Macquarie H1 Net Profit Up 18%

Macquarie Group Ltd MQBKY reported an 18% rise in its first-half profit. Macquarie's net profit in the six months ended Sep. 30 surged to A$361 million, from A$305 million in the year-ago period. However, analysts were expecting a profit of A$374 million. Its first-half revenue dropped 5% to A$3.1 billion. Macquarie also declared a half-yearly dividend of 75 cents per share, versus 65 cents in the year-ago period. Macquarie shares closed at $30.66 yesterday.