Sydney, Aug 23, 2007 (ABN Newswire) - AMP has produced a solid increase in its first half profit. In the six months to June 30, earnings rose 27 per cent to $534 million. The result was ahead of analysts forecasts. Australia's third biggest retail fund manager says the result was boosted by strong fund flows, and a record breaking stock market. AMP produced record earnings in 2006.

Fairfax Media has posted a relatively modest increase in its full year profit. Earnings rose 10 per cent to $251.1 million. The result came in slightly below what the market was expecting. The media giant said the increase in earnings was due to strong performances from its digital businesses, and its regional and rural publications. Fairfax Media has produced profits over the last five financial years.

And Aristocrat Leisure has reported a strong first half profit result. Earnings for the Australian gaming machine maker rose 20 per cent to $126.15 million. The world's number 2 slot machine maker said the increase was due to strong results in new markets such as Asia, Europe and South Africa. In a statement, however, the gaming company warned that the operating environment in the second half, although on an improving trend, will remain difficult in each of the major markets. Aristocrat Leisure experienced its earnings highlight in 2005

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