Retail and industrial company Wesfarmers
(ASX:WES) has reported a net profit after tax of $4.54 billion for the half-year ended 31 December 2018, up from $212 million in the year-earlier period.
Profit from continuing operations increased by 10.4 per cent to $1.08 billion.
This record profit includes post-tax significant items of $3 billion relating to discontinued operations, including gains on the demerger of Coles and disposals of Bengalla, Kmart Tyre and Auto Service, and Quadrant Energy which were completed during the half-year.
Earnings before interest and tax from continuing operations rose 9.5 per cent to $1.64 billion, slightly beating Citi's consensus of about $1.5 billion.
The company said it will pay an interim dividend of $1 a share, down slightly from $1.03 a year ago and a $1 special dividend.
Shares in Wesfarmers
(ASX:WES) are trading 5.68 per cent higher to $34.58.
