NEW YORK (AP) — For decades, Publishers Clearing House doled out hefty checks on the doorsteps of hopeful consumers across the U.S., including prizes that boasted lifetime payouts. But some of those winners are now facing an end to the “forever” money they were once promised. The turmoil arrives amid PCH's ongoing bankruptcy process. The sweepstakes and marketing company filed for Chapter 11 in April, citing growing financial strain that spanned from rising operational costs and changes in consumer behavi ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter revenue was $59 million, down approximately 18.3% year over year and 5.4% sequentially, reflecting continued softness in core casino and casual games [15] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $10.7 million, down 24% year over year and 14.2% sequentially, indicating limited flow through due to revenue softness [15] - DAU was 2.3 million, down from 2.6 million in the first quarter and 3.2 million in the previous year [16] - MAU was 10 million, down from 11.4 million in the first quarter [16] - ARPDAU was $0.28, up slightly from $0.26 last quarter and $0.25 a year ago, reflecting stronger monetization [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core social casino portfolio continued to soften, with ongoing declines in DAU across most titles, partially offset by stronger unit level monetization in Mykonami [10] - Direct to consumer revenue for Q2 was $6.7 million, representing 13.9% of total in-app purchase revenue, up 107% year over year and 34% sequentially [10][17] - The casual portfolio remains under pressure due to challenging market dynamics, with a focus on product updates to improve engagement and retention [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market is experiencing a rapid rise in social casinos leveraging sweepstakes mechanics, reshaping player behavior and monetization [4] - The company is seeing clear evidence that its sweepstakes proposition resonates with players, with player retention, engagement, and monetization trending positively [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched a reinvention program last year to adapt to market changes, focusing on developing sweepstakes capabilities, expanding direct to consumer sales, and modernizing core games [5][18] - A phased approach is being taken to scale the sweepstakes initiative, with plans to be live across all eligible U.S. states later this year [7] - The company is exploring strategic acquisitions to accelerate momentum and position itself for market leadership in the sweepstakes category [8][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges in the core business but remains confident in the strategic steps being taken to adapt and evolve [18] - The company is not changing its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance despite pacing below expectations, as it continues to evaluate investments and market dynamics [17] Other Important Information - The balance sheet remains strong, with approximately $112.9 million in cash and no debt, providing strategic latitude for capital deployment [13] - The company is committed to building a stronger, more diversified foundation to drive renewed momentum in the future [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you split DAU and MAU declines between social casino and casual games? - Management indicated that declines were substantial in both categories, with more dramatic impacts in the casual space due to reduced user acquisition investments [24] Question: Any quantitative KPIs on sweepstakes performance? - Management reported positive improvements across key metrics such as retention and conversion rates, feeling optimistic about the progress made [27] Question: Guidance for Q3 expectations? - Management stated that Q3 is not expected to differ significantly from Q2, focusing on executing initiatives to restore momentum [31] Question: Any technical aspects remaining for the sweepstakes platform? - All core functionality is in place, with ongoing refinements and testing of marketing approaches to ensure effective scaling [36] Question: What types of strategic acquisitions are being considered? - The company is open to meaningful M&A opportunities to bolster efforts in the sweepstakes category and gain market share [40] Question: How does the company manage regulatory pressures regarding sweepstakes? - Management evaluates regulatory risks on a state-by-state basis and adjusts capital deployment accordingly, aiming to legitimize the sweepstakes opportunity [52] Question: Is there enough cash to manage through the transition? - Management confirmed a strong cash position, allowing for aggressive investment in growth initiatives [61]

Q1, 2025 Earnings Results 8 May 2025 Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements relating to our plans and expectations, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release and involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements including: (1) global economic conditions, ...