Positive contributors during March included Konami, WMS Industries, IGT and Global Cash Access

As of March 2009, the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Index rose modestly to 59.30, which represented an increase of 3.19 points (5.7 percent) from the 56.11 value reported at the close of February 2009.  

According to the association’s monthly report (PDF) that comprises 16 global gaming suppliers throughout the world, while the overall index remains soft, the majority of global gaming suppliers reported rising stock values this month. Selected positive contributors included:

• Konami (KNM) that contributed 0.96 points to the index driven by a 9.11 percent increase in its stock valuation;
• WMS Industries (WMS) that added 0.83 points to the index due to a 15.33 percent increase in its stock valuation;
• International Game Technologies (IGT) that was up 4.45 percent and contributed 0.63 points; and
• Global Cash Access (GCA) that contributed .54 points to the index driven by a 35.94 percent increase in its stock valuation.

The AGEM Index goes on to say that while broader market concerns continue to affect the sector, negative contributions were reported by a few suppliers. Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) contributed 0.18 points to the index caused by an 8.09 percent decrease in its stock valuation, while Bally Technologies (BYI) contributed 0.05 points to the index.

Conditions in the gaming and tourism industry and speculation of high-profile restructurings for selected operators continue to play an integral role in the performance of the global gaming supplies. Navigating through the economic conditions of individual markets will be important in equipment manufacturers’ ability to bouce back from the losses incurred since the Index’s peak 13‐months ago, the Index concludes.