Beverage and food-maker Vitasoy International Holdings has unveiled a 7.88 per cent increase in net profit for the six months to September 30.
Vitasoy - whose best-selling product is its soyabean drink - said net earnings were $54.7 million in the first half, up from $50.7 million last year.
The company attributed the increase to a change in fortunes at its United States operations.
Chairman Winston Lo said the company's US division earned an operating profit of $4 million, compared to a small loss during the same period last year.
'In the US, we reported a loss last year due to the starting up of our factory. This year, that's changed into a small profit, giving us a big boost to our bottom-line.' Vitasoy said sales rose 2 per cent to $979 million, while earnings were 8.4 cents per share, up from 7.8 cents last year.
The company said it would pay shareholders an interim dividend of 3.8 cents per share, up from 3.6 cents the year before.
