The Standard Chartered PLC announced in London on Thursday its 2004 group annual results, unveiling pre-tax profits of $2,158 million ahead of most analysts' forecasts on revenues of $5837 million. The group's net revenues rose 13 percent with pre-tax profits rising 39 percent. Other highlights were the Group's revenue performance in both consumer and wholesale banking with both businesses reporting pre-tax profits of over $1 billion for the first time.

-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005