J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. reported 2005 fourth-quarter net income rose sharply to US$2.7 billion, up from US$1.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2004.

“Our businesses performed well overall in the fourth quarter, although trading results were disappointing. Investment banking fees continued to be strong, and we grew deposits and accounts in retail while achieving further expense efficiencies,” commented Jamie Dimon, president and CEO.

“In addition, commercial banking, treasury & securities services and asset & wealth management each delivered strong earnings growth,” Dimon added. “In reviewing 2005, we are gratified to have accomplished our key merger conversion goals and expense savings target, while investing in and realizing underlying growth in all our businesses. We have made significant progress toward creating a more profitable and productive organization, but we have much more to do and have ambitious plans for the future.”

In the investment banking division, operating earnings of US$664 million were essentially flat from the prior year and down 38% from the prior quarter. Compared with the prior year, results reflected flat revenues, while lower compensation expense was offset by a reduced benefit from the provision for credit losses, it said.

Retail financial services saw its operating earnings rise to US$803 million, up by US$28 million, or 4%, from the prior year. The increase reflected improved risk management results and lower expenses due to merger-related expense savings and other efficiencies. These benefits were offset partially by a US$120 million net loss associated with a transfer of US$3.3 billion of adjustable rate mortgage loans. Additionally, narrower spreads on loans and deposits offset the benefit of growth in these balances, the firm added.

Consumer & small business banking operating earnings were US$414 million, down US$16 million from the prior year. The lower results reflected narrower spreads on deposit balances and lower investment sales revenue. Providing a partial offset were higher deposit balances and increased debit card fees. Noninterest expense remained flat, with merger savings and other efficiencies offsetting continued investments in retail banking distribution and sales.

Card services saw operating earnings of US$302 million, down by US$213 million, or 41%, from the prior year. The lower results for the quarter reflected approximately US$650 million in pre-tax net loan losses and reversals of revenue related to increased bankruptcies. Partially offsetting the impact of increased bankruptcies were lower expenses driven by merger savings, stronger underlying credit quality and higher revenue from increased loan balances and sales volume.

Operating earnings in commercial banking were US$289 million, up by US$35 million, or 14%, from the prior year. This increase was the result of revenue growth and a lower provision for credit losses, partially offset by increased expenses.

Treasury and securities services saw operating earnings that were a record US$300 million, up by US$155 million, or 107%, from the prior year. Earnings benefited from higher revenues due to increased product volumes, wider spreads on higher average liability balances and lower expenses.

Asset and wealth management’s operating earnings were US$342 million, up by US$79 million, or 30%, from the prior year. Performance was driven by increased revenues and a tax credit, partially offset by higher compensation expenses and an increase in the provision for loan losses.