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Aristocrat Outlook Very Bright on International Gamble

"The Australian company said it expects a `very, very strong' finish to the calendar year, after recording a record first half net profit of $31.6 million, up 16.2 per cent.

"…Aristocrat chief executive Des Randall said he was `not uncomfortable' with analysts projections of a full year net profit of around $85 million, which is 30 per cent higher than last year's $64.87 million result.

"…Mr Randall said 45 per cent of the company's total revenue came from overseas markets, with international revenue skyrocketing 73 per cent on last year.

"The company, which had aimed for a 50 per cent international revenue target by 2003, now expected the figure to be closer to 70 per cent by then, he said.

"…Most of the growth in the first half came from the US, where Aristocrat recently bought Casino Data Systems for $325 million, and Japan, which sold 9375 units worth $48.6 million, with a full year target of 35,000 units.

"Aristocrat already had its eye on aggressively entering several emerging markets, including South America, South Africa and South East Asia.

"…He said China, Taiwan and the United Kingdom were all potentially massive markets, but still needed to be regulated.

"…Back home, however, revenue for the six months to June 30, 2001 was flat, although Aristocrat continued to grow its domestic market share, Mr Randall said…"

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