A 25 per cent jump in product sales revenues saw total revenues at US-based manufacturer WMS rise 13 per cent to a record $187.5m in the three months to September 30.
Product sales revenues reached $111.2m as global new unit shipments increased 10 per cent to 5,338 units and the average selling price increased 10 per cent to a record $16,504 per unit. This, the company said, reflected the strong demand for its new Bluebird xD gaming machines, which accounted for 35 per cent of total new unit shipments.
Consequently, WMS’ gross profits for the period increased six per cent to $115.9m. Net income stood at $19.5m, which included a $3.8m pre-tax charge related to the closure of its main European facility in the Netherlands, compared with $19.8m in the previous year.
"Fiscal 2011 first quarter total revenues and product sales revenues rose to record first quarter levels as strong demand for our new Bluebird xD gaming machine contributed to our ability to overcome the challenging industry environment for replacement unit sales," said Brian Gamache, chairman and chief executive officer.
"WMS is on track to achieve year-over-year gains in revenue and operating margin in fiscal 2011, based on our strong pipeline of innovative new products that deliver value to gaming operators and our continuous improvement initiatives that we expect to drive higher margins this fiscal year."
