Ireland's AIB predicts double-digit growth

AIB said today it expected profits to grow by at least 10 per cent this year.

AIB said today it expected profits to grow by at least 10 per cent this year.

The bank also said its US unit M&T continues to target double digit earnings growth in 2004.

"All of our operating divisions are performing strongly and together are on course to achieve underlying double digit profit growth this year," AIB said in a statement.

The bank is to provide a total €50 million in its annual accounts to cover professional fees and associated costs associated with the foreign exchange charges investigation. The bank has already lodged €25 million with the Central Bank in respect of the reimbursement of customers.

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Adjusted earnings per share in 2003 were 58.5 cent and 109.5 cent respectively for the interim and full year periods.

In Ireland AIB said the loan book is on target to increase by around 20 per cent this year. It also said sales performance at Ark Life is good and the business is benefitting from the operating changes made last year.

AIB shares were up 10 cent to €12.35 in Dublin this afternoon.