SYDNEY, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Australian ports and logistics...

SYDNEY, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Australian ports and logistics operator Qube Holdings Ltd (QUB) said on Wednesday that underlying first-half net profit fell 1.7 percent as drought weighed on farm-related volumes and lower commodity prices impacted resources haulage.

Qube said underlying net profit totaled A$52.2 million ($37.6 million) for the six months to Dec. 31, compared to A$53.1 million in the prior first half. The underlying result excluded an upward asset revaluation in the previous corresponding period.

The company, which has been engaged in a months-long takeover battle for larger rival Asciano Ltd (AIO) , declared a dividend of 2.7 Australian cents per share, the same as the previous first half. ($1 = 1.3895 Australian dollars)