Why International Game Technology Didn't Hit the Jackpot in 2012

The year 2012 is nearing its end, and now's a good opportunity to look at what happened throughout the year to the stocks you follow. If you know the important things that a company achieved, as well as any challenges it failed to overcome, then you can make a better decision about whether it really deserves a spot in your portfolio.

Today, I'll look at International Game Technology (NYS: IGT) . The company is certainly involved in some big jackpots, thanks to its production of casino gaming equipment and lottery terminals. But shareholders weren't winners in 2012 as the company's stock struggled. Below, you'll find more to explain what happened with shares of International Game Technology this year.

Stats on International Game Technology

Source: S&P Capital IQ.

Why did International Game Technology crap out in 2012?
Like many gaming-related stocks, the slowdown in China really hurt International Game Technology this year. For instance, in its fiscal third quarter, its earnings dropped despite posting revenue gains, as fears about Macau caused a big sell-off after the news. Given the company's reliance on MGM Resorts (NYS: MGM) and other big casino companies to place its slot machines and other gaming equipment, it needs consistent growth to keep revenue coming in.

But one big event that has big ramifications for International Game Technology's future came from its winning an online gaming license in the state of Nevada. Despite the fact that Las Vegas Sands (NYS: LVS) has spoken out against online poker and could choose not to participate online, most of its gaming peers would love to see Nevada's move spread to offer legalized national gaming. In addition, socially-savvy Zynga (NAS: ZNGA) has indicated that it would benefit greatly from a move toward real-money gaming in its offerings.

Still, International Game Technology has faced fierce competition and will continue to do so. Rival Bally Technologies (NYS: BYI) also received a Nevada online license, so the former won't have the field to itself. More importantly, with consumers feeling the pinch of a slow recovery, reduced casino spending could crimp growth prospects.

International Game Technology is reasonably priced and pays a respectable dividend. But the stock isn't a sure bet even after its 2012 decline.

Can Zynga invade the casino industry?
International Game Technology has the inside edge on online gaming, but Zynga is desperately seeking any way it can to recover from its post-IPO death spiral. Find out whether Zynga can recover by reading our premium research report on the social-gaming giant. Don't even think about picking up shares before you read what our top analysts have to say about Zynga. Click here to access your copy.

Click here to add International Game Technology to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

The article Why International Game Technology Didn't Hit the Jackpot in 2012 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Caplinger has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. You can follow him on Twitter @DanCaplinger. The Motley Fool has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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