Q2 2026 Evolution Gaming Group AB Earnings Call

July 17, 2026

Speaker #2: Welcome to Evolution's Q2 2026 report presentation. During the Q&A session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing #Q5 on their telephone keypad. Now, I will hand the conference over to the speakers, CEO Martin Carlesund and CFO Joakim Andersson. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: Welcome to Evolution Q2 Report 2026 presentation. During the Q&A session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing #5 on their telephone keypad. Now I will hand the conference over to the speakers, CEO Martin Carlesund and CFO Joakim Andersson. Please go ahead.

Operator: Welcome to Evolution Q2 Report 2026 presentation. During the Q&A session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing pounds key five on their telephone keypad. Now I will hand the conference over to the speakers, CEO Martin Carlesund and CFO Joakim Andersson. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the presentation of Evolution’s interim report for the second quarter of 2026. My name is Martin Carlesund, and I’m the CEO of Evolution.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the presentation of Evolution's interim report for Q2 2026. My name is Martin Carlesund, and I'm the CEO of Evolution. With me, I have our CFO, Joakim Andersson. As always, I will start with some comments on our performance, then hand over to Joakim for a closer look at our financials. After that, I will conclude, then we will open up for questions. Next slide, please. Let's start with the highlights. Net revenues were EUR 517.8 million, corresponding to a year-on-year decline of 1.2%, but a quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.9%. EBITDA came in at EUR 341 million, corresponding to a margin of 65.9%. I'm overall happy with the results in the quarter. Revenue and EBITDA both move in the right direction. The margin is in line with our guidance, and cash flow is strong.

Speaker #3: With me, I have our CFO, Joakim Andersson. As always, I will start with some comments on our performance, and then hand over to Joakim for a closer look at our financials.

Speaker #3: After that, I will conclude and then we will open up for questions. Next slide, please. So, let's start with the highlights. Net revenues were EUR 517.8 million corresponding to year-on-year decline of 1.2% by the quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.9%.

Speaker #3: EBITDA came in at €341 million, corresponding to a margin of 65.9%. I'm overall happy with the results in the quarter. Revenue and EBITDA both moved in the right direction.

Speaker #3: The margin is in line with our guidance, and cash flow is strong. The volatility in Asia continues to disturb the overall picture, but we will continue to address the cybercrime challenges, day by day, one quarter at a time, and I'm certain that we will eventually to the start of the year, with generally good progress across markets.

Martin Carlesund: The volatility in Asia continues to disturb the overall picture. We will continue to address the cybercrime challenges day by day, one quarter at a time. I'm certain that we will eventually win. Europe saw a recovery compared to the start of the year, with generally good progress across markets. Latin America continues its strong momentum. North America also shows good growth. Live revenue improved with 0.6% compared to Q1, but declined 3.6% on a year-on-year basis, mostly related to Europe. At the same time, RNG revenue showed a strong 14% growth year-on-year. It can be noted that the North American slots business performs well at the moment. In the quarter, we have launched a second studio in Michigan, which is not only hosting several game shows in the state, but also is the home of our second live brand, Ezugi.

Speaker #3: Latin America continues its strong momentum, and North America also shows good growth. Live revenue improved with 0.6% compared to the first quarter but declined 3.6% on a year-on-year basis.

Speaker #3: Mostly related to Europe. At the same time, R&D revenue showed a strong 14% growth year-on-year, and it can be noted that the North American slots business performs well at the moment.

Speaker #3: In the quarter, we've launched a second studio in Michigan, which is not only hosting several game shows in the state, but also is the home of our second live brand, Ezugi.

Speaker #3: And around the quarter end, we also relaunched the studio in Argentina that we acquired from a competitor earlier this year. On the product side, we have launched the first titles under our new Hasbro partnership. So, all in all, pretty much business as usual.

Martin Carlesund: Around the quarter end, we also relaunched the studio in Argentina that we acquired from a competitor earlier this year. On the product side, we have launched the first title under our new Hasbro partnership. All in all, pretty much business as usual. We keep grinding and moving forward. Next slide, please. Here we have our operational KPIs, first consisting of headcount and the Game Rounds Index. On headcount, we are growing 2.8% on a year-on-year basis and flat quarter-on-quarter. As highlighted, we have launched two new studios in the quarter and are set for yet some more launches later this year. With every new studio, we are optimizing the distribution and cost mix, and I'm happy with that. The Game Rounds Index can be seen as a general indicator of activity throughout our network over time.

Speaker #3: We keep grinding and moving forward. Next slide, please. Here we have our operational KPIs, first consisting of headcount and the game rounds index. On headcount, we are growing 2.8% year-on-year, quarter-on-quarter.

Speaker #3: As highlighted, we have launched two new studios in the quarter and are set for yet some more launches later this year. With every new studio, we are optimizing and the distribution and cost mix, and I'm happy with that.

Speaker #3: The game rounds index can be seen as a general indicator of activity throughout our network over time. It varies between quarters, but for the long-term trend, it should be increasing. A session in general gets faster with smaller bets.

Martin Carlesund: It varies between quarters, for the long-term trend should be increased, especially in general, gets faster with more bets. The uptick in Q2 is satisfying. Very good. Next slide, please. Looking at the revenue mix by customer location, it looks exactly the same as in Q1. Europe dominates the picture, followed by North America and Latin America. As we require all our customers to carry a license in regulated jurisdiction, all our revenues are regulated. Moving to the revenue split based on our customer's customer, which is an estimation based on the IP number of players received from our customers and purchased third-party year information. North America and Africa takes a slightly larger part of the mix where Asia has decreased somewhat. The estimated share of stemming from regulated markets continues to increase and now stands at 49%. Next slide, please.

Speaker #3: The uptick in Q2 is satisfying—very good. Next slide, please. Looking at the revenue mix by customer location, it looks exactly the same as in Q1.

Speaker #3: Europe dominates the picture, followed by North America and Latin America. As we require all our customers to carry licenses in regulated jurisdictions, all our revenues are regulated.

Speaker #3: Moving to the revenue split based on our customers' customers, this is an estimation based on the IP numbers of players received from our customers, as well as purchased third-party geolocation information.

Speaker #3: North America and Africa take a slightly larger part of the mix, whereas Asia has decreased somewhat. The estimated share stemming from regulated markets continues to increase and now stands at 49%.

Speaker #3: Next slide, please. Now I'll go through each of the major regions based on the estimation of revenue, based on our customers' customers' IP number.

Martin Carlesund: Now I will go through each of the major regions based on the estimation of revenue based on our customer's customer's IP number. Europe saw a recovery quarter-on-quarter. The regulatory subjectivity remains, and channelization is very weak in a number of jurisdictions, we have seen an increasing activity in regulated markets. Are we at an inflection point? It's too early to say, our strong belief is that the only way to win players to the regulated portion of the market is both a balanced regulation and by offering the best and most entertaining content. In this quarter, the game show category did really good, and demand for localized content is on the rise. We continue to work hard and adapt to both the regulatory and the player needs. Later this year, we'll launch a new studio in Vilnius in Lithuania.

Speaker #3: Europe saw a recovery quarter-on-quarter. The regulatory subjectivity remains, and generalization is very weak in a number of jurisdictions, but we have seen increasing activity in regulated markets.

Speaker #3: Are we at an inflection point? It's too early to say, but our strong belief is that the only way to win players to the regulated portion of the market is both a balanced regulation and by offering the best and most entertaining content.

Speaker #3: In the quarter, the game show category did really good, and demand for localized content is on the rise. We continue to work hard and adapt to both the regulatory and the player needs.

Speaker #3: Later this year, we will launch a new studio in Vilnius, in Lithuania. A recurring topic when speaking about Europe has been the license review in the UK, where we agreed to a settlement of £4.75 million earlier this week.

Martin Carlesund: The recurring topic when speaking about Europe has been the license review in the UK, where we agreed a set amount of £4.75 million earlier this week. I believe the amount is a bit high in relation to the actual issue, I'm still happy to be able to resolve it and move forward. Throughout the review, we have continued to refine our processes, and as you are well aware of, also enforce the strictest ring-fencing measures among any suppliers in Europe. I can't stress this enough. At Evolution, we always want to do right. We require all our customers to carry the license needed in a specific market, and we engage with the regulators to address any issues that arise. Moving to Asia. As already highlighted, unfortunately, we took a step back compared to the previous quarter.

Speaker #3: I believe the amount is a bit high in relation to the actual issue, but I'm still happy to be able to resolve it and move forward.

Speaker #3: Throughout the review, we have continued to refine our processes, and as you are well aware of, also imposed restricted ring-fencing measures among any suppliers in Europe.

Speaker #3: I can't stress this enough at Evolution, we always want to do right. We require all our customers to carry the license needed in a specific market, and we engaged with the regulators to address any issues that arise.

Speaker #3: Moving to Asia, as already highlighted, unfortunately we took a step back compared to the previous quarter. We have said it before, but this is a cat-and-mouse game, and the volatility will remain.

Martin Carlesund: We have said it before that this is a cat and mouse game and the volatility will remain. We are not stressed. We know what the challenge is. We will continue to battle it, we look forward to see where we stand in the next quarter. Looking beyond the cybercrime issues, performance in the region was good. The regulated Filipino market is growing nicely, and the regulatory situation in the region as a whole has been overall stable. Next slide, please. The strong growth trend continues in both North America and Latin America with an all-time high revenue in both regions. In North America, we have launched Monopoly Live in New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and Connecticut. Originally released in 2019 in Europe, it is one of our most popular game shows globally.

Speaker #3: But we are not stressed. We know what the challenge is. We will continue to battle it, and we look forward to seeing where we stand in the next quarter.

Speaker #3: Looking beyond the cybercrime issues, performance in the region was good. The regulated Filipino market is growing nicely, and the regulatory situation in the region as a whole has been overall stable.

Speaker #3: Next slide, please. The strong growth trend continues in both North America and Latin America, with all-time high revenue in both regions. In North America, we have launched Monopoly Live in New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and Connecticut.

Speaker #3: Originally released in 2019 in Europe, it is one of our most popular game shows globally. With Monopoly as a very strong franchise in the US, we are excited to finally bring it to the American audience.

Martin Carlesund: With Monopoly as a very strong franchise in the US, we are excited to finally bring it to the American audience. After the quarter end, we have also expanded our presence in Alberta in Canada following the introduction of the regulated commercial market. Speaking of North America, I will take the opportunity to address Galaxy Gaming. As everyone is aware, the outside date of the merger agreement is today. After today, either party may choose to terminate the agreement. Two years have passed, we have spent significant time, effort, and resources handling the administration needed to close the acquisition. I really think that Galaxy is a great company, we have had a strong commercial relationship with them for many years, but due to its size, the transaction is not significant for Evolution.

Speaker #3: After the quarter end, we have also expanded our presence in Alberta, in Canada, following the introduction of the regulated commercial market. Speaking of North America, I will take the opportunity to address Galaxy Gaming.

Speaker #3: As everyone is aware, the outside date of the merger agreement is today, and after today, either party may choose to terminate the agreement. Two years have passed, and we have spent significant time, effort, and resources handling the administration needed to close the acquisition.

Speaker #3: I really think that Galaxy is a great company, and we have had a strong commercial relationship with them for many years, but due to its size, the transaction is not significant for Evolution, that means that the outcome has no material impact on our existing business, our US operations, or our long-term ambitions.

Martin Carlesund: That means that the outcome has no material impact on our existing business, our US operations, or our long-term ambitions. We'll come back in due time on the way forward, I will not comment it further today. Moving on to Latin America, where growth remains solid. We continue to adapt our products to the local market, in the quarter, we have launched a localized version of Ice Fishing in Brazil. It is hosted by native Brazilian Portuguese-speaking game presenters, it's streaming from our São Paulo studio. A few weeks back, we also relaunched the studio in Argentina that we acquired, which I also mentioned earlier, from our competitor in Q1. It's our second studio in Argentina, it will support continued growth in the market. We don't display a separate chart for other markets, which mainly comprise of Africa.

Speaker #3: We will come back in due time on the way forward, and I will not comment further on it today. Moving on to Latin America, where growth remains solid, we continue to adapt our products to the local markets.

Speaker #3: And in the quarter, we have launched a localized version of Ice Fishing in Brazil. It is hosted by native Brazilian Portuguese-speaking game presenters, and it's streaming from our São Paulo studio.

Speaker #3: A few weeks back, we also relaunched a studio in Argentina that we acquired, which I also mentioned earlier, from our competitor in Q1. It's our second studio in Argentina, and it will support continued growth in the markets.

Speaker #3: We don't display a separate chart for other markets, which mainly comprise Africa. It's a somewhat volatile region quarter-on-quarter, but with a clear positive trend, and its revenue contribution is increasingly noticeable.

Martin Carlesund: It's a somewhat volatile region quarter on quarter, with a clear positive trend and its revenue contribution is increasingly noticeable. We have a strong position as a premium live casino supplier, but RNG is also showing good growth. Next slide, please. I've talked so much about our amazing product roadmap for 2026, this time around, I will keep it more concise. During Q2, we launched the first title under our new exclusive global partnership with Hasbro, Monopoly Lab, earlier this week, we also launched MONOPOLY Roll. The initial response from both operators and players have been very strong, I believe we are onto something really great. Looking ahead, we have many more titles to launch, I will speak now on only one of them.

Speaker #3: We have a strong position as a premium live casino supplier, but RNG is also showing good growth. Next slide, please. I've talked so much about our amazing product roadmap for 2026, so this time around, I will keep it more concise.

Speaker #3: During the second quarter, we launched the first title under our new exclusive global partnership with Hasbro, Monopoly Roulette, and earlier this week, we also launched Monopoly Roller.

Speaker #3: The initial response from both operators and players has been very strong, and I believe we are onto something really great. Looking ahead, we have many more titles to launch, but I will speak now on only one, about only one of them.

Speaker #3: This is actually not related to Hasbro, but a spin-off of our own popular Funky Time. Starring Mr. Funky and the Disco Cat. As the name suggests, disco balls will bring a lot of action with a disco atmosphere.

Martin Carlesund: This is actually not related to Hasbro, but a spin of our own popular Funky Time, starring Mr. Funky and the Disco Cat. As the name suggests, Disco Balls will bring a lot of action with a disco atmosphere. It will be fun and groovy and set for release during Q3. It's our major upcoming release. With that, I will hand over to you, Joakim, for a closer look at our financials, next slide, please.

Speaker #3: It will be fun and groovy and is set for release during the third quarter. It's our major upcoming release. And with that, I will hand over to Joakim for a closer look at our financials. Next slide, please.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Martin. As usual, I will now go a bit deeper into the financials, but let's start with slide eight and our revenue and EBITDA developments over time.

Joakim Andersson: Thank you, Martin. As usual, I will now go a bit deeper into the financials, let's start with the slide eight and our revenue and EBITDA developments over time. If we look at the data on the far right, we can see the Q2 revenue of EUR 517.8 million represented by the blue bar, EBITDA of EUR 341 million in the gray bar, and the EBITDA margin of 65.9%, shown by the line above. It's another stable quarter that we add to the last few quarters with a small but yet positive revenue increase. Let's go to the next slide. On this slide, we have a more detailed look at our profit and loss statement. As before, and you're getting used to this, I have highlighted the key takeaways on the slide, and I will walk through them one by one.

Speaker #2: If we look at the data on the far right, we can see the Q2 revenue of 517.8 million, represented by the blue bar, EBITDA of 341 million in the gray bar, and the EBITDA margin of 65.9%, shown by the line above.

Speaker #2: It's another stable quarter that we add to the last few quarters with a small but yet positive revenue increase. Let's go to the next slide.

Speaker #2: And on this slide, we have a more detailed look at our profit and loss statement. As before—and you're getting used to this—I have highlighted the key takeaways from the slide, and I will walk through them one by one.

Speaker #2: First, again, net revenues amounted to 517.8 million, down 1.2% year on year, but up 0.9% quarter-on-quarter. Notable here is the continued positive development on the R&G side and solid double-digit growth year on year at 14%.

Joakim Andersson: First, again, net revenues amounted to EUR 517.8 million, down 1.2% year on year, up 0.9% quarter on quarter. Notable here is the continued positive development on the RNG side and solid double-digit growth year on year at 14%. Second, total operating expenses were EUR 220 million, which is 1% higher than Q2 last year, 0.2% down quarter on quarter, which helped us expand the margin slightly quarter on quarter. Generally, it feels like we are on top of it, and we manage our cost base in a prudent way. Third, with the addition of a positive financial net of EUR 3.1 million this quarter, it all means that the profit for the period amounted to EUR 251.4 million. Finally, as the fourth highlight, EPS earnings per share after dilution were EUR 1.27.

Speaker #2: Second, total operating expenses were €220 million, which is 1% higher than Q2 last year, but 0.2% down quarter-on-quarter, which helped us expand the margin slightly quarter-on-quarter.

Speaker #2: Generally, it feels like we are on top of it, and we manage our cost base in a prudent way. Third, with the addition of a positive financial net of €3.1 million this quarter, it all means that the profit for the period amounted to €251.4 million.

Speaker #2: And then finally, as the fourth highlight, EPS, earnings per share, after dilution, were 1.27 euros. From this quarter on onwards, there will be a noticeable effect in the number of outstanding shares as a consequence of our buybacks, and in this quarter, we bought back 5.1 million shares.

Joakim Andersson: From Q2 onwards, there will be a noticeable effect in the number of outstanding shares as a consequence of our buybacks. In Q2, we bought back 5.1 million shares. Let's move on to the next slide, where I will show you the development of our cash flow. First, on the left-hand side, we show our operating cash flow after investment. This amounted to EUR 258 million for the quarter. The last 12 months cash conversion remains strong and ended up at 86%, shown by the line in the same graph. The Q2 is seasonally weak on cash flow due to tax payments, or low, I should probably say maybe, we saw good progress and good positive contribution from the ongoing working capital efficiency initiatives. Turning to the chart on the right, which shows our capital expenditures.

Speaker #2: Let's move on to the next slide, where I will show you the development of our cash flow. First, on the left-hand side, we show our operating cash flow after investment.

Speaker #2: This amounted to 258 million for the quarter. The last 12 months cash conversion remains strong and ended up at 86%, shown by the line in the same graph.

Speaker #2: The second quarter is seasonally weak on cash flow due to tax payments, or low, I should rather say maybe, but we saw good progress and good positive contribution from the ongoing working capital efficiency initiatives.

Speaker #2: Turning to the chart on the right, which shows our capital expenditures, total capex related to tangible and intangible assets amounted to €34.7 million for the quarter. This remains stable as a share of net revenues, as illustrated by the black line.

Joakim Andersson: Total CapEx related to tangible and intangible assets amounted to EUR 34.7 million for the quarter. This remains stable as a share of net revenues, as illustrated by the black line. Next slide, please. Turning to our financial position, as you can see, there are no major changes compared to recent quarters. We continue to be in a very strong position with total cash of EUR 1.2 billion, and in the quarter, we used EUR 303 million of our cash towards the buybacks. You can also see that the investment in the bond portfolio was repaid this quarter and booked on the cash line. Total equity amounted to EUR 4.2 billion, and that concludes the financial deep dive for this quarter. Back to you, Martin, for the wrap-up.

Speaker #2: Next slide, please. Turning to our financial position, and as you can see, there are no major changes compared to recent quarters. We continue to be in a very strong position, with total cash of €1.2 billion, and in the quarter, we used €303 million of our cash towards the buybacks. You can also see that the investment in the bond portfolio was repaid this quarter and booked on the cash line.

Speaker #2: Total equity amounted to €4.2 billion. Sorry, €4.2 billion. That concludes the financial deep dive for this quarter. Back to you, Martin, for the wrap-up.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Joakim. Brilliant. So let's summarize, and then move to Q&A. I have on purpose tried to stay to the point, to as much to the point as possible in this believe things are moving in the right direction, and it very much business as usual in evolution right now.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you, Joakim. Brilliant. Let's summarize and then move to Q&A. I have on purpose tried to stay as much to the point as possible in this presentation. As stated, I believe things are moving in the right direction, and it's very much business as usual in Evolution right now. I'm pleased with the development in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Africa. As for Asia, I believe we will come around. What I haven't mentioned yet is the share buyback, which also has been gone through by Joakim. It was initiated in May. I know you waited long for the capital allocation decision, I can assure you that we looked at our options from every possible angle.

Speaker #1: I'm pleased with the development in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Africa, and as for Asia, I believe we will come around. What I haven't mentioned yet is the share buyback, which also has been gone through by Joakim. It was initiated in May. I know we waited long for the capital allocation decision, and I can assure you that we looked at our options from every possible angle.

Speaker #1: We're confident that the $2 billion program, which, as far as I'm aware, is the largest ever in the history of the Swedish stock exchange, is the right thing to create additional shareholder value.

Martin Carlesund: We're confident that the EUR 2 billion program, which as far as I'm aware, is the largest ever in the history of Swedish stock exchange, is the right thing to create additional shareholder value. Operationally, as we move forward, we will minimize time and resource spent on things that don't really drive business revenue and cash flow. Our main effort will go even with a stronger focus into building world-leading games and release those on the largest online gaming network in the world, our OSS, one-stop shop. At Evolution, we love what we do, and we do it with passion. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you Evolutioners in all parts of the world, what a great job you do. With that, we thank you for listening. Now we open up for questions. The final slide. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Operationally, as we move forward, we will minimize the time and resources spent on things that don't really drive business revenue and cash flow. Our main effort will go, with an even stronger focus, into building world-leading games and releasing those on the largest online gaming network in the world—our OSS, one-stop shop.

Speaker #1: As evolution, we love what we do, and we do it with passion, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you evolutionaries in all parts of the world, what a great job you do.

Speaker #1: So with that, we thank you for listening, and now we open up for questions. And the final slide—thank you.

Speaker #3: If you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key 5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial pound key 6 on your telephone keypad.

Operator 2: If you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial pound key six on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Ed Young from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Operator: If you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial pound key six on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Ed Young from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Ed Young from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good morning. I've got two for now, if that's okay. First of all, could you give a bit more color on Asia? I appreciate you say it's volatile, but I wonder if you could comment on what you think the background trend is in the industry, or the underlying, because the revenue has been sort of bouncing around in a range for a while now.

Ed Young: Good morning. I've got two for now, if that's okay. First of all, could you give a bit more color on Asia? I appreciate you say it's volatile, but I wonder if you could comment on what you think the background trend is in the industry or the underlying, because the revenue's been sort of bouncing around in a range for a while now. Is the right reading of that the market is flat, or your growth is underlying flat, or the impacts from these kind of volatile issues greater than that? I'm just trying to get an idea of the underlying trend when you say that you're confident you'll be able to defeat this in the end. That's my first question, please.

Speaker #4: Is the right reading of that that the market is flat and your growth is underlying flatter, or are the impacts from these kinds of volatile issues greater than that?

Speaker #4: I'm just trying to get an idea of the underlying trend when you say that you're confident you'll be able to defeat this in the end.

Speaker #4: That's my first question, please.

Speaker #1: Good morning, Ed. Matt, hear you. Asia is a large section on Earth. It's many countries, and they come together as something we call than Europe.

Martin Carlesund: Good morning, Ed. Nice to hear you. Asia is a large section on Earth. It's many countries, and they come together as something we call Asia. It's much larger than Europe. There are many different countries moving around. I would say that there is an underlying potential growth, and the effect that we see right now is coming from cybercrime, and that is the volatility cause. We are focusing to solve that, and unfortunately, it's a little bit up and down still.

Speaker #1: There are many different countries moving around. I would say that there is an underlying potential for growth, and the effect that we see right now is coming from cybercrime, and that is the volatility caused.

Speaker #1: We are focusing to solve that, and unfortunately, it's a little bit up and down still.

Speaker #4: Okay. And then, second of all, on RNG—obviously, double-digit growth in the quarter. You called out North America as a good market. I just wonder if you could give a bit more color.

Ed Young: Okay. Second of all on RNG, obviously double-digit growth in the quarter. You called out North America as a good market. I just wonder if you could give a bit more color. Is there any particular game releases that are going well, or do you think this is part of the broader commercial OSS kind of effort, sales effort that you're making internally, or is it just North America's been a bit smaller and that sort of thing? Just a bit more color behind the growth.

Speaker #4: Are there any particular game releases that are going well, or do you think this is part of the broader commercial OSS kind of effort, sales effort, that you're making internally? Or is it just, you know, North America has been a bit similar and that's within—just a bit more color behind the growth?

Speaker #1: We shouldn't overvalue North America and the comment that I made there. North America, in the greater scheme of things, is still a small market in comparison to others.

Martin Carlesund: We shouldn't overvalue North America and the comment that I made there. North America in the greater scheme of things is still a small market in comparison to others. We are doing better. We are now slowly building and coming to double-digit growth, which we talked about for a long time, and that took a long time to get there. We are here now, and it's from the total situation in RNG, not any specific market. We're happy with that, very happy with that.

Speaker #1: We are doing better. We are now slowly building and coming to double-digit growth, which we talked about for a long time. It took a long time to get there, but we are here now, and it's from the total situation in RNG, not any specific market.

Speaker #1: We're happy with that—very happy with that.

Speaker #4: Okay, thank you.

Ed Young: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Martin Arnold from DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Martin Arnell from DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Martin Arnell from DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good morning, guys. On my first question, what can you sort of learn from Asia when you were here, like in Q3 last year, you had noticeable issues with the cybercrime, and, you know, what did you learn there, and any new tools that you can use this time?

Martin Arnell: Good morning, guys.

Martin Carlesund: Good morning.

Martin Arnell: My first question, what can you sort of learn from Asia when you were here? Like in Q3 last year, you had noticeable issues with the cybercrime, and what did you learn there, and any new tools that you can use this time?

Martin Carlesund: We learn a lot all of the time, and internet in general is moving forward, and I think that we are in the absolute forefront in the cutting-edge possibilities. Even though the volatility's here, I'm quite happy with the situation that we have technically and what we are doing, and I look forward to move forward from here.

Speaker #1: We learned a lot, all of the time. And internet in general is moving forward, and I think that we are in the absolute forefront in the cutting-edge possibilities, and I'm, even though the volatility is here, I'm quite happy with the situation that we have.

Speaker #1: Technically, that's what we are doing, and I look forward to moving forward from here.

Speaker #4: And you're not overly concerned that this will get worse before it gets better?

Martin Arnell: You're not overly concerned that this will get worse before better?

Speaker #1: I don't guide on quarter-on-quarter growth for any region, but the volatility is still here. We are not in a stable situation, as you can see.

Martin Carlesund: I don't guide on quarter-on-quarter growth for any region. The volatility is still here. We are not in a stable situation, as you can see.

Speaker #4: And on Europe, I think it was a fairly broad-based recovery. Is there anything you want to highlight that's changed compared to the last set of results?

Martin Arnell: On Europe, I think it was fairly broad-based recovery. Anything you want to highlight that's changed compared to the last set of results?

Martin Carlesund: No, I think that we are happy. There are still things that makes the business that we do a little bit volatile. Things will move around. We're happy with the recovery, and we're growing, and you can also see that from the figures. It's a good quarter in Europe.

Speaker #1: No, I think that we are happy. There are still things that makes the business that we do a little bit volatile, and then things will move around, but we're happy with the recovery, and we're growing, and you can also see that from the figures.

Speaker #1: It's a good quarter in Europe.

Speaker #4: And my final question is on the games pipeline. You have released some of the Hasbro-licensed games—if you can mention anything on the reception so far—and have you tilted the timing for the launches a little bit more skewed to later in the year, or are you on track with the release pipeline?

Martin Arnell: My final question is on the games pipeline. You have released some of the Hasbro licensed games. If you can mention anything on the reception so far. Have you tilted the timing for the launches a little bit more skewed to later in the year, or are you on track with the release pipeline?

Speaker #1: I think that the reception of the games has been actually very good, and one thing that we've learned over the years is that—you can see that with Ice Fishing, which is a tremendous success—it takes a little while to build that audience that we want to have.

Martin Carlesund: I think that the reception of the games have been actually very good, and one thing that we've learned over the years is that you can see that with Ice Fishing, which is a tremendous success. It takes a little while to build that audience that we want to have. Very good reception of the games that we're launching. Are we delayed with the product roadmap? I would say that the product roadmap have been a little bit tilted towards the end all along, already from when we released it, and we of course wanting it earlier, but it's a little bit tilted towards the end.

Speaker #1: So, very, very good reception of the games that we're launching. Did we—or did we delay with the product rollback? I would say that the product rollback has been a little bit tilted towards the end, all along, already from when we released it, and we are, of course, wanting it earlier, but it's a little bit tilted towards the end.

Speaker #4: Okay, thank you.

Martin Arnell: Okay, thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Charlie Mearsands from BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Joakim Andersson: Thank you.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Charlie Muresan from BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Charlie Muresan from BNP Paribas. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Good morning, gentlemen. Thank you for taking my questions. I've got a couple, please. Firstly, just on the overall group, I know that you talk about game rounds being a long-term directional indicator, but game rounds saw quite a nice pickup quarter-on-quarter, substantially ahead of the revenue growth.

Charlie Muresan: Good morning, gentlemen. Thank you for taking my questions.

Charlie Muir-Sands: Good morning, gentlemen. Thank you for taking my questions.

Martin Carlesund: Morning.

Charlie Muresan: Got a couple, please. Firstly, just on the overall group, I know that you talk about game rounds being a long-term directional indicator, but game rounds saw quite a nice pickup quarter-on-quarter, substantially ahead of the revenue growth. I wondered if you could sort of talk about whether there's any sort of particular temporary or permanent mix effects, and perhaps it's related to this. I wondered if you can talk about what you're seeing in terms of currency headwinds from end player markets and whether those are starting to ease at all in any of those areas. The second question topic is the UK. You've obviously confirmed the assessment and the financial amount. I just wanted to get clarity that there are no further incremental technical restrictions that you've committed to have to undertake from here.

Charlie Muir-Sands: Got a couple, please. Firstly, just on the overall group, I know that you talk about game rounds being a long-term directional indicator, but game rounds saw quite a nice pickup quarter-on-quarter, substantially ahead of the revenue growth. I wondered if you could sort of talk about whether there's any sort of particular temporary or permanent mix effects, and perhaps it's related to this. I wondered if you can talk about what you're seeing in terms of currency headwinds from end player markets and whether those are starting to ease at all in any of those areas. The second question topic is the UK. You've obviously confirmed the assessment and the financial amount. I just wanted to get clarity that there are no further incremental technical restrictions that you've committed to have to undertake from here.

Speaker #4: I wondered if you could sort of talk about whether there's any sort of particular temporary or permanent mix effects, and perhaps if it's related to this.

Speaker #4: I wondered if you can talk about what you're seeing in terms of currency headwinds from end-player markets, and whether those are starting to ease at all in any of those areas.

Speaker #4: And then the second question topic is the UK. You’ve obviously confirmed the settlement and the financial amount. I just wanted to get clarity that there are no further incremental technical restrictions that you’ve committed to undertake from here.

Speaker #4: I know you took some actions a while ago, and similarly also on the UK market, whether you'd seen any particular change in market behavior since the remote gaming duty tax rate increased in April.

Charlie Muresan: I know you took some actions a while ago, similarly also on the UK market, whether you'd seen any particular change in market behavior since the Remote Gaming Duty tax rate increased in April. Thank you.

Charlie Muir-Sands: I know you took some actions a while ago, similarly also on the UK market, whether you'd seen any particular change in market behavior since the Remote Gaming Duty tax rate increased in April. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #1: It was a little bit of everything. I will try to remember it. So, I mean, we're very satisfied with the game rounds' development. As we know, entertainment is important.

Martin Carlesund: It was a little bit of everything. I will try to remember it. We're very satisfied with the game round development. As we know, entertainment is important. Short attention span is for the coming generation. It has to be snappy, fun, really entertaining content. We can't stay with what the industry did years and years ago and think that everyone will do the same. It won't happen, and we'll lose it. Game rounds will need to increase more than revenue over the coming 10 years. That you should have in the backdrop. Having that said, we're happy with the development this quarter. Yeah. Joakim, you can comment on.

Speaker #1: Short attention span is for the coming generations. So it has to be snappy, fun, really entertaining content. We can't stay with what the industry did years and years ago and think that everyone will do the same.

Speaker #1: It won't happen, and we'll lose it. So, game rounds will need to increase more than revenue over the coming 10 years. So that you should have in the backdrop.

Speaker #1: Having said that, we're happy with the development this quarter. Yeah, Joakim, you can comment on that.

Speaker #2: On Epic's side, I can pick that up. Yes, you can read in our report that, in this quarter, there was a little bit less of Epic's headwinds on the revenue side.

Joakim Andersson: On the FX side, I can pick that up. Yeah, as you can read in our report, in this quarter, it was a little bit less of FX headwinds on the revenue side compared to last quarters. If this is kind of a sustainable thing or not, that's something we can't guess on any of us on the call, I guess. Yeah, a little bit lesser headwinds in this quarter.

Speaker #2: Compared to last quarters, then this is kind of a sustainable thing or not. I mean, that's something we can't guess on any of us on the call, I guess.

Speaker #2: But yeah, a little bit fewer headwinds in this quarter.

Speaker #1: UK Gaming Commission—I mean, we settled with them. There are no changes in our way of doing business in the UK for a while.

Martin Carlesund: UK Gambling Commission, we settled with them. There's been no changes in our way of doing business in the UK for a while. We have no changes coming out. When it comes to the balance of the regulatory situation in any jurisdiction, not in particular to UK, as soon as you raise the tax to a certain limit and to a certain bar, you will lose channelization. You have seen that in many jurisdictions now, such as UK and the Netherlands. The channelization reached 50% levels, and that is not good. We need to see to and hope for a better balance in what regulators do, it's not for us to decide. We just act on the rules that are there. We are very respectful to those rules, and we understand why they do them.

Speaker #1: And we have no changes coming up. When it comes to the balance of the regulatory situation in any jurisdiction—not in particular the UK—but as soon as you raise the tax to a certain limit, to a certain bar, you will lose canalization.

Speaker #1: You have seen that in many jurisdictions now, such as the UK and the Netherlands, the canalization has reached 50% levels, and that is not good.

Speaker #1: So we need to see to and hope for a better balance in the regulatory—what the regulators do. But it's not for us to decide, and we just act on the rules that are there. We're very respectful to those rules, and we understand why they do them. And, of course, raising the taxes is negative for the canalization.

Martin Carlesund: Of course, raising the taxes negative for the channelization.

Speaker #4: I'm sorry, just to clarify, we need to talk about the 50%. I assume you're referring to the estimates around the Netherlands, not to a new estimate for the UK?

Charlie Muresan: I'm sorry, just to clarify, when you talked about the 50%, I assume you were referring to the estimates around the Netherlands, not to a new estimate for the UK?

Charlie Muir-Sands: I'm sorry, just to clarify, when you talked about the 50%, I assume you were referring to the estimates around the Netherlands, not to a new estimate for the UK?

Speaker #1: I didn't refer to any specific country, but if you read canalization of 50%, it's, of course, very tough.

Martin Carlesund: I didn't refer to any specific country, but if you reach channelization of 50%, it's of course very tough.

Speaker #4: Okay, great. Thank you.

Charlie Muresan: Okay, great. Thank you.

Charlie Muir-Sands: Okay, great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Ben Shelley from UBS. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Ben Shelley from UBS. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Ben Shelley from UBS. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi, good morning. I’ve got three questions, if that’s okay. The first one’s on Asia. Could you just elaborate more on the cybercrime issues you’re seeing in Asia?

Ben Shelley: Hi. Good morning. I have got three questions, if that is okay. The first one is on Asia. Are they affecting player access, payments, operator activity, or something else?

Speaker #4: And are they affecting player access, payments, operator activity, or something else?

Speaker #1: It's the same as we commented before. It's simply that they take our product, make a copy, and redistribute it. That's what they do. So they use our product in one way or another, and they redistribute it and resell it, just like they would do with any, well, bad comparison.

Martin Carlesund: It is the same as we commented before. It is simply that they take our product, make a copy, and redistribute it, that is what they do. They use our product in one way or the other, they redistribute it and resell it, just like they would do with any, bad comparison, but a handbag or anything else that they would make a copy and sell, they would do the same.

Speaker #1: But the handbag, or anything else that they would make a copy of and sell, they would do the same.

Speaker #4: Got it, got it. And then just on recent trends in Asia, have trading trends in Asia improved, worsened, or remained broadly unchanged since the end of Q2?

Ben Shelley: Got it. Just on recent trends in Asia, have trading trends in Asia improved, worsened, or remained broadly unchanged since the end of Q2?

Martin Carlesund: Sorry, what do you mean?

Speaker #1: Sorry, what do you mean?

Speaker #4: So, have trading trends improved in Asia since the end of the quarter?

Ben Shelley: Have trading trends improved in Asia since the end of the quarter?

Martin Carlesund: I don't comment within the quarter. The volatility is in the quarter as you see, and the figures are there, and we look forward to the next quarter.

Speaker #1: I don't comment within the quarter. The volatility is in the quarter, as you see in the figures—they are there—and we look forward to the next quarter.

Speaker #4: Okay, thank you. And then just on Europe, Europe's return to quarter on quarter growth for the first time in several quarters. Do you view this as the start of a more sustainable recovery, or is it still too early to draw that conclusion?

Ben Shelley: Okay, thank you. Just on Europe. Europe's return to quarter-on-quarter growth for the first time in several quarters. Do you view this as the start of a more sustainable recovery, or is it still too early to draw that conclusion?

Speaker #1: I wish that I had a clear answer to that. I mean, I even asked that in the telco like, is it an inflection point?

Martin Carlesund: I wish that I had a clear answer to that. I even asked that in the like, is it an inflection point? I'm happy with it and I look forward to the next quarter. Also in Europe, that's the best I can give you on that. Better activity, nice to see.

Speaker #1: I'm happy with it, and I look forward to the next quarter. That's the best—also in Europe—that's the best I can give you on that.

Speaker #1: And better activity—nice to see.

Speaker #4: Perfect. Thank you.

Ben Shelley: Perfect. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Nicola Kalanoski from ABG Sundal Collier. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Nikola Kalanoski from ABG Sundal Collier. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Nikola Kalanoski from ABG Sundal Collier. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: All right. Good morning, gentlemen, and thanks for taking my questions. So, the first one is just on the stabilization of Europe. What would you say has contributed to that stabilization on the game show front this quarter?

Nikola Kalanoski: All right. Morning, gentlemen, and thanks for taking my questions. The first one is just on the stabilization of Europe. What would you say has contributed to that stabilization on the game show front this quarter? Has it been driven by these relatively new and popular games such as Ice Fishing? Has the broader game shows portfolio performed strongly, would you say?

Speaker #4: Has it been driven by these relatively new and popular games, such as Ice Fishing, or has the broader game shows portfolio performed strongly, would you say?

Speaker #1: I think that all games have performed well. Then, of course, Ice Fishing is a tremendous success. It's becoming one of the biggest games in the whole industry.

Martin Carlesund: I think that all games have performed well. Of course, Ice Fishing is a tremendous success. It's becoming one of the biggest games in the whole industry, and we have done that before, and we've seen it now, so of course that contributes, but I don't think that we should overvalue it. It's the total situation that makes the figures.

Speaker #1: And we have done that before, and we've seen it now. So, of course, that contributes, but I don't think that we should overvalue it.

Speaker #1: It's the total situation that makes the figures.

Speaker #4: Yep, thanks for that. And indeed, Ice Fishing looks to be a great game. And then just quickly, I guess, on the UK market—to the extent that you can answer this question—I'm curious about the initial impact of this higher remote gaming duty.

Nikola Kalanoski: Yeah. Thanks for that. Indeed, Ice Fishing looks to be a great game. Just quickly, I guess on the UK market, to the extent that you can answer this question, curious on the initial impact of this higher Remote Gaming Duty. Have you started to see a significantly negative impact from the tax hike in Q2, and has that adversely impacted your Europe revenue significantly recently?

Speaker #4: Have you started to see a significantly negative impact from the tax hike in Q2? And has that adversely impacted your Europe revenue significantly recently?

Speaker #1: We don't comment on specific markets in Europe as you know, but a while back also commented on the size of UK. And UK market is not really a huge market for evolution.

Martin Carlesund: We don't comment on specific markets in Europe, as you know, but a while back also commented on the size of UK, and UK market is not really a huge market for Evolution. Even with an impact, it's not that big.

Speaker #1: So even with an impact, it's not that big.

Speaker #4: All right. Great. Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Nikola Kalanoski: All right, great. Thank you very much, gentlemen.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Thanks.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Monique Pollard from Citi. Please go ahead.

Martin Carlesund: Thanks.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Monique Pollard from Citi. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Monique Pollard from Citi. Please go ahead.

Monique Pollard: Morning. Hi.

Speaker #5: Morning. Hi. Hi, Joakim. I had a couple of questions, if I can. The first question was whether you could provide any update beyond what you'd written in the press articles about the article from Investigate Europe, and whether it's possible to access evolution games on soft2bet from a UK IP address?

Martin Carlesund: Good morning.

Monique Pollard: Hi, Joakim. I had a couple of questions if I can. The first question was whether you could provide any update beyond what you'd written in the press articles about the article from Investigate Europe and whether it's possible to access Evolution games on Soft2Bet from a UK IP address.

Speaker #1: We take all possible measures to make that not possible. And we have not been able to replicate any type of gameplay that has been stated.

Martin Carlesund: We take all possible measures to make that not possible, and we have not been able to replicate any type of gameplay that has been stated.

Speaker #5: Okay, that's clear. Thank you. And the second question I had, probably one for Joakim, is just about the working capital initiatives that you've been putting in place, whether you could give us some examples of those initiatives and, I don't know if you're able to quantify or give us some sense of the benefits that they're providing, please.

Monique Pollard: Okay, that's clear. Thank you. The second question I had, probably one for Joakim, is just about the working capital initiatives that you've been putting in place, whether you could give us some examples of those initiatives and I don't know if you're able to quantify or give us some sense of the benefits that they're providing, please.

Speaker #1: Yeah, sure. Thank you. I mean, we’ve talked about this for a couple of quarters now, and we could see that the trend of accounts receivables was negative for us, where we were building and tying capital in receivables up until the peak, probably at the end of last year.

Joakim Andersson: Yeah, sure. Thank you. We talked about this for a couple of quarters now, and we could see that the trend of accounts receivables were negative for us. We were building and tying capital in receivables up until kind of the peak probably end of last year. We talked about it, and I explained that we have put some more effort and more resources to really go through the AR and then making sure that our customers pay what they are supposed to pay and they pay on time. It's kind of those initiatives that we've been working with for a few months now. Even if it takes some time, and it does because it's a long cycle, then now we see some benefits of that coming through.

Speaker #1: So then we talked about it, and I explained that we have put some more effort and more resources to really go through the AR and then making sure that our customers pay what they are supposed to pay and they pay on time.

Speaker #1: So it's kind of those initiatives that we've been working with for a few months now. And even if it takes some time—and it does, because it's a long cycle—now we see some benefits of that coming through.

Speaker #1: And kind of you can quantify, you can see in a cash flow statement, then you can see on the AR side that that's, I mean, an effect of increased efforts.

Martin Carlesund: You can quantify, you can see in the cash flow statement, and you can see on the AR side that that's having an effect on increased efforts. We're quite happy with it, but we continue to work with it as well.

Joakim Andersson: You can quantify, you can see in the cash flow statement, and you can see on the AR side that that's having an effect on increased efforts. We're quite happy with it, but we continue to work with it as well.

Speaker #1: So, quite happy with it, but we continue to work with it as well.

Monique Pollard: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #5: Very clear. Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Praveen Gandhale from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Praveen Choudhary from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Praveen Choudhary from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hi, good morning. Thanks for taking my questions. Firstly, on M&A—now following the Galaxy development—could you just talk about your M&A pipeline? Are there any other opportunities that you are pursuing, and what is the size and scope of those opportunities?

Praveen Choudhary: Hi. Good morning. Thanks for taking my questions.

Pravin Gondhale: Hi. Good morning. Thanks for taking my questions.

Martin Carlesund: Morning.

Praveen Choudhary: Firstly, on M&A. Following the Galaxy Gaming development, could you just talk about your M&A pipeline? Are there sort of any other opportunities that you are pursuing, size and scope of those opportunities? Secondly, on cost and margins, could you just offer some steer or color on expected cost development through H2 of this year and early next year, and how should we be thinking about the margins from here? Are you comfortable with your previous EBITDA margin guidance issued at last year's full year results? Thank you.

Pravin Gondhale: Firstly, on M&A. Following the Galaxy Gaming development, could you just talk about your M&A pipeline? Are there sort of any other opportunities that you are pursuing, size and scope of those opportunities? Secondly, on cost and margins, could you just offer some steer or color on expected cost development through H2 of this year and early next year, and how should we be thinking about the margins from here? Are you comfortable with your previous EBITDA margin guidance issued at last year's full year results? Thank you.

Speaker #6: And then secondly, on cost and margins, could you just offer some steer or color on expected cost development through the second half of this year and early next year, and how should we be thinking about the margins from here?

Speaker #6: Are you comfortable with your previous EBITDA margin guidance issued at last year's full-year results? Thank you.

Speaker #1: I would constantly evaluate vertically and horizontally if there are any opportunities to acquire something. But I also firmly believe that you should deliver what you state that you will deliver.

Martin Carlesund: We constantly evaluate vertically and horizontally if there's any opportunities to acquire something. I also firmly believe that you should deliver what you state that you should deliver. That's why even though we don't make a habit out of it, this quarter is the quarter of double-digit growth for RNG, and it took a while, but we're here now, and we're proud of that because we stated that we were going to do that. We're always evaluating what we could buy. When it comes to cost and margin, I think that we're happy with the progression of margin. We're in line with our guidance for this quarter, and we are in good cost control. Managing our cash flow, working on the team is doing great job, and we are where we should be with those.

Speaker #1: And that's why, even though we don't make it headline audit, this quarter is the quarter of double-digit growth for R&G. It took a while, but we're here now.

Speaker #1: And we're proud of that because we stated that we're going to do that. And that has to do with M&A, but not directly. So we're always evaluating what we could buy.

Speaker #1: When it comes to cost and margin, I think that we're happy with the progression of margin we're in line with our guidance for this quarter and we are in good cost control.

Speaker #1: Managing our cash flow, Joakim, and it seems you're doing a great job. And we are where we should be with those.

Speaker #2: And the margin, the EBITDA margin for the full year, remains. So, I mean, no question about that.

Martin Carlesund: The EBITDA margin for the full year remains. No question about that.

Speaker #6: Thank you. Thank you very much.

Praveen Choudhary: Thank you. Thank you very much.

Pravin Gondhale: Thank you. Thank you very much.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Karen Puri from J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Karan Puri from JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Karan Puri from JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi, good morning, everyone. Just a couple from my side as well. First one on Galaxy Gaming. I know you mentioned it's not a very meaningful transaction, but just to sort of understand better in terms of what went wrong there—that's the first question.

Karan Puri: Hi. Good morning, everyone. Just a couple from my side as well. First one on Galaxy Gaming, I know you mentioned it's not a very meaningful transaction, just to sort of understand better in terms of what went wrong there. That's the first question. Second one on Asia, is it possible to share some color on the competitive landscape Evolution over the last 12 months? Has competition intensified or been somewhat stable? Any sort of color or data point, that would be really helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #4: Second one on Asia. Is it possible to share some color on the competitive landscape evolution over the last 12 months? Has competition intensified or been somewhat stable?

Speaker #4: Any sort of color or data point that would be really helpful? Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: I won't give more comments on Galaxy Gaming than what I did earlier. We are on the outside date, meaning that the time period for closure is ending actually today. We will now continue to evaluate. We put a lot of resources and focus to close and handle the administrative burden that is related to this transaction. Of course, I also point out that as a matter of the size, it's not anything that is significant, and it doesn't affect Evolution's plans or anything else in US or elsewhere. The competitive landscape in Asia has not really changed. I don't notice much change there. There's always been a lot of competition all from the start, and I think it's about the same.

Speaker #1: I won't give more comments on Galaxy Gaming than what I did earlier. We are on the outside date, meaning that the time period for closure is ending actually today.

Speaker #1: We will now continue to evaluate. We have put a lot of resources and focus into closing and handling the administrative burden that is related to this.

Speaker #1: Transaction. And of course, I also point out that as a matter of the size, it's not anything that is significant, and it doesn't affect Evolution's plans or anything else in the US or elsewhere.

Speaker #1: The competitive landscape in Asia has not really changed. I don't notice much change there. There's always been a lot of competition right from the start, and I think it's about the same.

Speaker #4: Thank you so much.

Karan Puri: Thank you so much.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Rasmus Engberg from Kepler Cheuvreux. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Rasmus Engberg from Kepler Cheuvreux. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Rasmus Engberg from Kepler Cheuvreux. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Yes, hi guys. Thanks for taking my question. Two questions remaining. I don't know if you can answer this, but are there any further regulatory hurdles to complete the Galaxy acquisition?

Rasmus Engberg: Yes. Hi, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Two questions remaining. I don't know if you can answer this, but are there any further regulatory hurdles to complete Galaxy acquisition?

Speaker #1: I can't comment on that right now. We will come to a decision and make an evaluation very soon. Unfortunately, I can't give you more information on that right now.

Martin Carlesund: I can't comment on that right now. We will come to the decision and make an evaluation very soon. Unfortunately, I can't give you more information on that right now.

Speaker #4: Okay. And second question, we're approaching the end of the World Cup. Has that had any impact on you? Do you anticipate any impact from it in the second half of the year?

Rasmus Engberg: Okay. Second question, we are approaching the end of the World Cup. Has that had any impact on you? Do you anticipate any impact from it in the second half of the year?

Speaker #1: Very good question, to be honest. Every time we have these situations—when there's a World Cup or Olympic Games, or simply we come in with it—we think about that, that there should be a huge activity boost.

Martin Carlesund: Very good question, to be honest. Every time we have these situations when there's a World Cup or Olympic Games, we come in with it and think about that there should be a huge activity boost. Honestly, we don't see that as clearly. It's not in any way negative, but maybe it's the time zone. We don't see that boost out of World Cup. That's the remark.

Speaker #1: Honestly, we don't see that as clearly. It's not in any way negative, but maybe it's the time zone—maybe it was, but we don't see that boost out of World Championship.

Speaker #1: That's the remark.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thanks.

Rasmus Engberg: Okay, thanks.

Speaker #1: Thanks.

Martin Carlesund: Thanks.

Speaker #3: As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Jack Cummings from Berenberg.

Operator 2: As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Jack Cummings from Berenberg. Please go ahead.

Operator: As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Jack Cummings from Berenberg. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Morning all. Two questions, please. First, just on R&G. Obviously, you're now back into that double-digit growth number. You've not been there for, I think, about three years or so.

Jack Cummings: Morning, all. Two questions, please. First, just on RNG. Obviously, you're now back into that double-digit growth number. You've not been there for, I think it's about three years or so. I think it was the start of 2023. Are you confident in holding that double-digit growth rate going ahead? My second question is on costs. You've talked about kind of cost control within the business. I think headcount was broadly flat quarter on quarter. Should we anticipate that if you get back into year-on-year revenue growth, we'll also see growth in headcount and growth in personnel expenses? Thank you.

Speaker #4: I think it was the start of 2023. Are you confident in holding that double-digit growth rate going ahead? And then my second question is on costs.

Speaker #4: You've talked about kind of cost control within the business. I think headcount was broadly flat, quarter-on-quarter. Should we anticipate that if you get back into year-on-year revenue growth, we'll also see growth in headcount and growth in personnel expenses?

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: We are happy with where we are with the RNG. We look forward to the coming quarters. I won't guide on that. Now we took a good step forward with the 14% growth, we're happy with that. Coming to the cost control, you saw my comment on that, we are adding studios, we're enhancing the distribution and cost mix. Don't forget that we, during a while, had a very unfavorable cost mix and distribution. We're coming out of that, we are in good cost control and look forward also to that part of the year. Of course, if we see a great growth in revenue, we will also expand the cost base and expand the footprint in different markets. Leading us back to the margin, it's why we also guide on margin, right?

Speaker #1: We are happy with where we are with the R&G. We look forward to the coming quarters. I won't guide on that, but we took a good step forward with the 14% growth.

Speaker #1: So we're happy with that. Coming to the cost control, I think that we are still, and you saw my comment on that, we are adding studios but we're enhancing the distribution and cost mix.

Speaker #1: And don't forget that we, during a while, had a very unfavorable cost mix and distribution. So we're coming out of that, and we are in good cost control and look forward also to that part of the year.

Speaker #1: But of course, if we see great growth in revenue, we will also expand the cost base and expand our footprint in different markets.

Speaker #2: Leaving us back to the margin. That's why we also guide on margin, right? So, if the revenue is coming up, the cost will come up, but we will then maintain the 66% margin target.

Martin Carlesund: If the revenue's coming up, the cost will come up, we will then maintain the 66% margin target. Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: If the revenue's coming up, the cost will come up, we will then maintain the 66% margin target.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Jack Cummings: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Adrian de Saint-Hilaire from Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Adrien de Saint Hilaire from Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Adrien de Saint Hilaire from Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Yes, good morning, everyone. Thanks for taking the question. First one, on your slide number 12, you say that you have an ambition to grow in line with the market in your regions in Live and R&G.

Adrien de Saint Hilaire: Yes. Good morning, everyone. Thanks for taking the question. First one, on your slide number 12, you say that you have an ambition to grow in line with the market in your regions in live and RNG. Do you think that's the case right now in live, or might you be underperforming the market? Maybe for Joakim, can you talk about how much buybacks should be coming through in Q3 and Q4? I think you've spent already above EUR 300 million. How much should we expect for the remainder of the year and phase between Q3 and Q4? Thank you.

Speaker #4: Do you think that's the case right now in Live, or might you be underperforming the market? And then maybe for Joakim, can you talk about how much buyback should be coming through in Q3 and Q4?

Speaker #4: I think you've already spent above €300 million. So how much should we expect for the remainder of the year and the phase between Q3 and Q4?

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Speaker #1: I think we can always do better. I expect more. And when it comes to live growth, so looking forward to the rest of the year.

Martin Carlesund: I think we can always do better. I expect more when it comes to live growth. Looking forward to the rest of the year. When it comes to the buybacks, you have any comments?

Speaker #1: When it comes to the buybacks, Joakim, your comment?

Speaker #2: Yeah, sure. I mean, for the second quarter now, we have kind of maxed out on what is possible. And my max is 25% of the daily volumes of the last 20 days' daily volumes.

Joakim Andersson: Yeah, sure. For Q2 now we have kind of maxed out on what is possible, and my max is 25% of the daily volumes of the last 20 days' daily volumes. What will happen in Q3 and Q4, it's difficult to say. It depends on total volumes in the market, trading volumes, kind of mathematically, also on share price, obviously. If share price goes down or up and the volume changes, then it will be changing for us as well. Having said that as well, we have a EUR 2 billion program, as you know. Looking at the cash flow, cash what we have on the balance sheet, we couldn't spend the EUR 2 billion tomorrow, even if the volumes of the share price would be allowing it. It needs to be paced at the proper level.

Speaker #2: What will happen in Q3 and Q4? It's difficult to say. It depends on total volumes in the market—trading volumes—so kind of mathematically.

Speaker #2: And then also on share price, obviously. So, if the share price goes down or up and the volume changes, then it will be changing for us as well.

Speaker #2: Having said that as well, I mean, we have a €2 billion program, as you know. And, I mean, looking at the cash flow—cash, what we have on the balance sheet—we couldn't spend the €2 billion tomorrow.

Speaker #2: So even if the volumes and share price would allow it, it still needs to be paced at a proper level. Thank you.

Adrien de Saint Hilaire: Thank you.

Joakim Andersson: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Martin Arnold from DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Operator 2: The next question comes from Martin Arnell from DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Martin Arnell from DNB Carnegie. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yeah, hi. I just had a minor follow-up on the game round index slide. We can see that it’s the highest ever in Q2 after the temporary dip late last year.

Martin Arnell: Yeah. Hi, I just had a minor follow-up. On the Game Rounds Index slide, we can see that it's the highest ever in Q2 after the temporary dip late last year. I think it's up like 12% versus Q4, but your revenue is fairly flat this year. I'm just trying to understand, is it mainly driven by the new game shows with lower bet amounts, or is it also an improvement in the more traditional live table games that you see here?

Speaker #5: I think it's up like 12% versus Q4, but your revenue is fairly flat this year. So I'm just trying to understand—is it mainly driven by the new game shows?

Speaker #5: With lower bet amounts, or is it also an improvement in the more traditional live table games that you see here?

Speaker #1: I'm very satisfied with the development. There's always some lags. It's not only about game rounds. It's not only about how many players are on the tables, and so on.

Martin Carlesund: I'm very satisfied with the development. There's always some lags. It's not only about game rounds, it's not only about how many players are on the tables and so on. There's a lot to it in the different markets. The development of the game round is good, and it's all-time high, and I'm very happy with that. It looks good.

Speaker #1: There's a lot to it and the different markets. The development of the game rounds is good and it's all time high and I'm very happy with that.

Speaker #1: It looks good.

Martin Arnell: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #5: Okay. Thank you.

Operator 2: There are no more questions at this time, so I hand the conference back to the speakers for any closing comments.

Operator: There are no more questions at this time, so I hand the conference back to the speakers for any closing comments.

Speaker #3: There are no more questions at this time, so I will hand the conference back to the speakers for any closing comments.

Speaker #1: Thank you very much for listening. I appreciate all your questions. Look forward to see you soon again. And I look forward to Q3. Thank you.

Martin Carlesund: Thank you very much for listening. I appreciate all your questions. Look forward to see you soon again, and I look forward to Q3. Thank you.

Operator 2: The host has ended this call. Goodbye.

Operator: The host has ended this call. Goodbye.

Q2 2026 Evolution Gaming Group AB Earnings Call

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