HSBC produced record results for the first half of 2007, delivering profit before tax of about US$ 14.2 billion, up 13 percent from the same period last year, the company said in a report Monday.

The profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company was up 25 per cent to US$ 10.9 billion, which means that the earnings per share was US$ 0.95, up 22 percent from the same period last year.

The directors have approved a second interim dividend of US$ 0.17 per share, the company said. The first interim dividend for 2007 of US$ 0.17 per ordinary share was already paid.

The results were driven by excellent performances across Asia, and in corporate, investment banking and markets (CIBM), and commercial banking, said Stephen Green, the group chairman.

HSBC's total assets on Monday were US$ 2,150 billion, an increase of US$ 290 billion since December 31, 2006.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31 2007)