Feb 13 (Reuters) - New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group (SKC) reported a 11.4 percent rise in its first-half profit on Wednesday, boosted by a favourable performance in Auckland and growth in its international business.
The company also said in a statement its board had approved an initial share buyback of NZ$50 million ($33.67 million).
Net profit after tax for the six months ended Dec. 31 was NZ$97 million compared to NZ$87 million a year ago, the company said.
SkyCity declared an interim dividend of 10 NZ cents per share, unchanged from last year. ($1 = 1.4850 New Zealand dollars)
