Hang Seng Bank 2012 Profit Rises 15%

Hang Seng Bank

reported a 15% rise in its 2012 net profit. Hang Seng Bank's profit for the year climbed to HK$19.43 billion (US$2.5 billion), versus HK$16.89 billion in 2012. However, analysts were expecting a profit of HK$17.63 billion. The bank also declared a Q4 dividend of HK$2.00 per share, versus HK$1.90 per share, in the year-ago period. Hang Seng Bank shares closed at $16.33 on Friday.