Profits before tax at FBD Holdings plc increased by 14.7 per cent to €8.4 million in the first half of this year.

Turnover at the financial service group was €150.9 million, up 15 per cent on the same period last year.

Earnings per share amounted to 25.19 cents, down from 32.18 cents in the first half of last year which were boosted by an exceptional item. The dividend has been increased 12.5 per cent to 8.10 cents.

Operating profit from insurance underwriting increased by 9 per cent to €7.2 million; gross written premium increased by 15 per cent to €115 million and attributable investment income grew by 20 per cent to €13.3 million. The contribution to profit from the general insurance and life assurance brokerages, IFSC and other financial services businesses amounted to €1.9 million.