** Shares of Australia's Smartgroup Corporation SIQ.AX rise as much as 9.3% to A$8.600, its highest level since October 16, 2024

** Stock among the top gainers in the benchmark index ASX 200 .AXJO

** The administration services provider posts net profit attributable of A$75.6 million ($47.98 million), up 22.1% from last year

** Company declares a special dividend of 11 Australian cents per share

** SIQ also declares final dividend of 20 Au cents, unchanged from last year

** Stock has risen 7.9% this year, as of 0039 GMT

($1 = 1.5758 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)

((Roshan.Thomas@thomsonreuters.com))