AGEM releases February 2016 index

The composite index stood at 197.00 at the close of the month, which represents an increase of 8.54 points, or 4.5%, when compared to January 2016. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the fifth consecutive month, rising 4.29 points, or 2.2%, when compared to February 2015.

During the latest period, eight of the 14 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month gains in stock price, with two up by more than 50% and another up by more than 40%. Of the six manufacturers reporting declines in stock price during the month, only one was down by more than 10%.

The broader stock markets experienced continued volatility and lackluster performances in February. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reported a modest increase month-to-month, rising 0.3% to 16,516.50. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ both reported month-to-month declines in February. The S&P 500 fell 0.4% to 1,932.23, while NASDAQ declined 1.2% to 4,557.95.

Selected positive contributors to the February 2016 AGEM Index included the following:

• — With a stock price of $8.51 (+43.8%), Scientific Games Corporation (SGMS) contributed 3.69 points.
• — Konami Corp. (9766) reported a stock price of ¥2,739 (-1.0%) and contributed 1.47 points (changes in foreign currency exchange rates between periods impacted the composite score).
• — Astro Corp. (3064) contributed 1.16 points, due to a 109.2% increase in stock price to NT$41.00.

Selected negative contributors included the following:

• — With a stock price of $7.07 (-12.0%), Daktronics, Inc. (DAKT) contributed negative 0.43 points.
• —INTRALOT S.A. (INLOT) contributed negative 0.13 points, due to a 5.0% decline in stock price to EUR 1.13.