Singapore's Keppel posts 25% rise in first-half net profit

Singapore's Keppel BN4 reported a 25% surge in net profit for the first half, citing resilient earnings in the infrastructure business and higher contribution from real estate operations.

The asset manager's net profit rose to S$431 million ($332.54 million) in the six months ended June 30, from S$345 million last year.

The company also announced a share buy-back programme worth S$500 million and declared an interim dividend of 15 Singapore cents apiece.

($1 = 1.2961 Singapore dollars)