Industry News
AGS Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results
PlayAGS, Inc. (NYSE: AGS) (“AGS”, “us”, “we” or the “Company”), a designer and developer of equipment and services solutions for the global gaming industry, today reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.
Commenting upon the Company’s fourth quarter financial performance, AGS President and Chief Executive Officer David Lopez said, “The strength in our four quarter results was broad-based, with all three operating segments setting new quarterly records for revenue and Adjusted EBITDA. The quality and consistency of our recent financial performance is a true reflection of our incredibly talented and focused team, increasingly deep and diverse product offering across all three segments, and the improving efficiency and effectiveness of our execution.”
Kimo Akiona, AGS Chief Financial Officer added, “We exited 2023 with a total net debt leverage ratio of 3.2 times, down from 3.8 times at the start of the year. Supported by our consistent operating momentum and execution, heightened focus on efficient and effective working capital management, continued capex deployment discipline, and anticipated cash interest savings from our recent debt repricing and repayment; a path to below 3.0 times remains well within our sight.”
| Summary of the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per-share and Adjusted EBITDA margin data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EGM | $ | 85,952 | $ | 75,338 | 14.1 | % | $ | 327,053 | $ | 284,331 | 15.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Table Products | 4,829 | 3,890 | 24.1 | % | 17,706 | 14,920 | 18.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Interactive | 3,370 | 2,508 | 34.4 | % | 11,777 | 10,185 | 15.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 94,151 | $ | 81,736 | 15.2 | % | $ | 356,536 | $ | 309,436 | 15.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income from operations | $ | 16,048 | $ | 13,447 | 19.3 | % | $ | 57,393 | $ | 37,969 | 51.2 | % | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 67 | $ | 2,541 | (97.4 | )% | $ | 428 | $ | (8,035 | ) | (105.3 | )% | |||||||||||
| Basic income (loss) per share | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.06 | (97.1 | )% | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.22 | ) | (104.5 | )% | |||||||||||
| Diluted income (loss) per share | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.06 | (97.1 | )% | $ | 0.01 | $ | (0.22 | ) | (104.5 | )% | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EGM | $ | 38,626 | $ | 34,412 | 12.2 | % | $ | 146,287 | $ | 127,502 | 14.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Table Products | 2,842 | 2,370 | 19.9 | % | 9,792 | 8,781 | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Interactive | 1,292 | 498 | 159.4 | % | 2,888 | 2,360 | 22.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $ | 42,760 | $ | 37,280 | 14.7 | % | $ | 158,967 | $ | 138,643 | 14.7 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Adjusted EBITDA margin(2) | 45.4 | % | 45.6 | % | (20 bps) | 44.6 | % | 44.8 | % | (20 bps) | ||||||||||||||
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
âą Total revenue increased 15% year-over-year to a record $94.2 million, representing our eleventh consecutive quarter of double-digit total revenue growth. All three operating segments delivered double-digit growth rates versus the prior year, with Interactive, Table Products and Electronic Gaming Machines (“EGM”) revenue increasing 34%, 24% and 14% year-over-year, respectively. Total revenue grew approximately 5% relative to the $89.4 million delivered in Q3 2023 and has now established a new Company record in four of the past five quarters.
âą Gaming operations, or recurring revenue, totaled $59.6 million, approximately 4% ahead of the $57.4 million achieved in Q4 2022. Interactive and Table Products recurring revenue increased 34% and 7% year-over-year, respectively, with each establishing new records within their respective segments. EGM gaming operations revenue advanced 2% versus the prior year, setting a new Q4 high-water mark of $52.3 million. Recurring revenue accounted for over 60% of the Company’s consolidated Q4 2023 revenue mix. Gaming operations revenue declined modestly relative to the $61.0 million achieved in Q3 2023, consistent with historically normal seasonal trends within the business.
âą Equipment sales revenue increased more than 40% year-over-year to a record $34.6 million, with EGM and Table Products sales revenue reaching records of $33.7 million and $893 thousand, respectively. Global EGM unit sales eclipsed 1,500 units for the first time ever, advancing approximately 36% year-over-year. Global EGM unit sales growth has surpassed 30% in each of the past three quarters. Equipment sales revenue increased over 20% relative to the $28.4 million delivered in Q3 2023, supported by strong growth in both EGM and Table Products sales revenue.
âą The Company generated near breakeven net income in Q4 2023 compared to $2.5 million in Q4 2022. Higher interest expense, commensurate with an increase in market-level rates, and an approximately $2 million unfavorable swing in income tax expense more than offset a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in income from operations.
âą Total Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) increased approximately 15% year-over-year to a record $42.8 million, marking our fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit Adjusted EBITDA growth. All three segments contributed to the record-setting performance, led by a more than doubling of Interactive Adjusted EBITDA to $1.3 million, while Table Products and EGM Adjusted EBITDA increased approximately 20% and 12% year-over-year, respectively. Q4 2023 Total Adjusted EBITDA surpassed the prior record of $40.1 million, delivered in Q3 2023, by approximately 7%. The Company has now established new Total Adjusted EBITDA records in four of the past five quarters.
âą Total Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(1) was 45.4%, surpassing the 45% level for the first time since Q4 2022. Q4 2023 margin performance reflects the improving margin profile of the Company’s Interactive business, supported by the segment’s recent outsized revenue growth; superior gross margins on the highly-modular and efficiently designed Spectra family of EGM cabinets; and operating leverage resulting from the over 15% year-over-year increase in total revenues. For the full year 2023, Adjusted EBITDA margin was 44.6%, placing it in the upper half of the Company’s targeted 44% to 45% range articulated at the start of the year.
âą Net cash provided by operating activities increased approximately 10% year-over-year to $26.4 million. Q4 2023 free cash flow (non-GAAP)(2) totaled $11.0 million, up more than 45% compared to the $7.6 million delivered in the prior year period. The year-over-year improvement in free cash flow generation reflects the Company’s record-setting operating performance, heightened focus on efficient and effective working capital management, and continued capex deployment discipline. The Company has now generated over $10 million of free cash flow in three consecutive quarters.
(1) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures; see non-GAAP reconciliation below.
(2) Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure; see non-GAAP reconciliation below.
EGM
Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2022Â
| (Amounts in thousands, except unit data) | Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| EGM segment revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
| Gaming operations | $ | 52,290 | $ | 51,207 | $ | 1,083 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||
| Equipment sales | 33,662 | 24,131 | 9,531 | 39.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Total EGM revenues | 85,952 | 75,338 | 10,614 | 14.1 | % | |||||||||||
| EGM Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 38,626 | $ | 34,412 | $ | 4,214 | 12.2 | % | ||||||||
| EGM Business Segment Key Performance Indicators (“KPI’s”) | ||||||||||||||||
| EGM gaming operations: | ||||||||||||||||
| EGM installed base: | ||||||||||||||||
| Class II | 11,193 | 11,251 | (58 | ) | (0.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Class III | 5,250 | 5,075 | 175 | 3.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Domestic installed base, end of period | 16,443 | 16,326 | 117 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||
| International installed base, end of period | 6,126 | 6,244 | (118 | ) | (1.9 | )% | ||||||||||
| Total installed base, end of period | 22,569 | 22,570 | (1 | ) | (0.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| EGM revenue per day (“RPD”): | ||||||||||||||||
| Domestic revenue per day | $ | 31.68 | $ | 31.46 | $ | 0.22 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
| International revenue per day | $ | 8.86 | $ | 7.61 | $ | 1.25 | 16.4 | % | ||||||||
| Total revenue per day | $ | 25.47 | $ | 24.87 | $ | 0.60 | 2.4 | % | ||||||||
| EGM equipment sales | ||||||||||||||||
| EGM units sold | 1,519 | 1,116 | 403 | 36.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Average sales price (“ASP”) | $ | 20,677 | $ | 19,382 | $ | 1,295 | 6.7 | % | ||||||||
EGM Quarterly Results
| Domestic Gaming Operations (3) | ||
| ⹠| Domestic EGM gaming operations, or recurring revenue, increased approximately 1% year-over-year to a fourth quarter record $47.2 million. A 15% year-over-year increase in our higher-yielding premium EGM installed base, further deployment of Spectra UR43 and initial deployment of Spectra UR 49, both of which are delivering per unit performance comparable to our premium products, and continuous installed base optimization contributed to our improved gaming operations revenue performance in the quarter. Domestic EGM recurring revenue topped $45 million for the seventh consecutive quarter and accounted for approximately 60% of the total domestic EGM revenue generated in Q4 2023. | |
| ⹠| The domestic EGM installed base expanded to 16,443 units at the end of Q4 2023, representing an increase of 117 units versus the prior year and up sequentially for the seventh consecutive quarter. Outsized premium EGM footprint growth and deployment of our high-performing Spectra UR43 and Spectra UR49 cabinets drove the expansion of our domestic EGM installed base in both the year-over-year and quarterly sequential periods. | |
| âą | Domestic EGM RPD increased approximately 1% year-over-year to a fourth-quarter record $31.68, exceeding $30 for the eleventh consecutive quarter. Outsized premium unit growth, further capital efficient installed base optimization, deployment of our high-performing Spectra UR43 and Spectra UR49 cabinets and a relatively stable gaming macroeconomic environment paced our improved Q4 2023 domestic EGM RPD performance versus the prior year. Domestic EGM RPD decreased modestly relative from the $32.57 achieved in Q3 2023, reflecting historically normal seasonality in market-level Gross Gaming Revenue (“GGR”) trends. | |
| âą | Our installed base of high-performing premium EGM units increased 15% year-over-year and accounted for over 17% of our domestic EGM installed base at the end of Q4 2023 compared to approximately 15% at the end of Q4 2022. Our premium EGM installed base grew sequentially for the sixteenth consecutive quarter. Supported by our deep pipeline of new premium game content, including the recently-launched Pinata Pays game family, which placed two titles in the top five of the “New-Premium Leased” category within the January 2024 Eilers-Fantini Game Performance Report, and our increasingly diverse portfolio of premium cabinet offerings, with several new premium form factors scheduled to launch throughout 2024, we continue to believe we are poised to benefit from a compelling multi-year growth runway within the higher-yielding, higher-return premium game market segment. | |
| International Gaming Operations | ||
| âą | International EGM gaming operations, or recurring revenue, totaled $5.1Â million, up 16% versus the $4.4Â million delivered in Q4Â 2022. The sustained relative outperformance of established AGS franchise game themes throughout the Mexico casino market, further execution of our global installed base optimization initiatives, a stable macroeconomic backdrop, and favorable foreign exchange fluctuations all contributed to our year-over-year revenue increase. International EGM recurring revenue declined approximately 5% relative to the $5.4 million delivered in Q3 2023, with the decrease largely attributable to historically normal seasonality and, to a lesser extent, unfavorable foreign exchange movements. | |
| ⹠| The international EGM installed base totaled 6,126 units at December 31, 2023, representing a quarterly sequential increase of 43 units. New casino openings paced the installed base growth realized in the quarter. | |
| ⹠| International EGM RPD increased approximately 16% year-over-year to $8.86, establishing a new fourth quarter record. The Company estimates International EGM RPD grew approximately 4% year-over-year on a constant-currency basis. Anticipated seasonality and unfavorable foreign exchange fluctuations led to an approximately 6% quarterly sequential decline in Q4 2023 International EGM RPD. | |
| EGM Equipment Sales | ||
| âą | Global EGM sales reached a record 1,519 units in Q4 2023, representing an increase of over 35% compared to the 1,116 units sold in Q4 2022. Sustained Spectra UR43 demand momentum, supported by the continued strong performance of multiple titles on the cabinet; initial sales of our recently-launched Spectra UR49 cabinet; a strategic focus on broadening our customer account penetration, particularly with larger multi-site corporate operators; the ability to leverage a deeper and more diverse suite of game content and cabinet variety to increase average order size; and continued outsized penetration of the Historical Horse Racing (“HHR”) market, aided by the strength of our game performance, contributed to our improved EGM unit sales performance versus the prior year. Global EGM unit sales increased approximately 13% relative to the 1,345 units sold in Q3 2023 and have now grown sequentially in eleven of the past twelve quarters. | |
| âą | The average sales price (“ASP”) in Q4 2023 was $20,677 versus $19,382 in Q4 2022, surpassing the $20,000 level for the second time in the past three quarters. Our improved quarterly ASP performance reflects the superior pricing we have been able to command on our high-performing Spectra family of cabinets and continued implementation of our price integrity initiatives. ASP increased approximately 7% relative to the $19,380 delivered in Q3 2023, with the lift largely attributable to a greater mix of Spectra family cabinet sales, including our premium-priced Spectra UR49, and a decrease in the relative weighting of lower-priced convert-to-sale unit sales. | |
| ⹠| The Company sold units into 30 U.S. states, four Canadian provinces and four international jurisdictions outside of the U.S. and Canada throughout Q4 2023, supported by further successful execution of our strategic initiative to broaden our customer account penetration, particularly with larger corporate buyers. To that end, we sold units to nearly 180 unique customers in Q4 2023, representing an increase of more than 70% versus the prior year and over 60% higher than the number sold to in Q4 2019. | |
| Product Highlights | ||
| âą | The Company’s Spectra family of gaming cabinets continues to take the gaming industry by storm, with both Spectra UR49 and UR43 achieving a top-five ranking in the January 2024 Eilers-Fantini Cabinet Performance Report, with reported theoretical index performance of 1.62 times and 1.51 times zone average, respectively. The Spectra duo’s exceptional performance put AGS in an enviable position as the only manufacturer with two cabinets in the top five of any category within the Eilers Report. The Spectra UR43 footprint surpassed 4,000 units at year end 2023, while Spectra UR49 continued to gain steam with nearly 170 units deployed. With multiple game themes in various stages of the field testing process and several new additions to the cabinet lineup scheduled for release in 2024, the Company believes it remains in the very early innings of realizing the Spectra family’s true growth potential. | |
| âą | AGS’ decision to strategically transform the scale and scope of its game development team beginning in the back half of 2019 has provided the Company with the content needed to consistently scale the business. The byproduct of this multi-year effort was well-represented within the January 2024Â Eilers-Fantini Game Performance Report, as the Company placed seven titles in the Quarterly Top-50 New Core games, while also producing two top-five titles in the report’s New Premium Leased category. Supported by the breadth, depth and quality of its current game portfolio, which features contributions from each of the Company’s game development studios, AGS has uniquely armed itself with the tools needed to simultaneously execute its recurring revenue yield optimization initiatives, while also positioning the Company to emerge as the middle-tier provider of choice in the North American slot sales market. |
(3)Â “Domestic” includes both the United States and Canada.
Table Products
Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2022Â
| (Amounts in thousands, except unit data) | Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Table Products segment revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
| Gaming operations | $ | 3,936 | $ | 3,691 | $ | 245 | 6.6 | % | ||||||||
| Equipment sales | 893 | 199 | 694 | 348.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Total Table Products revenues | $ | 4,829 | $ | 3,890 | $ | 939 | 24.1 | % | ||||||||
| Table Products Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,842 | $ | 2,370 | $ | 472 | 19.9 | % | ||||||||
| Table Products unit information: | ||||||||||||||||
| Table products installed base, end of period | 5,415 | 5,051 | 364 | 7.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Average monthly lease price | $ | 239 | $ | 241 | $ | (2 | ) | (0.8 | )% | |||||||
Table Products Quarterly Results
| âą | Total table products revenue increased 24% year-over-year to a record $4.8 million. Gaming operations, or recurring, revenue accounted for over 80% of Q4 2023 segment-level revenue. Total table products revenue advanced approximately 10% relative to the $4.4 million achieved in Q3 2023. | |
| âą | Gaming operations revenue reached a record $3.9 million, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 7%. Growth across all major segments of our table products installed base, including an over 65% increase in the number of shufflers installed on lease, drove our improved recurring revenue performance versus the prior year. Broad-based installed base growth also paced a 2% increase in recurring revenue on a quarterly sequential basis. | |
| âą | The table products installed base totaled 5,415 units at the end of Q4 2023, up 364 units, or approximately 7%, versus the prior year. A more than 65% increase in both our PAX S and DEX S shuffler lease bases, further customer adoption of our all-inclusive AGS Arsenal site license offering, which contributed to outsized premium game growth of approximately 19%, and an over 30% increase in our Bonus Spin Xtreme (“BSX”) progressive installed base combined to drive our year-over-year installed base growth. This same set of growth catalysts, along with new casino opening activity, contributed to an over 100 unit increase in our installed base versus the prior sequential quarter. | |
| âą | The average monthly lease price (“ALP”) was relatively consistent versus the prior year and prior sequential quarter at $239. | |
| ⹠| Equipment sales revenue more than quadrupled year-over-year to a record $893 thousand, exceeding the prior record, established in Q2 2023, by nearly 70%. Supported by new casino opening activity, PAX S sales surpassed 35 units, while we also benefitted from the sale of 13 DEX S units in the quarter. | |
| âą | Table Products Adjusted EBITDA increased 20% year-over-year to a record $2.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 58.9% compared to 60.9% in Q4 2022, reflecting a higher allocation of field service expense to the segment to better align with the current composition of the installed base and a greater mix of equipment sales revenue. Table Products Adjusted EBITDA increased by more than 15% versus the $2.4 million delivered in Q3 2023, representing our third consecutive quarter of sequential Adjusted EBITDA growth. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by over 300bps sequentially, reflecting the operating leverage realized as a result of our outsized revenue growth. | |
| âą | The PAX S specialty game card shuffler footprint surpassed 330 units at the end of Q4 2023, with units live in over 65 unique casinos across more than 20 states and provinces. The PAX S footprint expanded by over 40 units, or approximately 14%, sequentially in Q4 2023, supported by the activation of more than 20 units in conjunction with a recent high-profile new casino opening. With PAX S approved in all major North American markets and supported by the overwhelmingly positive customer feedback received on the product to date, the Company believes it remains in the early stages of realizing PAX’s true growth potential. | |
| ⹠| The Bonus Spin Xtreme progressive installed base increased by over 30% year-over-year and approximately 5% sequentially to 530 units. BSX is currently installed in over 50 casinos across nearly 20 jurisdictions. The enhanced BSX features and functionality scheduled to launch in 2024 should allow the product to resonate with an even broader audience, helping to drive additional customer adoption in the quarters ahead. | |
| âą | At quarter end, the Company was live with over 20 AGS Arsenal site licenses across a variety of tribal and commercial end markets. The Arsenal’s compelling value proposition and our organizational commitment to investing in table product innovation continue to drive interest in our site license offering. | |
Interactive
Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2022Â
| (Amounts in thousands) | Three Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||||
| Interactive segment revenue: | Â | Â | Â | Â | ||||||||||||
| Gaming Operations | $ | 3,370 | $ | 2,508 | $ | 862 | 34.4 | % | ||||||||
| Total Interactive revenue | $ | 3,370 | $ | 2,508 | $ | 862 | 34.4 | % | ||||||||
| Interactive Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,292 | $ | 498 | $ | 794 | 159.4 | % | ||||||||
Interactive Quarterly Results
| âą | Total Interactive revenue reached a record $3.4 million, representing an increase of 34% year-over-year and approximately 8% ahead of Q3 2023. Real-money gaming (“RMG”) revenue accounted for over 90% of Q4 2023 segment-level revenue, with the balance derived from the Company’s B2C social casino platform. | |
| âą | RMG revenue increased 46% year-over-year and more than 20% sequentially to a record $3.1 million. An accelerating cadence of new game launches, including the introduction of the Company’s first ever online-first game theme, Double Shamrock; more tactical and targeted business development activities with our B2C operator partners; the continued strong performance of franchise brands, including Capital Gains, in the online channel; and the activation of more than 10 new B2C operator partners globally paced our record-setting Q4 2023 RMG revenue performance. Revenues earned from North American-facing customers accounted for over 90% of Q4 2023 RMG revenue mix. | |
| âą | Interactive Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled versus the prior year to a record $1.3 million, reflecting our ability to flow through a significant portion of the RMG revenue growth achieved in the quarter while simultaneously providing our team with the financial resources necessary to support achievement of our multi-year growth objectives. Adjusted EBITDA increased by over 40% compared to the $902 thousand delivered in Q3 2023, supported by further returns on the tactical investments in technical and customer-facing talent initiated in the back half of 2022. The Interactive segment has generated positive Adjusted EBITDA for sixteen consecutive quarters, consistent with the Company’s commitment to profitably scaling revenues within the segment. | |
| âą | AGS maintained its position near the top of the charts in the February 2024 Eilers-Fantini Online Game Performance Report, with the exceptional performance of its new and proven online brands producing a top-five overall slot index ranking for the fourth consecutive month. The Company’s “New” game performance told a similar story within the February report, ranking second best for the fourth month in a row with a reported theoretical win index of over 3 times site average. Three AGS game themes achieved a top-15 ranking within the February report’s “New” game category, including Platinum 8x8x8x, Mega Diamond and 8x Crystal Bells, while its established online franchise brand, Capital Gains, ranked second in the overall slots category with a reported theoretical win index of more than 14 times site average. Looking ahead, the Company remains committed to further diversifying its online content offering to include online-first game themes, bespoke product, simple slots, instant win, and table games to further solidify its position as a partner of choice to the industry’s leading B2C i-casino operators. | |
| âą | The Company’s growing suite of RMG game content, consisting of over 60 proven AGS land-based titles, was live in nearly all of the most prominent regulated North American online jurisdictions and with over 80 i-gaming operators globally as of December 31, 2023. Pennsylvania, Michigan and Canada represented the Company’s highest revenue generating end markets in Q4 2023. | |
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Highlights
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had an available cash balance of $50.9 million and $40.0 million of availability under its undrawn revolving credit facility, resulting in total available liquidity of over $90 million.
The total principal amount of debt outstanding, as of December 31, 2023, was $566.8 million compared to $571.4 million at December 31, 2022. Total net debt, which is the principal amount of debt outstanding less cash and cash equivalents, was $515.8 million as of December 31, 2023, conveying a total net debt leverage ratio of 3.2 times compared to 3.8 times as of December 31, 2022(4).
Fourth quarter 2023 capital expenditures totaled $15.4 million, bringing full year 2023 capital expenditures to $61.9 million. Growth capital expenditures, which primarily relate to gaming equipment-related investments into the Company’s EGM and Table Product installed bases, accounted for approximately 60% of the total capital expenditures incurred for the full year 2023, with the balance attributable to capitalized research and development (“R&D”) expenditures and investment in long-lived assets intended to support various corporate operations. The Company expects full year 2024 capital expenditures, inclusive of anticipated capitalized R&D and corporate operation expenditures, to land in the range of $65 million to $70 million.
Free cash flow(4)Â reached $11.0 million in Q4 2023 compared to $7.6Â million in Q4 2022, pushing full year 2023 free cash flow to $27.4 million.
February 2024 Debt Repricing and Voluntary Repayment
On February 5, 2024, the Company successfully completed a repricing of its term loan credit facility. Among other things, the repricing removed the credit spread adjustment with respect to term loan borrowings and reduced the interest rate applied to such borrowings to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (âSOFRâ) plus 3.75%. Additionally, in conjunction with the repricing transaction, the Company elected to voluntarily repay $15 million of its total debt outstanding.
2024Â Net Leverage Target
Supported by the relative resiliency observed across the broader North American gaming complex 2024-to-date, both with respect to GGR trends and customer purchasing demand;Â the growing appeal and strong performance of AGS’s deeper and more diverse suite of EGM gaming cabinets and game content;Â the anticipated continued outsized growth in Interactive revenues;Â an unwavering commitment to cost containment and operational efficiency;Â and steadily improving free cash flow conversion, the Company expects to exit 2024 with a total net debt leverage ratio in the range of 2.75 times to 3.00Â times.
(4)Â Total Adjusted EBITDA, Total Net Debt Leverage Ratio and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures; see non-GAAP reconciliation below.
Conference Call and Webcast
AGS executive leadership will host a conference call on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. EST to review the Company’s fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results. Participants may visit the Company’s website, investors.playags.com, to access a live webcast of the conference call and a slide presentation reviewing the Company’s quarterly and full year financial performance. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company’s website following the live event. United States residents may access the call live by dialing +1 (833) 470-1428, while international participants should visit www.netroadshow.com/events/global-numbers?confId=60800 for a dial by country directory. The conference call access code is 775707.
Company Overview
AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II tribal gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and remarkable growth have helped us branch out to become one of the most all-inclusive commercial gaming equipment suppliers in the world. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, highly rated social casino, real-money gaming solutions for players and operators, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at playags.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements based on managementâs current expectations and projections, which are intended to qualify for the safe harbor of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements identified by words such as âbelieve,â âwill,â âmay,â âmight,â âlikely,â âexpect,â âanticipates,â âintends,â âplans,â âseeks,â âestimates,â âbelieves,â âcontinues,â âprojectsâ and similar references to future periods. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections of future events.
These forward-looking statements reflect the current views, models, and assumptions of AGS, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or qualified and could cause actual results in AGSâs performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, but are not limited to, the ability of AGS to maintain strategic alliances, unit placements or installations, grow revenue, garner new market share, secure new licenses in new jurisdictions, successfully develop or place proprietary product, comply with regulations, have its games approved by relevant jurisdictions, market conditions, and other factors. For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors, please refer to AGS’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those set forth under Item 1. âBusiness,â and Item 1A. âRisk Factorsâ in AGSâs Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC. All forward-looking statements made herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements speak only to the facts and circumstances present as of the date of this press release. AGS expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Rush Street Gaming announced that casino and hospitality veteran Cliff Ehrlich has joined the company as chief operating officer.
Ehrlich assumes the role of Rush Street COO from Bill Keena, a longtime company and industry leader, who plans to retire later this year.
“Iâve admired Rush Streetâs strong leadership and steady expansion over the past two decades. Iâm thrilled to join this dynamic organization and look forward to contributing to the companyâs ongoing success,” said Ehrlich.
Ehrlichâs career began in marketing at the Catskillsâ Pines Resort Hotel in the 80s and transitioned in the 90s to casino development and operations. In 1996, he became co-owner of the Monticello Raceway and helped recruit the Oneida Indian Nation to build a casino on the property. Following an initial public offering, Ehrlich led Monticello Casino & Raceway as president, chief operating officer and general manager until 2013.
After consulting with Mohegan Sun regarding Upstate New York development opportunities, in 2015, Ehrlich joined The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque, serving as general manager and chief operating officer. He later ran two casinos for The Navajo Nation â Northern Edge and Flowing Water. Since 2022, Ehrlich has been Navajo Nation Gaming Enterpriseâs chief operating officer, with oversight of four casinos, a resort destination hotel, travel plaza and food & beverage manufacturing.
“Cliffâs ground-up casino development experience, deep operations background and team leadership ensure that all five Rivers Casino properties remain in great hands. He will continue the strong forward momentum established by Bill Keena, for whom we wish the very best in retirement,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street Gaming.
Wanna.com, the innovative daily fantasy sports gaming platform set to launch across the US, in August, announced the appointment of Chuck Bowling, former President and COO at MGM Resorts International, to its Board of Directors. With an impressive career overseeing prestigious properties such as the Mandalay Bay, Delano, Four Seasons Las Vegas and Luxor, Mr. Bowling brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the burgeoning enterprise.
As Wanna.com prepares for its initial launch in approximately 25 to 30 states, Mr. Bowlingâs extensive expertise in hospitality and gaming will be instrumental in guiding Wanna.com and Wanna Parlay, through this exciting phase of growth and development. His leadership at MGM, where he was pivotal in enhancing guest experiences and driving operational excellence, aligns perfectly with Wanna.comâs vision of delivering unparalleled daily fantasy sports entertainment to users nationwide and internationally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chuck Bowling to the Wanna.com Board of Directors. Chuckâs remarkable track record in the gaming and hospitality industry will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of our launch and beyond. His strategic acumen and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with our mission to revolutionize the daily fantasy sports landscape,” said CEO/Founder of Wanna.com Jim Bob Morris.
Mr. Bowling expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Board, stating, “I am honored to be part of Wanna.com at such a pivotal moment in its journey. The company’s innovative approach to fantasy sports gaming with concepts such as Wanna Parlay, holds great promise, and I am excited to contribute to its success and growth.”
Online lottery platform Lotto.com has launched a new Digital Scratch ticket campaign with surprising creative developed by Havas New York as the brandâs agency of record.
Lotto.com launched their first-to-market Digital Scratch tickets offering in December 2022, which transformed how traditional paper scratch tickets are played. As Digital Scratch tickets offer customers the opportunity to experience the thrill of playing a physical scratch ticket in a digital, secure setting, the campaign taps the thrill of winning anytime.
As a build to the brandâs first campaign, âWelcome to Winever,â the new Digital Scratch campaign avoids category cliches like CGI fantasy worlds and big spenders, instead capturing traditionally âunluckyâ moments, and turning them into winning ones. With this theme at the core of the creative, the campaign highlights unlucky practicalities of life, such as getting your car towed or unexpectedly getting splashed by a taxi driving through a puddle. In each scene, the unlucky scenario is transformed into a lucky one with the ease of a Digital Scratch win on Lotto.com.
âIn an often unlucky world, Lotto.comâs Digital Scratch tickets are a reminder that a win could be just a scratch away. Scratch tickets currently make up two-thirds of the $100+ Billion U.S. lottery market and our pioneering Digital Scratch innovation marks a significant milestone for the industry and solidifies our position as a pioneer in the digital lottery space,â Thomas Metzger, CEO of Lotto.com, said.
The fully integrated campaign was led by Havas New York, with paid and earned media support from Havas Village agencies including Republica Havas, Havas Formula, and Havas CX. The creative will roll out across radio, TV, and streaming throughout the month of August, with social media, digital, and out-of-home to follow.
âLotto.com is spearheading an industry transformation with the introduction of Digital Scratch tickets and we are excited to be a part of it. Unlucky moments are something that all of us can relate to, no matter how big or small. We strive to set our brands apart from competitors by authentically connecting with consumers, and this new creative demonstrates how easy it is to turn even the unluckiest moment into the luckiest one,â Dan Lucey, Chief Creative Officer & Co-CEO of Havas New York, said.
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