Medibank Private
(ASX:MPL) has lifted its half-year net profit by 1.9 per cent to $231.9 million.
The private health insurer says the figure was due primarily to the strong investment income result, offsetting a lower operating profit for the Health Insurance business.
Net investment income was up to $76.8 million, due to higher equity market returns.
An interim dividend of 5.25 cents per share was declared, fully franked.
Medibank has reaffirmed its previously stated outlook that Health Insurance operating profit for FY17 is expected to be $490 million.