markets, but even worst-case scenarios seem priced in, supporting a strong buy thesis. Management is aggressively repurchasing shares and returning capital to shareholders, while insiders are signaling confidence through significant insider buying.
Evolution AB's shift to regulated markets and rising competition will pressure margins, but the company remains a leader with strong free cash flow. Regulatory headwinds, increased competition, and lower revenue growth have led to a re-rating, yet the business continues to generate robust free cash flow. Evolution AB's games used to occupy all the spots on the most-played games lists, but the situation has recently changed.
CEO Martin Carlesund's substantial insider purchase signals strong confidence in Evolution's recovery and long-term prospects, especially at current depressed valuations. Evolution boasts exceptional margins, ROIC, steady growth, a sustainable 4.2% dividend, and an aggressive buyback, making it fundamentally undervalued at 11x PE. Recent setbacks—labor strikes, cybersecurity, and regulatory issues—are viewed as temporary, with resolution likely to restore double-digit growth and drive significant upside.
Despite a recent stock price decline, Evolution AB's fundamentals remain strong, with high cash flow, robust margins, and significant global expansion. Short-term revenue and margin weakness stem from proactive compliance and cybersecurity measures, not structural demand issues or competitive losses. The market is deeply undervaluing Evolution, pricing in no growth despite visible catalysts like regulatory resolution, Asian growth, new game launches, and buybacks.
Evolution has stabilized after a turbulent year, creating an attractive risk/reward setup with limited downside and significant upside potential. Insider participation in the warrant program at a premium price signals strong confidence from leadership in the company's future growth. Key executives, including the co-founder and CEO, have recently increased their stakes, reinforcing conviction in Evolution's prospects.
Evolution AB's share price has dropped 65% since 2021, but its strong free cash flow and high business quality make it attractive now. The company boasts exceptional margins and a dominant position in online gaming infrastructure, though growth has slowed due to market saturation. Management's shift towards buybacks, alongside stable dividends, should drive EPS growth and potentially re-rate the stock higher over time.
Evolution's stock has plummeted but shows signs of recovery with reduced short positions and record-breaking player activity, signaling a potential turning point. Super-investor Kenneth Dart's aggressive buying during recent times underscores confidence in Evolution's future, owning 17% of the company. The stock price has fallen below 700 SEK, allowing the possibility of a resurgence for the stock price.
I invest in outstanding companies at reasonable prices and hold them long term; Evolution AB meets all my criteria, making it a significant portfolio position. EVGGF dominates the live casino market with high profit margins, net cash, growing dividends, and a low P/E Ratio, indicating limited downside risk. The stock price is falling due to being a Swedish company in a controversial market, cyberattacks in Asia, and issues with UK authorities, but these are not long-term problems.