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Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX:ALL) has generated a net profit of $52.5 million in the first half, an 11.2 per cent increase on the same period a year ago.

 

The board has approved an interim dividend of 7 cents per share and determined to increase its target payout ratio of 60 to 80 per cent of net profit after tax.

 

CEO Jamie Odell says the half year result is the company’s fourth consecutive period of double-digit growth, including strong operational led by gaming and cost-cutting.

 

Mr Odell says Aristocrat is likely to deliver continued growth in its full year result, offset by an expected increase in investment.

 

Aristocrat saw a drop in operating cash flow of 40.8 per cent, reflecting a decrease in Japan revenues and the timing of game releases in Japan.