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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Act of 1934
 

For the month of November, 2004
of Chile, Bank
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 

Chile
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 

Ahumada 251
Santiago, Chile
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. 

                                      Form 20-F ___X___                                Form 40-F _______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  

                                      Yes _______                                            No ___X____

(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g-3-2(b): 82- ____.)


 

BANCO DE CHILE
REPORT ON FORM 6-K

Attached is an English translation of a Press Release issued by Banco de Chile (“the Bank”) on November 4, 2004, regarding its financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

2004 Third Quarter Results


Santiago, Chile, November 4, 2004 Banco de Chile (NYSE: BCH), a Chilean full service financial institution, market leader in a wide variety of credit and non credit products and services across all segments of the Chilean financial market, today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2004.
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
  • Net income for the 3Q04 was Ch$ 39,277 million, an increase of 5.9% compared to 3Q03.
  • The Bank’s ROAE continued to be strong, posting a consolidated 24.9% during 3Q04, outperforming the system’s average of 15.6%.
  • Fee income established a new record after a 33.8% quarterly increase when compared to 3Q03.
  • The Bank’s loan portfolio grew by 6.4% over the last twelve-month period.



Selected Financial Data 3Q03  2Q04  3Q04  % Change 
3Q04/3Q03 

Income Statement (Millions, Chilean pesos)        
        Net Financial Income 78,189  92,788  88,814  13.6%
        Income from Services 25,209  29,024  33,726  33.8%
        Gains on Sales of Financial lnstruments 469  1,092  (2,261)
 


 
    Operating Revenues 103,867  122,904  120,279  15.8%
    Provisions for Loan Losses (13,265) (18,834) (19,479) 46.8%
    Total Operating Expenses (55,085) (55,936) (59,772) 8.5%
    Net Income 37,104  44,931  39,277  5.9%





Earnings per Share (Chilean pesos)        
    Net income per Share 0.55  0.68  0.59  7.3%
    Book value per Share 10.02  9.12  9.69  (3.3)%





Balance Sheet (Millions, Chilean pesos)        
    Loan Portfolio 6,247,764  6,611,764  6,645,980  6.4%
    Total Assets 9,074,971  9,662,169  9,598,936  5.8%
    Shareholders' Equity 681,789  605,362  643,018  (5.7)%





Profitability        
    ROAA 1.61% 1.84% 1.63%
    ROAE 21.9% 29.5% 24.9%
    Net Financial Margin 3.8% 4.3% 4.1%
    Efficiency ratio 53.0% 45.5% 49.7%
Asset Quality        
    Past Due Loans / Total Loans 2.02% 1.47% 1.46%
    Allowances / Total Loans 2.92% 2.46% 2.45%
    Allowances / Past Due Loans 144.5% 167.2% 167.5%
Capital Adequacy        
    Total Capital / Risk Adjusted Assets 13.6% 12.1% 12.1%  

Page 1 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

Third Quarter 2004 Highlights
    The Bank

Page 2 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

    Financial System Highlights




Page 3 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

Banco Chile 2004 Third-Quarter
Consolidated Results

    NET INCOME

The Bank’s total net income for 3Q04 reached Ch$39,277 million, an increase of 5.9% compared to the 3Q03. The main drivers of this improved performance were the important increases in both net financial income (principally as a consequence of higher inflation rate) and income from services, figure that continues showing a positive evolution; as well as recoveries of loans previously charged-off.

As compared to the previous quarter, a lower inflation rate which compressed net financial income together with the comparatively very low operational expenses of 2Q04 explain this quarter’s bottom line reduction.

Banco de Chile’s 3Q04 net income resulted in an annualized return on average assets (ROAA) and annualized return on average shareholders’ equity (ROAE) of 1.63% and 24.9%, respectively, higher than the financial system’s comparable figures of 1.13% and 15.6%, for the same period.

The overall result of the Bank’s subsidiaries improved once again during the 3Q04 reaching Ch$5,998 million. This result mainly reflects higher income coming from the General Administrator of Funds and the Stock Brokerage Subsidiaries.

Bank, Subsidiaries and Foreing Branche's Net Income
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 3Q03 2Q04 3Q04 % Change 3Q04 / 3Q03

Bank

30,942

39,143

31,488

1.8% 

Foreign Branches

1,340

394

1,791

33.7% 

Stock Brokerage

2,462

1,972

2,807

14.0% 

Gral Adm. of Funds

1,376

2,149

2,419

75.8% 

Insurance Brokerage

231

205

90

(61.0)% 

Financial Advisory

160

442

87

(45.6)% 

Factoring

547

499

424

(22.5)% 

Securitization

(19)

26

(12)

(36.8)%

Promarket

(8)

16

8

-

Socofin

73

85

175

139.7%


Total Net Income

37,104

44,931

39,277

5.9%


The strong results recorded by the Stock Brokerage subsidiary during 3Q04 were mainly related to the higher stock volumes traded during the quarter, positively impacted by the better performance of the Chilean stock market. As a consequence, the Stock Brokerage subsidiary continues to be the market leader with a 27.1% market share in terms of stock transactions.

Banchile General Administrator of Funds, the funds manager subsidiary, has shown sound results along the whole year, reflecting its fees-generating capacity through the incorporation of new clients and the development of innovative products and services. Accordingly, during 3Q04, this company recorded a 75.8% increase in net income compared to 3Q03, attaining a market share of 26.3% as of September 30, 2004, in terms of average funds under management.

Though the result obtained from the Financial Advisory subsidiary during 3Q04 was lower than previous, as a consequence of fewer materialized deals, in terms of the nine-month period ending September 2004, its net income increased by approximately 80% compared to the same period of last year. It is worth noting that as of June, 2004 (the latest figure available according to the Superintendency of Banks), this subsidiary was the leader in terms of net income within the Chilean investment banking subsidiaries, and according to Bloomberg, it ranks within the top 20 financial advisers in Latin America.

The result coming from the Bank’s foreign branches increased importantly during 3Q04 compared to the previous quarter mainly due to lower provisions for loan losses as they reduced their exposure - mainly in Mexico - and obtained higher mark to market earnings. The higher income relative to 3Q03 was mainly driven by higher fee income.


Page 4 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

    NET FINANCIAL INCOME

Net financial income increased to Ch$88,814 million for the third quarter of 2004 from the Ch$78,189 million in the third quarter of 2003 mainly due to both, a 34 basis points increase in net financial margin1, and, a 4.2% growth in average interest earning assets.

Net Interest Revenue

(in millions of Chilean pesos)

  3Q03

2Q04 

3Q04 

% Change 3Q04 / 3Q03  


Interest revenue

95,365

164,440

139,667

46.5%

Interest expense

(42,688)

(64,912)

(62,142)

45.6%

Foreign Exchange

transaction, net

25,512

(6,740)

11,289

-


    Net Financial Income

78,189

92,788

88,814

13.6%


Avg. Int. earning assets

8,332,914

8,702,424

8,683,996

4.2%

Net Financial Margin1

3.8%

4.3%

4.1%

-

The increase in average interest earning assets was mostly the resultant of an expansion in consumer credits, housing loans and factoring contracts (included in “other outstanding loans”) and contingent loans and, to a lesser extent, in financial investments.

Net financial margin increased from 3.8% in 3Q03 to 4.1% in 3Q04 principally due to:

Net financial income decreased by 4.3% in 3Q04 compared to the previous quarter principally due to a decline of 17 basis points in the net financial margin and, to a lesser extent, to a slight contraction of 0.2% in average interest earning assets.

The decline in net financial margin during 3Q04 compared to 2Q04 was mainly influenced by lower inflation rate, measured by the variation of the UF which was 1.15% in 2Q04 compared to 1.03% in 3Q04, reducing the spread earned over non-interest bearing liabilities.

In addition, an initial slight impact on the net financial margin was recorded during this quarter as the Central Bank rose the monetary policy interest rate by 25 basis points during September, 2004, implying a negative repricing effect on the net financial margin since liabilities re-price faster than interest earning assets.

    INCOME FROM SERVICES, NET

The Bank confirmed its fee generating ability during the 3Q04, reaching a record level of Ch$33,726 million on a consolidated basis. This figure represents a 33.8% increase from the 3Q03 and 16.2% from the prior quarter. Overall, fee income contributed by 28.0% to operating revenues during 3Q04 compared to 24.3% in last year’s same quarter and 23.6% in 2Q04.

The increase between 3Q04 and 3Q03 mainly reflects the greater variety of services offered by the Bank in order to boost the share of revenues coming from mutual fund and insurance businesses which, in 3Q04, accounted for

________________________
1 Net financial income divided by average interest earning assets.
2 The UF is an accounting unit which is linked to the Chilean CPI, and changes daily to reflect fluctuations in the index over the previous month.

Page 5 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

14.8% and 10.2% of total fee income. Mutual fund business continued to improve as funds under management grew by 47% as from a year ago and the number of participants have increased by 41% during the same period.

In addition, higher income from services during 3Q04 compared to 3Q03 was also fueled by: lower cobranding expenses, higher income related to assets received in lieu of payments, higher credit cards fees, and higher demand deposits and overdraft-related fees as a consequence of a 5.9% increase in the number of current accounts during the last twelve-months. It is worth mentioning that, in line with the Bank’s focus of improving credit card related fee income, a new smart chip technology Platinum Visa card was launched during this quarter.

The 16.2% quarter on quarter increase of fees was principally explained by the improved performance of the Stock Brokerage subsidiary, higher income related to assets received in lieu of payment, and lower cobranding- related payments.

Fees over average loans grew to 2.0% in 3Q04 from 1.6% in 3Q03 and 1.7% in 2Q04.

Net Income from Services, by Company
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 3Q03 2Q04 3Q04 % Change 3Q04 / 3Q03

Bank

14,786

17,566

21,207

43.4%

General Adm. of Funds

3,551

4,611

5,198

46.4%

Financial Advisory

270

687

194

(28.1)%

Insurance Brokerage

831

905

783

(5.8)%

Stock Brokerage

2,902

1,878

3,135

8.0%

Factoring

166

145

174

4.8%

Socofin

2,275

2,265

2,208

(2.9)%

Securization

13

74

23

76.9%

Promarket

0

3

0

-

Foreign Branches

415

890

804

93.7%


Total Income from services, net

25,209

29,024

33,726

33.8%


    GAINS ON SALES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, NET

Gains on sales of financial instruments for the third quarter of 2004 accounted for a loss of Ch$2,261 million mainly related to (i) the sale of a loan associated to the retail sector, effect that at the bottom line was totally offset by the related provisions release, and (ii) an losses related to the sale of Central Bank securities in a context of an increase in long-term interest rates during September 2004.

    PROVISIONS

Provisions amounted to Ch$19,479 million in the third quarter of 2004, a 3.4% increase compared to the previous quarter. This figure represents approximately 1.16% of average loans (on an annualized basis) during 3Q04, a slight increase from the 1.13% in 2Q04. The expansion recorded in provisions for loan losses during the 3Q04 was mainly attributable to the downgrading in the risk classification of three clients of the construction sector, still showing a weak dynamism and one client of the manufacturing sector.

When comparing to 3Q03, it is worth recalling that the lower level of provisions registered in that quarter, mainly responded to a provision release associated to one client of the fishing sector.

The amount of recoveries from previously charged-off loans once again increased, and consequently, the ratio of recoveries to average loans grew as well to 0.74% in 3Q04 from 0.49% in both quarters 2Q04 and 3Q04. It is worth mentioning that this increase is mostly related to large corporations.

On the other hand, charge-offs decreased significantly during this quarter and, as a consequence, the ratio of charge-offs to average loans dropped to 1.02% in 3Q04 from 2.17% in 2Q04 and 2.44% in 3Q03. It is important to note that in general terms charge-offs accounted by the Bank have a minor impact at the bottom line level as they are normally provisioned.


Page 6 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

Allowances and Provisions
(in millions of Chilean pesos)
3Q03
2Q04
3Q04
% Change 3Q04 / 3Q03

Allowances

Allowances at the beginning of each period

208,465

182,000

162,343

(22.1)%

    Price-level restatement

(376)

(2,447)

(1,700)

352.1 %

    Charge-off

(39,063)

(36,044)

(17,070)

(56.3)%

    Provisions for loan losses established, net

13,265

18,834

19,479

46.8%

Allowances at the end of each period

182,291

162,343

163,052

(10.6)%

Provisions


Provisions

(13,265)

(18,834)

(19,479)

46.8%


Ratios

 

 

 

 


 

Allowances / Total loans

2.92%

2.46%

2.45%

Provisions, net / Avg. Loans

0.36%

0.64%

0.44%

Provisions / Avg. Loans

0.83%

1.13%

1.16%

Charge-offs / Avg. Loans

2.44%

2.17%

1.02%

Recoveries / Avg. Loans

0.49%

0.49%

0.74%



    OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

Total Other Income and Expenses increased to Ch$7,806 million in 3Q04 from Ch$5,278 million in 3Q03 or Ch$6,155 million in 2Q04, mainly as a consequence of the already mentioned growth of more than 50% in recoveries of loans previously charged-off, to Ch$12,344 million in 3Q04 from Ch$7,778 million in 3Q03 or Ch$8,211 million in 2Q04. This increase was partially offset by higher non-operating expenses related to previous year credit cards related expenses.

    OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses reached Ch$59,772 million during the third quarter of 2004, an increase of 8.5% compared to the 3Q03 or 6.9% relative to the previous quarter, mainly associated to both an increase in salaries and personnel expenses and in administrative expenses.

Personnel salaries and expenses growth of 7.5% during 3Q04 compared to 3Q03 was mostly attributable to headcount increase mainly related to commercial banking activities and subsidiaries (Stock brokerage and Administrator of Funds) and, higher variable compensations packages associated to the results registered by the Bank and its subsidiaries during year 2004.

Administrative expenses increased by 11.7% during 3Q04 relative to last year’s same quarter mainly due to: (i) higher collection fees paid related to the higher levels of recoveries, (ii) higher advertising expenses coming from, both, the Bank and the Stock Broker and Mutual Fund Subsidiaries, companies that decided to reinforce their brand position and, (iii) costs related to the initiation and promotion of the new on-line service “Digipass” (the high security electronic key) offered by the Bank to its clients.

Regarding higher operating expenses recorded during 3Q04 compared to the previous quarter, they were mainly driven by an increase in personnel salaries, due to higher bonus provisions and higher training and health benefits for the Bank’s employees and, higher administrative expenses mainly explained by the same factors described in the above paragraph. In addition, higher depreciation and amortization expenses during this quarter were mainly associated to the acquisition of technological equipment related to the “Neos” project.

The 3Q04 efficiency ratio of 49.7% remains within the Bank’s expectations and stands below the system’s average of 54.7%.

Operating Expenses
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 3Q03 2Q04 3Q04 % Change 3Q04/3Q03

Personnel salaries and expenses (30,873) (32,165) (33,182) 7.5%
Administrative and other expenses (20,055) (19,826) (22,403) 11.7%
Depreciation and amortization (4,157) (3,945) (4,187) 0.7%

Total operating expenses (55,085) (55,936) (59,772) 8.5%

Efficiency Ratio* 53.0% 45.5% 49.7% -
Efficiency Ratio** 49.0% 42.3% 46.3%  



* Operating expenses/Operating revenues
** Excludes depreciation and amortization

Page 7 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

    LOSS FROM PRICE- LEVEL RESTATEMENT

Loss from price-level restatement amounted to Ch$3,663 million in 3Q04 compared to Ch$406 million during the 3Q03, mainly due to the increase in the inflation rate used for adjustment purposes from 0.1% in 3Q03 to 1.0% in 3Q04.

    INCOME TAXES

The Bank’s income taxes totaled Ch$5,894 million in 3Q04 compared to Ch$3,285 million in 3Q03. This increase in income taxes is mainly a consequence of a higher income tax base as a result of higher net income before taxes and also due to the increase in the statutory income tax rate from 16.5% in 2003 to 17% in 2004.

    LOAN PORTFOLIO


As of September 30, 2004, the Bank’s loan portfolio, net of interbank loans, totaled Ch$6,605,545 million, a quarterly and annual expansion of 0.7% and 6.2%, respectively.

During the year, the Bank has strongly focused on changing the mix of its loan portfolio concentrating its growth effort on higher yielding segments. As a result, the Bank has shown a moderate but constant growth evolution combined with improved loan spreads.

As a consequence, the principal expansions in the loan portfolio have been recorded in the segments of individuals and, to a lesser extent, in the middle market segment. In the twelve-month period, individual banking has been growing at a rate of 16%, followed by the middle -market corporate segment with a 5.0% growth during the same period.

The segment of large corporations has shown a minor annual increase mainly due to the associated low margins. In addition, the appreciation of the Chilean peso has also impacted loan volumes expressed in local currency, mostly related to the large corporations segment, as 20.5% of its portfolio is denominated in foreign currency.

In terms of products, the annual loan portfolio growth was mainly driven by other outstanding, consumer and contingent loans and, to a lesser extent, by lease contracts.

The expansion observed in the line of other outstanding loans mainly reflects the Bank’s focus in expanding residential mortgage loans financed by the Bank’s general borrowings, which are accounted for in this line, instead of mortgage loans financed by mortgage bonds, being the former a higher yielding product. In overall terms, residential mortgage loans have increased by 17% during the last twelve-months, implying 10 basis points increase in terms of market share to 14.7%. The annual increase in other outstanding loans was also boosted by factoring contracts, which more than doubled in terms of volume during the analyzed period.

Consumer business has also improved importantly during the last-twelve-months in both segments, high to middle as well as lower income individuals, as a consequence of the Bank’s effort in increase its exposure in this segment through different promotional and marketing campaigns as well as the strengthening of its Banco Credichile brand name. In terms of market share, the consumer business grew to 16.5% as of September 2004 from 14.6% twelve months ago.



Loan Portifolio
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Sep - 03 June 04 Sep - 04 % Change 12-months % change 3Q04/2Q04

Commercial Loans 2,671,111  2,658,907  2,681,307  0.4% 0.8%
Mortgage Loans 1 1,172,596  1,041,408  937,144  (20.1)% (10.0)%
Consumer Loans 557,537  643,607  676,869  21.4% 5.2%
Foreign trade Loans 629,624  710,351  642,261  2.0% (9.6)%
Contingent Loans 405,160  497,220  507,342  25.2% 2.0%
Others Outstanding Loans23 383,422  601,835  734,344  91.5% 22.0%
Leasing Contracts 272,007  309,190  328,943  20.9% 6.4%
Past-due Loans 126,116  97,110  97,335  (22.8)% 0.2%
Total Loans, net 6,217,573  6,559,628  6,605,545  6.2% 0.7%
Interbank Loans 30,191  52,136  40,435  33.9% (22.4)%

Total Loans 6,247,764  6,611,764  6,645,980  6.4% 0.5%



1 Mortgage loans financed by mortgage bonds.
2 Includes mortgage loans financed by the Bank’s general borrowings and factoring contracts.
3 According to the new guidelines dictated by the Superintendency of Banks, credit lines and overdrafts accounted as other outstanding loans were reclassified as consumer loans and commercial loans in 1Q04. The information for the prior quarters was reclassified for comparative purposes.

Page 8 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

Contingent loans have increased its contribution to total loans to 7.6% as of September 2004 from 6.5% at the end of September 2003, mainly fueled by the expansions recorded in the financial services and retail sectors.

Lease contracts also registered a significant 20.9% annual expansion, maintaining a 21.3% market share within the financial system.

Regarding foreign trade loans, the Bank holds an important market share of 18.7% as of September 2004, in spite of the observed quarter-on-quarter reduction partly due to the quarterly drop of 1.2% in the exchange rate.

Consistent with our strategy, the middle market segment was the main driver of commercial loans which, in all, increased by 0.8% quarter-on-quarter even though the slow performance of the large corporations segment.

Past Due Loans
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Sep - 03 June 04 Sep - 04 % Change 12-months % Change 3Q04/2Q04

Commercial loans 109,366  79,678  81,917  (25.1)% 2.8%
Consumer loans 3,145  3,540  3,573  13.6% 0.9%
Residential mortgage loans 13,605  13,892  11,845  (12.9)% (14.7)%

Total Past Due Loans 126,116  97,110  97,335  (22.8)% 0.2%



Past due loans dropped to Ch$97,335 million as of September 30, 2004, a 22.8% contraction over the last twelve-months mainly related to commercial loans and, to a lesser extent, to residential mortgage loans. This contraction responds principally to the strong charge-off policy that the Bank has been implementing and due to the improvements in the overall loan portfolio composition. Past-due loans remained stable relative to June 30 2004, representing a 1.46% of average loans.

    FUNDING

Total liabilities increased by 6.7% during the last twelve-months mainly due to a 22.4% expansion in non-interest bearing liabilities mainly fueled by an increase of 5.9% in the number of checking accounts, higher balances maintained in current accounts and in bankers drafts, influenced by the low interest rates and by an increase in other liabilities.

On the other hand, interest bearing liabilities remained stable as the increase recorded in other bonds and in the repurchase agreements totally offset the decreases in foreign borrowings and mortgage finance bonds. The increase in other bonds responds to the successful issuance made by the Bank on September 1, 2004, of three series bonds for a total amount of approximately US$285 million, in order to support the expected loan growth, and reduce the market risk exposure in line with the Bank’s asset/liabilities management policies.

The importance of this issuance was not only related to the large volume of the transaction, but also because of the placement conditions obtained in terms of risk premium, the lowest ever obtained in these types of instruments in the Chilean financial industry, fact that confirms the confidence placed by the investors in our company.


Page 9 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

Funding
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Sep - 03 June 04 Sep - 04 % Change 12-months % change 3Q04/2Q04

Non-interest Bearing Liabilities          
Current Accounts 1,132,103  1,365,321  1,299,125  14.8% (4.8)%
Bankers drafts and other deposits 733,513  742,366  807,698  10.1% 8.8%
Other Liabilities 632,367  838,625  951,091  50.4% 13.4%
    Total 2,497,983  2,946,312  3,057,914  22.4% 3.8%
Interest Bearing Liabilities          
Savings & Time Deposits 3,556,202  3,687,078  3,550,635  (0.2)% (3.7)%
Central Bank Borrowings 3,186  2,322  2,627  (17.5)% 13.1%
Repurchase agreements 310,780  476,255  451,555  45.3% (5.2)%
Mortgage Finance Bonds 1,047,010  984,802  906,987  (13.4)% (7.9)%
Subordinated Bonds 278,593  269,905  267,178  (4.1)% (1.0)%
Other Bonds 3,826  2,776  179,035  4,579.4% 6,349.4%
Borrowings from Domestic Financ. Inst. 63,886  3,480  48,086  (24.7)% 1,281.8%
Foreign Borrowings 591,758  641,230  445,647  (24.7)% (30.5)%
Other Obligations 39,954  42,646  46,253  15.8% 8.5%
    Total 5,895,195  6,110,494  5,898,003  0.0% (3.5)%

Total Liabilities 8,393,178  9,056,806  8,955,917  6.7% (1.1)%



Regarding the slight 1.1% decrease observed in total liabilities during the 3Q04, it responded mainly to a 3.5% drop in interest bearing liabilities which offset the 3.8% increase in non-interest bearing liabilities.

Non-interest bearing liabilities increase was principally attributable to the increase of 8.8% in bankers draft and other deposits and the 13.4% growth in other liabilities, which totally compensated the contraction experienced in the current accounts balance. It is worth mentioning that during 3Q04 the Central Bank raised its short-term reference interest rate for monetary policy by 25 basis points to 2.0%, which may start discouraging our clients to maintain higher balances in non-interest bearing liabilities.

The decrease in interest bearing liabilities during the 3Q04 was mainly driven by a decrease in foreign borrowings, related to the contraction in foreign trade loans and the drop in the exchange rate, and in mortgage finance bonds as the Bank continues fostering the expansion of mortgage loans financed by the Bank’s general borrowing instead of mortgage loans financed by mortgage loans.

As the Bank’s funding structure is concerned, the ratio of average interest bearing liabilities to average interest earning assets improved to 71.2% from 73.4% in 3Q03 or 71.8% in 2Q04.

    INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

As of September 2004, the Bank’s investment portfolio totaled Ch$1,788,790 million, a decrease of 11.4% compared to June 2004, mainly driven by short-term Central Bank securities and investments in Chilean financial institutions. It is worth noting that the Bank’s bonds issuance during 3Q04, which implied the substitution of short-term liabilities by long-term liabilities improved liquidity allowing the Bank to reduce its low yield short-term assets (investments). In addition, the decline in the exchange rate also explained the decrease in the investment portfolio. In terms of composition, in a context of the increase experienced in interest rates the Bank has reduced the duration of its investment portfolio.

At September 30, 2004, the investment portfolio was comprised principally by:

    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of September 30, 2004, the Bank’s Shareholder Equity totaled Ch$643,018 million (US$1,059 million), a 5.7% decrease compared to the 3Q03 mainly due to a drop in capital and reserves and lower adjustment for translation differences (as a consequence of the 8.7% decline in the exchange rate), effects which more than offset the 16.2% increase in net income during the last twelve-months.

As we said in the previous release, the drop in capital and reserves was a consequence of the Bank’s tender offer for the repurchase of common stocks, representing 2.5% of the total capital. As long as the shares are held by the Bank, the value of the 1,701,994,590 repurchased shares which amounted to Ch$52,762 million must be deducted from the basic capital.


Page 10 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

At the end of September 2004, on a consolidated basis, Total Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets (BIS ratio) was 12.06%, and Basic Capital to Total Assets was 5.39%, both well above the minimum requirements applicable to Banco de Chile of 10% and 3%, respectively.

Shareholders’ Equity
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Sep - 03 June 04 Sep - 04 % Change 12-months

Capital and Reserves 571,355  516,959  517,427  (9.4)%
Accumulated adjustment for translation differences 3 5,403  5,072  3,810  (29.5)%
Unrealized gain (loss) on permanent financial invest. 4 372  126  123  (66.9)%
Net ncome 104,659  83,205  121,658  16.2%

Total Shareholders' equity 681,789  605,362  643,018  (5.7)%



________________________________
3 Represents the effect of the variation in the exchange rate on investments abroad that exceed the restatement of these investments according to the change in the consumer price index.
4 Financial investments traded on a secondary market are shown adjusted to market value, following specific instructions from the Superintendency of Banks and Financial Institutions. These instructions state that such adjustments should be recognized against income, except in the case of the permanent portfolio, when an equity account, “Unrealized gains (losses) on permanent financial investments”, may be directly charged or credited.

Page 11 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results



BANCO DE CHILE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Under Chilean GAAP)

(Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of September 30, 2004 and millions of US dollars (MUS$))


    Quarters %Change   Year ended %Change
   

 

    3Q03  2Q04  3Q04  3Q04  3Q04-3Q03  3Q04-2Q04    Sep.03  Dec03  Sep.04  Sep.04  Sep 04-Sep 03 
    MCh$ MCh$ MCh$ MUS$       MCh$ MCh$ MCh$ MUS$  
Interest revenue and expense
    Interest revenue   95,365  164,440  139,667  230.1  46.5 %  (15.1) %    373,632  436,849  416,337  685.9  11.4 % 
    Interest expense   (42,688) (64,912) (62,142) (102.4) 45.6 %  (4.3) %    (166,798) (208,114) (157,323) (259.2) (5.7) % 
        Net interest revenue   52,677  99,528  77,525  127.7  47.2 %  (22.1) %    206,834  228,735  259,014  426.7  25.2 % 

 

 

Income from services, net
    Income from fees and other services   35,709  38,837  43,721  72.0  22.4 %  12.6 %    99,020  139,695  121,066  199.5  22.3 % 
    Other services expenses   (10,500) (9,813) (9,995) (16.5) (4.8) %  1.9 %    (28,558) (42,019) (29,356) (48.4) 2.8 % 
        Income from services, net   25,209  29,024  33,726  55.5  33.8 %  16.2 %    70,462  97,676  91,710  151.1  30.2 % 

 

 

Other operating income, net
    Gains on financial instruments, net   469  1,092  (2,261) (3.7) n/a  n/a    9,313  5,431  4,212  6.9  (54.8) % 
    Foreign exchange transactions, net   25,512  (6,740) 11,289  18.6  (55.8) %  n/a    33,619  92,791  (6,471) (10.7) n/a 
        Total other operating income, net   25,981  (5,648) 9,028  14.9  (65.3) %  n/a    42,932  98,222  (2,259) (3.8) n/a 

 

 

Operating Revenues   103,867  122,904  120,279  198.1  15.8 %  (2.1) %    320,228  424,633  348,465  574.0  8.8 % 
Provision for loan losses   (13,265) (18,834) (19,479) (32.1) 46.8 %  3.4 %    (43,990) (61,210) (52,597) (86.7) 19.6 % 
Other income and expenses
    Recovery of loans previously charged-off   7,778  8,211  12,344  20.3  58.7 %  50.3 %    18,201  25,873  26,573  43.8  46.0 % 
    Non-operating income   1,818  1,120  913  1.5  (49.8) %  (18.5) %    3,868  5,398  3,398  5.6  (12.2) % 
Non-operating expenses   (4,444) (3,402) (5,816) (9.5) 30.9 %  71.0 %    (10,419) (15,911) (13,369) (22.0) 28.3 % 
    Participation in earnings of equity investments   126  226  365  0.6  189.7 %  61.5 %    (2,093) (1,243) 538  0.9  n/a 
         Total other income and expenses   5,278  6,155  7,806  12.9  47.9 %  26.8 %    9,557  14,117  17,140  28.3  79.3 % 

 

 

Operating expenses
    Personnel salaries and expenses   (30,873) (32,165) (33,182) (54.7) 7.5 %  3.2 %    (90,397) (127,578) (96,467) (158.9) 6.7 % 
    Administrative and other expenses   (20,055) (19,826) (22,403) (36.9) 11.7 %  13.0 %    (61,926) (81,368) (62,165) (102.4) 0.4 % 
    Depreciation and amortization   (4,157) (3,945) (4,187) (6.9) 0.7 %  6.1 %    (13,341) (17,279) (11,823) (19.5) (11.4) % 
        Total operating expenses   (55,085) (55,936) (59,772) (98.5) 8.5 %  6.9 %    (165,664) (226,225) (170,455) (280.8) 2.9 % 

 

 

Loss from price-level restatement   (406) (4,550) (3,663) (6.0) 802.2 %  (19.5) %    (4,721) (4,113) (5,572) (9.2) 18.0 % 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries   0.0  n/a  n/a    (1) (2) (1) 0.0  0.0 % 
    Income before income taxes   40,389  49,739  45,171  74.4  11.8 %  (9.2) %    115,409  147,200  136,980  225.6  18.7 % 
Income taxes   (3,285) (4,808) (5,894) (9.7) 79.4 %  22.6 %    (10,750) (14,166) (15,322) (25.2) 42.5 % 
Net income   37,104  44,931  39,277  64.7  5.9 %  (12.6) %    104,659  133,034  121,658  200.4  16.2 % 

The results have been prepared in accordance with Chilean GAAP on an unaudited, consolidated basis. All figures are expressed in constant Chilean pesos as of September 30, 2004, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, all growth rates are in real terms.
All figures expressed in US dollars (except earnings per ADR) were converted using the exchange rate of Ch$606.96 for US$1.00 as of September 30, 2004. Earnings per ADR were calculated considering the nominal net income and, the exchange rate and the number of shares existing at the end of each period.


Page 12 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

BANCO DE CHILE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Under Chilean GAAP)

(Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of September 30, 2004 and millions of US dollars (MUS$))


ASSETS   Dec 02 Sep 03 Dec 03 Jun 04 Sep 04 Sep-04    % Change 
    MCh$  MCh$  MCh$  MCh$  MCh$  MUS$    Sep 04- Sep 03 Sep 04-Dec 03   Sep 04- Jun 04
Cash and due from banks
    Noninterest bearing   615,150  705,833  656,315  599,668  592,990  977.0    (16.0%) (9.6%) (1.1%)
    Interbank bearing   81,018  38,520  216,798  74,585  125,309  206.5    225.3% (42.2%) 68.0%
        Total cash and due from banks   696,168  744,353  873,113  674,253  718,299  1,183.5    (3.5%) (17.7%) 6.5%

 
 
Financial investments
    Government securities   894,727  1,134,517  1,029,444  1,121,793  1,036,495  1,707.7    (8.6%) 0.7% (7.6%)
    Investments purchase under agreements to resell   33,116  15,549  30,224  49,485  42,716  70.4    174.7% 41.3% (13.7%)
    Investment collateral under agreements to repurchase   284,527  302,383  425,874  469,143  440,522  725.8    45.7% 3.4% (6.1%)
    Other investments   433,202  419,096  467,193  379,450  269,057  443.3    (35.8%) (42.4%) (29.1%)
        Total financial investments   1,645,572  1,871,545  1,952,735  2,019,871  1,788,790  2,947.2    (4.4%) (8.4%) (11.4%)

 
 
Loans, Net
    Commercial loans   2,695,661  2,671,111  2,692,325  2,658,907  2,681,307  4,417.6    0.4% (0.4%) 0.8%
    Consumer loans   540,829  557,537  599,870  643,607  676,869  1,115.2    21.4% 12.8% 5.2%
    Mortgage loans   1,221,927  1,172,596  1,149,463  1,041,408  937,144  1,544.0    (20.1%) (18.5%) (10.0%)
    Foreign trade loans   629,526  629,624  670,787  710,351  642,261  1,058.2    2.0% (4.3%) (9.6%)
    Interbank loans   56,418  30,191  13,474  52,136  40,435  66.6    33.9% 200.1% (22.4%)
    Lease contracts   256,364  272,007  274,066  309,190  328,943  542.0    20.9% 20.0% 6.4%
    Other outstanding loans   398,564  383,422  449,311  601,835  734,344  1,209.9    91.5% 63.4% 22.0%
    Past due loans   149,168  126,116  107,508  97,110  97,335  160.4    (22.8%) (9.5%) 0.2%
    Contingent loans   392,911  405,160  417,395  497,220  507,342  835.9    25.2% 21.5% 2.0%
        Total loans   6,341,368  6,247,764  6,374,199  6,611,764  6,645,980  10,949.8    6.4% 4.3% 0.5%
    Allowances   (222,348) (182,291) (182,799) (162,343) (163,052) (268.6)   (10.6%) (10.8%) 0.4%
        Total loans, net   6,119,020  6,065,473  6,191,400  6,449,421  6,482,928  10,681.2    6.9% 4.7% 0.5%

 
 
Other assets
    Assets received in lieu of payment   19,552  17,374  15,924  16,714  16,353  26.9    (5.9%) 2.7% (2.2%)
    Bank premises and equipment   143,410  131,681  130,182  130,778  131,611  216.8    (0.1%) 1.1% 0.6%
    Investments in other companies   4,916  3,575  5,397  4,900  5,498  9.1    53.8% 1.9% 12.2%
    Other   214,178  240,970  256,901  366,232  455,457  750.2    89.0%  77.3%  24.4% 
        Total other assets   382,056  393,600  408,404  518,624  608,919  1,003.0    54.7% 49.1% 17.4%
Total assets   8,842,816  9,074,971  9,425,652  9,662,169  9,598,936  15,814.9    5.8% 1.8% (0.7%)

Page 13 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

BANCO DE CHILE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Under Chilean GAAP)

(Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of September 30, 2004 and millions of US dollars (MUS$))


LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   Dec 02 Sep 03 Dec 03 Jun 04 Sep 04 Sep-04    % Change 
    MCh$  MCh$  MCh$  MCh$  MCh$  MUS$    Sep 04- Sep 03 Sep 04-Dec 03   Sep 04- Jun 04
Deposits                      
    Current accounts   1,103,480  1,132,103  1,251,207  1,365,321  1,299,125  2,140.4    14.8% 3.8% (4.8%)
    Bankers drafts and other deposits   585,230  733,513  676,057  742,366  807,698  1,330.7    10.1% 19.5% 8.8%
    Saving accounts and time deposits   3,599,542  3,556,202  3,487,563  3,687,078  3,550,635  5,849.9    (0.2%) 1.8% (3.7%)
        Total deposits   5,288,252  5,421,818  5,414,827  5,794,765  5,657,458  9,321.0    4.3% 4.5% (2.4%)

 
 
Borrowings
    Central Bank borrowings   3,873  3,186  28,411  2,322  2,627  4.3    (17.5%) (90.8%) 13.1%
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   284,751  310,780  434,849  476,255  451,555  744.0    45.3% 3.8% (5.2%)
    Mortgage finance bonds   1,115,684  1,047,010  1,033,727  984,802  906,987  1,494.3    (13.4%) (12.3%) (7.9%)
    Other bonds   4,727  3,826  3,186  2,776  179,035  295.0    4579.4% 5519.4% 6349.4%
    Subordinated bonds   285,759  278,593  276,350  269,905  267,178  440.2    (4.1%) (3.3%) (1.0%)
    Borrowings from domestic financial institutions   51,962  63,886  50,830  3,480  48,086  79.2    (24.7%) (5.4%) 1281.8%
    Foreign borrowings   525,241  591,758  731,610  641,230  445,647  734.2    (24.7%) (39.1%) (30.5%)
    Other obligations   79,011  39,954  60,732  42,646  46,253  76.2    15.8% (23.8%) 8.5%
        Total borrowings   2,351,008  2,338,993  2,619,695  2,423,416  2,347,368  3,867.4    0.4% (10.4%) (3.1%)

 
 
Other liabilities
    Contingent liabilities   392,113  405,576  417,421  498,446  510,077  840.4    25.8% 22.2% 2.3%
    Other   175,164  226,791  264,810  340,179  441,014  726.7    94.5% 66.5% 29.6%
        Total other liabilities   567,277  632,367  682,231  838,625  951,091  1,567.1    50.4% 39.4% 13.4%

 
 
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries   0.0    (75.0%) (80.0%) 0.0%

 
 
Shareholders' equity
    Capital and Reserves   582,105  577,130  575,860  522,157  521,360  859.0    (9.7%) (9.5%) (0.2%)
    Net income for the year   54,171  104,659  133,034  83,205  121,658  200.4    16.2% (8.6%) 46.2%
        Total shareholders' equity   636,276  681,789  708,894  605,362  643,018  1,059.4    (5.7%) (9.3%) 6.2%
 
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity   8,842,816  9,074,971  9,425,652  9,662,169  9,598,936  15,814.9    5.8% 1.8% (0.7%)

Page 14 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

BANCO DE CHILE
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION


  Quarters   Year ended
 
 
  3Q03  2Q04  3Q04    Sep.03  Dec 03  Sep.04 
Earnings per Share
    Net income per Share (Ch$) (1) 0.55  0.68  0.59    1.54  1.95  1.83 
    Net income per ADS (Ch$) (1) 327.01  406.14  355.03    922.39  1,172.45  1,099.69 
    Net income per ADS (US$) (2) 0.49  0.64  0.58    1.39  1.96  1.81 
    Book value per Share (Ch$) (1) 10.02  9.12  9.69    10.02  10.41  9.69 
    Shares outstanding (Millions) 68,080  66,378  66,378    68,080  68,080  66,378 


 
Profitability Ratios (3)(4)
    Net Interest Margin 2.53% 4.57% 3.57%   3.32% 2.75% 4.06%
    Net Financial Margin 3.75% 4.26% 4.09%   3.86% 3.86% 3.96%
    Fees / Avg. Interest Earnings Assets 1.21% 1.33% 1.55%   1.13% 1.17% 1.44%
    Other Operating Revenues / Avg. Interest Earnings Assets 1.25% -0.26%  0.42%   0.69% 1.18% -0.04% 
    Operating Revenues / Avg. Interest Earnings Assets 4.99% 5.65% 5.54%   5.14% 5.10% 5.47%
    Return on Average Total Assets 1.61% 1.84% 1.63%   1.53% 1.45% 1.70%
    Return on Average Shareholders' Equity 21.89% 29.48% 24.94%   21.44% 20.01% 25.25%


 
Capital Ratios
    Shareholders Equity / Total Assets 7.51% 6.27% 6.70%   7.51% 7.52% 6.70%
    Basic capital / total assets 6.32% 5.36% 5.39%   6.32% 6.08% 5.39%
    Basic Capital / Risk-Adjusted Assets 9.42% 8.05% 8.04%   9.42% 9.20% 8.04%
    Total Capital / Risk-Adjusted Assets 13.58% 12.10% 12.06%   13.58% 13.22% 12.06%


 
Credit Quality Ratios
    Past Due Loans / Total Loans 2.02% 1.47% 1.46%   2.02% 1.69% 1.46%
    Allowance for loan losses / past due loans 144.54% 167.17% 167.52%   144.54% 170.03% 167.52%
    Allowance for Loans Losses / Total Loans 2.92% 2.46% 2.45%   2.92% 2.87% 2.45%
    Provision for Loan Losses / Avg.Loans (4) 0.83% 1.13% 1.16%   0.92% 0.96% 1.07%


 
Operating and Productivity Ratios
    Operating Expenses / Operating Revenue 53.03% 45.51% 49.69%   51.73% 53.28% 48.92%
    Operating Expenses / Average Total Assets (3) 2.39% 2.29% 2.48%   2.42% 2.46% 2.38%
    Loans per employee (million Ch$) (1) 693  720  717    693  698  717 


 
Average Balance Sheet Data (1)(3)
    Avg. Interest Earnings Assets (million Ch$) 8,332,914  8,702,424  8,683,996    8,301,808  8,330,036  8,500,980 
    Avg. Assets (million Ch$) 9,236,660  9,784,708  9,635,738    9,115,627  9,205,517  9,535,886 
    Avg. Shareholders Equity (million Ch$) 678,137  609,662  629,857    650,949  664,780  642,463 
    Avg. Loans 6,403,171  6,654,399  6,699,030    6,377,097  6,394,720  6,533,002 
    Avg. Interest Bearing Liabilities (million Ch$) 6,119,168  6,251,886  6,185,607    6,069,921  6,077,134  6,101,061 


 
Other Data
    Inflation Rate 0.27% 1.33% 0.66%   1.87% 1.07% 2.25%
    Exchange rate (Ch$) 665.13  636.59  606.96    665.13  599.42  606.96 
    Employees 9,013  9,187  9,271    9,013  9,130  9,271 


 
Notes
(1) These figures were expressed in constant Chilean pesos as of September 30, 2004.
(2) These figures were calculated considering the nominal net income, the shares outstanding and the exchange rates existing at the end of each period.
(3) The ratios were calculated as an average of daily balances.
(4) Annualized data.

Page 15 of 16

2004 Third Quarter Results

CONTACTS: Ricardo Morales
  (56-2) 637 3519
  rmorales@bancochile.cl

  Jacqueline Barrio
  (56-2) 637 2938
  jbarrio@bancochile.cl





FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The information contained herein incorporates by reference statements which constitute ‘‘forward-looking statements,’’ in that they include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of our directors and officers with respect to our future operating performance. Such statements include any forecasts, projections and descriptions of anticipated cost savings or other synergies. You should be aware that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors (including, without limitations, the actions of competitors, future global economic conditions, market conditions, foreign exchange rates, and operating and financial risks related to managing growth and integrating acquired businesses), many of which are beyond our control. The occurrence of any such factors not currently expected by us would significantly alter the results set forth in these statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely include, but are not limited to:

You should not place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. Our independent public accountants have not examined or compiled the forward-looking statements and, accordingly, do not provide any assurance with respect to such statements. These cautionary statements should be considered in connection with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements after completion of this offering to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


Page 16 of 16

 


 
SIGNATURE
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: November 4, 2004

 
Banco de Chile
By:
/S/  Pablo Granifo L.

 
Pablo Granifo Lavín
Chief Executive Officer