Auckland Airport lifts June year net profit 12pc

Auckland International Airport today reported its June year net profit was up 12 per cent on 2004 to $105.6 million.

It declared a 4.45cps imputed dividend, up 2.9 per cent on last year.

Total operating revenue rose 7.7 per cent to $282.6m. The pre-tax operating surplus rose 10 per cent to $153.4m.

Earnings per share rose to 8.65c from 7.74c.

The company said its tight control of its operating expenses allowed earnings before interest, taxation and depreciation (ebitda) to rise 8.7 per cent to $221.4m.

The profit was on record aircraft movements and passenger numbers.

Passenger numbers rose 4.6 per cent to 11.3 million (including transit passengers) with international passengers up 5.2 per cent and domestic passengers up 3.9 per cent.

AIA shares closed yesterday at $2.24. They have risen from $1.81 a year ago.

- NZPA