Agribusiness Scales Corp has posted a 59 per cent leap in first half profit to $33.2 million. Its shares rose 4 cents to $2.02 in early trading.
The company said the result reflected a strong divisional performance including increased apple exports.
The bottomline profit for the half-year to June 30 2015 was up 59 per cent on the previous first half's $20.6m to June 30, 2014.
Scales repeated its forecast that full year earnings would be 25 to 30 per cent above its prospectus forecast.
The agribusiness group has three operating divisions: horticulture, storage and logistics and food ingredients.
The listed Christchurch-based exporter has left the potential payment of a first half dividend hanging. It normally splits interim and final dividends approximately evenly.
"Directors will consider payment of an interim dividend later in the calendar year," the company said in a statement to the NZX.
Managing director Andy Borland said the company's apple export volumes were up strongly.
Scales' storage and logistics division increased earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation by $2.7m from the first half last year.
