Michael Hill posts 5.1% gain in first-half profit as Australia picks up

Michael Hill posts 5.1% gain in first-half profit as Australia picks up
Tina Morrison
By Tina Morrison Feb. 12 (BusinessDesk) - Michael Hill International, the listed jewellery retailer, increased first-half profit 5.1 percent as it improved its performance in its key Australian market and boosted margins in New Zealand and Canada. Profit rose to A$24.9 million, or 6.48 cents per share, in the six months ended Dec. 31, from A$23.7 million, or 6.15 cents, in the year earlier period, the Brisbane-based company said in a statement. Revenue increased 9.7 percent to A$310.8 million. The retailer grew revenue and earnings in...