The dividend was approved at the 11th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company held in Dhaka yesterday, says a press release.

The total business exposure of Uttara Finance stood at Tk2,542.90 million in 2005 as against Tk2,013.01 million in 2004, showing a business growth of 26.32 percent. Operating revenue of the company stood at Tk660.15 million in 2005 as against Tk483.20 million in 2004, reflecting a 36.62 percent growth .

In 2005, the company earned a net profit of Tk190.74 million whereas in 2004 it was Tk158.41 million, showing the net profit growth of 20.41 percent. The net assets value per share (Tk100.00 paid up) stood at Tk493.71, which was Tk399.13 in 2004. The earning per share in 2005 represents Tk144.50 whereas the return on average equity is 33.74 percent.

Among others, Chairman of the company Rashid-ul Hasan, Vice-chairman Matiur Rahman, directors Mujibur Rahman, Mehdadur Rahman and Kazi Imdad Hossain, and Managing Director SM Shamsul Arefin were present.