Biopharmaceutical company CSL Ltd
(ASX:CSL) has reported a 23% jump in first half profit and says it expects demand for its products to continue to grow.
Net profit after tax for the six months to December 31, 2009 came to $617.39 million up from $501.86 million recorded for the first half of fiscal 2009.
Sales revenue rose 2.1% to $2.41 billion for the period.
CSL says it now expects full year earnings to come in at the upper end of its guidance for net profit after tax of between $1.16 billion and $1.26 billion.
Managing Director Dr McNamee says demand growth for plasma derived therapies is expected to continue.
CSL declared an interim dividend of 35 cents up from 30 cents last year.
CSL reported profit of $1.145 billion for fiscal 2009.
