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Fintech

EVERI REPORTS RECORD SECOND QUARTER 2022 RESULTS

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Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE: EVRI) (“Everi” or the “Company”), a premier provider of land-based and digital casino gaming content and products, financial technology and player loyalty solutions, today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022. Everi also reiterated its full year outlook for Net income, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow.

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights

  • Revenues grew 14% to an all-time quarterly record $197.2 million from $172.6 million in the 2021 second quarter, reflecting a 7% increase in recurring revenues to a quarterly record $139.7 million and a 37% increase in sales of gaming machines and FinTech hardware.
  • Income before income tax increased 16% to a record $42.3 million compared to $36.6 million a year ago.
  • Net income was $32.5 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to $36.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the 2021 second quarter, as the provision for income taxes increased $9.3 million in the 2022 second quarter related to the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the 2021 fourth quarter; cash taxes paid were essentially flat at $0.1 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased to an all-time quarterly record $94.4 million compared to $92.5 million in the 2021 second quarter.
  • Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, rose 26% to $49.5 million from $39.2 million in the 2021 second quarter.
  • Repurchased 2.0 million shares of stock for $33.3 million in the 2022 second quarter.

Randy Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Everi, said, “Our strong operating momentum continued in the second quarter, as we delivered all-time quarterly record revenues, income before income tax, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. These record financial results were driven by another consecutive quarter of record recurring revenues for both our Games and FinTech businesses despite the very challenging year-over-year comparison for these operations, as last year’s results included the significant benefit from casino reopening activities and financial stimulus payments provided to consumers.

“Our second quarter Games segment results include our highest-ever quarterly level of gaming machines sold, which increased 40% to 1,957 units; and the 13th consecutive quarterly sequential increase in our installed base of gaming operations units. Our ongoing investments in the development of differentiated cabinets and expansion of our games portfolio continues to drive increases in our installed base, strong Daily Win per Unit, and growth in our ship share of units sold. In particular, the record number of units sold in the quarter reinforces our confidence in our ability to achieve our 15% ship share target over the next several years.

“Our FinTech segment is achieving similar success, as it generated record revenues, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the third consecutive quarter. The record quarterly performance was driven by increased revenues from financial access services, which included more than $10 billion of funding delivered to our customers’ casino floors for the second consecutive quarter, a record number of kiosk sales, and ongoing organic growth of our Loyalty and RegTech solutions. These results demonstrate our ability to offer industry-leading, integrated solutions that help drive increases in same-store activity and cost efficiencies for our customers. With our planned introductions of additional innovative products to our Digital Neighborhood of integrated solutions, our FinTech business is positioned to deliver consistent growth.

“Our top-line growth and focus on operational excellence continues to result in strong Free Cash Flow generation, which reached $49.5 million in the 2022 second quarter and $101.1 million for the first six months of 2022. We remain focused on allocating our higher Free Cash Flow to further grow the business through prudent investments in product development, as well as with acquisitions of businesses and technologies that continue to expand the scale and scope of our product offerings and/or drive our entry into new product categories and geographical markets. As reflected in the growing contributions of our Loyalty products, our return-focused approach to acquisitions benefits our operating performance. We expect recent acquisitions, which have expanded our addressable market to include opportunities in Australia and Historical Horse Racing gaming devices, will deliver similar benefits over time. Our Free Cash Flow performance, liquidity, and strong balance sheet also enabled us to opportunistically act on our share repurchase program in the second quarter given our view that our current valuation does not fully reflect the strength of our business and our outlook for ongoing growth.”

Consolidated Full Quarter Comparative Results (unaudited)

As of and for the Three Months
Ended June 30,

2022

2021

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(in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenue

$                    197.2

$                    172.6

Operating income (1)

$                      54.5

$                      54.4

Net income (1)

$                      32.5

$                      36.2

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Net earnings per diluted share (1)

$                      0.33

$                      0.36

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

98.7

100.0

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

$                      94.4

$                      92.5

Free Cash Flow (2)

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$                      49.5

$                      39.2

Principal amount of outstanding debt

$                    995.5

$                 1,144.6

Cash and cash equivalents

$                    238.1

$                    340.4

Net Cash Position (3)

$                      93.1

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$                    196.6

(1)

Operating income, net income, and net earnings per diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2022, included $0.7 million for office and warehouse consolidation costs, and $0.9 million in professional fees associated with acquisitions and for non-recurring litigation costs.

(2)

For a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, see the Unaudited Reconciliation of Selected Financial GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures provided toward the end of this release.

(3)

For a reconciliation of Net Cash Position to Cash and Cash Equivalents, see the Unaudited Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents to Net Cash Position and Net Cash Available toward the end of this release.

Second Quarter 2022 Results Overview

Revenues for the three-month period ended June 30, 2022 increased 14% to $197.2 million compared to $172.6 million in the second quarter of 2021. Recurring revenues grew 7% to $139.7 million and revenues from non-recurring sales increased 37% to $57.5 million.

Operating income for the 2022 second quarter was $54.5 million compared to $54.4 million in the prior-year period, and net income was $32.5 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to $36.2 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021. The provision for income taxes increased $9.3 million in the 2022 second quarter related to the reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance in the 2021 fourth quarter. Operating margin declined from the prior-year period, reflecting a change in the revenue mix as a result of substantially greater growth in gaming machine and FinTech hardware sales year over year together with a lower margin on machine and hardware sales due to increased supply chain costs, higher operating costs that reflect the additions of acquisitions, and higher research and development expense that supports the Company’s focus on increased internal, new product development. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $94.4 million from $92.5 million in the prior-year period.

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Free Cash Flow increased to $49.5 million from $39.2 million in the year-ago period, reflecting higher Adjusted EBITDA and lower cash interest paid, partially offset by higher capital expenditures.

Games Segment Full Quarter Comparative Results (unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30,

2022

2021

(in millions, except unit amounts and prices)

Games revenues

Gaming operations – Land-based casinos

$                     68.2

$                     69.6

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Gaming operations – Digital iGaming

5.8

3.6

Gaming operations – Total

74.0

73.2

Gaming equipment and systems

38.3

26.1

Gaming other

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Games total revenues

$                   112.3

$                     99.3

Operating income (1)

$                     28.9

$                     30.6

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

$                     58.7

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$                     60.4

Capital expenditures

$                     28.9

$                     21.3

Gaming operations information:

Units installed at period end:

Class II

9,792

9,422

Class III

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7,672

6,829

Total installed base at period end (3)

17,464

16,251

Premium units (3)

8,355

6,961

Average units installed during period (3)

17,362

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16,088

Daily win per unit (“DWPU”) (4)

$                   39.94

$                   45.66

Unit sales information:

Units sold

1,957

1,402

Average sales price (“ASP”)

$                 18,800

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$                 17,894

(1)

Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2022, included $0.7 million for office and warehouse consolidation costs and professional fees associated with acquisitions.

(2)

For a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the Unaudited Reconciliation of Selected Financial GAAP to Non-GAAP measures provided toward the end of this release.

(3)

The ending and average installed base include all units, whether or not casinos were open and whether or not the games were active.

(4)

Daily win per unit reflects the total of all units installed at casinos, inclusive of casinos closed due to the COVID pandemic and inactive units, where such units would have recorded no revenue and excludes the impact of the direct costs associated with the Company’s wide-area progressive jackpot expense.

2022 Second Quarter Games Segment Highlights

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Games segment revenues grew 13% to a record $112.3 million compared to $99.3 million in the second quarter of 2021, primarily driven by record sales of gaming machines and ongoing growth in digital gaming revenues.

Operating income was $28.9 million compared to $30.6 million in the second quarter of 2021, reflecting higher revenues from machine sales, offset by lower margins on the machine sales due to increased supply chain costs as well as higher operating expenses, including increased costs associated with acquisitions and higher research and development expense, reflecting an acceleration in games development to support a path to a targeted future 15% ship share of gaming machines sold. Adjusted EBITDA was $58.7 million compared to $60.4 million in the second quarter of 2021. Revenues from the recent acquisitions of Intuicode Gaming and certain assets of Atlas Gaming (Australia) contributed $1.4 million in the 2022 second quarter.

Gaming operations revenues were $74.0 million compared to $73.2 million a year ago, and increased 5% on a quarterly sequential basis.

  • The installed base reached a record 17,464 units as of June 30, 2022; representing a year-over-year increase of 7%, or 1,213 units. The installed base increased by 136 units on a quarterly sequential basis.
  • The premium portion of the installed base increased by 20%, or 1,394 units, year over year and by 276 units on a quarterly sequential basis to a record 8,355 units. This was the 16th consecutive quarterly sequential increase in premium units. Growth was driven in part by continued placements of Cashnado™ units, the initial installations of Smokin’ Hot Stuff Fire and Ice™, the Company’s popular premium mechanical reel games, and its Wide-area Progressive (“WAP”) gaming machines.
  • Daily Win per Unit (“DWPU”) was $39.94 in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $45.66 in the second quarter of 2021. DWPU in the year-ago period included the significant benefit of government stimulus payments coupled with pent-up demand as COVID vaccinations increased and consumers began to return to normalized activities. DWPU improved on a quarterly sequential basis from $39.76 in the 2022 first quarter.
  • Gaming operations revenues from digital gaming rose 61% to $5.8 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $3.6 million in the second quarter of 2021, and increased 5% on a quarterly sequential basis. Digital revenue growth reflects the continued growth and expanded base of iGaming operator sites featuring Everi’s games along with a growing library of available slot content, as well as going live in Ontario, Canada with nine operator sites as of June 30, 2022.

Gaming equipment and systems revenues generated from the sale of gaming machines and other related parts and equipment increased 47% to $38.3 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $26.1 million in the second quarter of 2021.

  • The Company sold an all-time record 1,957 gaming machines at an average selling price (“ASP”) of $18,800 in the 2022 second quarter, up 555 units, or 40%, from 1,402 units sold at an ASP of $17,894 in the 2021 second quarter, which had included a larger-than-average number of unit sales for new casino openings and expansions. Unit growth reflects the Company’s estimation of an improved industry ship share driven by the popularity of an expanding game library supporting the Empire Flex™ video reel cabinet, ongoing demand for the Player Classic™ mechanical reel cabinet, and sales of the newly launched Player Classic Signature™ mechanical reel cabinet.

Financial Technology Solutions Segment Full Quarter Comparative Results (unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30,

2022*

2021*

(in millions, unless otherwise noted)

FinTech revenues

Financial access services

$                  50.9

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$                      44.8

Software and other

19.0

15.6

Hardware

15.0

12.8

FinTech total revenues

$                  84.9

$                      73.2

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Operating income (1)

$                  25.7

$                      23.8

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

$                  35.7

$                      32.1

Capital expenditures

$                    7.5

$                        7.9

Value of financial access transactions:

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     Funds advanced

$             2,661.1

$                 2,210.9

     Funds dispensed

7,511.0

6,960.1

     Check warranty

439.1

378.8

Total value processed

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$           10,611.2

$                 9,549.8

Number of financial access transactions:

     Funds advanced

3.5

3.3

     Funds dispensed

28.6

28.4

     Check warranty

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1.2

0.9

Total transactions completed

33.3

32.6

  *

Rounding may cause variances.

(1)

Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2022, included $0.9 million for professional fees associated with certain acquisitions and non-recurring litigation costs.

(2)

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For a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the Unaudited Reconciliation of Selected Financial GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures provided toward the end of this release.

2022 Second Quarter Financial Technology Solutions (“FinTech”) Segment Highlights

FinTech revenues for the 2022 second quarter increased 16% to an all-time quarterly record $84.9 million compared to $73.2 million in the 2021 second quarter, reflecting a 14% increase in financial access services, a 22% increase in software and other revenues, and a 17% improvement in revenues from hardware sales. Revenues from the recent acquisition of ecash Holdings (Australia) contributed $4.2 million in the 2022 second quarter.

Operating income increased 8% to $25.7 million in the 2022 second quarter compared to $23.8 million in the prior-year period, reflecting a benefit from higher revenues partially offset by increased research and development expense primarily in support of new and enhanced Loyalty products, the Company’s digital CashClub Wallet®, and new RegTech products and software. Adjusted EBITDA rose 11% to $35.7 million compared to $32.1 million in the 2021 second quarter.

  • Financial access services revenues, which include cashless and cash-dispensing debit and credit card transactions and check services, was a quarterly record $50.9 million, a 14% increase compared with the 2021 second quarter, reflecting continued strength in financial funding transactions at casinos, as well as growth from new customer additions. The number of completed financial transactions increased 2% year over year and for the second consecutive quarter delivered more than $10 billion of funding to customers’ casino floors, representing a year-over-year funding increase of 11%. The Company’s CashClub Wallet digital technology is currently deployed across six jurisdictions at 19 casinos, with 20 additional casino properties under various stages of deployment.
  • Software and other revenues, which include Loyalty and RegTech software, product subscriptions, kiosk maintenance services, and other revenues, rose 22% to $19.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $15.6 million in the second quarter 2021. Approximately 78% and 80% of software and other revenues were of a recurring nature in the 2022 and 2021 second quarter periods, respectively.
  • Hardware sales revenues increased 17% to a record $15.0 million compared to $12.8 million in the second quarter of 2021. The record level of self-service kiosks and other cash access hardware products sold in the quarter reflect significant continued demand for the Company’s hardware and software solutions that deliver optimal performance and cost efficiencies to casino operators, including voucher redemption kiosks sold in Australia as a result of the ecash Holdings acquisition.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

  • As of June 30, 2022, the Company had $238.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, and its Net Cash Position was $93.1 million.
  • The Company repurchased 2.0 million shares of its common stock for total consideration of $33.3 million during the quarter, and as of June 30, 2022, had $116.7 million remaining under the Board’s $150 million authorization announced on May 10, 2022.
  • In the 2022 second quarter, the Company paid $14.1 million for the initial purchase price payment and the net working capital payment related to the acquisition of Intuicode Gaming, $6.0 million of consideration related to the acquisition of certain assets of ecash Holdings and $2.0 million related to the acquisition of certain assets of XUVI.

Outlook

Reflecting the operating performance in the first half of the year and the Company’s expectations for continued operating execution over the balance of the year driven by demand for its products, Everi reiterated its full year 2022 guidance for net income of $125 million to $132 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $368 million to $378 million and Free Cash Flow of $187 million to $200 million.

The Company’s year-to-date results have not reflected, and its updated guidance does not contemplate, any additional material impact from a pandemic-related setback or other macroeconomic effect, such as recessionary or inflationary influence on consumer spending, a material supply chain disruption, or other changes in global market conditions. A summary and reconciliation of the full year 2022 financial targets are included in a supplemental table at the end of this release.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host an investor conference call to discuss its 2022 second quarter results at 11:00 a.m. EDT (8:00 a.m. PDT) today. The conference call may be accessed live by phone by dialing (201) 689-8471. A replay of the call will be available beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET today and may be accessed by dialing (412) 317-6671; the PIN number is 13730679. A replay will be available until August 10, 2022. The call also will be webcast live and archived on www.everi.com (select “Investors” followed by “Events & Contact”).

Non-GAAP Financial Information

In order to enhance investor understanding of the underlying trends in our business, our cash balance, and cash available for our operating needs, and to provide for better comparability between periods in different years, we are providing in this press release Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, Net Cash Position and Net Cash Available, which are not measures of our financial performance or position under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.  These measures should be read in conjunction with our net earnings, operating income, and cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. With respect to Net Cash Position and Net Cash Available, these measures should be read in conjunction with cash and cash equivalents prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash stock compensation expense, accretion of contract rights, write-downs of inventory, property and equipment and intangible assets, employee severance costs and other related expenses, litigation settlement received net of legal costs, foreign exchange loss, asset acquisition expense, non-recurring professional fees, certain litigation costs, and one-time charges. We present Adjusted EBITDA, as we use this measure to manage our business and consider this measure to be supplemental to our operating performance. We also make certain compensation decisions based, in part, on our operating performance, as measured by Adjusted EBITDA; and our current credit facility and existing senior unsecured notes require us to comply with a consolidated secured leverage ratio that includes performance metrics substantially similar to Adjusted EBITDA.

We define Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA less cash paid for interest, cash paid for capital expenditures, cash paid for placement fees, and cash paid for taxes net of refunds.  We present Free Cash Flow as a measure of performance and believe it provides investors with another indicator of our operating performance. It should not be inferred that the entire Free Cash Flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures.

A reconciliation of the Company’s net income (loss) per GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow is included in the Unaudited Reconciliation of Selected Financial GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures provided at the end of this release. Additionally, a reconciliation of each segment’s operating income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is also included. On a segment level, operating income per GAAP, rather than net earnings per GAAP, is reconciled to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as the Company does not report net earnings by segment. Management believes that this presentation is meaningful to investors in evaluating the performance of the Company’s segments.

We define (i) Net Cash Position as cash and cash equivalents plus settlement receivables less settlement liabilities and (ii) Net Cash Available as Net Cash Position plus undrawn amounts available under our revolving credit facility. We present Net Cash Position because our cash position, as measured by cash and cash equivalents, depends upon changes in settlement receivables and the timing of payments related to settlement liabilities. As such, our cash and cash equivalents can change substantially based upon the timing of our receipt of payments for settlement receivables and payments we make to customers for our settlement liabilities.  We present Net Cash Available as management monitors this amount in connection with its forecasting of cash flows and future cash requirements.

A reconciliation of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents per GAAP to Net Cash Position and Net Cash Available is included in the Unaudited Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents to Net Cash Position and Net Cash Available provided at the end of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, but instead are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions, as of the date this press release is issued. Forward-looking statements often, but do not always, contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim to,” “designed to,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “goal,” “target,” “future,” “assume,” “estimate,” “indication,” “seek,” “project,” “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “favorably positioned,” or “will” and other words and terms of similar meaning.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein, which are based only on information currently available to us and only as of the date hereof.

Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding our ability to execute on key initiatives and deliver ongoing operating and financial improvements, including guidance related to 2022 financial and operational metrics; regain or maintain revenue, earnings and Free Cash Flow momentum; sustain our overall growth; drive growth of the gaming operations installed base and DWPU; continue expanding the portions of the gaming floor the Company’s games address, including into the Historical Horse Racing category of gaming devices and the Company’s overall targeted ship share of gaming machines sold; successfully perform obligations required by acquisition agreements; and create incremental value for our shareholders, as well as statements regarding our expectations for the industry environment and the adoption of our products and technologies.

Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are often difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: trends, developments, and uncertainties impacting our business, including our ability to withstand: global supply chain disruption; inflationary impact on supply chain costs; changes in global market, business and regulatory conditions arising as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, including any related public health confidence and availability of discretionary spending income of casino patrons, as well as expectations for the re-opening of casinos; product innovations that address customer needs in a new and evolving operating environment; to regain or maintain revenue, earnings, and cash flow momentum, and to enhance shareholder value in the long-term; trends in gaming establishment and patron usage of our products; benefits realized by using our products and services; benefits and/or costs associated with mergers, acquisitions, and/or strategic alliances; product development, including the release of new game features, additional games, and system releases in the future; regulatory approvals; gaming and financial regulatory and legal, card association, and statutory compliance and changes; the implementation of new or amended card association and payment network rules or interpretations; consumer collection activities; competition (including consolidations); tax liabilities; goodwill impairment charges; international expansion; resolution of litigation or government investigations; our dividend policy; new customer contracts and contract renewals; financial performance and results of operations (including revenue, expenses, margins, earnings, cash flow, and capital expenditures); inflationary impact on labor costs and retention; interest rates and interest expense; borrowings and debt repayments; and equity incentive activity and compensation expense.

Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements, and important factors that could cause them to do so include, but are not limited to, the following: our ability to generate profits in the future and to create incremental value for shareholders; our ability to withstand inflationary and other factors that pressure discretionary consumer spending; our ability to execute on mergers, acquisitions and/or strategic alliances, including our ability to integrate and operate such acquisitions or alliances consistent with our forecasts in order to achieve future growth; our ability to execute on key initiatives and deliver ongoing improvements; expectations regarding growth for the Company’s installed base and daily win per unit; expectations regarding placement fee arrangements; inaccuracies in underlying operating assumptions; the impact of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) global pandemic on our business, operations and financial condition, including (i) actions taken by international, federal, state, tribal and municipal governmental and regulatory agencies to contain the COVID-19 public health emergency or mitigate its impact, (ii) the direct and indirect economic effects of COVID-19 and measures to contain it, including directives, orders or similar actions by international, federal, state, tribal and municipal governmental and regulatory agencies to regulate freedom of movement and business operations such as travel restrictions, border closures, business closures, limitations on public gatherings, quarantines and shelter-in-place orders as well as re-opening safety protocols; changes in global market, business, and regulatory conditions arising as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic; our history of net losses and our ability to generate profits in the future; our leverage and the related covenants that restrict our operations; our ability to withstand unanticipated impacts of a pandemic outbreak of uncertain duration; our ability to withstand the loss of revenue during the closure of our customers’ facilities; our ability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, fund working capital, and capital expenditures; our ability to maintain our current customers; expectations regarding customers’ preferences and demands for future product and service offerings; the overall growth of the gaming industry, if any; our ability to replace revenue associated with terminated contracts; margin degradation from contract renewals; our ability to comply with the Europay, MasterCard, and Visa global standard for cards equipped with security chip technology; our ability to successfully introduce new products and services, including third-party licensed content; gaming establishment and patron preferences; failure to control product development costs and create successful new products; anticipated sales performance; our ability to prevent, mitigate, or timely recover from cybersecurity breaches, attacks, and compromises; national and international economic and industry conditions; changes in gaming regulatory, card association, and statutory requirements; regulatory and licensing difficulties, competitive pressures and changes in the competitive environment; operational limitations; gaming market contraction; changes to tax laws; uncertainty of litigation outcomes; interest rate fluctuations; business prospects; unanticipated expenses or capital needs; technological obsolescence and our ability to adapt to evolving technologies; our ability to comply with our debt covenants and service outstanding debt; employee hiring, turnover, and retention; our ability to comply with regulatory requirements under the Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) Data Security Standards and maintain our certified status; and those other risks and uncertainties discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Annual Report”). Given these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this press release will in fact transpire or prove to be accurate.

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This press release should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and with the information included in our other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC. Understanding the information contained in these filings is important in order to fully understand our reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods.

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief – Breaking Trends and Insights in Fintech

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In the fast-paced world of financial technology, shifts occur daily as companies strive for innovation, customer satisfaction, and enhanced market reach. Today’s briefing covers a spectrum of developments, from Visa Direct’s groundbreaking integration in Korea to challenges plaguing the app economy. We’ll also touch on recent acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and expansions in fintech ecosystems. Here’s what you need to know about today’s most pressing fintech trends.


Visa Direct’s Milestone in South Korea: SentBe’s Card Transfer Service Launch

South Korea’s fintech ecosystem has taken a notable leap forward with SentBe’s implementation of Visa Direct’s Card Transfer Service. This collaboration marks a milestone, positioning SentBe as the first Korean fintech company to offer card-to-card international money transfers, a feature in high demand given the rise in cross-border financial activities. Visa Direct’s real-time card-to-card transfers are a potential game-changer for consumers and businesses alike, facilitating faster and more secure global transactions.

The collaboration exemplifies Visa’s larger strategy of partnering with regional fintech players to broaden its influence across Asia’s dynamic fintech markets. By tapping into SentBe’s growing customer base and extensive user insights, Visa is embedding itself deeper into local markets, simultaneously offering Korean users a more streamlined and efficient money transfer experience.

The service’s design allows individuals and small businesses alike to benefit from quicker transaction processing times, marking a significant evolution from traditional remittance processes that rely on intermediary banks. The move is especially critical in a digital age where customer expectations lean heavily towards instant, seamless financial interactions.

Source: Electronic Payments International


Fintech App ‘Trap’ Enrages Consumers Struggling to Cancel Subscriptions

In the modern subscription-based economy, some fintech companies are facing backlash over what customers perceive as the ‘trap’ of endlessly renewable subscriptions that are nearly impossible to cancel. A recent expose revealed mounting frustrations among consumers who signed up for digital services but later found themselves locked into subscriptions they could not easily terminate. The piece highlights the darker side of user retention strategies deployed by some companies to mitigate churn by making cancellation processes intentionally convoluted.

The app-based economy relies on recurring revenue, which remains a vital lifeline for startups and established firms alike. However, industry insiders argue that lack of transparency and difficult cancellation processes have an adverse impact on customer trust, leading to a growing dissatisfaction that may ultimately backfire on these companies. As consumers grow more savvy, fintechs relying on these practices could risk higher attrition rates, regulatory scrutiny, and brand erosion.

This emerging issue has raised questions about ethical standards and customer-centric models in fintech. As competition intensifies, companies must balance growth with transparent practices that foster customer loyalty, rather than coercion.

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Source: Forbes


Pinwheel and Terafina Partner to Streamline Omnichannel Customer Onboarding

Pinwheel, a fintech infrastructure company known for its payroll and income data connectivity solutions, recently announced a partnership with Terafina, a leader in omnichannel sales and service platforms for financial institutions. This collaboration aims to simplify and enhance the onboarding process for new customers, providing them with seamless experiences across multiple channels, whether online, mobile, or in-branch.

The partnership combines Pinwheel’s data integration capabilities with Terafina’s expertise in customer onboarding, allowing financial institutions to create more personalized and flexible account opening processes. With consumer expectations evolving towards instant service and mobile-first access, this integration empowers banks and credit unions to meet these needs by delivering cohesive and smooth digital onboarding journeys.

In an industry where customer acquisition and retention are increasingly dependent on first impressions, the significance of streamlined onboarding cannot be overstated. By improving access to real-time employment and income data, this partnership enhances user verification and compliance while also allowing institutions to better assess applicants’ creditworthiness, which is crucial in today’s lending environment.

Source: PR Newswire


nCino Acquires FullCircl in $135 Million Deal: Expanding the Scope of Relationship Management

Fintech giant nCino recently completed its acquisition of FullCircl, a move that underscores its ambition to broaden its reach in the financial services sector. FullCircl, known for its focus on customer relationship management (CRM) solutions tailored to financial institutions, brings a robust set of tools that will allow nCino to enhance its cloud-based banking platform. The acquisition, valued at $135 million, positions nCino as a stronger player in the relationship management space, especially crucial for institutions looking to build deep, long-term client relationships.

With this acquisition, nCino aims to expand its footprint in Europe and boost its offerings in the CRM space, providing banks and credit unions with innovative tools for client engagement and retention. The integration of FullCircl’s CRM capabilities will also support nCino’s existing portfolio, which includes loan origination and digital banking solutions, strengthening its position as a one-stop platform for financial institutions.

This acquisition is part of a growing trend of consolidation in the fintech sector, where larger firms acquire specialized players to fill critical service gaps and offer more comprehensive solutions. By building a holistic platform that spans multiple functionalities, nCino is better equipped to compete in the increasingly crowded digital banking software market.

Source: The Paypers


DriveWealth’s European Expansion: A Strategic Base in Lithuania

DriveWealth, a digital brokerage technology firm, has chosen Lithuania as the launchpad for its European operations. By establishing a base within Lithuania’s burgeoning fintech hub, DriveWealth is strategically positioning itself to tap into the European market, leveraging the country’s favorable regulatory environment and proximity to major EU economies.

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The expansion is particularly significant given the increasing demand in Europe for retail investing platforms that provide accessible and affordable market entry. DriveWealth’s solutions enable digital brokers and financial platforms to offer customers fractional shares and real-time trading experiences, which have proven highly popular in markets like the U.S. This move aligns with DriveWealth’s long-term growth strategy and its commitment to democratizing access to investing across the globe.

Lithuania’s supportive regulatory framework and well-developed fintech infrastructure make it an ideal location for DriveWealth’s entry into Europe. The country’s fintech-friendly policies allow innovative financial service providers to set up and scale efficiently. DriveWealth’s presence in Lithuania not only adds to the growing cluster of fintech firms but also reinforces the country’s reputation as a rising fintech powerhouse within the EU.

Source: Finance Magnates


Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights

As seen from today’s top stories, several overarching themes shape the fintech landscape:

  1. Global Partnerships and Local Expansion: Visa’s collaboration with SentBe exemplifies how partnerships enable fintech firms to break into regional markets by addressing specific customer needs.
  2. Transparency in Subscription Models: The customer backlash against difficult-to-cancel fintech services raises concerns about the sustainability of current subscription models.
  3. Innovation in Customer Onboarding: Pinwheel and Terafina’s partnership highlights the importance of streamlined onboarding processes as a means to increase customer satisfaction and improve retention.
  4. Mergers and Acquisitions to Fill Service Gaps: nCino’s acquisition of FullCircl illustrates a broader trend of consolidation, where fintech companies acquire specialized players to broaden their product portfolios.
  5. Regional Hubs as Strategic Launch Pads: DriveWealth’s decision to establish a base in Lithuania underscores the importance of regional fintech hubs in providing a supportive environment for global expansion.

Today’s roundup underscores the adaptability of fintech companies as they navigate emerging challenges and opportunities. From addressing regional financial needs to innovating customer experience, fintech firms continue to redefine what it means to engage in modern finance. As the industry grows, so too does the necessity for ethical practices, robust infrastructure, and agile customer solutions. In this competitive environment, the companies that prioritize transparency, customer satisfaction, and strategic expansion will set the standard for the future of finance.

 

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Fintech Pulse: A Snapshot of Global Expansion, Regulatory Moves, and Transformative Tech in Fintech

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In today’s fast-paced fintech ecosystem, the global narrative is pivoting towards integration, regulation, and technological advancement as new entrants aim for U.S. markets, emerging startups seek growth capital, and financial giants align with innovative trends. Here’s a breakdown of recent developments that underline the dynamism in fintech and the paths to profitability and compliance as technologies reshape financial services globally.


Singapore’s MAS Advocates for a Borderless Fintech Network

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recently emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in the global fintech ecosystem, with chairman Ravi Menon outlining a vision for a seamless fintech network. This network would transcend geographic and regulatory boundaries, allowing Singapore and its fintech entities to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide. Menon highlighted that Singapore’s strategic geographic position and regulatory environment make it a natural hub for fintech collaborations that advance financial inclusion and foster innovation.

This call for a borderless approach underscores the need for interoperability among financial systems globally, particularly as digital payments and decentralized finance become increasingly prevalent. Singapore’s initiatives signal that regions with supportive fintech policies can potentially drive new growth avenues in the digital economy.

Source: Channel News Asia


Thredd’s McCarthy to Fintech Entrants: Be Sponsor-Bank Ready for the U.S. Market

Fintech firms eyeing the U.S. market face a challenging regulatory landscape. John McCarthy of Thredd advises that those looking to enter the U.S. market should prioritize establishing sponsor-bank partnerships. The U.S. regulatory framework mandates that fintech companies collaborate with sponsor banks to access the financial system, making this step a critical milestone for fintechs aiming to operate stateside.

McCarthy’s guidance highlights an increasingly common barrier for fintech companies: navigating complex regulatory requirements to gain a foothold in the lucrative U.S. financial sector. For many, this means rethinking business models to comply with financial regulations, even as they innovate. This approach has led several fintech firms to secure sponsorship deals with established banks, enabling them to deliver compliant financial services to U.S. consumers.

Source: PYMNTS


Spidr Fintech Lands Funding to Drive Growth with Wells Fargo Backing

Spidr, a rising fintech star, has successfully raised capital, attracting the attention of Wells Fargo and other financial institutions. The fresh funding will fuel Spidr’s ambitious expansion plans, further positioning it as a formidable player in the fintech space. This backing from Wells Fargo represents a trend where major financial institutions are investing in or partnering with fintech startups to gain a competitive edge and meet evolving consumer expectations.

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For Spidr, the capital injection aligns with a robust strategy for market penetration, and it’s an opportunity to leverage Wells Fargo’s extensive network and resources. Spidr’s latest round of funding signifies that traditional banks are increasingly open to collaborations with fintech entities, a trend that is reshaping the financial services landscape as banks seek to stay competitive in the digital age.

Source: Charlotte Business Journal


Elphinstone’s Trikl: Innovating Digital Payments in MENA

Elphinstone, a digital payments startup based in MENA, is introducing its innovative solution, Trikl, aimed at transforming payments across the region. The startup’s recent developments underscore its commitment to creating accessible and user-friendly payment systems tailored for the MENA market’s unique dynamics. By addressing specific needs such as currency exchange complexities and local payment preferences, Trikl is positioning itself as a key player in the digital payments landscape.

Trikl’s approach is particularly noteworthy as it caters to the MENA market’s diverse consumer base and taps into the region’s growing appetite for digital financial services. This development represents a promising advancement in digital payment solutions, fostering greater financial inclusion and enabling smoother transactions across borders in MENA.

Source: Menabytes


Hong Kong Sets Rules on Responsible AI to Get Ahead of Disruptive Tech

Hong Kong has unveiled regulatory guidelines on responsible AI use, a proactive move that places it among the leading jurisdictions in AI governance. This development signals Hong Kong’s recognition of the transformative impact of AI on financial services, as it sets clear boundaries on how AI can be used responsibly in financial applications. With AI continuing to disrupt financial services, responsible usage is becoming a priority, particularly in regions where financial systems are heavily reliant on technology.

These guidelines aim to balance innovation with accountability, addressing concerns over data privacy, ethical considerations, and risk management. Hong Kong’s stance on AI regulation reflects its commitment to safeguarding both consumers and financial institutions, setting a high standard for other regions to emulate in terms of regulatory foresight.

Source: South China Morning Post

 

 

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Fintech Pulse: Today’s Key Industry Developments, Appointments, and Regulatory Challenges

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The Changing Landscape of Global Fintech

The financial technology (fintech) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, making headlines worldwide. Today’s briefing dives into transformative moves and strategic shifts within fintech companies across diverse geographies. From innovative alliances to prominent executive appointments and ambitious expansions into banking, the industry is positioning itself for a future that intertwines financial inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric technology. Let’s unpack these developments.


XTransfer’s Hong Kong Fintech Week Entry: Scaling Financial Access in China

XTransfer, a Shanghai-based cross-border financial services firm, has joined the Hong Kong Fintech Week to showcase its solutions, marking a significant milestone in its journey to bridge financial gaps for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. Founded in 2017, XTransfer addresses common barriers faced by Chinese SMEs in accessing international financial networks due to regulatory complexities. The firm’s platform facilitates smoother cross-border transactions by helping businesses navigate regulatory and compliance challenges seamlessly.

The strategic choice to participate in Hong Kong Fintech Week highlights XTransfer’s commitment to strengthening connections within the Asian financial hub. The firm seeks to tap into the region’s wealth of potential clients and partners, as Hong Kong continues to be a pivotal gateway for businesses engaging in cross-border trade with China. The move is also symbolic of the broader fintech community’s push to create inclusive and accessible financial networks, even amid evolving regulatory landscapes.

Source: XTransfer Joins Hong Kong Fintech Week to Expand Global Presence (Yahoo Finance)


Propelld’s New Chief Business Officer: Driving Growth and Product Innovation

Propelld, an Indian ed-finance company, recently appointed Manoj Shetty as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO), signaling a strong commitment to enhancing its market penetration and product offerings. Known for his extensive experience in fintech, particularly in business development and scaling, Shetty is expected to spearhead Propelld’s ambitions to bring tailored financing solutions to India’s education sector.

Propelld focuses on providing student loans and education financing to underserved sections of India, leveraging advanced data analytics to assess borrowers’ potential rather than conventional credit scores. Shetty’s addition to the leadership team suggests that Propelld aims to double down on its innovative data-driven model to better serve the unique financial needs within education.

As the industry grows more competitive, having a seasoned executive like Shetty could be instrumental for Propelld to fortify its unique value proposition. His track record indicates a capacity for handling the nuanced needs of financial services catering to niche markets, and he may well position Propelld to scale sustainably in the expanding ed-finance space.

Source: Propelld Names Manoj Shetty as Chief Business Officer (IBS Intelligence)

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Solo Funds Faces Legal Hurdles: The Class-Action Lawsuit Dilemma

In a move that could impact peer-to-peer lending’s regulatory path, Solo Funds faces a class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company’s lending practices breached consumer protection laws. As a platform designed to offer emergency loans to consumers facing cash flow issues, Solo Funds charges “tips” rather than conventional interest rates, a tactic intended to circumvent traditional lending regulations. However, plaintiffs argue that these tips effectively function as disguised interest, making Solo Funds’ practices deceptive and exploitative.

This lawsuit is a critical test for the burgeoning peer-to-peer lending segment, which has grown immensely in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional financial institutions. The outcome may force similar platforms to reassess how they balance operational flexibility with regulatory compliance, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to short-term lending.

With growing scrutiny on fintech lending platforms, the legal proceedings could also open a wider debate on how fintech firms should transparently operate within the bounds of financial laws. If Solo Funds is found liable, it may prompt stricter regulatory frameworks, affecting peer-to-peer platforms that rely on nontraditional models to attract users.

Source: Lending Fintech Solo Funds Faces Class-Action Lawsuit (TechCrunch)


Slice’s Transformation: A Fintech Company’s Foray into Traditional Banking

India-based Slice, originally a credit-based fintech, has announced its transition into a full-fledged bank, allowing it to offer conventional banking services in addition to its credit solutions. By securing regulatory approval to operate as a bank, Slice aims to expand its product range and deepen its relationship with a fast-growing consumer base in India. This move exemplifies a larger trend of fintech firms seeking to bridge the gap between traditional banking and innovative financial services.

Slice’s venture into banking will also set an intriguing precedent for other fintech companies in India and beyond. The company has successfully carved a niche among young users with its simple, digital credit products. As a bank, it can now offer savings accounts, lending products, and other services, thus creating a one-stop platform that could enhance customer retention and lifetime value.

The expansion to full banking status raises questions about how effectively Slice will manage its dual roles as a fintech innovator and a traditional bank, especially in a market as large and complex as India’s. It also marks a pivot point in the narrative of fintech companies morphing into full-service financial institutions, a trend that is gaining traction globally.

Source: India Fintech Slice Expands to Become a Bank (TechCrunch)


FullCircl’s 2025 Identity Verification Report: Insights into Compliance Challenges

FullCircl, a leading regulatory technology provider, recently released its “2025 State of Identity Verification” report, shedding light on the evolving landscape of identity verification and the challenges businesses face in maintaining compliance. As financial crimes become more sophisticated, firms increasingly invest in identity verification tools to stay ahead. According to the report, over 75% of financial institutions rank identity verification as a critical priority, citing the surge in fraudulent activities as a prime concern.

The report also highlights an industry-wide push towards digital identity systems and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting fraud patterns. As regulatory demands tighten and compliance risks rise, firms are urged to adapt swiftly. FullCircl’s findings underscore a need for seamless, real-time verification solutions that do not compromise customer experience—a delicate balance to maintain as identity verification protocols become more stringent.

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The insights from FullCircl’s report reveal a heightened industry focus on ensuring robust identity frameworks that foster trust without hindering the ease of digital transactions. This growing demand aligns with broader trends where digital trust is crucial in retaining customers and enhancing their satisfaction.

Source: FullCircl Releases 2025 State of Identity Verification Report (PR Newswire)

 

 

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