UTOF pays record $8.3m in tax-free dividends

Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF) on Thursday paid out a record $8.3 million in tax-free dividends to 108,000 account holders for the second half of 2025.

The payout represents the highest dividend distribution in the organization's recent history, providing welcome financial relief to ordinary Fijians amid rising living costs.

UTOF chairperson Lavinia Kaumaitotoya announced the distribution at the company's head office in Suva, revealing the fund has crossed $600 million in total funds under management.

"Given the current climate, the financial climate, any funds from anywhere is a relief," Ms Kaumaitotoya said.

"At least people can know, OK, I have this pot of funds that's coming out. This is the buffer that I can work with."

The dividend rates declared were:

Income and Growth Fund

• 2025 final dividend rate: 3.95 cents per unit
• Total payout: $7.79 million
• 2024 rate: 3.85 cents per unit

From left: Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF) chairperson Lavinia Kaumaitotoya and chief executive officer Vilash Chand.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

Income Fund

• Annualized dividend rate: 3.00 per cent
• Total payout: $558,338

Ms Kaumaitotoya noted the returns significantly exceeded current bank interest rates.

"The current term deposit in the market is less than 1 per cent," she said.

"The dividends that we've just given is three times, four times that."

UTOF recorded 4,000 new account holders over the past year, bringing the total from 104,000 to 108,000.

The Income and Growth Fund achieved an 8.30 per cent total return for 2025, up from 7.44 per cent in 2024.

Chief executive Vilash Chand said 90 per cent of investors now opt to reinvest their dividends, up from 65-70 per cent five years ago.

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