Kevin Pietersen plays a scoop during the Big Bash League 2016-17 between Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers at Melbourne on Tuesday.

Rio shareholders get bumper return after profit hike

AFP, Sydney :Mining giant Rio Tinto on Wednesday reported a 33 percent jump in first-half net profit thanks to strong commodity prices, and rewarded shareholders with a record interim dividend and a further stock buy-back.The Anglo-Australian firm’s net profit in the six months to June 30 was US$4.38 billion. Underlying profit, its preferred measure which excludes impairments and exchange rate losses, jumped 12 percent to US$4.42 billion.“We have reported another strong set of results,” said chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques.“We will...

3 Aug 2018, 12:00 am