Aurizon Holdings (ASX:AZJ) reported Monday that its underlying earnings per share in the fiscal first half fell to AU$0.113 from AU$0.129 per share a year earlier.

Analysts polled by FactSet were expecting EPS of AU$0.11, excluding extraordinary items.

On a statutory basis, EPS was AU$0.128, compared with AU$0.129 a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected EPS of AU$0.12.

Total revenue and other income for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2024, was AU$2.02 billion, up 3% from AU$ 1.97 billion in the same period a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected AU$ 1.94 billion.

The rail freight operator said its group underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization are expected to be at the lower end of its guidance of AU$1.66 billion to AU$1.74 billion.

The board declared an interim dividend of AU$0.092 per share, down from the AU$0.097 in the previously reported period, payable on March 26 to shareholders on record as of March 4.