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Light & Wonder (LNW)
NASDAQ:LNW

Light & Wonder (LNW) AI Stock Analysis

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Light & Wonder

(NASDAQ:LNW)

71Outperform
Light & Wonder shows strong financial performance with significant revenue growth and improved profitability. The earnings call highlights strategic initiatives and a positive outlook for 2025. However, technical indicators suggest potential price weakness, and the valuation appears fair. The absence of a dividend yield limits attractiveness for income-focused investors. Historical volatility in financial performance necessitates ongoing monitoring.
Positive Factors
Acquisition
The Grover Gaming acquisition is expected to strengthen revenue diversification for Light & Wonder.
Financial Performance
The company reported full-year revenue of $3.2B and AEBITDA of $1.24B, both showing significant year-over-year growth.
Market Position
Light & Wonder maintains the #1 ship share position in North America and Australia, highlighting its strong competitive standing.
Negative Factors
Legal Challenges
Investors should take advantage of the stock pullback following the unfavorable court ruling on Dragon Train.
Market Comparisons
Gaming revenue growth decelerated due to tougher comparisons and the impact of an injunction, though a return to normalized growth is expected in 2025.
Sales Performance
Machine Sales: Gaming sales were lower than expected, with 4Q24 revenue impacted by lower international units.

Light & Wonder (LNW) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Light & Wonder Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLight & Wonder, Inc. develops technology-based products and services, and related content for the gaming, lottery, social and digital gaming industries in the United States and internationally. The company's Gaming segment sells new and used gaming machines, electronic table systems, video lottery terminals, conversion game kits, and spare parts; table products, including shufflers; and perpetual licenses to proprietary table games. It also supplies game content, gaming machines; provides table game products and services to licensed gaming entities; and installs and supports casino management systems, such as ongoing hardware and software maintenance and upgrade services of customer casino management systems. The company's SciPlay segment develops and publishes digital games on mobile and web platforms. It sells virtual coins, chips, or bingo cards, which players can use to play slot games, table games, or bingo games. Its iGaming segment provides a suite of digital gaming content, including digital real-money gaming, distribution platforms, content, products, and services. This segment also offers the Open Platform System, which offers a range of reporting and administrative functions and tools providing operators control over various areas of digital gaming operations. The company also offers software design, development, licensing, maintenance, support services, and technology solutions. Light & Wonder, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How the Company Makes MoneyLight & Wonder generates revenue through a variety of streams, primarily from the sale, lease, and licensing of gaming content and technology to casinos and gaming operators worldwide. The company earns money through its gaming machines, which are sold or leased to gaming venues, as well as through participation agreements where they share in the revenue generated by their machines on casino floors. Additionally, Light & Wonder licenses its digital gaming content to online gaming platforms, contributing to its interactive gaming revenue. The company also benefits from its lottery segment by providing lottery systems and services to governments and operators. Significant partnerships with casinos, online gaming platforms, and lottery operators further bolster its revenue, along with strategic acquisitions that expand its market reach and product offerings.

Light & Wonder Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Light & Wonder has demonstrated strong revenue growth and profitability improvements, reflected in its income statement. The balance sheet shows significant improvement in leverage, though the equity base remains small, posing potential risks. Cash flow generation is stable but could benefit from better efficiency in converting earnings into cash. Overall, the company is on an upward trajectory with notable strengths in profitability and debt management, but historical volatility necessitates careful monitoring.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Light & Wonder has shown impressive revenue growth, with a notable increase from $2,902 million in 2023 to $3,188 million in 2024. The gross profit margin is extremely strong at 100%, indicating efficient management of production costs. Net profit margin improved significantly to 15.87% in 2024, reflecting enhanced profitability. Both EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust at 20.95% and 15.34% respectively, showcasing strong operational performance. However, historical volatility in net income, such as the negative figures in 2020 and 2022, indicates some underlying instability.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has dramatically improved, dropping from a high leverage in prior years to 0.08 in 2024, due to decreased total debt and increased equity. The equity ratio stands at 11.73% in 2024, showing an improved but still modest position compared to liabilities. Return on Equity (ROE) has jumped to 79.56% in 2024, which is a strong indicator of shareholder value creation, yet it also suggests potential risk due to the low equity base.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
Free cash flow has remained stable with a slight decrease from $348 million in 2023 to $338 million in 2024, indicating steady cash generation capability. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is favorable at 1.25, demonstrating effective conversion of net income into cash. However, free cash flow to net income ratio is lower at 0.67, indicating room for improvement in cash conversion efficiency. Historical fluctuations, such as negative free cash flow in 2022, highlight potential risks.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
3.19B2.90B2.51B2.15B2.72B
Gross Profit
2.26B2.03B1.77B1.54B1.56B
EBIT
668.00M518.00M273.00M351.00M80.00M
EBITDA
1.07B898.00M591.00M749.00M163.00M
Net Income Common Stockholders
336.00M163.00M-176.00M24.00M-548.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
196.00M425.00M914.00M585.00M1.02B
Total Assets
5.42B5.55B6.01B7.88B7.98B
Total Debt
54.00M3.93B3.93B8.73B9.38B
Net Debt
-142.00M3.51B3.02B8.14B8.36B
Total Liabilities
4.79B4.79B4.85B9.99B10.51B
Stockholders Equity
636.00M765.00M1.16B-2.11B-2.52B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
338.00M348.00M-597.00M514.00M281.00M
Operating Cash Flow
632.00M590.00M-381.00M685.00M471.00M
Investing Cash Flow
-258.00M-251.00M6.12B-442.00M-173.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-577.00M-292.00M-5.46B-679.00M463.00M

Light & Wonder Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price78.09
Price Trends
50DMA
97.29
Negative
100DMA
93.96
Negative
200DMA
97.81
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.12
Positive
RSI
31.29
Neutral
STOCH
10.23
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LNW, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 78.09 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 94.09, below the 50-day MA of 97.29, and below the 200-day MA of 97.81, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -2.12 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 31.29 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 10.23 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for LNW.

Light & Wonder Risk Analysis

Light & Wonder disclosed 52 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Light & Wonder reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Light & Wonder Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
IGIGT
74
Outperform
$3.22B9.358.08%5.01%-22.16%123.24%
LNLNW
71
Outperform
$7.08B21.1947.97%9.82%109.44%
LVLVS
68
Neutral
$23.83B17.1941.30%2.52%8.93%22.50%
MGMGM
66
Neutral
$8.47B12.5221.76%6.66%-24.59%
60
Neutral
$32.00B-54.81%30.07%39.93%
59
Neutral
$11.76B10.11-0.70%3.92%1.27%-16.30%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LNW
Light & Wonder
78.09
-17.70
-18.48%
IGT
International Game Technology
15.42
-4.53
-22.71%
LVS
Las Vegas Sands
31.72
-18.90
-37.34%
MGM
MGM Resorts
28.75
-15.97
-35.71%
DKNG
DraftKings
34.73
-10.71
-23.57%

Light & Wonder Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 25, 2025 | % Change Since: -23.16% | Next Earnings Date: May 7, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a generally positive outlook with record-breaking revenue growth, strong performance across segments, and strategic acquisitions. However, there were some challenges such as the impact of the Dragon Train fleet, divestiture of the live casino business, and a monetization issue with Jackpot Party.
Highlights
Record-Breaking Revenue Growth
Light & Wonder achieved double-digit consolidated revenue and EBITDA growth year-over-year, with record revenues and profitability across all three businesses. Full year consolidated revenue was $3.2 billion, a 10% increase from the prior year.
Strong Gaming Segment Performance
Gaming segment delivered exceptional results with a 4% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4, driven by systems growth of 24% and a 5% increase in AEBITDA. Maintained number one ship share in North America and Australia.
SciPlay Achievements
SciPlay surpassed $820 million in revenue, with a 6% year-over-year growth. The business outpaced the broader market, showing record levels of average revenue per daily active user and average monthly revenue per paying user.
iGaming Expansion
iGaming revenue grew 11% year-over-year in Q4, driven by strong content launches and continued momentum in North America and Europe. Executed over 1,000 game releases on the OGS platform in 2024.
Strategic Grover Gaming Acquisition
Light & Wonder reached an agreement to acquire Grover Gaming's charitable gaming business for $850 million, providing a formidable competitive advantage with expected synergies and an appealing growth outlook.
Lowlights
Impact of Dragon Train Fleet
North American revenue per day was impacted in Q4 due to the injunction related to the Dragon Train fleet, though mitigated by strong product performance.
Live Casino Business Divestiture
Decision to discontinue and divest the live casino business due to strategic review and focus on higher ROI investments.
Jackpot Party Monetization Issue
Experienced a monetization issue with Jackpot Party social casino in the second half of 2024 due to economy impacts, though resolved in early 2025.
Company Guidance
During the Light & Wonder 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance for 2025, emphasizing their confidence in achieving a consolidated AEBITDA target of $1.4 billion. This growth is anticipated to be driven by several factors: the continued expansion of their North American installed base, the success of new game sales, and strategic investments in SciPlay and iGaming. The Grover Gaming acquisition is expected to be accretive to both EBITDA and cash flow from day one. Additionally, the company plans to focus on operational excellence, margin enhancement, and strategic capital allocation to sustain growth. The team highlighted the successful launch of games like Huff N' Puff and underscored their commitment to regulated and taxable gaming markets while also acknowledging the potential for new opportunities with market expansions such as in Brazil.

Light & Wonder Corporate Events

Delistings and Listing ChangesStock BuybackRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Light & Wonder Submits CHESS Depositary Interests Statement
Neutral
Apr 9, 2025

On April 8, 2025, Light & Wonder, Inc. announced the submission of its Statement of CHESS Depositary Interests on Issue (Appendix 4A) to the Australian Securities Exchange, reflecting changes in its issued capital for March 2025. The report highlighted a net increase in the number of CDIs and common stock due to transfers between CDIs and common stock, share repurchases, and the vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of options, indicating active management of its equity structure.

Spark’s Take on LNW Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, LNW is a Neutral.

Light & Wonder demonstrates solid financial performance with significant revenue growth and profitability improvements. However, technical indicators show the stock may be under pressure, and while the valuation is moderate, it does not offer a dividend yield. The positive sentiment from the earnings call and strategic acquisitions provides confidence in the company’s future growth. The overall score reflects a balance of strong fundamentals and potential near-term challenges.

To see Spark’s full report on LNW stock, click here.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Light & Wonder to Acquire Grover Gaming Assets
Positive
Feb 18, 2025

On February 17, 2025, Light & Wonder, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire the charitable gaming assets of Grover Gaming, Inc. and G2 Gaming, Inc. for $850 million, with a potential earn-out of up to $200 million. This acquisition, expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, positions Light & Wonder as a leader in the fast-growing charitable gaming space, enhancing its cross-platform strategy and presenting new revenue opportunities by integrating Grover’s established customer base with its land-based gaming content.

Delistings and Listing ChangesStock BuybackRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Light & Wonder Reports on CHESS Depositary Interests
Neutral
Feb 14, 2025

On February 7, 2025, Light & Wonder, Inc. announced to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) a new statement of CHESS Depositary Interests on Issue through Appendix 4A. This report showed a reduction in both CHESS Depositary Interests and common stock, indicating a net transfer between these securities and changes due to share repurchase and vesting of options.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Light & Wonder’s Regulatory Disclosure Update
Neutral
Jan 13, 2025

Light & Wonder, Inc. has provided the Australian Securities Exchange with a Statement of CHESS Depositary Interests on Issue, which is reported in their current Form 8-K. This release is part of the company’s regulatory compliance and does not imply any changes to its financial filings or liabilities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.