Aristocrat Leisure Limited has reported a net profit after tax of AU$346m (US$270m) for the six months ended 31 March 2021.

The Australian slot machine group reported AU$412m in normalised net profit after tax, a 12% increase from the prior-year period, and a 6% increase in normalised EBITDA to AU$750m.

Exceptional product performance and customer engagement, together with “stronger than expected consumer sentiment and economic conditions in the United States and ANZ region,” helped drive profit growth, Aristocrat stated.

“These results reflect the fact that we have the right strategy, and made the right choices to sustain our investment in outstanding people and product, customers, talent and culture throughout the Covid-impacted period,” said Aristocrat CEO and Managing Director Trevor Croker.

“As a result, we have continued to take share and maintained our leadership of key gaming markets and segments, while also growing our share in digital games, where we are now a top-five game publisher in tier 1 Western markets.”

The company is scheduled to announce further information on its financial results for the six months ended 31 March 2021 on 24 May 2021.

“We expect economic conditions across key markets over the full year to remain uncertain, as a result of ongoing COVID-driven volatility,” added Croker. “We are closely monitoring key factors including consumer sentiment, gaming venue patronage and currency headwinds.”