Macquarie Atlas Roads Group (ASX:MQA) has reported a statutory net profit of $1.4bn for the first half compared to a $98mm loss a year earlier due to...

Macquarie Atlas Roads Group (ASX:MQA) has reported a statutory net profit of $1.4bn for the first half compared to a $98mm loss a year earlier due to accounting changes related to its M6 Toll. CEO Peter Trent foreshadows early signs of economic improvement in the US and Europe as the tollroad group reported a 1.7% rise in first half traffic volumes. Proportionate EBITDA, which reflects income from MQA's controlling interests in its tollroads, rose 2.7% to $259.3mm. The company said it expects declare a second half dividend of 3.3 cents after paying a first half dividend of 2.4 cents. Macquarie Atlas was spun out of Macquarie Infrastructure Group in 2010, leaving Macquarie as its manager and largest shareholder with a 19.5% stake.