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WIKI ANALYSIS
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) makes slot machines and other electronic casino games. IGT sells the majority of its products directly to casinos and produces nearly 70% of slot machines in North America.[1][2] The company also develops and sells casino network systems, including Central Determination System (CDS) machines that connect casino games to a central server that determines the outcome of a specific game and the IGT Advantage Casino System that integrates operations such as machine accounting and table game automation.[3]
Shaky consumer confidence has sent the Applied Analysis Gaming Index, which includes casino operators and gaming machine manufacturers, down by 15.7 percent in January 2008, and IGT's stock dropped 6.78% during this time.[4]
The number of casino games sold by IGT dropped 2005-2007, and most revenue growth came from the company's casino network systems and other technology that helps casinos manages games and tables rom a central location.[5] Although IGT has offices internationally - including the fast-growing gambling spot in Macau, the vast majority of sales come from North America.[6]
IGT competes with WMS Industries (WMS) and Shuffle Master (SHFL) in the casino gaming industry.[7] IGT acquired Digideal Corporation in June 2007 (for $31.2 million), WagerWorks in August 2005 (for $89.1 million), and Anchor Gaming in December 2001 (for $1,323.9 million).[8]
Business Overview
| Years ending September 30 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
| Revenues ($ in millions) | |||
| Gaming Operations | 1,361.2 | 1,251.4 | 1,198.5 |
| Product Sales | 1,260.3 | 1,260.2 | 1,180.9 |
| Total Revenues | 2,621.4 | 2,511.7 | 2,378.4 |
| Operating Income | 800.3 | 725.1 | 663.7 |
International Game Technology's 8% increase on gaming operations from 2006 to 2007 reflects its growing emphasis on the more technological aspects of the casino gaming industry. Although its sales of electronic gaming machines remained the same, fiscal 2007 saw an increase in research and development, along with a growing emphasis on network systems. International Game Technology's investment in R&D increased to $202.2 million in fiscal 2007, from $188.5 million in 2006 and $138.4 million in 2005.[10]
Business Segments
- Gaming machines (70% of 2007 sales)
- Video and Spinning Reel Machines (58%) include slots, video poker, video reel, and other other traditional electronic gaming machines. IGT is the world's largest manufacturer of slot machines by market share and had 2007 sales of $1,520.42 million in this segment.[1][3]
- AWP & Pachisuro Machines (12%): IGT sells Amusement with Prize games (which incorporate limited payouts and feature elements of skill and strategy) mostly in Europe.[3] Pachisuro machines, which are simpler versions of American slots, are mostly popular in Japan. In 2007, this segment totaled 314.57 million in sales. [3]
- Network Systems & Licensing (15%): The increase in the component of network systems and licensing provides another example of IGT's emphasis on research and development. These include systems such as the Wide Area Progressive (WAP) jackpot systems, which link machines across several casinos in a specific region, and the IGT Mariposa systems, which provide analytical, predictive, and management tools to maximize the effectiveness of casino operations. In 2007, IGT made approximately $393.21 million from Network Systems & Licensing.[3]
- Parts & Conversions (14%): This segment consists of game conversion kits and replacement parts sold by IGT. Casino operators purchase conversion kits in order to update old and possibly outdated machines. IGT sells the extra parts to casinos as replacements for broken parts from IGT's machines. $367 million of IGT's revenue from 2007 came from the sale of parts and conversions.[3]
Key Trends and Forces
Economic cycles that decrease disposable income hurts gambling industry
People tend to go to casinos only when they feel they have enough disposable income.[12] Shaky consumer confidence has sent the Applied Analysis Gaming Index, which includes casino operators and gaming machine manufacturers, down by 15.7 percent in January 2008. IGT's stock dropped 6.78% from December 2007 to January 2008.[13]
There is also evidence to the contrary. Gambling has been considered rescession-proof for many decades. It seems when a person is down on his luck, he is much more willing to gamble. In 'tourist' casinos like Las Vegas, one can expect a drop in attadance. This is due to the fact that people have to fly there. It is more of a vacation so people tend to vacation less when money is tight. In 'local' casinos, there has been almost no notice in attendance drop. Many casinos, espcially in Florida, have seen increases. This is due to the fact that players are from the area and gamble on a regular basis. For example, the revenue for poker and lotteries is at a all time high and still increasing.
Governments moving toward more favorable gambling regulations
Since IGT deals with casino-related electronic gaming products, it can only operate in regions that have legalized gaming.[12] Jurisdictions in Florida, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Indiana, Washington and California have legalized gambling and more governments abroad are following the trend as well. IGT expects growth in its business in markets in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia in fiscal 2008. [14]
Gaming industry is moving toward technology in IGT's expertise
The gaming industry is adopting newer centrally managed systems, such as IGT's Wide Area Progressive (WAP) network systems that link machines across several casinos in a given region, greatly simplifying casino operation.[12] International Game Technology's investment in R&D increased to $202.2 million in fiscal 2007, up from $188.5 million in 2006 and $138.4 million in 2005.[10]
Customer preferences shifting towards electronic casino games
Similarly to technological advancement, customers' constantly changing tastes can render certain gaming products obsolete.[12] Many hardcore gamers prefer table games like blackack. The average table games player brings $400 to a casino to gamble, while the average slot machines player brings $40. The table games players are more educated than the average slots players which is indicated by the higher income level. Slot machines continue to grow in popularity and thus have begun to require more and more floorspace in casinos worldwide, which helps the business of IGT, the world's leader in slot machine manufacturing.[1]
Competition
IGT competes with Bally Technologies in slot machine production and Multimedia Games in casino security systems.[7] Two of its more generalized competitors are:
- WMS Industries (WMS) is an American electronic gaming company that initially specialized in the manufacturing of pinball machines. Since then, WMS has added popular casino slot machines such as Reel 'em In and Jackpot Party to its list of products. With these games, WMS Industries competes with IGT in the manufacture of electronic gaming products, although it is also a competitor of IGT in gaming operations.[15]
- Shuffle Master (SHFL): Shuffle Master makes automatic card shufflers, roulette chip sorters, and similar gaming supplies. Shuffle Master also produces electronic gaming machines and systems for casinos.[16]
- GTech Holdings (private): GTech Holdings is a private company that competes with IGT in the production of network systems for casinos worldwide. Its chief products include Single Source Provider network systems. These systems let casinos manage a large number of machines under a single network. As such, GTech's products compete with systems like the CDS machines from IGT.[17]
IGT and Key Competitors 2007
($ in millions)
| Company | 2007 Revenue (Total) | 2007 Revenue (Electronic Gaming Machines) | 2007 Revenue (Gaming Operations) | Market Cap |
| International Game Technology (IGT) | 2,621 | 492 | 1,235 | 14,353 |
| WMS Industries (WMS) | 540 | 317 | 174 | 1,712 |
| Shuffle Master (SHFL) | 179 | 39 | 27 | 569 |
| GTech Holdings (private) | 1,294 | N/A | N/A | 4,446 |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 International Gaming Technology: Clear Leader in a High-Growth Industry - Seeking Alpha
- ↑ Morningstar Analyst Report
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 3
- ↑ ReviewJournal.com: Casino-stock index declines during January
- ↑ IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 28
- ↑ IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 13
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Google Finance: IGT Related Companies
- ↑ IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 5
- ↑ IGT 2007 10-K, Item 6: Selected Financial Data, page 23
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 6
- ↑ IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 4
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1A: Risk Factors, page 18
- ↑ ReviewJournal.com: Casino-stock index declines during January
- ↑ IGT 2007 10-K, Item 1: Business, page 10
- ↑ WMS Industries: About WMS
- ↑ Shuffle Master, Inc.: About Shuffle Master
- ↑ GTech Corporation: About GTech
- ↑ Google Finance IGT
- ↑ Google Finance WMS
- ↑ Google Finance SHFL
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