S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) is grabbing a lot of investor interest today.
This comes after the gaming company announced an extension of its US$1.5 billion (AU$2.3 billion) share buyback program.
After closing up 8.2% yesterday following the release of the company's September quarter results, Light & Wonder shares are up 0.2% in morning trade on Friday, changing hands for $125.04 each.
Here's what's happening with the share buyback.
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ASX 200 stock expands repurchases to ASX
Light & Wonder announced the expansion of its share repurchase program from US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion on 31 July.
Today, the ASX 200 stock reported that the buyback will now include its CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) on the ASX. Management said the company still has around US$705 million in repurchase capacity.
Goldman Sachs Australia was appointed as the broker for ASX CDI repurchase, which is authorised to run through 12 June 2027.
Light & Wonder is in the process of delisting from the Nasdaq to focus on its ASX 200 stock listing.
Commenting on the move, Light & Wonder executive vice president Oliver Chow said:
Subject to capacity remaining under the Share Repurchase Program, L&W intends to continue the buy-back of ASX-listed CDIs after it delists from the Nasdaq and converts to an ASX standard listing.
What's been happening with Light & Wonder shares?
As mentioned up top, Light & Wonder shares enjoyed a big boost on Thursday following the release of the company's September quarter results.
Highlights for the ASX 200 stock over the quarter included a 3% year-on-year increase in consolidated revenue to $841 million.
Net income of $114 million was up 78%, while adjusted net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) increased by 25% to $153 million. And the company reported free cash flow of $136 million, up 64% year on year.
Commenting on the strong results for the ASX 200 stock, Light & Wonder CEO Matt Wilson said:
I want to thank all stakeholders for their continued support, as we work toward completion of our transition to a sole primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange ('ASX'), where we've been listed since 2022. This move simplifies our listing structure for shareholders and further enhances Light & Wonder's profile within a Gaming-attuned Australian market.
Our R&D engine continues to deliver world-class content, reflected in another strong quarter for Gaming operations and record iGaming performance. We are reinvesting in the business to drive long-term sustained growth, as evidenced by the number and quality of new games and hardware showcased at this year's G2E.
