May. 8, 2012 (China Knowledge) - Giant Interactive Group Inc<GA>, one of China's leading online game developers and operators, reaped RMB 292.2 million or US$46.4 million in net profit attributable to shareholders in the first quarter of this year, up 11.5% year on year or up 18.5% quarter on quarter.

In the reporting period, the New York-listed firm's basic earnings per American Depositary Share were RMB 1.24, compared with RMB 1.15 for the same quarter of 2011.

Non-GAAP net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 322.5 million in the three months ended mar. 31, 2012, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 19.8%.

Operating revenue for the first quarter grew 26.2% from a year earlier to RMB 508.8 million.

Gross profit totaled RMB 441.2 million, up 29.6% year on year, with gross margin of 86.7%.

As of Mar. 31, 2012, Giant Interactive had RMB 1.83 billion in cash and short-term investments, whereas it had RMB 1.87 billion at the end of last year.