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Light & Wonder, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
Light & Wonder, Inc. reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.
We maintained strong momentum in the second quarter, delivering an 8th consecutive quarter of double-digit consolidated revenue growth year-over-year, and continued execution on our diverse content roadmap and cross-platform strategy. Consolidated revenue grew 12%, driven by continued strong performance across all our businesses, resulting in robust earnings growth:
- Gaming revenue increased to $539 million, up 14% compared to the prior year period, primarily driven by global Gaming machine sales growth, which increased 32%, coupled with record Gaming operations unit expansion in the North American installed base and growth across Gaming systems, resulting in AEBITDA growth and margin expansion of 17% and 100 basis points, respectively.
- SciPlay revenue grew to $205 million, an 8% increase from the prior year period, driven by the social casino business, which continues to outpace the market and gain share on strong payer metrics, while growing our direct-to-consumer platform and expanding AEBITDA margin by 300 basis points.
- iGaming revenue grew to $74 million, a 6% increase from the prior year period, primarily reflecting continued momentum in North America, while the prior year benefited from $2 million in license termination fees.
First half 2024 consolidated revenue increased 13% to $1.6 billion as we continued advancement towards our long-term financial targets and returned $175 million to our shareholders through share repurchases.
Matt Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Light & Wonder, said, “Light & Wonder continues to capitalize on opportunities underpinned by our scale and diversified product offerings as demonstrated through the growth momentum across the business. We saw strong progress in the Gaming business as the expansion of units in the North American installed base reached an inflection point. Our global presence enables further product refinement and market penetration with our suite of games and casino solutions. We continue to develop our catalog of proven, evergreen franchises to bring the most engaging experiences to our players, leveraging the power of our portfolio across land-based, social and iGaming platforms. The uplift that we have continued to see across the business is a testament to the quality of the talent and culture in our organization. I am pleased with the continued momentum that we are seeing and know that the best is yet to come.”
Oliver Chow, Chief Financial Officer of Light & Wonder, added, “Our 13th consecutive quarter of consolidated revenue growth once again reflects the strength of our combined business and solid financial profile. We continue to see improved earnings quality with consistent growth and healthy margins, all while investing back into the business to scale for the future. The new $1.0 billion share repurchase program is a testament to the value we see in the business and confidence in our ability to execute to plan over the long-term. We believe we will continue to create significant value for our shareholders through enhanced cash flow generation initiatives while delivering on our financial targets.”
LEVERAGE AND CAPITAL RETURN UPDATE
- Principal face value of debt outstanding(1) was $3.9 billion, translating to a net debt leverage ratio(2) of 3.0x as of June 30, 2024. Our net debt leverage ratio(2) decreased by 0.1x from December 31, 2023, and remained within our targeted net debt leverage ratio(2) range of 2.5x to 3.5x.
- Returned $175 million of capital to shareholders through the repurchase of approximately 1.8 million shares of L&W common stock during the first half of 2024 and completed the full $750 million share repurchase authorization. Under the initial share repurchase program, we purchased 11.2 million common shares, or 11.6% of shares outstanding at the inception of the program on March 1, 2022. The average purchase price of $66.72 per share represents a 34% discount to yesterday’s closing price of $100.71. In June 2024, the Board of Directors approved a new three-year share repurchase program(3) of up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s outstanding common stock through June 12, 2027.
- Repriced our Term Loan B again in July 2024, reducing our interest rate by 50 basis points resulting in a decrease in annualized interest costs of approximately $11 million, or $19 million in annualized interest costs reduction including our January repricing.
(1) Principal face value of debt outstanding represents outstanding principal value of debt balances that conform to the presentation found in Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in our March 31, 2024 Form 10-Q.
(2) Additional information on non-GAAP financial measures presented herein is available at the end of this release.
(3) The program may be conducted via open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions, including block trades, accelerated share repurchases, issuer tender
offers or other derivative contracts or instruments, “10b5-1” plans, or other financial arrangements, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
FreezeNova
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has released its epic samurai saga, Geisha’s Revenge. Set among Japan’s opulent teahouses, the game follows leading light Ayane on her quest to seek justice for her family by the ruthless samurai. Geisha’s Revenge is a video slot presented within a framework that has five reels, the first of which has five rows and the next four have six rows.
3…2…1… Get ready for blastoff in Wild Moonsters, the latest intergalactic slot adventure from in-demand studio, Silverback Gaming. Players go on a cosmic thrill tide as they navigate a hexagon game grid to create stellar clusters of 4+ matching symbols to form wins. They also need to keep their eyes out for the Wild symbol, which shoots excitement, and big win potential, into the stratosphere.
TaDa Gaming has released its latest slot game, Lucky Jaguar. With three rows, three reels and five fixed play lines, this fast gameplay slot delivers wild bonuses and multiplier bonuses alongside the TaDa Extra Bets and Lock and Respin features. The wealth of the Aztec empire is waiting in Lucky Jaguar in both the main game and the bonus game, which can trigger randomly at any time to deliver the Lock and Respin feature.
ICONIC21, the in-demand provider of live content, continues to push boundaries with the addition of slots to its growing game portfolio. The provider’s slot games will combine classic mechanics, engaging narratives and fun characters offering players an interactive experience throughout. The first slot titles to go live will be Solar Sands, Vitamin Joy, Tortuga Fortune and Juicy Coins: Hold & Win with ICONIC21 planning to launch one slot per month in 2025. The slots are high volatility ones, with max wins ranging from x300 to x36,000. Wild & Scatter Symbols, Hold & Win, Bonus Rounds, Multipliers and Free Spins ensure the games have a fluid, entertaining gameplay.
BGaming takes the concept of the ever-popular premium rubber duck stores and swings open the doors to its own slot version in Lucky Ducky X-Mas Edition. This quacky festive title features the popular MergeUp™(patent pending) mechanic with nine levels, Free Spins with multipliers up to x128, and both the Buy Bonus and Chance x2 buttons.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth, an underwater adventure combining engaging visuals and innovative features. The game features a 3×3 reel layout with symbols inspired by marine life and hidden treasures. Poseidon serves as the Wild symbol, while his Trident activates the Bonus Game when paired with Bonus symbols. With Trident Magic, Poseidon’s Trident collects values from Bonus symbols, while Trident Shot can trigger a transformation of random symbols on reels 1 or 3 into Bonus symbols, increasing the likelihood of activating the Bonus Game.
Nolimit City returns to the most profitable sweatshop in the business in Outsourced: Payday. Workers have been replaced by claws who never call in sick! This Labs-branded slot takes the Outsourced theme to the next level. This is yet another experimental game that changes the way players enjoy Nolimit City’s slots.
Battle the beast and claim untold riches in Jolly Roger Wild Kraken! This high-seas pirate expedition takes players deep into the Kraken’s lair, where treasures await those brave enough to face the fury of the legendary Wild Kraken. Play’n GO’s latest release brings back Captain Red Roger in an all-new nautical escapade. Having braved countless dangers in search of treasure, Roger now sets his sights on Kraken Deeps – a perilous archipelago shrouded in mystery and riches.
PopOK Gaming announced the launch of Papai Noel da Fortuna, the latest holiday-themed slot game. Just in time for the season of joy, this exciting release captures the magic of Christmas and New Year with festive fun, dazzling rewards, and immersive gameplay. Step into a winter wonderland where Santa Claus himself takes center stage, filling the reels with sparkling ornaments, golden bells, and overflowing gift bags. With Papai Noel da Fortuna, every spin is a celebration of holiday cheer and fortune.
ELA Games, a modern and trailblazing game development studio, announces the release of its latest game, Wealth of Legends. The slot aims to attract players of various audiences with its unique format, exciting graphics and captivating features. The 5×5 game pays all ways, giving players plenty of opportunities to win during the base game, keeping the playing experience engaging. Landing a coin symbol in the special zone triggers the Hold & Win feature, which begins three free re-spins. Collect special jackpot coins for a lucrative win!
The post Week 51/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry-leading provider secures license to provide slots and live content in Denmark
Award-winning casino content provider Stakelogic has obtained a license from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, to provide its gaming content in Denmark.
The license will allow Stakelogic to bring its premium portfolio of online casino slots and live dealer content to the Danish market, including recent releases like Fire and Gold Cluster Breaker, Super Wheel Game Show, Trident of Legends, and The Watcher.
Stakelogic is able to partner up with leading Danish operators, establishing itself as a must-have provider in the country. The move further highlights Stakelogic’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European market and exploring new and exciting regulated markets.
The license also further cements the company’s presence in the Scandinavian markets, having secured a license from the Swedish authority, Spelinspektionen, in 2023 and establishing itself as a popular provider among Swedish players.
Denmark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets, with a strong focus on customer care and responsible gambling. Stakelogic is proud to have met all the requirements needed to obtain the license, highlighting its commitment to providing players with the best and safest gaming experiences.
Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO at Stakelogic, said: “Denmark is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe, and we are proud to have achieved a license to the newly regulated market.
We are grateful to Spillemyndigheden for their support in us and we are excited to take our next steps into the market.”
The post Stakelogic Secures License to the newly regulated Danish market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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