KARACHI, Aug 24: The ICI operating results for the quarter and half year 2007 have improved by 11 per cent at Rs693.3 million, and 8 per cent at Rs1,238.6 million, respectively, over the previous year.

The profit before tax for Q2 2007 surged by 20 per cent to Rs638.4 million with an increase of 16 per cent for the half year at Rs1,125.8 million.

Figures for profit after tax stood at Rs420.3 million for Q2, an increase of 34 per cent, in comparison to Q2 2006, while an increase of 27 per cent at Rs740.9 million was achieved in profit after tax for the half year.

Earnings per share for the quarter and the half year are up by 33 per cent and 27 per cent respectively, with the board having approved an interim dividend in respect of the financial year ending December 31, 2007 at the rate of 25 per cent.

This translates into an earning of Rs2.50 per share of Rs10 each on the issued and paid up share capital of ICI Pakistan, which currently amounts to Rs1.388 billion.

According to a press release the results were announced after the meeting of board of directors held on August 23.