Brambles improves as pallet demand rises Brambles has reported a net profit of $302.5 million for the six months to December, a 26 per cent increase from the previous corresponding period. The pallets and containers supplier declared in interim dividend of 13.5 cents per share, 30 per cent franked. Shares were down 1.1 per cent in early trade. The company's chief executive Tom Gorman said the rise in first-half profits was a result of Brambles' strength in established operations and its ongoing ability to deliver profitable growth. "The continued growth and improved efficiency of the Americas region of our pallets segment, despite our moderate improvement in economic conditions to date is particularly pleasing " he said. Brambles also reported a 4 per cent rise in sales revenue to $2.9 billion in the first-half of the 2012/13 financial year.