Ports of Auckland trims annual dividend as profit slips 28%

Ports of Auckland trims annual dividend as profit slips 28%
Paul McBeth
By Paul McBeth Aug. 31 (BusinessDesk) - Ports of Auckland trimmed its annual return to the city as profit dropped 28 percent as the Auckland Council-owned port beefed up spending on its automation programme, which has prompted it to rethink how it engages its workforce  The port operator's board declared dividends of $51.3 million for the financial year, down from $54.3 million in 2016. Net profit fell to $60.3 million in the year ended June 30 from $84 million, although the year earlier figure was bolstered by a $17.6 million gain from t...