Light & Wonder (NasdaqGS:LNW) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 24, 2026 05:00 PM ET Company ParticipantsDavid Katz - Managing DirectorMatt Wilson - President and CEOMatthew Ryan - Co-Head of Equity ResearchOliver Chow - CFORohan Gallagher - EVP and Global Chief Corporate Affairs OfficerVictor Blanco - CTOConference Call ParticipantsAndre Fromyhr - Executive Director and Equity Research Analyst in Transport, Infrastructure, and Gaming ResearchBarry Jonas - Managing Director and Senior Gaming Equity AnalystDavi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, consolidated revenue reached $3.3 billion, up 4% from 2024, with fourth-quarter revenue of $891 million, a 12% year-over-year increase [27][28] - Consolidated EBITDA grew 29% year-over-year to $405 million in Q4, with annual AEBITDA of $1.44 billion, reflecting solid operational performance [29][30] - Adjusted NPATA per share (EPSA) increased 27% to $6.69, compared to $5.27 in the prior year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gaming revenue increased 17% to $602 million in Q4, driven by a 35% rise in gaming operations revenue to $237 million, and a record gaming machine sales of $234 million, up 20% year-over-year [12][27] - SciPlay revenue was $195 million for the quarter, with direct-to-consumer offerings growing to over 25% of total revenue, up from 13% at the end of 2024 [22] - iGaming revenue reached $94 million, up 21% year-over-year, with EBITDA of $36 million, reflecting a 44% increase [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American install base for gaming operations increased 42% year-over-year to over 48,300 units, with average daily revenue per unit rising to $47, a 4% increase [14] - Global gaming machine sales were up 29% in unit shipments year-over-year to over 12,300 units [15] - The company is well-positioned for potential VLT expansion in states like Pennsylvania and Missouri, with a predicted market size of 40,000 units in Pennsylvania [64][66] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for $2 billion in consolidated EBITDA and EPSA exceeding $10.55 by 2028, focusing on growth initiatives and capital returns [5][6] - AI is viewed as a significant growth enabler, with the company launching an AI transformation program to enhance operational efficiency and game development [9][11] - The acquisition of Grover Gaming is expected to reinforce the company's recurring revenue model, with strong performance and expansion plans in Indiana [17][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving growth targets despite challenges, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiencies and strategic investments [5][43] - The company anticipates continued growth in premium North American gaming operations and expects to maintain a strong install base [32][44] - Legislative activities in various states present potential opportunities for market expansion, although these are not included in long-term guidance [66] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $877 million worth of shares in 2025, returning a total of $1.9 billion to shareholders since 2022 [6][42] - Operating cash flow was $319 million in Q4, up 58% year-over-year, with free cash flow increasing 138% to $176 million [36][38] - The company maintains a net debt leverage ratio of 3.4 times, with a principal debt value of $5.2 billion [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on AI and competitive risks - Management highlighted the structural moats around the business, including strong market positions and established relationships with regulators, which help mitigate competitive risks [46][48] Question: Legislative activity regarding VLT expansion - Management expressed optimism about potential VLT expansion in states like Pennsylvania and Missouri, indicating readiness to deploy products if regulations are enacted [63][64] Question: Insights on Grover acquisition and growth prospects - Management reported strong performance from Grover, with expectations for similar market share in Indiana as seen in existing markets, and indicated a fee per day consistent with Class II standards [70][73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, consolidated revenue reached $891 million, a 12% increase year-over-year, driven by a 17% growth in gaming revenue and record iGaming revenue, which was up 21% year-over-year [24][25] - For the full year, consolidated revenue was $3.3 billion, up 4% from 2024 [24] - Consolidated EBITDA grew 29% year-over-year to $405 million in Q4, with a full-year AEBITDA of $1.44 billion [26][30] - Adjusted NPATA per share (EPSA) increased 27% to $6.69 for the year, compared to $5.27 in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gaming revenue increased by 17% to $602 million in Q4, with gaming operations revenue up 35% year-over-year to $237 million, aided by higher North American installs and a $41 million contribution from Grover [10][24] - SciPlay revenue was $195 million for the quarter, with a notable increase in direct-to-consumer revenue, which grew to over 25% of total SciPlay revenue [19] - iGaming revenue reached $94 million, up 21% year-over-year, with EBITDA of $36 million, reflecting a 44% increase [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American install base for gaming operations increased 42% year-over-year to over 48,300 units, with average daily revenue per unit rising to $47, a 4% increase [12] - Global gaming machine sales were up 29% in unit shipments year-over-year, totaling over 12,300 units [13] - The company is expanding its presence in new markets, including Indiana and the Philippines, with regulatory approvals received for operations [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for long-term targets of $2 billion in consolidated EBITDA and EPSA exceeding $10.55 by 2028, focusing on sustainable growth and capital returns [4][5] - AI is viewed as a significant growth enabler, with the company launching an AI transformation program to enhance operational efficiency and game development [8][51] - The company plans to continue investing in R&D and capital expenditures, targeting around 17% of consolidated revenue [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving above-market growth across all business units, particularly in recurring revenue segments [40] - The company anticipates continued growth in North American premium gaming operations and expects to maintain a strong performance in iGaming despite potential headwinds from U.K. tax changes [22][40] - The management highlighted the importance of legislative developments in states like Pennsylvania and Missouri for potential VLT expansion opportunities [62][64] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $877 million worth of shares in 2025, returning a total of $1.9 billion to shareholders since the initiation of the share repurchase program [5][39] - The company reported a net loss of $15 million in Q4 due to restructuring charges, but profitability remained strong when excluding these charges [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI's impact on competitive risks - Management emphasized that AI is a growth enabler and that the company has strong structural moats, including established market positions and proprietary data [44][46][49] Question: Legislative activity regarding VLT expansion - Management expressed optimism about VLT expansion opportunities in states like Pennsylvania and Missouri, highlighting the company's readiness to deploy its product suite [62][64] Question: Insights on Grover acquisition and Indiana market - Management reported strong performance from Grover, with expectations of similar market share in Indiana as seen in existing markets, and indicated that fee per day in Indiana is expected to align with current trends [68][72]