Australian slot machine giant Aristocrat Leisure Ltd has reported a 71.0% decline in net profit after tax in the six months to 31 March 2021 to AU$395.9 million, impacted by costs associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic.
However, EBITDA grew 6.0% year-on-year to AU$750.3 million on revenue of AU$2.23 billion – down just 1.0% compared with first six months of the 2020 financial year.
Aristocrat said in its 1H21 results announcement, released early Monday morning, that its results were largely driven by growth in digital, which saw revenue grow 14.3% to AU$1.19 billion and segment profit by 35.1% to AU$401.8 million.
In its land-based business, segment revenue in Australia and New Zealand grew 1.7% to AU$209.1 million but fell 11.1% in the Americas to AU$810.2 million.
Aristocrat reported normalised profit after tax and before amortisation of AU$411.6 million, up 11.8% year-on-year.
“The outstanding momentum we’ve delivered this half reflects our unwavering focus on the things we can control, which lies at the heart of our proven growth strategy,” said Aristocrat CEO and Managing Director, Trevor Croker.
“Despite the uncertainties driven by COVID-19, we have maintained investment in the best people, talent, technology and product portfolios, and taken conscious decision ns to accelerate implementation of our strategy.
“The results are reflected in the share growth and margin expansion achieved across our Digital and key gaming segments in the six months to 31 March 2021, and the double digit increase in normalized Group NPATA delivered in the same period.
“We expect uncertain and volatile conditions to continue near term and we are closely monitoring key factors including consumer sentiment and gaming venue patronage.
“Nevertheless, we enter the second half of fiscal 2021 with excellent momentum, resilience, and confidence with a strong balance sheet to continue to invest organically to grow share and accelerate growth through M&A in line with our rigorous criteria.”
Aristocrat announced a dividend of AU$0.15 per share, to be paid on Friday 2 July 2021.
