SANKYO Co. reported mixed results in its latest quarter as traditional pachinko machine sales declined while its slot machine business showed robust growth.
The Tokyo-based gaming equipment maker’s slot machine division posted a 194% jump in operating profit to 32.5 billion yen ($218 million) for the nine months through December. Unit sales more than doubled to 113,000 machines from 51,000 a year earlier, driven by popular titles like “L-Pachislot Kaguya-sama” and strong recurring sales of older models.
However, the company’s main pachinko business saw revenue drop 38% to 80.2 billion yen as unit sales fell to 167,000 machines from 260,000. The division’s operating profit declined 41% to 33.7 billion yen.
Overall revenue decreased 9.9% to 153.7 billion yen while operating profit fell 4.3% to 62.4 billion yen. The company maintained its full-year forecast for a 4.6% decline in sales to 190 billion yen.
SANKYO cited growing demand for its smart pachislot machines and said its November release “eFever Karakuri Circus 2” continues to perform well. The company has increased production of multiple titles to meet market demand.
