Chicago Tribune – Game machine maker WMS Industries Inc. said Thursday that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit tumbled 39 percent as higher costs offset improved revenue.
The Waukegan company earned $13.5 million, or 24 cents per share in the quarter that ended June 30, compared with $22.1 million, or 40 cents per share a year earlier.
WMS’ results were hurt by a charge of 4 cents per share related to its pending acquisition by rival Scientific Games Corp., an increase in selling and administrative costs and higher interest expenses.
Revenue rose 4 percent, to $202.8 million. WMS said sales were driven higher by a combination of demand for its new Blade and Gamefield machines and continued strength in its interactive products.
Gaming operation revenue jumped 33 percent to a new quarterly record on an increase in the average number of games installed.
