Commonwealth Bank of Australia H1 Profit Up 1%

Commonwealth Bank of Australia CMWAY reported a 1% increase in its profit in the first half of fiscal 2013. The bank's net profit climbed to 3.66 billion Australian dollars (US$3.77 billion), versus A$3.62 billion, in the year-ago period. Its cash profit gained 6% to A$3.78 billion from A$3.58 billion, versus estimates of A$3.73 billion. The bank lifted its interim dividend to A$1.64 per share. Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares closed at $67.80 yesterday.