Financial services group Tower has had a modest rise in its half- year profit and will pay an interim dividend for the first time in almost eight years.
The group made $27.9 million in the six months to the end of March - up almost 6% on the same period last year.
Underlying profit in its Health and Life arm rose 22% to $17 million while profit in general insurance increased 27% to $12 million.
The result was further bolstered by a $2 million profit from its investment business.
Managing director Rob Flannagan says the insurance markets have not been conducive to revenue growth, but the company has been focusing on cutting costs and managing expenses.
Tower will pay an interim dividend of 4 cents a share, its first since 2002.
