Dulux in the black

DULUXGROUP has lifted first-half profit nine per cent to $79.2 million, with its Australia and New Zealand businesses the standout performers.

The paint manufacturer yesterday said net profit for the six months ended March 31 rose thanks to a 4.2 per cent increase in sales revenue to $918.1 million.

The Australia and New Zealand business segments, which contributes approximately 70 per cent of group earnings, lifted revenue 5.7 per cent due to sales growth and what the company said was effective management of raw material costs.