Askari Bank Limited has earned Rs 2.681 billion in the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to Rs 2.249 billion earned in the corresponding period a year back. The earning per share of the bank increased to Rs 8.92 in 2007 against Rs 7.48 in the same period in 2006.
The board of directors of the bank in its meeting held on Thursday recommended a final cash dividend for the year at Rs 1.50 per share ie 15 percent. The board also recommended to issue bonus shares in the proportion of 35 shares for every 100 shares held ie 35 percent.
According to financial results, the mark-up/return/interest income of the bank increased to Rs 16.143 billion in the year 2007 against Rs 12.596 billion in 2006 while the mark-up/return/interest expenses reached at Rs 8.685 billion in this period against Rs 6.977 billion in a year back.
The bank's total non-mark-up/interest income increased to Rs 7.101 billion in this period against Rs 6.630 billion previously while the total non-mark-up/interest expenses reached at Rs 4.801 billion in 2007 against Rs 3.346 billion in 2006. The bank's profit before tax stood at Rs 2.299 billion in this period against Rs 3.346 billion in the same period in 2006.