The management of OPAP expressed its satisfaction for the strong performance of the second quarter of 2021, during the presentation of the financial results of the first half to the analysts. As stressed, the results of OPAP highlight a dynamic return to normalcy. The listed company also developed its strategic planning for retail and online activities. The CEO of OPAP, Jan Karas, stressed that "OPAP will continue in the near future to focus on maintaining a strong position and further digitization of its branch network."
It is noted that this was the first time that OPAP organized a live online event to present financial results to analysts, using modern digital tools, instead of the traditional method of teleconferencing, based on direct and interactive communication with the financial community. In addition, the present was given by the top executives of Stoiximan, who presented the results and the strategic priorities of the company.
In the first half of 2021, the net pre-contribution income (GGR) of OPAP amounted to 570,1 million euros (395,9 million euros for the second quarter). In addition, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 204,8 million euros for the first half (143,5 million euros on a quarterly basis). At the same time, the company recorded net half-year profits of 82,1 million euros, with the Board of Directors of OPAP deciding to distribute an interim dividend of 10 euro cents per share, for the year 2021.
Speaking to analysts, the CEO of OPAP Jan Karas expressed his optimism for the performance of the group, noting that OPAP will continue in the near future to focus on maintaining a strong position and further digitization of its branch network, the expansion online presence and the evolution of its product portfolio.
Dynamic recovery and further upgrade of the branch network
According to Mr. Karas, the significant recovery of the branch network activities clearly contributed to the performance of OPAP for the second quarter of 2021. After the lockdown, the stores attracted customers again, based on the integrated business plan of OPAP and the company's continued focus on providing global level of fun and gambling.
In addition, OPAP continued the program of upgrading its network at an intensive pace. During the first half of the year, 140 new and upgraded stores were developed. In addition, new initiatives were implemented to further digitize the customer experience. Among other things, the response to the new loyalty program "OPAP Rewards" is important, in which the active customer base so far exceeds 415.000.
Strategic goals for online activities
The presentation also developed the priorities for the group's online activities. As Mr. Karas commented, OPAP is a leader in the Greek online market, thanks to its long-term, dual strategy, as the investment in Stoiximan continues to pay off, while OPAP's online activities are further strengthened and diversified.
OPAP Chief Online Officer James Curwen noted that a priority for the company's online activities is the development of its product portfolio, with the aim of attracting new audiences and significantly expanding its market share over the next five years.
Regarding Stoiximan, the CEO George Daskalakis and the Chief Financial Officer Pavlos Kanellopoulos presented the results and the strategic priorities of the company, and stressed that it focuses on maintaining its leading position in the online market, developing its customer base and further utilization of its technological platforms.
New dividend policy
Answering analysts' questions about OPAP's dividend policy, Chief Financial Officer Pavel Mucha noted that the company offers strong dividend returns over time to its shareholders. As he stressed, the commitment to value creation for shareholders remains stable. On this basis, OPAP will distribute a dividend based on its net profits, with a commitment to distribute a minimum of one euro per share.
SOURCE liberal
It is noted that this was the first time that OPAP organized a live online event to present financial results to analysts, using modern digital tools, instead of the traditional method of teleconferencing, based on direct and interactive communication with the financial community. In addition, the present was given by the top executives of Stoiximan, who presented the results and the strategic priorities of the company.
In the first half of 2021, the net pre-contribution income (GGR) of OPAP amounted to 570,1 million euros (395,9 million euros for the second quarter). In addition, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to 204,8 million euros for the first half (143,5 million euros on a quarterly basis). At the same time, the company recorded net half-year profits of 82,1 million euros, with the Board of Directors of OPAP deciding to distribute an interim dividend of 10 euro cents per share, for the year 2021.
Speaking to analysts, the CEO of OPAP Jan Karas expressed his optimism for the performance of the group, noting that OPAP will continue in the near future to focus on maintaining a strong position and further digitization of its branch network, the expansion online presence and the evolution of its product portfolio.
Dynamic recovery and further upgrade of the branch network
According to Mr. Karas, the significant recovery of the branch network activities clearly contributed to the performance of OPAP for the second quarter of 2021. After the lockdown, the stores attracted customers again, based on the integrated business plan of OPAP and the company's continued focus on providing global level of fun and gambling.
In addition, OPAP continued the program of upgrading its network at an intensive pace. During the first half of the year, 140 new and upgraded stores were developed. In addition, new initiatives were implemented to further digitize the customer experience. Among other things, the response to the new loyalty program "OPAP Rewards" is important, in which the active customer base so far exceeds 415.000.
Strategic goals for online activities
The presentation also developed the priorities for the group's online activities. As Mr. Karas commented, OPAP is a leader in the Greek online market, thanks to its long-term, dual strategy, as the investment in Stoiximan continues to pay off, while OPAP's online activities are further strengthened and diversified.
OPAP Chief Online Officer James Curwen noted that a priority for the company's online activities is the development of its product portfolio, with the aim of attracting new audiences and significantly expanding its market share over the next five years.
Regarding Stoiximan, the CEO George Daskalakis and the Chief Financial Officer Pavlos Kanellopoulos presented the results and the strategic priorities of the company, and stressed that it focuses on maintaining its leading position in the online market, developing its customer base and further utilization of its technological platforms.
New dividend policy
Answering analysts' questions about OPAP's dividend policy, Chief Financial Officer Pavel Mucha noted that the company offers strong dividend returns over time to its shareholders. As he stressed, the commitment to value creation for shareholders remains stable. On this basis, OPAP will distribute a dividend based on its net profits, with a commitment to distribute a minimum of one euro per share.
SOURCE liberal
