Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is set to reward its shareholders with a total dividend of N160 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2017 just as the firm has returned to profitability.

The firm however was unable to pay dividend in 2016 following a loss of N1.346 billion it recorded. The company was plunged into a loss position in 2016 due to a foreign loan denominated in dollar, which was affected by the depreciation of the naira that year.

Interestingly, the firm returned to profitability in 2017 recording a profit to the tune of N1.023

Gross premium written grew to N14.038 billion, recording an increase of 16 per cent from N12.144 billion in 2016. Gross premium income rose by 11 per cent from N11.983 billion to N13.353 billion, while net premium income stood at N11.467 billion, indicating a growth of 12 per cent above the N10.271 billion posted in the 2016.

The company ended the year with a profit after tax of N1.023 billion, compared with a loss of N1.346 billion in 2016. Pleased with the results, the board of directors has recommended a dividend of N160 million for the shareholders to approve at the company’s annual general meeting in July. The dividend translates to two kobo per share.

The Chairman of the company, Akin Ogunbiyi had recently given indication that the shareholders would smile as the company would return to profitability.

According to him, the previous year was very tough for operators, but despite this, the company was able to return to profitability.

‘’Twenty years after, the company still stands, despite recapitalisation and tough operating environment. Last year was tough for everybody, but as tough as it was, we are able to return to profitability,’’ he said.