Scientific Games has issued a statement regarding the company’s liquidity – possibly as a reaction to claims on at least one stock analysis site which suggested the company may be headed for significant trouble if the gaming shutdown in the US continues.
Scientific Games has stated that it has a strong liquidity position and has already cut more than $100 million in quarterly costs. The company has drawn approximately $480 million under its Revolving Credit Facilities to give it maximum flexibility during difficult times. The company believes that the proceeds from these borrowings, when combined with cash on hand (which was approximately $200 million as of March 31, 2020), allow it to take advantage of opportunities to strengthen the business as the industry begins to recover. SciPlay, in which the company has an 82% interest, also has a strong liquidity position with cash on hand of approximately $130 million as of March 31, 2020, no outstanding debt and $150 million available under its Revolving Credit Facility.
The company anticipates that the operational and capital cost-saving measures it has already implemented, together with additional measures now being implemented, will reduce its quarterly costs in Q2 by over $100 million. The workforce cost reductions implemented by the Company, including hour and pay reductions, furloughs, and reductions in force, are expected to result in more than $50 million in cost savings in Q2, while capital expenditures in Q2 are expected to be approximately $50 million lower than previously planned. For 2020 as a whole, the company now anticipates that capital expenditures will be in the range of $210-240 million, as compared to the $300-330 million estimate set forth in the release accompanying our 2019 10-K. The company plans additional cost saving initiatives, including reductions in other operating expenses, that will lead to further potential savings.
Scientific Games CEO Barry Cottle said: “We continue to reduce our costs so that that we can position our Company to be an even stronger competitor as the industry begins to recover. We remain committed to providing our best in class products and services to our customers across lottery, iGaming, sports betting and land-based casinos while innovating for the future. The diversity of our business, serving customers across the industry and around the globe, gives us unique strength in these challenging times.”
