Great-West Lifeco Inc. is reporting increased profit for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2002. The insurer said strong demand for its individual life and group insurance products help boost earnings.

Net income for the quarter rose to $235 million, or 64.1¢ a share, from $208 million, or 56.2¢ a share in the year-ago period.

For the 12 months ended December 31, net income was $931 million, or $2.53 per share, compared to $1.387 per common share a year ago.

The company said its board increased its quarterly dividend to 27¢ cents per share.

Return on common shareholders’ equity was 22.9% for the year, compared to 20.8% in 2001, using adjusted 2001 results.

“Great-West and London Life ended the year the same way we started, with exceptional performance from our group and individual lines of business,” said Raymond McFeetors, president & CEO, Great-West Life.

Total premiums and deposits for full year 2002, including reinsurance premiums, were up 9% from 2001 levels.

Fee income increased 7% in 2002 compared to 2001, associated with increases in both segregated funds assets and ASO contract volumes.

Total assets under administration at Dec. 31, 2002 were $54.5 billion, up 1% from Dec. 31, 2001.