GlobalCapital registered an increase in profits for the first six months of 2006. In its half-yearly financial results, the group announced a profit before tax of Lm1,074,667 – an increase of 59.3 per cent compared to the first six months of 2005.

On the basis of these positive results, the board of directors approved an interim dividend of 2 cents per share gross of tax, in respect of the six months ended 30 June. All shareholders on the company’s register of members on Friday, 15 September will be paid this interim dividend on 29 September.

The group’s operating profit amounted to Lm658,316, compared to Lm435,661 in 2005. Earnings per share increased to 5c6, from 4c0 for the corresponding six months of the previous year. Net assets as at 30 June 2006 amounted to Lm11,546,362, up from Lm11,197,503 as at 31 December 2005. The net asset value per share as at 30 June 2006 amounted to 87c4, an increase of 2c6 from 84c8 at the end of December 2005.

Profit after tax resulted in a return on shareholder funds for the six months of 6.4 per cent, compared to 4.7 per cent in the corresponding six months of the previous year.