Blackmores profit lifts

BLACKMORES has posted a slightly higher half-year net profit but the vitamin maker warns its sales in China are not expected to grow within the next six months.

The company’s net profit was up 0.4 per cent to $34.3 million for the six months to December 31 with total revenue climbing 11 per cent to $319.3 million. But the health supplements manufacturer said its “reported China segment sales were down 11 per cent in the half compared to the prior corresponding period”. The company has declared a fully franked interim dividend of $1.50 per share, unchanged from a year ago.