Challenger (ASX:CGF) delivered a normalized net profit after tax of AU$230 million for the fiscal first half, an increase of 2% compared to a year ago, and compares with the market consensus of AU$235 million, said Jefferies in a Tuesday note.

The company reported Tuesday fiscal first-half normalized earnings of AU$0.314 per share, up from AU$0.293 a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet expected earnings of AU$0.32.

Statutory net profit after tax of AU$339 million dollars was supported by gains across all investment asset classes, Jefferies noted.

Jefferies is currently restricted from rating or setting a price target for Challenger.