ASX Results For The Half-Year Ended 31 December 2004 - ASX Announces Strong Profit Growth, Higher Dividend Payout

Summary Vs. Previous Corresponding Period

Record net profit after tax of $50.5 million, an increase of 18.8%
Record revenue of $137 million, an increase of 10.6%
Earnings per share of 50.6 cents (pre-goodwill), compared with 43 cents per share
Interim dividend of 44.2 cents per share fully franked compared to 29.2 cents per share for the interim dividend for the p.c.p.
Interim dividend reflects new policy of paying 90% of net profit after tax – an increase in the previous policy of paying 70% of net profit after tax
Average daily SEATS trading volumes increase 15.8%
Average daily Options contract volumes increase 22.0%
Listings revenue increases 19.1% reflecting strong market conditions
Capital expenditure remains low at $4.4 million
Cash up 16.8% to $122.4 million

Click here for further details.

Click here to download the half-year financial report including additional appendix 4D disclosures.

Click here to download the half-year financial results presentation by Tony D'Aloisio, Managing Director and CEO.

Click here to download a webcast of analyst and investor presentation.