International Game Technology Elevates Sadusky to CEO

Posted on: January 20, 2022, 10:45h. 

Last updated on: January 20, 2022, 01:35h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.

International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT) is reshuffling the top executive spot at the company, saying today Vincent Sadusky will become chief executive officer on Jan. 24.

IGT
IGT executives ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange in 2015. The company said Vincent Sadusky will become CEO next week. (Image: PR Newswire)

Sadusky replaces Marco Sala, who is becoming chairman of the board, and likely CEO as well, at De Agostini — IGT’s majority shareholder. Sala took the top spot at IGT in 2015, when GTECH, an Italian gaming company, acquired the slot machine manufacturer for $6.4 billion. The combined company took the IGT name and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with De Agostini becoming the majority investor.

Shareholders appear comfortable with the changes at IGT, as the stock is higher by more than two percent in midday trading. At least one analyst is applauding the manner in which the company is handling the transition, noting it was “likely a planned and deliberate one.”

He recently initiated coverage of IGT with a “buy” rating and a $43 price target, which implies upside of 59 percent from the Jan. 19 close.

Lottery Love for IGT

With what appears to be a smooth CEO transition in place, IGT investors can focus on potential 2022 catalysts for the stock.

Those include the cash-generating lottery business, which Stantial previously argued doesn’t get enough credit in the investment community. He argued that’s because IGT is essentially structured as a gaming conglomerate, with multiple business lines. IGT’s lottery unit is one of the largest in the world and drove nearly three-quarters of the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) in 2019.

“We remain constructive on the shares into 2022, as we believe IGT’s lottery business remains fundamentally mispriced, while a ~7x forward one-year EBITDA multiple also discounts an accelerating organic growth algorithm (online verticals, improving retail lottery penetration) and vastly improved balance sheet (3.5x YE21),” adds Stantial.

Another possible catalyst for IGT is the company’s newly created iGaming/sports betting unit. There’s speculation that the unit could eventually be spun off to raise cash and unlock shareholder value.

Slots Can Contribute, Too

IGT is the manufacturer of the Wheel of Fortune slot machine, one of the most popular slots on casino floors across the US.

That’s a plus for the company because with more operators focusing on high-margin gaming options, analysts are forecasting 15,000 more gaming machines will be sold this year, compared to 2021.

“While 1H22 comps are challenging on the lottery front, overall lottery demand remains robust, and our checks suggest casino purchasing behavior should improve in 2022,” said Stantial. “Coupled with favorable timing in the lottery capex cycle, FCF should be prolific for the next several years. All told, we believe this implies material potential upside in the shares, and reiterate our Buy rating and $43 target price.”