Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 revenue of $583 million, down from $661 million in the prior year, primarily due to lower jackpot activity and associated LMA impacts [25][30] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $250 million, with a margin of 43%, despite the challenges faced [7][24] - Cash conversion ratio was 67%, consistent with the previous fiscal years, generating $168 million in cash from operations [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instant ticket and draw games accounted for about 95% of annual wager-based revenue and nearly 80% of total revenue, with same-store sales rising nearly 1.5% globally [6][10] - iLottery sales increased by 26%, driven by successful game launches in states like Georgia and Kentucky [12][20] - In Italy, normalized same-store sales growth was 2%, with strong performance from Scratch and Win and Lotto games [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. sales were stable, with large jurisdictions like California and Florida experiencing growth due to new game launches [10][11] - The company noted that the macroeconomic environment is uncertain, but lottery sales in the U.S. and Italy have historically shown resilience during recessions [20][21] - The Rest of World segment contributed under 15% of total revenue but showed positive growth driven by strong EuroMillions jackpots [66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on product innovation, including the recent shift of Mega Millions to a $5 price point, which is expected to enhance sales [13][51] - Strategic initiatives include expanding retail touchpoints and optimizing the point of sales network, with investments in self-service lottery vending machines and in-lane purchasing solutions [14][16] - The company is transitioning to a cloud-based iLottery platform to improve player experience and scalability [18][84] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed caution regarding the macroeconomic environment and its potential impact on consumer spending, while remaining optimistic about long-term growth prospects [20][30] - The company expects full-year 2025 revenue of approximately $2.55 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion at the low end of the outlook range [30][31] - Management anticipates a normalization of jackpot activity in the second half of the year, which should positively impact profit margins [28][42] Other Important Information - The Italian Lotto license process is underway, with economic proposals to be opened on May 19, which is a significant milestone for the company [21][72] - The company successfully issued a new €1 billion term loan to enhance liquidity ahead of the Lotto license award [29][30] - The gaming and digital assets sale is on track to close in Q3, which will further strengthen the company's financial position [22][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the guidance revision and its relation to the macro environment? - Management indicated that the macro environment is fluid, with stability in core player demand, but volatility primarily associated with jackpot performance and related LMA impacts [36][37] Question: What is the impact of the Mega Millions $5 shift? - Management is optimistic about the potential impact of the price increase, noting that historical price changes have led to increased sales volume [51][52] Question: What is the status of the Texas Lottery renewal process? - The legislative session in Texas is ongoing, with clarity expected after June 2, and the procurement process is still proceeding [55][56] Question: Can you provide insights on the Italian market growth? - Growth in the Italian market is attributed to ongoing innovation in lottery products, with a combination of new product launches and volume growth contributing to the increase [88][89] Question: How does the company plan to manage its financial position amid increasing debt? - Management noted that half of the recent debt increase was due to foreign currency translation, and they expect to maintain positive cash flow despite heavy CapEx [83][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $250 million with a margin of 43% for Q1 2025, down from $661 million in the prior year due to lower jackpot activity and associated impacts [21][22] - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $583 million, a decrease from $661 million in the previous year, primarily due to the absence of large jackpots [22][24] - Cash generation from continuing operations was strong, with a cash conversion ratio of 67%, delivering $168 million in cash from operations and free cash flow of $92 million [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instant ticket and draw games accounted for about 95% of annual wager-based revenue and nearly 80% of total revenue, with normalized same-store sales rising nearly 1.5% in the quarter [5][6] - iLottery sales increased by 26%, driven by successful game launches in states like Georgia and Kentucky [9][10] - In Italy, same-store sales growth was 2%, with notable increases in Scratch and Win and Lotto games [6][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. sales were stable, with large jurisdictions like California and Florida experiencing growth due to new game launches [8][9] - The company noted that the macroeconomic environment is fluid, with ongoing tariff discussions and consumer spending uncertainty impacting projections [32][39] - The Italian market showed resilience, with growth in lottery products alongside sports betting and iCasino [80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on product innovation, including the recent shift of Mega Millions to a $5 price point, which is expected to enhance sales and player engagement [11][48] - Expansion of retail touchpoints and optimization of the point-of-sale network are key initiatives, including the rollout of self-service lottery vending machines and in-lane purchasing solutions [12][13] - The company is transitioning to a cloud-based solution for iLottery platforms to improve player experience and scalability [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of the business despite current macroeconomic challenges, noting historical resilience of lottery sales during recessions [17][18] - The company anticipates a normalization of jackpot activity and expects improved profit margins in the future [25][39] - The upcoming award of the Italy Lotto license is seen as a significant catalyst for growth [19][86] Other Important Information - The company successfully issued a new €1 billion term loan to enhance liquidity ahead of the Italy Lotto award [25] - Net debt rose to $5 billion, with a pro forma net debt leverage of 2.8 times, in line with targets [26] - The company expects full-year 2025 revenue of approximately $2.55 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 billion at the low end of the outlook range [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance revision and macro environment impact - Management indicated that the guidance revision was influenced by lower jackpot activity and macroeconomic uncertainty, with expectations for growth in the second half of the year [29][39] Question: Mega Millions $5 shift and player resistance - Management remains optimistic about the $5 Mega Millions price point, noting that the transition was smooth and enhancements are expected to attract players [48][50] Question: Texas Lottery renewal process - The legislative session in Texas is ongoing, with clarity expected after June 2 regarding the future of the Texas Lottery [52][53] Question: Margin expectations and cost impacts - Management confirmed that margins are expected to improve in the second half of the year as jackpot activity normalizes [58][62] Question: Italian market growth and cannibalization concerns - Growth in the Italian market is attributed to ongoing innovation in lottery products, with no significant cannibalization observed between verticals [80][81]