Brought to you by:

Tower NZ lifts half-year profit by 32%

New Zealand-based Tower Limited has announced a $NZ26.6 million ($21.1 million) net profit for the half year to March 31, up 32% on the corresponding period last year.

Lower investment returns squeezed the health and life business, with net profit down 9.8% at $NZ13.8 million ($10.9 million).

Net profit from general insurance rose 18% to $NZ9.4 million ($7.5 million), with key ratios showing notable improvements.

The investments business saw profit after tax in line with the same period last year at $NZ2.3 million ($1.8 million). Lower fee income was offset by reductions in expenses.

The Tower name is used by separate businesses in Australia and NZ following a demerger in 2006.

Tower Limited, the NZ business, is listed on the NZ and Australian stock exchanges while Tower Australia is listed on the Australian stock exchange.