HK Exchanges & Clearings Limited's profit attributable to shareholders surged 27% over 2004 to $1.34 billion last year, with the total dividend per share at $1.13.

According to the final results published today, HKEx's income rose 13%, to $2.69 billion, while operating expenses fell 1%, to $1.15 billion, resulting in an operating profit of about $1.55 billion.

Earnings per share was $1.26, an increase of 26% over a year earlier. The interim dividend per share was $0.49 and the final dividend per share was $0.64, totalling $1.13 per share, up 26% when compared with $0.9 in 2004. The dividend per ratio was 90%.

Last year also saw an average daily turnover value of $18.3 billion on the Stock Exchange, up 14% over 2004.