CSL lifts H1 profit 24% to $US627m CSL's first half profit is up 24 per cent and the company expects to lift its full year profit by about 20 per cent. The blood products and vaccine maker made a net profit of $US627 million in the six months to December 31, up from $483 million in the previous corresponding period. Sales revenue rose seven per cent to $US2.5 billion. In November, CSL forecast a 20 per cent rise in its full year net profit, from the previous year's $US1.02 billion. Chief executive Dr Brian McNamee said that while global business conditions remain mixed, CSL re-affirmed its upgraded profit outlook. "We continue to anticipate fiscal year 2013 net profit after tax to grow by approximately 20 per cent at constant currency," he said in a statement on Wednesday. Earnings per share growth will again exceed profit growth as shareholders benefit from the ongoing effect of past and current capital management initiatives. This year, we anticipate earnings per share growth of approximately 24 per cent. CSL Behring, which supplies antibodies to treat immune deficiencies and rare diseases, reported nine per cent growth in sales to $US1.96 billion, in constant currency terms, CSL said. CSL's "other human health" unit, had a 19 per cent lift in sales to $US518 million ($A505.34 million). International property licensing revenue, which mainly covers royalty contributions from human papillomavirus vaccines, was $US72 million ($A70.24 million). Dr McNamee said CSL had strengthened its presence in emerging markets over the first half, while "ongoing efficiency initiatives" had underpinned long-term margin improvement. CSL said it intended to raise about $US300 million ($A292.67 million) via a new US private placement facility during the second half of 2012/13. The funds would be used to repay existing debt, fund the company's capital management plan - including the current share buyback - and "general corporate purposes." "The tenor of the funds will be designed to facilitate a balanced long-term debt maturity profile," CSL said. Meanwhile, Paul Perreault has been appointed to CSL's board as executive director. In August 2012, Mr Perreault was named as successor to chief executive Dr McNamee and was due to take up the role on July 1, 2013.