Asciano posts rise in FY profit

Asciano (AIO) expects continued earnings growth in the year ahead, although at a slower rate than in 2013, after posting a strong lift in full-year profit.

In the year to June 30, Asciano's net profit attribuateble to members was $340 million, a 41.2% increase on the $240.8 million recorded in 2012.

Underlying net income for the full year was $348.1, slightly higher than the $345.9 million analysts had pencilled in.

In the same period revenue was $3.74 billion, a 7.8 per cent increase on the $3.46 billion recorded in the previous year.

Asciano will pay a fully-franked final dividend of 6.25 cents.

Combined with its interim dividend of 5.25 cents, the group's total dividend will come to a fully-franked 11.5 cents.