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Aristocrat Reports Strong 2001 Results20 February 2002LAS VEGAS--(Press Release) -- Aristocrat Technologies Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited, is providing for information purposes the following announcement of its parent corporation's annual results. (Please note that monies are indicated in Australian dollars.) Aristocrat Announces Record Profit -- Positioned for Growth The Board of Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:ALL), the parent of Aristocrat Technologies Inc., Las Vegas, announced an after-tax net profit of AUD$86 million (US$45 million) for the year ended Dec. 31, 2001, an increase of 32.6 percent on the corresponding period ended December 2000. Net profit after tax increased 42 percent before amortization of goodwill. Compared to the same period last year: Revenues during the period rose to AUD$778.0 million (US$403 million) up 44.5 percent (excluding the impact of sales tax); International (non-Australian) revenue rose to AUD$418.6 million (US$217 million), up 147 percent; Operating profit before tax was up 31 percent to AUD$127.8 million (US$66.2 million); and Earnings per share rose 24.5 percent to AUD19.1 cents (US9.89 cents). The board has approved a fully franked final dividend of AUD7.5 cents (US3.88 cents) per share, which will be paid on March 19, 2002, to shareholders on the register by 5 p.m., March 5, 2002. This makes a total dividend for the year of AUD12 cents (US6.21 cents) as compared to AUD11 cents (US5.69 cents) for the previous corresponding period. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aristocrat Des Randall said he was pleased to present such a strong result and to report on the company's continuing success. ``During the 12 months in review we have reported record growth rates, made key strategic acquisitions, developed leading technology and entertainment solutions for our global customers and positioned ourselves for further profitable growth,'' Randall said. ``Australia has remained a very important market and has provided Aristocrat with a springboard for international expansion. Despite significant challenges we have maintained our market share in both Australia and New Zealand. ``We have effectively established an entirely new business base from which to grow our United States business and successfully funded and integrated the business of Casino Data Systems. ``Our first year of operation in Japan was an outstanding success, however Japan is entering a difficult economic period and we are not planning for growth to continue at this rate. ``Our strong profitability and the improved strategic mix of our business place us in a unique position to continue to grow in 2002,'' he said. Aristocrat Chairman John Ducker congratulated management and staff for a successful year and reiterated Aristocrat's commitment to creating value for all stakeholders. Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is responsible for all North and South American operations from its headquarters in Las Vegas. With its acquisition of Casino Data Systems in June 2001, Aristocrat now employs a staff of more than 600 and offers a diversified product line that reaches into virtually all facets of the casino floor. In addition to both video and stepper slots, the company provides casino management systems, multi-site progressive (MSP) systems, progressive jackpot meters and customized overhead sign packages. From its worldwide headquarters in Sydney, Australia, Aristocrat pioneered the gaming industry move to video slot technology and continues to demonstrate its mastery of games with higher player appeal in more than 30 countries. |