AFIC's profit down 3.7%

Australian Foundation Investment Company has recorded a slide in its first half net profit, but still lifted its dividend for shareholders.

Australian Foundation Investment Company has recorded a slide in its first half net profit. (AAP)

Australian Foundation Investment Company has lifted its dividend despite a slight decrease in its first half profit.

The listed investment company's net profit fell 3.7 per cent to $132 million for the six months to December 31, though the previous corresponding result was boosted by one-off gains linked to to Brambles and Amcor demergers.

Excluding the one-offs, AFIC's profit was up 4.7 per cent and the company lifted its interim dividend one cent to nine cents, fully franked.