Ports of Auckland lifts first-half dividend to $25.5M

Ports of Auckland lifts first-half dividend to $25.5M
By Jonathan Underhill Feb. 20 (BusinessDesk) - Ports of Auckland, which settled a four-year dispute with the Maritime Union this week, has increased its interim dividend payment by 22 percent and is extending its wharves in anticipation of bigger ships and increased freight. Profit rose to $28.9 million in the six months ended Dec. 31, from $26 million a year earlier, said the port company, which is owned by Auckland Council's investment arm. Sales rose to $108.6 million from $107.8 million. It will pay an interim dividend of $25.5 millio...