FinancialModern Times Group
Annual Report 2019: Shaping the Future
1 Jan 2019103 pages~250 min full read
MTG successfully repositioned as a pure-play esports and gaming company in 2019, executing a strategic split and preparing for a separation into two listed entities.
See it on page 5The company achieved a significant financial turnaround, with net income surging to SEK 2,285 million from SEK 471 million in 2018 and net sales increasing by 10%.
See it on page 29MTG eliminated all external debt, reducing borrowings from SEK 3.68 billion to zero, while funding its transformation through the SEK 1.8 billion sale of Nova and other divestments.
See it on page 94Esports operations served as a primary growth driver, recording a 13% increase in sales during the 2019 fiscal year.
See it on page 4The board adopted a 'buy-and-build' investment strategy, focusing on acquiring majority stakes in esports firms while retaining founders as minority shareholders.
See it on page 9The company implemented a zero-dividend policy to support its capital allocation strategy and growth objectives.
See it on page 41Executive compensation was strictly governed with caps of 125% of base salary for short-term incentives and 200% for long-term incentives, incorporating both claw-back provisions and ESG metrics.
See it on page 41Modern Times Group (MTG) used 2019 to reposition itself as a pure‑play esports and gaming company, executing a split that created a dedicated esports business and preparing a subsequent separation into two listed entities. The strategic review outlined a seven‑point plan focused on organic growth, partnership scaling, ecosystem dominance, long‑term game‑as‑a‑service models, cross‑portfolio synergies, continuous innovation and disciplined capital allocation. This transformation was financed by the sale of Nova for SEK 1.8 billion, the divestment of Zoomin, and the capital gain generated by distributing shares of the newly listed Nordic Entertainment Group.
Financially, the year marked a dramatic turnaround. Net sales rose 10 % overall, with esports sales increasing 13 %, while net income surged to SEK 2,285 million from SEK 471 million the prior year. Shareholders’ equity climbed to SEK 5.565 billion, and the group eliminated all external borrowings, reducing debt from SEK 3.68 billion to zero. Asset levels contracted sharply, with equipment falling from SEK 859 million to SEK 212 million, and the net financial position shifted to a SEK ‑28 million deficit after a previous surplus. The board adopted a zero‑dividend policy and reinforced a “buy‑and‑build” approach, taking majority stakes in esports firms while retaining founders as minority shareholders.
Corporate governance remained robust, with full compliance to Swedish legislation and Nasdaq Stockholm rules. The board, composed of five re‑elected non‑executive directors, met twelve times and oversaw the split, the gaming review and risk management through dedicated committees and a GRC function. Executive remuneration was benchmarked against independent advisors, capped at 125 % of base salary for short‑term incentives and 200 % for long‑term incentives, and incorporated claw‑back provisions and ESG metrics. Overall, the 2019 period reflects MTG’s decisive shift toward an esports‑centric model, underpinned by strong financial performance, disciplined capital management, and rigorous governance.
