Australian gambling machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure had a strong year, posting a profit of $1.6 billion, up 12%, helped by the full-year inclusion of NeoGames. The increase was partly offset by higher corporate costs, including legal expenses, lower interest income, and a higher effective tax rate.
Market Share Up 43%
The company experienced significant growth in its gaming operations, particularly in outright sales, with notable gains in North America and the Australia-New Zealand region.
Aristocrat’s installed gaming base grew by 4,100 net units over the year to 75,225, and market share rose to 43%. Fee per day improved to $53.23, a 2% sequential growth in the second half, demonstrating the company’s ability to maintain strong operational performance even as the business expanded.
Sales revenue climbed 11%, driven by unit growth and share gains in key markets. A major factor behind this was the launch of the Baron cabinet, along with the debut of the Spooky Link game, which achieved the fastest ramp-up of any game in Aristocrat’s history.
“Investing for the Future”
Chief executive officer Trevor Croker highlighted the results, saying, “We delivered on our second half performance commitments, and achieved a strong Group result for the full year, with double digit growth across most key metrics. This illustrates the quality of Aristocrat’s portfolio and ability to grow through different operating environments while also investing for the future.”
Croker also noted that 2025 was “a period of positive transition” for the company, which included divesting Plarium and, after year-end, Big Fish Games. From the 2026 financial year onward, Aristocrat’s Product Madness mobile operations will focus exclusively on social casino games.
The company continued to invest in technology and product development, laying the groundwork for future growth in Aristocrat Interactive.
Croker explained their “three complementary business segments are united by a common core of great gaming content and technology, each offering exciting growth prospects.”
“We also continue to actively pursue strategic M&A opportunities in a disciplined and consistent manner.”, he added. Sustainability remained a priority, with a focus on Safer Play and meeting global reporting standards. Shareholders benefited from $1.4 billion returned through dividends and share buybacks.