Aristocrat committed to bushfire relief amid Asian travel suspension

Australia
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Aristocrat has suspended all staff travel throughout the Asian region following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, however the company does not expect any significant disruption to daily operations as a result.

Commenting at the company 2020 annual general meeting recently, Trevor Croker, CEO and managing director of Aristocrat, lauded a record profit posted during the firm’s 2019 fiscal year. 

Publishing its financial report in November 2019, strong operational momentum across both its land-based and digital businesses gained attention, with the latter delivering over 40 per cent of total group revenue during the year.

Croker said of the travel postponement: “Aristocrat has no direct operations in mainland China, and relatively small exposure to the Asian region generally. However, we have been closely monitoring developments with a focus on our people, customers and supply chain. 

“We have temporarily suspended travel in the region, and are supporting our staff in Macau and Hong Kong. We are also proactively monitoring and managing potential supply chain impacts. At this stage we do not foresee any material adverse impacts on our business, but we will keep the market updated as appropriate.” 

In its latest financial report figures showed that Aristocrat’s operating revenue on a normalised basis shot up 22.7 per cent to AU$4.3bn (£2.3bn) from AU$3.5bn (£1.8bn), with full-year profit after tax finishing up at AU$752.8m (£397.6m), a 22 per cent rise from AU$616.9m (£325.8m).

Reiterating previously expressed 2020 guidance of expected continued growth throughout the year, Croker also emphasised a continued commitment to be part of the bushfire recovery process within its home nation: “I would like to make a brief mention of the terrible ongoing drought and fires that have affected so many in the Australian community over recent months.

“Last November, Aristocrat donated $250,000 to bushfire and drought relief in partnership with Clubs NSW – a key customer group that represents over 1200 local clubs in our largest Australian market. Aristocrat employees also donated funds to Foodbank and the Country Women’s Association, with Aristocrat making a further contribution to both charities in recognition of our people’s generosity. 

“Our Australian business has taken a range of steps to support affected staff members, including paid leave to fight fires and the provision of counselling services, as well as providing support to customers. We all recognise that recovery will be a long term process, and our business is committed to continuing to contribute to this effort as part of this community.”