INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY PLC ANNOUNCES BB+ LONG-TERM ISSUER RATING FROM FITCH

Rhea-AI Summary

International Game Technology (IGT) announced a long-term issuer rating of BB+ and a stable outlook from Fitch Ratings. The positive rating reflects IGT's improved leverage due to substantial debt reduction from non-core business sales and strong free cash flow. Additionally, IGT's robust position in core gaming markets, particularly lottery, positions it well for future investments in slot machines and shareholder returns. CFO Max Chiara expressed satisfaction with the ratings, highlighting IGT's leadership and financial performance.

Positive

• Long-term issuer rating of BB+ assigned by Fitch with a stable outlook.
• Investment-grade rating of BBB- for long-term senior secured debt.
• Improved leverage due to debt reduction from non-core business sales.
• Strong free cash flow generation supports future investments.

Negative

• None.

LONDON, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE:IGT) announced today that Fitch Ratings, Inc. ("Fitch") has assigned each of IGT and its subsidiary, IGT Lottery Holdings B.V., a long-term issuer rating of BB+ with a stable rating outlook and a rating of BBB- to their long-term senior secured debt.

According to Fitch's published report, the issuer rating reflects IGT's conservative leverage, which improved meaningfully from pre-pandemic levels primarily because of debt reduction funded by proceeds from the sales of non-core businesses and strong free cash flow generation. The strong credit profile positions IGT favorably to continue funding slot machine development and shareholder returns and absorb potential future cash demands related to lottery concessions. The rating also considers IGT's leading share in core gaming end markets, specifically lottery.

"We are pleased to have achieved, for the first time from Fitch, an issuer rating of BB+ with a stable outlook and an investment grade senior secured debt rating of BBB-," said Max Chiara, CFO of IGT. "These ratings recognize our leadership positions across business segments, our history of delivering solid operating and financial results, and our strong credit profile."

About IGT

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivaled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.IGT.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2021 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business. Nothing in this news release is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that the financial performance of International Game Technology PLC for the current or any future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published financial performance of International Game Technology PLC, as applicable. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contacts

Phil O'Shaughnessy, Global Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada +1 (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada +1 (401) 392-7452
Francesco Luti, +39 06 5189 9184; for Italian media inquiries
James Hurley, Investor Relations, +1 (401) 392-7190

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-game-technology-plc-announces-bb-long-term-issuer-rating-from-fitch-301736724.html

SOURCE International Game Technology PLC

FAQ

What is the significance of IGT's BB+ rating from Fitch?

IGT's BB+ issuer rating signifies improved financial stability and lower credit risk, allowing for easier access to financing and better terms.

How does IGT's rating affect its financial performance?

The rating reflects IGT's strong credit profile, enabling continued funding for slot machine development and enhancing shareholder returns.

What factors contributed to IGT's improved credit rating?

Debt reduction from non-core business sales and strong free cash flow generation have significantly improved IGT's leverage.

What does the stable outlook indicate for IGT's future?

A stable outlook suggests that IGT is likely to maintain its current credit quality without significant fluctuations in the near term.