By David Winning


SYDNEY--Ramsay Health Care said it is actively reviewing ways to unlock value from its portfolio of global hospitals after half-year net profit from continuing operations fell 40%.

Ramsay reported a net profit from continuing operations of 135.5 million Australian dollars (US$91.9 million) for the six months through December, down from A$224.5 million a year earlier. The result excluded a A$618.1 million profit made by Ramsay on the sale of its Asia-focused joint venture with Malaysia's Sime Darby.

On a statutory basis, Ramsay's net profit totaled A$758.5 million in the period, compared with A$194.4 million a year ago. Revenue rose by 11% to A$8.16 billion, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization--or Ebitda--rose by 2.9% to A$1.04 billion when only continuing operations were included.

Directors of the private hospital operator declared an interim dividend of 40 Australian cents a share, down 20% on the payout of 50.0 cents a year ago.

"The performance of the business will continue to be reviewed in the context of optimizing shareholder returns, a range of strategies are actively being assessed to unlock value and drive improved performance from the Company's portfolio of assets," said Ramsay.


Write to David Winning at david.winning@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-28-24 1651ET