Asciano said net profit was A$176.8 million ($185.3 million) compared to a loss of A$788.5 million a year ago due to a hefty impairment charge.
This was marginally higher than consensus analyst forecasts of A$172.9 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Analysts had been expecting Asciano to consider selling or de-merging its Patrick ports operations as part of a strategic review. The company said on Wednesday the separation of its businesses was not currently an attractive option.
Asciano, which appointed a new chief executive John Mullen in February, was listed as a spin-off from logistics firm Toll Holdings and was forced to sell shares at a deep discount to meet its debt obligations during the global credit crisis. (Reuters)