Aristocrat records NPATA of AUD1.49bn (US$1.02bn) for year to September 2026
Profit rises 13.6% y/y; final dividend approved and CEO to retire in April 2027
Key Takeaways
- Aristocrat reported NPATA of AUD1.49 billion (US$1.02 billion) for the year to 30 September, a 13.6% increase year-on-year (22.3% in constant currency).
- The board approved a non-assessable final dividend of AUD0.51 per share (AUD302 million), payable 8 December, bringing the full-year dividend to AUD1.01 per share.
- Revenue from continuing operations fell 3.2% to AUD6.09 billion while normalised EBITDA remained just below AUD2.64 billion.
- Trevor Croker intends to retire in April 2027 and Dafne Guisard has been named CEO-elect, pending regulatory approvals.
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd reported net profit after tax and before acquired intangible amortisation (NPATA) of AUD1.49 billion (US$1.02 billion) for the 12 months ended 30 September, up 13.6% on the prior year. On a constant currency basis the increase was 22.3%, the company said in its filing to the Australian Securities Exchange on Thursday.
The board authorised a non-assessable final dividend of AUD0.51 per share, totalling AUD302 million based on shares on issue at the balance sheet date; payment is scheduled for 8 December. The final dividend takes the full-year payout to AUD1.01 per share, an 8.6% increase on the prior year.
Key results and outlook
Reported profit after tax from continuing operations rose 15.2% to AUD1.36 billion. Revenue from continuing operations fell 3.2% year-on-year to AUD6.09 billion. Normalised EBITDA from continuing operations was flat versus the prior year, finishing just below AUD2.64 billion. The company notes normalised results exclude discontinued operations.
Management expects NPATA to grow in constant currency for the year ending 30 September 2027, supported by market share gains in Aristocrat Gaming and Product Madness, and further expansion of online gaming content and iLottery in Aristocrat Interactive.
Segments: Gaming, Product Madness and Interactive
Aristocrat identifies three principal segments: the land-based gaming equipment and content business, Product Madness for social games, and Interactive, which covers gaming systems, iLottery, iGaming and sports wagering, iGaming white-label, and content aggregation. Plarium, the mobile games business sold in the prior year, is classified as discontinued operations.
Aristocrat Gaming, its unit for casino equipment and content, generated revenue of AUD4.02 billion, up 1.5%, and segment profit of AUD2.21 billion, up 2.2%. The North American installed base grew by about 6,500 cabinets to almost 82,000, taking its market share in that region to 39%; new and expanded [casinos](/casino) in Asia, Europe and the UAE were cited as opportunities to win share.
Revenues in Aristocrat Gaming’s "rest of world" business — which includes slot machine sales in Asia-Pacific — rose 3.7% to AUD844.2 million, while segment profit increased 10.3% to AUD379.0 million. Outside Australia and New Zealand unit sales declined slightly due to lower volumes in Latin America; average selling price rose 8%, driven by the mix of cabinets sold in Asia.
Aristocrat noted in July that new casino openings and expansions in Asia, Europe and the United Arab Emirates presented opportunities to gain market share.
Product Madness and Interactive
Social casino revenues at Product Madness grew 2.2% to US$1.08 billion, and segment profit rose 7.0% to US$521.4 million. Direct-to-consumer sales represented 27% of social casino revenues for the year, rising to 30% in the second half.
Aristocrat Interactive recorded revenues (including its joint-venture share) of US$457.2 million, up 3.4%, driven by online gaming content and iLottery. However, segment profit fell 6.2% to US$122.6 million; the company cited exit from the white-label business and acquisition-related investment as factors behind margin decline.
Balance sheet and governance
Aristocrat’s net debt was AUD1.13 billion at 30 September, compared with AUD423.3 million a year earlier. The company said share buybacks reduced cash balances. Net debt to consolidated EBITDA was 0.4 times, versus 0.2 times the prior year.
Trevor Croker, chief executive officer and managing director of Aristocrat, said in prepared remarks:
"The company delivered a high-quality result driven by our leading content and exceptional execution, resulting in market share gains across key segments and channels".
"Second half product launches across Gaming and Interactive are providing clear momentum into financial year 2027, while Product Madness continues to deliver growth in a declining market", Croker added.
In a separate statement on Thursday, Aristocrat announced Trevor Croker intends to retire in April 2027. The board has appointed Dafne Guisard as CEO-elect to succeed him, subject to necessary regulatory approvals.
Aristocrat Gaming and Product Madness are identified as the key units underpinning the company’s growth forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Aristocrat’s NPATA for the year ended 30 September?
NPATA was AUD1.49 billion, equivalent to US$1.02 billion, for the 12 months ended 30 September; the increase was 13.6% year-on-year and 22.3% in constant currency.
What final dividend did the board approve and when is it payable?
The board approved a non-assessable final dividend of AUD0.51 per share, totalling AUD302 million, payable on 8 December; the full-year dividend is AUD1.01 per share.
What leadership changes did Aristocrat announce?
Trevor Croker has signalled his intention to retire in April 2027 and the board appointed Dafne Guisard as CEO-elect to succeed him, subject to regulatory approvals.
How did the Gaming and social casino segments perform?
Aristocrat Gaming grew revenue 1.5% to AUD4.02 billion with segment profit up 2.2%, while Product Madness saw social casino revenue rise 2.2% to US$1.08 billion and segment profit increase 7.0% to US$521.4 million.
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Emilio Navarro
Industry Technology Correspondent
Emilio Navarro covers the cross-cutting technology and business of iGaming — platforms, data and AI, compliance tooling, affiliate marketing, financial results, and the stories that fit no single rubric. The reports open with the announcement, cite vendors and figures exactly as published, and keep a healthy distance from press-release language. When a supplier unveils a new engine or the advertising rulebook changes, Emilio Navarro reports what genuinely changes.
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