Aristocrat Leisure half-year profit jumps

ralian slot machine maker Aristocrat Leisure reported a strong rise in net profit for the first half of the year, after strong growth in its Americas business.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) was A$249.8m (US$187m) in 17H1, up 56.9% from A$159.1m in the prior-year period.

Revenue rose 21.6% to A$1.2bn in the first half of the year, up from A$1bn in 2016, whilst EBITDA increased 34% to A$498.9m.

“This result reflected the strong performance delivered across the group’s global portfolio, particularly growth in Aristocrat Leisure’s Americas, digital and international Class III business, supported by sustained momentum in Australia,” said the firm in a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange.

The company’s strong growth in its Americas business drove a A$64.7m improvement in post-tax profit compared to the prior period, while large scale openings in Philippines, Malaysia and South Africa drove up international business to A$132m.

Trevor Croker, CEO of Aristocrat, said: “Aristocrat’s strong balance sheet, improving debt ratios and substantial liquidity position provides us with ample flexibility for continued investment… consistent with our strategy and shareholder’s interests.”

The company also confirmed its profit expectations for the full year ending 30 September. According to the filing, Aristocrat says it expects growth in normalised NPAT to be in the range of 20-30% compared to the 2016 full year.