reportedsecond-quarter net profit of 2.44 billion Saudi Arabian riyals, compared to2.36 billion riyals in the year-ago period.

The bank attributed the increaseto the rise in total operating income, to 4.63 billion riyals from 4.28 billionriyals in the second quarter of 2015, resulting from the increase in netspecial commission income, fees from banking services, foreign exchange andtrading income. The increase was partially offset by the reduction in incomefrom gains and nontrading investments.

The lender's first-half netprofit amounted to 5.07 billion riyals, up from 4.97 billion riyals a year ago.EPS rose to 2.53 riyals from 2.49 riyals.

Total operating incomeincreased to 9.32 billion riyals from 8.73 billion riyals in the first half of2015. Net special commission income also increased, to 6.72 billion riyals from6.16 billion riyals.

National Commercial Bank'sloans and advances portfolio reached 264.77 billion riyals in the first half,up from 234.28 billion riyals a year ago. Investments declined over the sameperiod to 114.73 billion riyals from 151.14 billion riyals.

As of July 15, US$1 was equivalent to 3.75 Saudi Arabian riyals.