Aviva Posts Rise In Profit, Lifts Dividend

reported a gain in its profit for the full year and raised its dividend. Full year profit before tax from continuing operations rose to 2.66 billion pounds, compared to 1.47 billion pounds, last year. Its profit after tax from continuing operations surged 91% to 1.68 billion pounds versus 878 million pounds, while EPS from continuing operations jumped to 47.7 pence from 21.8 pence. IFRS operating profit before tax gained to 2.17 billion pounds from 2.05 billion pounds. Aviva announced its plans to pay a total dividend of 18.1 pence per share, compared to 15 pence per share in 2013. Aviva shares fell 0.85% to close at $16.36 yesterday.