Supplier News

US – AGEM Index posts impressive increase in July

By Phil - 9 August 2016

The AGEM Index posted an impressive increase in July 2016 after gaining 4.67 points in June 2016.

The composite index stood at 294.68 at the close of the month, which represents an increase of 34.67 points, or 13.3 percent, when compared to June 2016. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the ninth consecutive month, rising 92.78 points, or 46 per cent, when compared to July 2015.

During the latest period, eight of the 14 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month increases in stock price, with four up by more than 10 percent. Five manufacturers reported decreases in stock price during the month, while Intralot remained flat.

The broader stock markets reported positive results in July 2016 as well. The S&P 500 reported a month-to-month increase of 3.6 percent, rising to 2173.60. Additionally, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.8 percent to 18,432.24. NASDAQ increased 6.9 percent during the period, rising to 5,162.13.

Aristocrat (ALL) reported a stock price of AU$15.94 (up 15.5 percent) and contributed 20.38 points.

International Gaming Technology (IGT) contributed 5.23 points due to a 11.5 per cent increase in stock price to $20.90.
With a stock price of $62.30 (up 9.8 per cent), Crane Co. (CR) contributed 3.86 points.

With a stock price of $0.29 (minus 6.5 per cent), Galaxy Gaming Inc. (GLXZ) contributed negative 0.01 points.

Transact Technologies (TACT) contributed negative 0.03 points due to a 4.5 per cent decline in stock price to $7.66.

Astro Corp. (Taiwan: 3064) reported a stock price of NT$36.45 (minus 2.3 per cent) and contributed negative 0.01 points.

A number of industry manufacturers released financial results for the second quarter of 2016 in recent weeks. Selected company highlights below suggest mostly positive results for key players in the industry.

International Gaming Technology (IGT) reported total revenue of $1,285m in the second quarter of 2016, which represents an increase of one per cent compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Bright spots included growth in IGT’s lottery business in North America and Italy and service revenues. Global lottery revenue, excluding Italy, grew 6 percent on a same store basis while lottery wagers in Italy increased eight per cent. Gaming service revenue also expanded 5 percent in the second quarter despite a lower global installation base.

Agilysys (AGYS) reported fiscal year 2017 quarter one revenues of $31m, up 12.7 per cent over the prior year. Subscription based revenue helped drive these positive results, increasing 30 percent year over year. Agilysys continues to focus on growing its business in recurring revenue streams such as its subscription based services. Total contract value of bookings for subscription based business increased 250 percent year over year and recurring revenue continues to be a larger portion of Agilysys’ revenue mix.

Scientific Games (SGMS) reported revenue for the second quarter of 2016 of $729.2m, which represents a gain of 5 percent over the same period of the prior year. Gaming machine sales revenue was up 11 per cent to $154.4m as Scientific Games sold 7,668 new machines in the last quarter. The North American market was particularly strong as sales increased 17 per cent year on year. Despite the strong performance in gaming machines, gaming operations experienced a two per cent decline due to a reduction in the installed base of WAP, premium, and daily-fee participation games. Lottery revenue expanded 7.2 per cent despite the expiration of Scientific’s China Sports Lottery contract. Scientific Games continues to lead the market in instant games with revenues of $150.9m in the second quarter of 2016. Finally, interactive gaming revenue experienced growth of 62 percent to $83.4m. The success of the unit indicates the popularity of social games and apps that are a burgeoning portion of Scientific’s portfolio. Scientific Games also named Kevin Sheehan as the new CEO and President; Sheehan comes from Norwegian Cruise Line. President Gavin Isaacs was named Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Transact Technologies (TACT) reported a year over year decline in revenues of 14 per cent as second quarter revenues totaled $14.8m. Transact Technologies’ casino and gaming revenues fell 29 per cent from $7.2m in the second quarter of 2015 to $5.2m. This decline was primarily due to lower sales of domestic and international printers and the company experienced no new installations of its Epicentral software system.