Ireland's largest financial group Allied Irish Banks today reported a 10.5 per cent rise in full year pre-tax profits to euro 1.251 billion.
Analysts had been forecasting profits of euro 1.237 to 1.263 billion.
"AIB's performance in 2000 represented the ninth successive year of real profit growth," said outgoing group chief executive Mr Tom Mulcahy in a statement.
He said the bank remained committed to a policy of diversification and enrichment of existing franchises.
Allied Irish's US operation Allfirst, which represents around 27 per cent of the business, reported net income of $184.4 million for the year - a 7 per cent increase over the previous year.
Profits at the group's Polish division, which accounts for around 10 per cent of business through its 60 per cent-owned subsidiary Wielkopolski Bank Kredytowy, surged 40 per cent in the period, the company said.
The results include an exceptional charge of euro 113 million for settlement of Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT).
AIB raised its final dividend to 25.25 cents making a total dividend of 38.75 cents, up 15 per cent.