Investment banking boosts Goldman Sachs

The investment bank earned US$2.83 billion after paying preferred dividends, compared with US$978 million a year earlier in the period ending Dec. 31, 2012.

The bank's debt underwriting business profited from a rally in bonds and a surge in demand for debt securities. Goldman's debt underwriting business earned US$1.96 billion in revenues for the year, its second-best annual performance and the highest since 2007. An increase in stock underwriting also helped boost revenues.

“The fourth quarter reminds us a little of the old days and should give investors confidence in Goldman's future earnings power,” Glenn Schorr, an analyst at Nomura, wrote in note to clients.

Goldman's stock jumped US$5.50 to US$141.09, its biggest one-day advance in ten months. The bank's stock has returned 45 percent in the past 12 months.

Analysts were encouraged that revenue growth of 53 percent for the year outpaced a small increase in employee compensation, helping the bank boost its profit margins. Paying employees is Goldman's biggest single cost, accounting for more than half of its total operating expenses.

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