International Game Technology PLC(US:IGT)2021-11-09 16:41Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew more than 20% year-on-year, with operating income more than doubling compared to the prior year [4][6] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $407 million, yielding a margin of 41%, among the strongest achieved [6][17] - Cash from operations increased 78% to over $600 million, and free cash flow more than tripled to $445 million [16][23] - Leverage improved to 3.8 times, the lowest level in IGT PLC history [6][24] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Lottery revenue increased 14% to $652 million, with same-store sales up 9% year-on-year [18] - Global Gaming revenue rose 34% to $289 million, driven by increases in active units and average selling prices [19] - Digital & Betting segment revenue increased 37% year-on-year to $43 million, with operating income doubling to $12 million [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lottery same-store sales were strongest in the U.S. and Italy, both up double-digits [7][18] - The installed base in North America increased by over 500 units sequentially, with over 95% of the U.S. and Canada casino installed base active [20][52] - Global gaming revenues increased over 30%, with segment profit margins reaching the highest level in seven quarters [5][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its Digital & Betting business, which has shown strong growth and profitability [6][12] - IGT is committed to innovation in lottery products, particularly in instant tickets, to sustain growth [47] - The company plans to provide more insights into its capital allocation plans during the upcoming Investor Day [15][27] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's prospects, reinstating a quarterly cash dividend [7][15] - The company anticipates mid-single-digit growth in lottery sales, with strong growth expected in gaming and Digital & Betting for the next year [30] - Management highlighted the importance of consumer awareness and engagement in sustaining lottery sales growth [40] Other Important Information - IGT completed its optimal cost-saving program ahead of schedule, achieving over $200 million in savings [6][25] - The company received recognition for its cashless solutions and mobile lottery products, enhancing its competitive position [11][12] - A special bonus will be provided to employees impacted by furloughs and salary reductions during the pandemic [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on lottery performance and future growth - Management noted that lottery sales are structurally above pre-pandemic levels, indicating an accelerated growth profile [29][30] Question: Dividend announcement rationale - The $0.20 dividend aligns with historical payouts and reflects confidence in free cash flow generation [32][33] Question: OPtiMa plan and installed base recovery - Management expects additional savings from the gaming business, but supply chain constraints may impact recovery timelines [36][38] Question: Factors driving strong lottery trends - Increased consumer awareness and a broad offer of lottery products during the pandemic contributed to higher play levels [40][41] Question: M&A strategy - Management is open to selected M&A transactions in the digital area to reinforce future growth [43] Question: Performance of instant tickets in Italy - Instant ticket performance is expected to be sustained through innovation, with strong growth compared to pre-pandemic levels [47] Question: U.S. installed base insights - The increase in the installed base is driven by MLP expansion and new casino openings, with expectations for stability in 2022 [52][53] Question: Yield and win per day insights - Yields in North America are aligned with Q3 2019 levels, indicating stability [55]