*Says half year result reflects the early benefits associated with an. increased service offering and an improved product mix, in addition to. *Says coal markets to remain challenged; market conditions in Europe expected.
*Says profit after tax attributable to shareholders up 5.3% to A $266.8 million. *Says interim dividend ordinary 39 cents versus 38 cents. *Says consolidated revenue from operations up 1.2% to A $3,331.2 million.
European shares closed lower on Monday as sharp falls in Danish pharma group Novo Nordisk outweighed rallies in rival Sanofi and Dutch retailer Ahold.