The AGEM index, a measure of the stock prices of a range of casino technology suppliers, fell by 194.49 points to 1,621.50 in February, a 10.7-percent decline from the prior month. Compared to a year ago, the February AGEM index fell 8.9 percent, or 159.12 points.
During February, eight of the nine AGEM Index companies reported stock price decreases, which resulted in only one positive contribution to the index, said its publisher, the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM).
The largest negative contributor to last month’s index was Australia-listed slot machine specialist and online content provider Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. Its 10.2-percent decrease in stock price led to a 71.94-point loss to the index.
Japan-listed Konami Group Corp saw its stock price decline by 7.3 percent, leading to a 53.04-point decrease for the February index. The group supplies slot machines and casino floor management systems via its Konami Gaming Inc and Konami Australia Pty Ltd units.
The lone positive contributor to the index was Australian slot machine maker Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd, with its 1.4-percent increase in stock price resulting in a 0.12-point gain to the AGEM Index.
In February, two of the three major U.S. stock indices declined from the prior month. The Nasdaq fell by 3.4 percent over the month, while the S&P 500 experienced a 0.9-percent loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.2 percent relative to January.
AGEM represents manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, lotteries, and components for the gaming industry.
The association began compiling data for the index in January 2005 using a base of 100 points. The stocks that constitute the AGEM Index are weighted by approximate market capitalisation.
