Aristocrat Gaming Posts AUD1.06 Billion Segment Profit in First Half

(AsiaGameHub) –   Aristocrat Leisure Ltd reported higher first-half profit for the period ended March 31, 2026, with growth supported by gaming revenue, cost control measures, and a litigation settlement that had already been communicated to investors.

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Key Highlights

• Net Profit After Tax and Before Amortisation (NPATA) increased 8.4% to AUD794.0 million, or 16.3% on a constant currency basis.
• EBITDA from continuing operations reached AUD1.32 billion.
• The board approved an interim unfranked dividend of AUD0.50 per share.

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The Aristocrat board authorised an interim unfranked dividend of AUD0.50 per share, equivalent to AUD301 million based on shares issued as of the financial statements date. The dividend record date is May 26, with payment scheduled for July 1.

Net profit after tax and before amortisation of acquired intangibles amounted to AUD794.0 million, up from AUD732.6 million in the prior year. At the stated exchange rate, this equates to US$574.4 million.

Gaming Remained the Core Profit Driver

Aristocrat recorded consolidated revenue of AUD3.03 billion for the half-year. On a reported currency basis, revenue dipped 0.2%, while constant currency growth stood at 6.4%. EBITDA from continuing operations rose 5.6% on a reported basis and 13.1% in constant currency.

Gaming generated segment profit of AUD1.06 billion, marking a 3.0% increase, on revenue of AUD1.96 billion. The rest of world gaming segment—which includes casino slot machine sales across Asia-Pacific—produced AUD403.7 million in revenue, up 18.3%. EBITDA in this category climbed 22.0% to AUD184.1 million, despite a decline in unit shipments to 2,799 from 2,964.

Aristocrat now reports under three main divisions: gaming, Product Madness, and interactive. The interactive division encompasses gaming systems, iLottery, iGaming and sports betting, white-label iGaming platforms, content offerings, and aggregation services. The company restructured its digital reporting framework during the financial year ending September 30, 2025.

Net debt was AUD948.6 million as of March 31, representing a 123.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Analysts Donald Carducci and Michael James from JP Morgan Securities Australia Ltd highlighted one notable item in the results: “Worth noting is the AUD45 million of litigation settlement proceeds.”

The proceeds stemmed from intellectual property litigation involving Dragon Train against Light & Wonder Inc. The analysts clarified that this figure was recorded above the line, had already been disclosed at the February annual general meeting update, and was included in their estimates.

Trevor Croker, chief executive and managing director of Aristocrat, commented:

“Aristocrat delivered a strong first half, demonstrating clear progress across all business areas and gaining market share in key segments.”

He further added:

“Our earnings growth reflects disciplined execution, robust revenue momentum across our portfolio, and continued emphasis on efficiency and operational leverage.”

Aristocrat also announced the proposed appointment of Michael Rumbolz as a non-executive director, effective July 1, subject to regulatory approvals. Rumbolz previously served as executive chairman of Everi Holdings Inc until July of the prior year and currently serves as a director of Vici Properties Inc and on the board of managers of Seminole Hard Rock International, LLC.

Croker stated:

“Michael brings more than 45 years of industry experience within the gaming sector, and we are honoured to welcome someone of his expertise to the Aristocrat board.”