Brightstar Lottery PLC Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
Revenue up on strong Italy performance, positive U.S. sales mix, and foreign currency translation, partially offset by increased service revenue amortization and U.K. transition.


"We delivered a solid start to the year, with first-quarter results reflecting the strength of our global portfolio and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities," said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar. "We are investing in exciting long-term growth initiatives and returned over $70 million to shareholders in the period, demonstrating the confidence we have in the durability of our cash flows. We're on track with our multi-year goal of delivering accelerated sales and profit growth that we expect to create compelling, incremental value."
 
"During the quarter, we continued to deliver OPtiMa cost savings while maintaining a disciplined approach to discretionary spend, carefully balancing cost control against strategic priorities, to sustain our profitable growth trajectory," said Max Chiara, CFO of Brightstar. "Our balance sheet and credit profile are strong with historically low net debt leverage and manageable near-term debt maturities. The Company's attractive margin structure and strong cash generation, coupled with access to significant liquidity, provide substantial support for our capital allocation plans."
 
Financial Highlights
Revenue of $587 million, up 1% from $583 million the prior year, primarily driven by:
 
3.1% Italy same-store sales and positive mix in the U.S.
Reduced LMA shortfall and higher pass-through revenue
Benefit from foreign currency translation
Higher service revenue amortization related to Italy Lotto license
U.K. service contract transition
Income from continuing operations was $63 million compared to $8 million in the prior-year period, primarily resulting from:
 
Items listed as drivers of change in Adjusted EBITDA below
Non-cash impact of fluctuations in the EUR/USD exchange rate on debt balances at the Parent
Reduced provision for income taxes
Adjusted EBITDA increased 15% to $287 million versus $250 million in the prior-year period, mainly due to:
 
Key drivers of growth include:
Profit flow-through of higher Italy same-store sales growth
OPtiMa cost efficiencies and General & administrative expense recoveries
Reduced LMA shortfall
Benefit of foreign currency translation
Partial offsets to growth include:
Investments in growth initiatives
U.K. service contract transition
Human capital investments tied to retention, execution, and long-term value
Inflationary pressures on postage & freight and other costs
Diluted income per share from continuing operations was $0.20 compared to diluted loss per share from continuing operations of $0.11 in the prior year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.14 compared to adjusted diluted income per share from continuing operations of $0.09 in the prior year, primarily driven by higher income from continuing operations.
 
Net debt was $2.8 billion compared to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2025. Net debt leverage was 2.4x.
 
Cash and Liquidity Update
Total liquidity was $2.8 billion as of March 31, 2026 with $1.2 billion in unrestricted cash and $1.6 billion in additional borrowing capacity from undrawn credit facilities.
 
Other Developments
The Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share, with a record date of May 28, 2026 and a payment date of June 11, 2026.
 
Final Italy Lotto license payment of €1.43 billion or $1.67 billion made in April 2026.
 
Successfully refinanced revolving credit facility to March 2031, with improved terms, in April 2026.
 
Financial Outlook
Reaffirming FY'26 revenue and profit outlook:
 
Revenue of $2.50 - $2.55 billion
Includes more than five percent organic growth; approximately $175 million in incremental Italy Lotto-related service revenue amortization impacts reported growth
Adjusted EBITDA of $1.16 - $1.19 billion; revenue growth and OPtiMa savings more than offset approximately $50 million of investments in growth initiatives
Net cash used in operating activities of approximately $900 million includes €1.43 billion or $1.67 billion related to final Italy Lotto license payment; approximately $750 million in cash from operations excluding Italy Lotto license payment
Capital expenditures of approximately $450 million - $475 million reflects contractual obligations related to recent contract wins and extensions
Earnings Conference Call and Webcast 
May 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. EDT
 
To register to participate in the conference call, or to listen to the live audio webcast, please visit the "Events Calendar" on Brightstar's Investor Relations website at www.brightstarlottery.com. A replay will be available on the website following the live event.
 
Comparability of Results
All figures presented in this news release are prepared under U.S. GAAP, unless noted otherwise. Amounts reported in millions are computed based on amounts in thousands. As a result, the sum of the components may not equal the total amount reported in millions due to rounding. Certain columns and rows within tables may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages and earnings per share amounts presented are calculated from the underlying unrounded amounts.
 
Dingnews.com 12/05/2026

 



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