What happened
Shares of casinos and lottery supplier International Game Technology (IGT -1.36%) jumped as much as 23.4% in trading Thursday after the company reported third-quarter earnings. At 2:50 p.m. EST, shares were still up 23% and holding gains.
So what
Revenue was up 3% on a constant-currency basis, to $1.15 billion, hitting expectations set by analysts. Adjusted earnings before interested, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) were down 8.2%, to $407.1 million, and earnings per share fell 32%, to $0.21 per share, well below the $0.28 estimate.
Image source: Getty Images.
Despite the decline in the bottom line, management kept their $1.675 billion to $1.735 billion adjusted EBITDA guidance for the full year, implying $425 million in adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter at the midpoint. Management also brought down the high-end of the capital expenditure guidance by $50 million to between $450 million and $500 million.
None of these numbers were particularly shocking if you look at guidance. With the backdrop of falling casino revenue in Asia, however, it's a positive that the company is holding up well.
Now what
In recent years, IGT's performance has been tied to its ability to survive and pay down debt from an acquisition spree over the last decade. Slow-but-steady progress on that plan is another factor driving the stock higher.
Free cash flow so far in 2019 has been $456 million and net debt is down nearly $200 million this year, to $7.57 billion. If that figure keeps coming down and revenue keeps growing, this pop may continue long term for IGT stock.
