Japan Cash Machine Co Ltd, also known as JCM Global, reported a net profit attributable to owners of nearly JPY1.59 billion (US$10.0 million) for the April to June period, versus JPY76 million in the prior fiscal-year period, it said in an earnings statement issued on Thursday.

Ordinary profit leapt to nearly JPY1.87 billion, up 615.2 percent year-on-year, “due to the recording of foreign exchange gains resulting from the depreciation of the [Japanese] yen,” the firm said.

That was on group net sales that rose 35.1 percent year-on-year, to JPY10.28 billion, during the reporting quarter.

JCM, a firm listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, makes machines that validate banknotes and handle currency, as well as manufacturing printers for casino gaming machines and other gaming hardware-related devices.

Net sales in the group’s global gaming business totalled JPY7.57 billion, up 53.4 percent year-on-year, and segment profit amounted to nearly JPY2.10 billion, a 97.7-percent increase from a year earlier, “mainly due to an increase in sales of bill validator units and printer units for gaming machines in North America”.

JCM also stated regarding the global gaming segment, which it called the group’s “primary” market: “Capital investment in gaming areas at casino hotels and other facilities remained at a high level, particularly in North America, and demand remained firm.”

The technology supplier added: “In the international commercial [gaming] market, demand showed signs of recovery as inventory adjustments in Europe, which had been observed in the previous fiscal year, came to an end.”

Nonetheless, JCM observed that in the three months to June 30, the global economy had faced “uncertain conditions” due to “persistently high prices of materials and components against the backdrop of developments in U.S. trade policy and heightened tensions in the Middle East, as well as the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates”.

JCM also issued its forecast for group-wide financial performance for the six months to September 30.

It anticipates net sales of JPY20.2 billion, which would represent a 36.7-percent gain year-on-year. It forecasts interim ordinary profit at JPY2.30 billion, up 127.4 percent from the prior-year period; and an interim net profit attributable to the owners of JPY1.60 billion, which would represent a 51.3-percent decline year-on-year.

The firm noted it expects to pay JPY23.00 per share as an interim dividend, and a further JPY23.00 per share at year end, taking the total payout for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, to JPY46.00 per share.