(Jamma) The Novomatic Group, an Austrian company that operates worldwide, closes the first half of 2013 marked by investments in new markets and new hires. Indeed, the last period has been characterized by the acquisitions of gaming companies operating on the British and Italian markets. These operations have obviously led to a decline in profits. The company, which operates primarily as a gaming machine manufacturer, has been impacted by extremely adverse foreign exchange effects in Latin America. A significant increase in personnel costs has also been recorded in the last period. Revenues from sales in the first half amounted to 817 million euros (against 743 in 2012) and include the segment of the sale and rental of gaming machines and that of betting and gaming operations. Operating profit rose from 170 million in 2012 to 133,4 million in 2013. Operating costs, as we said, recorded an increase from 231 to 270 million euro. Personnel-related costs amounted to 207 million against the 166 million recorded in the first half of 2012. Hence the 40% drop in net profit (from 111 million to 66 million). Free cash flow amounted to 11,6 million euros, down almost 82 percent compared to the same period of 2012 (63,1 million euros).
Novomatic employs 14.654 people at the end of June, or 9,8 percent more than in 2012.
