Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, Xcel generated record quarterly revenue of $336 million, representing a year-over-year growth of 9% [5][13] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $53 million, a year-over-year increase of 7% compared to Q2 2024 [13] - Total revenue without the Fairmont Park acquisition was $317 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 2.4% [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the Illinois distributed gaming market was $245 million, up over 8% year-over-year [6] - Montana's distributed gaming route grew revenue by 2.6% [7] - Revenue from developing markets, Nebraska and Georgia, increased by 26% and 35.5% respectively, while Nevada's revenue declined by 7.7% due to the loss of a key customer [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Xcel operated approximately 27,400 terminals across more than 4,400 locations, representing year-over-year increases of 3.4% and 3.1% respectively [13] - The local gaming market is estimated at over $15 billion nationally, with Xcel focusing on smaller, less professional operators for acquisition opportunities [11][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Xcel aims to leverage its competitive position and healthy balance sheet to pursue a multi-pronged growth strategy, focusing on overlooked M&A opportunities [6][11] - The company plans to enhance its operating expertise and expand its footprint while maintaining strong financial discipline [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the local gaming segment's resilience and growth potential, expecting continued revenue and EBITDA growth [6][22] - The company is optimistic about the contributions from the Fairmont Park Casino and Racing, as well as the revenue-sharing agreement with FanDuel [10][22] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for Q2 totaled approximately $26 million, with a full-year forecast of $75 million to $80 million [19][20] - The company repurchased 634,000 shares at an average price of $10.58 per share, totaling $6.7 million in Q2 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth in Illinois market - Management noted consistent growth throughout the quarter without significant peaks or valleys [26] Question: M&A opportunities and leverage - Management stated they are opportunistic in acquisitions but will not leverage the company excessively, maintaining a conservative approach [28][29] Question: Impact of Tito implementation in Illinois - Management indicated it is too early to assess the impact of Tito, with expectations for improved player experience and reduced collection costs in the future [38] Question: Nevada market growth post key customer loss - Management reported slight revenue growth year-over-year despite the loss of a key customer, focusing on higher-margin locations [40][41] Question: Performance expectations for Fairmont Park - Management expressed positive indicators for Fairmont Park, aligning with internal expectations, and anticipates significant contributions in 2026 [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, total revenue reached $318 million, a year-over-year increase of 6.9%, and adjusted EBITDA was $47 million, up 6.2% year-over-year [23] - For the full year, total revenue was $1.2 billion, reflecting a 5.2% increase, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.2% to $189 million [23] - As of December 31, 2024, the company had 26,346 terminals across 4,117 locations, representing year-over-year increases of 5% and 3.9%, respectively [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Illinois, revenue per location was $868 per day, an increase of 3.5% year-over-year, while Montana saw $614 per day, up 4.6% year-over-year [23] - Nebraska reported $253 per day, a 5.9% increase year-over-year, while Louisiana had $979 per day [23] - The company strategically closed 54 underperforming locations in 2024 to enhance operational efficiency [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Illinois experienced market-wide GGR growth of 4% year-over-year, outperforming local casinos which were down 3% [8] - The company is focusing on refining its sales and operating model to enhance performance across its footprint [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for low single-digit revenue growth, mid-single-digit EBITDA growth, and high single-digit free cash flow growth in its core route-based business model [16] - Future growth levers include organic growth in Illinois, Nebraska, and Georgia, and potential acquisitions in the fragmented local gaming market [17] - The company is also preparing for the rollout of ticket in, ticket out (TITO) technology in 2025 to enhance player experience [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of their business model and the demand for local gaming offerings [23] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities in Louisiana, particularly in the fragmented truck stop and bar markets [59] - Management is continuously monitoring regulatory changes and believes iGaming legislation may not be prioritized in established route gaming markets like Illinois [55] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 361,000 shares at an average price of $11.14 per share during the quarter, totaling $4 million [26] - The board authorized replenishing the share repurchase program to $200 million, indicating a strong balance sheet and low leverage [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contributions from Louisiana and Fairmont to the model - Management indicated that Louisiana is expected to contribute $6 million of EBITDA for the full year 2025, with Fairmont projected to generate $25 million of EBITDA once fully operational [34] Question: Trends in Illinois and other markets - Management noted favorable weather conditions in January contributed to strong performance, while February saw less favorable conditions [38] Question: Pruning of Illinois units and future growth - Management clarified that pruning underperforming locations is an ongoing process, with expectations for improved profitability in the future [44] Question: Expansion in e-pull tabs market - Management acknowledged the potential of the e-pull tabs market but emphasized the need for partnerships to effectively participate [49] Question: Legislative changes and iGaming prospects - Management stated that while iGaming legislation is being monitored, it is unlikely to gain traction in established route gaming markets like Illinois [55] Question: Growth opportunities in Louisiana - Management highlighted the fragmented nature of the Louisiana market and the potential for organic growth through improvements in truck stops and bars [61]