(By Balaseshan) Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS) reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings on higher revenue. In addition, the board raised its quarterly dividend.
Earnings per share were $2.85, compared to a loss of $0.84 in the comparable period of last year and $1.78 in the previous quarter. Net earnings fell 11 percent from the same period a year ago to $927 million.
Total net revenue was $8.35 billion, up 133 percent and 26 percent from the year-ago period and prior quarter, respectively.
Analysts, on average, polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $2.12 per share on revenue growth of 103.50 percent to $7.30 billion for the third quarter.
"This quarter's performance was generally solid in the context of a still challenging economic environment. We continue to be disciplined in managing our operations and capital, while effectively serving our clients' needs. The focus on these priorities will serve our shareholders and the firm well over the longer term," Goldman Chief Executive Lloyd Blankfein commented.
Investment Banking revenue jumped 49 percent from the third quarter of last year, but declined 3 percent on a sequential basis. Net revenue in Financial Advisory were $509 million, slightly lower compared with the third quarter of 2011.
Net revenue in the firm's Underwriting business were $655 million, more than double the amount in the third quarter of 2011, which had particularly low volumes.
Net revenue in Institutional Client Services rose 3 percent from the same period of 2011 and 8 percent sequentially.
Total operating expenses increased 40 percent and 16 percent from the second quarter of last year and previous quarter, respectively.
The Board of Directors increased the firm's quarterly dividend to $0.50 from $0.46 per common share. The dividend will be paid on December 28 to shareholders of record on November 30.
GS shares, which have been trading between $86.90 and $128.72 over the past year, closed Monday's regular trading up 3.58% at $124.50.