** Shares of Aurizon Holdings AZJ.AX climb as much as 9.2% to A$3.920, on track for best session since early-April, 2020

** Their highest level since April 26, 2024

** Rail freight operator posts first-half net profit after tax of A$237 million ($167.44 million), up from A$205 million a year ago

** Declares an interim dividend of 12.5 au cents per shares and sees a full-year dividend of 22-23 au cents per share

** Extends on-market buyback by A$100 million

** Stock is up 5.2% YTD, including the session's moves

($1 = 1.4154 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Anjali Singh in Bengaluru; editing by Diane Craft)

((anjali.singh2@thomsonreuters.com;))