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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 February, 2005
 

 

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- ____.)


 

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results


Santiago, Chile, February 3, 2005 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 which cross all segments of the Chilean financial market, announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004.
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
  • The Bank has achieved a record net income of Ch$ 152,628 million for 2004, an increase of 14.1% compared to 2003. As a consequence, net income per share rose to Ch$2.30 in 2004 from Ch$1.97 in 2003.

  • ROAE of 23.6% for the year ended December 31, 2004 highly exceeded the system’s 15.3%, reflecting the Bank’s successful performance during the period.

  • Fee income increased almost 30% during year 2004, reaching a record high 52.8% ratio of fees over operating expenses as of December 2004.

  • The Bank’s loan portfolio grew by 7.4% over the last twelve-months, while past due loans ratio improved significantly to 1.23% at the end of 2004.




Selected Financial Data 2003 2004 % Change
2004/2003
4Q03 4Q04 % Change
4Q04/4Q03
Income Statement (Millions, Chilean pesos)            
    Net Financial Income 323,420 346,132 7.0% 80,835 93,589 15.8%
    Income from Services 98,251 126,842 29.1% 27,164 35,132 29.3%
    Gains on Sales of Financial Instruments 5,463 (3,151) - (3,932) (7,363) 87.3%
 

 

 
Operating Revenues 427,134 469,823 10.0% 104,067 121,358 16.6%
Provisions for Loan Losses (61,612) (73,512) 19.3% (17,233) (20,915) 21.4%
Total Operating Expenses (227,557) (240,302) 5.6% (60,427) (69,847) 15.6%
Net Income 133,817 152,628 14.1% 28,231 30,970 9.7%

Earnings per Share (Chilean pesos)            
    Net incom e per Share 1.97 2.30 16.8% 0.41 0.47 14.6%
    Book value per Share 10.48 10.16 (3.1)% 10.48 10.16 (3.1)%

Balance Sheet (Millions, Chilean pesos)            
    Loan Portfolio 6,411,793 6,888,911 7.4% 6,411,793 6,888,911 7.4%
    Total Assets 9,481,150 9,649,203 1.8% 9,481,150 9,649,203 1.8%
    Shareholders' Equity 713,068 674,533 (5.4)% 713,068 674,533 (5.4)%

Profitability            
    ROAA 1.45% 1.59%   1.19% 1.26%  
    ROAE 20.0% 23.6%    16.0% 18.7%   
    Net Financial Margin 3.9% 4.0%    3.9% 4.3%   
    Efficiency ratio 53.3% 51.2%    58.1% 57.6%   
Asset Quality          
    Past Due Loans /Total Loans 1.69% 1.23%    1.69% 1.23%   
    Allowances / Total Loans 2.87% 2.23%    2.87% 2.23%   
    Allowances / Past Due Loans 170.1% 181.6%    170.1% 181.6%   
Capital Adequacy            
    Total Capital/Risk Adjusted Assets 13.2% 11.7%    13.2% 11.7%   

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

2004 Highlights

    The Bank

Page 2 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

    Financial System Highlights




Page 3 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

Banco Chile 2004 Fourth-Quarter and Year end Consolidated Results

    NET INCOME

The Bank achieved record consolidated net income of Ch$152,628 million during 2004, an increase of 14.1% compared to the previous year, primarily as a result of a 29% increase in fee income and a rise of 7% in net financial income.

Return on average assets (ROAA) and return on average shareholders’ equity (ROAE) were 1.59% and 23.6%, respectively, for the year 2004, which compared favorably with the previous year figures of 1.45% and 20.0%, respectively.

Bank, Subsidiaries and Foreign Branches' Net Income
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 2003 2004 % Change
2004/2003
4Q03 4Q04 % Change
4Q04/4Q03
Bank 103,400  125,179  21.1% 21,917  24,042  9.7%
Foreign Branches 11,680  3,794  (67.5)% 587  387  (34.1)%
Stock Brokerage 9,235  9,803  6.2% 2,745  3,068  11.8%
Gral Adm. of Funds 5,911  9,081  53.6% 1,857  2,494  34.3%
Insurance Brokerage 736  671  (8.8)% 202  20  (90.1)%
Financial Advisory 802  1,756  119.0% 45  431  857.8%
Factoring 1,959  2,109  7.7% 581  420  (27.7)%
Securitization 27  59  118.5% 85  26  (69.4)%
Promarket (74) 46  (162.2)% 37  19  (48.6)%
Socofin 141  137  (2.8)% 175  70  -60.0%
Trade Services Lltd. - (7) - - (7) -

Total Net Income 133,817  152,628  14.1% 28,231  30,970  9.7%

The Bank’s improved annual financial performance also reflects the higher contribution of the subsidiaries, which in overall generated 15.5% of the Bank’s total net income during 2004, compared to a 14.0% in 2003. Subsidiaries posted net profits of Ch$23,655 million in 2004, an increase of 26.2% relative to the earlier year, mainly explained by the strong results recorded by the General Administrator of Funds, the Financial Advisory and the Stock Brokerage companies.

Net income from the General Administrator of Funds showed a significant annual increase of 53.6% mainly fueled by the 32.3% growth in average funds under management.

Notable performance of the Stock Brokerage subsidiary was mainly due to a higher stock trading volume during 2004. In addition, during 4Q04, important earnings were recorded as a result of their participation in the important auction on the Santiago Stock Exchange for a 20% stake of the Chile’s biggest brewer, Compañía Cervecerías Unidas SA (CCU), sold by the leading U.S. brewer Anheuser- Bush(BUD).

The Financial Advisory increase in net income during 2004 was mainly related to its participation in different syndicated loans and the materialization of the important acquisition transaction of the Montecarlo supermarket chain during 4Q04. In addition, Banchile Financial Advisory arranged and syndicated, jointly with four other Banks, a U$47 million long term loan granted to an important corporation of the telecommunications sector.

In 2004, the Factoring subsidiary once again showed a solid performance, registering a 7.7% increase in its net income compared to the prior year. In terms of total loans, this company reached near to Ch$124,500 million, figure which has more than doubled in the last two years.

On its part, the net income from the Insurance Brokerage Company registered a slight decline in 2004 mainly due to higher operating expenses associated to variable compensations and higher advertising and promotional campaigns disbursements.

As far as the Bank’s foreign branches are concerned, the lower results posted during 2004, as compared to those of the previous year, were mostly explained by the extraordinary earnings obtained from the sale of Latin American securities during the first half of 2003 and exceptional advisory and legal counseling related expenses incurred in the New York branch during 4Q04.


Page 4 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

As compared to the previous year’s same quarter, the 9.7% higher net income attained during 4Q04 was largely the result of higher operating revenues which more than offset the increase in operating expenses and in provisions for loan losses.

In comparison to the 4Q03, the 4Q04 net income was impacted by additional personnel expenses related to the anticipated collective bargaining agreement and higher administrative costs, as well as, lower level of recoveries of loans previously charged-off and marked-to-market losses of derivative transactions.

    NET FINANCIAL INCOME
Net Financial Income
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 2003 2004 % Change
2004/2003
4Q03 4Q04 % Change
4Q04/4Q03
Interest revenue 439,422 543,372 23.7% 62,480 127,035 103.3%
Interest expense (209,340) (214,900) 2.7% (41,065) (57,577) 40.2%
Foreign Exchange transactions, net 93,338 17,660 (81.1)% 59,420 24,131 (59.4)%

    Net Financial Income 323,420 346,132 7.0% 80,835 93,589 15.8%

Avg. Int. earning assets 8,379,084 8,560,739 2.2% 8,390,292 8,740,016 4.2%
Net Financial Margin1 3.9% 4.0% - 3.9% 4.3% -

Net financial income totaled Ch$346,132 million for 2004, an increase of 7.0% compared to 2003, as a consequence of a 2.2% growth in average interest earning assets and a 10 basis point increase in net financial margin1.

The expansion in average interest earning assets was mainly led by the growth in consumer loans, mortgage loans financed by the Bank’s general borrowings, factoring contracts and commercial loans.

Net financial margin increased to 4.0% in 2004 from 3.9% in 2003 principally due to:

It is worth mentioning that the 4Q04 net financial margin was impacted by a negative repricing effect (since liabilities reprice faster than interest earning assets) as the Central Bank raised the monetary policy interest rate twice between September and December of 2004 from 1.75% to 2.25%. On the other hand, during 2003, the benchmark interest rate was maintained at 2.75% from February until December 11, 2003, date at which the rate was cut by 100 basis points to 1.75%, implying repricing benefits during 1Q04.

In terms of quarterly figures, net financial income increased by 15.8% during 4Q04 compared to 4Q03 as a result of a 40 basis point increase in net financial margin and a 4.2% expansion in average interest earning assets. The increase in net financial margin during 4Q04 mostly responded to the higher inflation rate recorded during that quarter in comparison to a negative figure registered in 4Q03 (0.2% versus -0.8%, respectively).

________________________
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 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

    INCOME FROM SERVICES, NET
Net Income from Services, by Company
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 2003 2004 % Change
2004/2003
4Q03 4Q04 % Change
4Q04/4Q03
Bank 59,693  77,888  30.5% 15,649  20,921  33.7%
    Checking accounts and
    overdrafts
22,200  24,037  8.3% 6,073  6,262  3.1%
    Sight accounts and A TM s 8,374  10,432  24.6% 2,118  2,867  35.4%
    Credit cards 8,633  11,594  34.3% 2,785  3,124  12.2%
    Insurance 6,595  10,881  65.0% 2,371  2,534  6,9% 
    Collection & payment of ss. 7,351  7,961  8.3% 1,945  2,204  13.3%
    Credit lines 5,659  6,747  19.2% 1,503  1,753  16.6%
    Others, net 881  6,236  607.8% (1,146) 2,177  (290.0)%
General Adm. of Funds 13,784  19,227  39.5% 3,929  5,433  38.3%
Financial Advisory 1,405  2,531  80.1% 214  649  203.3%
Insurance Brokerage 3,001  3,355  11.8% 760  651  (14.3)%
Stock Brokerage 9,486  11,825  24.7% 3,338  4,512  35.2%
Factoring 750  584  (22.1)% 439  130  (70.4)%
Socofin 8,832  8,569  (3.0)% 2,561  2,216  (13.5)%
Securization 170  240  41.2% 132  85  (35.6)%
Promarket - 0 1 -
Foreign Branches 1,130  2,619  131.8% 142  534  276.1%

Total Net Incom e from Services 98,251  126,842  29.1 %  27,164  35,132  29.3%

Fee income increased by 29% in 2004 to a record of Ch$126,842 million, a highly significant contribution that improved the Bank’s profitability profile. This outstanding result in fee revenue generation was led by the Bank’s traditional banking products and by the subsidiaries’ business lines.

Regarding the subsidiaries’ business lines, the annual increase was mainly driven by mutual funds, insurance and stock brokerage related products. In addition, at the Bank, service revenues from insurance, credit cards, checking accounts and overdrafts, sight accounts and ATMs also recorded significant growth during 2004.

Higher fees coming from credit cards were mainly fostered by the Bank’s emphasis in increasing the number and usage of this product through different retail agreements, cobranding programs and product innovations such as the new smart chip technology Platinum Visa card. As a consequence, the number of credit cards increased by 10%, while the volume of transactions expanded by 14% during 2004. Demand deposit related fees were principally boosted by a net increase of 5.9% in checking accounts. Higher fee income from ATMs was largely explained by the 21% increase in the volume of transactions as a consequence of the 178 new ATMs opened by the Bank and by new strategic alliances agreed upon during 2004.

Commissions reported by the Mutual Fund subsidiary represented an annual increase of 39.5%, largely as a result of the 32.3% growth in average funds under management and a 33.4% expansion in the number of participants which climbed to 137,000 as of December


Page 6 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

2004. It is worth mentioning that during the year 2004 this subsidiary further strengthened its leadership position through multiple initiatives such as the introduction of innovative funds and improving its service quality and selling abilities. In particular, during the year, its product grille incorporated guaranteed funds and new funds in dollars.

Fee income coming from the insurance business line, accounted for in the subsidiary and in the Bank, also registered a significant increase of 48.3% during 2004. This favorable result was closely tied to the cross-selling of insurance products in the Bank’s customer base, through its extensive network. In addition, during 2004, the Insurance Brokerage Company successfully introduced two new insurance products: “Banking Protection” and “Life Annuity” in order to increase its customer base by offering a broader line of product alternatives to its clients.

The fees coming from the Stock Brokerage subsidiary improved by 24.7% during 2004, as stock trading volumes grew by 52%. The 80% increase in income from services generated by the Financial Advisory subsidiary, was in response to an overall improved performance during 2004 as this company actively participated in bond placements, syndicated loan arrangements and mergers and acquisition processes within the Chilean market.

The Bank’s fee income for 4Q04 recorded the best figure of the full year 2004, reflecting a 29.3% rise compared to the same quarter last year. This increase was also led by the positive trend shown by the General Administrator of Funds, the Stock Brokerage and the Financial Advisory subsidiaries, as well as the traditional banking products, such as demand deposits, ATMs and credit cards and lease contracts.

It is worth mentioning that this source of income accounted for 27% of operating revenues during 2004, up from 23% a year ago. The ratio of fees over average loans grew to 1.9% in 2004 from 1.5% in 2003.

    GAINS ON SALES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, NET

Gains on sales of financial instruments for the year 2004 accounted for a loss of Ch$3,151 million compared to Ch$5,463 million gains in 2003. The decrease in this line responded mainly to: (i) earnings obtained from the sale of Argentinean corporate securities booked in the New York branch during 2003, (ii) marked to market losses recorded during 4Q04 related to a cross currency swap transaction and, (iii) losses associated to the sale of two loans in the manufacturing and retail sectors during 2004, effect that, at the bottom line level was totally offset by the related provision releases.

    PROVISIONS

Provisions for loan losses amounted to Ch$73,512 million in 2004, a 19.3% increase compared to the prior period. The annual increase responded mainly to the 7.4% growth in loans and to the downgrading in the risk classification of certain corporate clients mainly concentrated in the construction sector.

However, provisions for loan losses represented approximately 1.11% of average loans in 2004, only a slight increase from the 0.96% in 2003. It is important to note that the increase in provisions and in charge-offs was partially offset by the almost 30% increase in loan loss recoveries, reaching a ratio of provision, net of recoveries, to average loans of 0.60% in 2004, against 0.55% in 2003.

In terms of unconsolidated figures the Bank reached a ratio of provisions, net of recoveries, of 0.64% as of December 2004, well below the system’s average of 0.83%.


Page 7 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results



Allowances and Provisions
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 2003 2004 % Change
2004/2003
4Q03 4Q04 % Change
4Q04/4Q03
Allowances            
Allowances at the beginning of each period 223,678  183,938  (17.8)% 183,388  164,091  (10.5)%
    Price-level restatement (2,817) (4,608) 63.6% 187  (1,123)
    Charge-off (98,535) (99,100) 0.6% (16,870) (30,141) 78.7%
    Provisions for loan losses established, net 61,612  73,512  19.3% 17,233  20,915  21.4%
Allowances at the end of each period 183,938  153,742  (16.4)% 183,938  153,742  (16.4)%
             
Provisions            







Provisions (61,612) (73,512) 19.3% (17,233) (20,915) 21.4%







Ratios            







Allowances / Total loans 2.87% 2.23%   2.87% 2.23%  
Provisions, net / Avg. Loans 0.55% 0.60%   0.60% 0.79%  
Provisions / Avg. Loans 0.96% 1.11%   1.07% 1.21%  
Charge-offs / Avg. Loans 1.05% 1.74%   1.53% 1.49%  
Recoveries / Avg. Loans 0.40% 0.51%   0.48% 0.41%  









    OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

Total Other Income and Expenses increased to Ch$22,435 million in 2004 from Ch$14,241 million in 2003 in response to the 29.6% increase in recoveries of loans previously charged-off and, to a lesser extent, to the losses in participation in earnings of equity investments in 2003 related to an affiliate that offers e-commerce services to corporate customers.

The 15% increase in other income and expenses in 4Q04, compared to 4Q03, was mainly due to lower non-operating expenses, which more than offset the decrease observed in recovery of loans previously charged-off and the negative figure registered during 4Q04 in participation in earnings equity related to an affiliate, owned together with other three Banks, that offers smart card related services.

    OPERATING EXPENSES


Operating Expenses
(in millions of Chilean pesos) 2003 2004 % Change
2004/2003
4Q03 4Q04 % Change
4Q04/4Q03
Personnel salaries and expenses (128,329) (136,599) 6.4% (37,132) (40,132) 8.1%
Administrative and other expenses (81,847) (87,726) 7.2% (19,373) (25,561) 31.9%
Depreciation and amortization (17,381) (15,977) (8.1)% (3,922) (4,154) 5.9%







Total operating expenses (227,557) (240,302) 5.6% (60,427) (69,847) 15.6%







Efficiency Ratio* 53.3% 51.2% 58.1% 57.6%
Efficiency Ratio** 49.2% 47.8% 54.3% 54.1%







*

Operating Expenses/Operating Revenues

**

Excludes Depreciation and Amortization


Total operating expenses reached Ch$240,302 million during 2004, an increase of 5.6% compared to 2003, justified by both higher personnel salaries and administrative expenses. Although expenses showed an annual increase, our efficiency ratio improved to a record low figure of 51.2% in 2004, compared to 53.3% in 2003, standing below the system’s average of 55.7% as of December 2004.

Personnel salaries and expenses increased by 6.4% during year 2004, primarily as a result of salary increases, higher performance-related incentive expenses and a headcount increase of 225 employees mainly to support the Bank’s and its subsidiaries business growth. In addition, during 4Q04 the Bank paid a one-time bonus related to the anticipated four-year collective bargaining agreement signed by Banco de Chile and the worker unions. It is worth mentioning that equal benefits were granted to the non-unionized workers.

The annual increase in administrative expenses can be explained by: (i) advertising expenses coming from the Bank and its subsidiaries, (ii) rental and maintenance expenses associated to the expansion of the Bank’s network of 178 ATMs and of the Credichile consumer division branch network, (iii) computer related expenses mainly related to new computer equipments and processes associated to the Neos project and, (iv) legal advisory expenses recorded in the New York branch.

Depreciation and amortization expenses declined by 8.1% during the year mainly related to lower depreciation of computer equipment, which more than offset the higher amortization expenses related to the Neos project.

The increase recorded in operating costs during 4Q04, compared to the previous quarters and to the year-earlier quarter, was mainly explained by the same factors mentioned in the above paragraphs as the annual expense increase was mainly concentrated in the last quarter of the year.


Page 8 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

    LOSS FROM PRICE- LEVEL RESTATEMENT

Loss from price-level restatement amounted to Ch$7,466 million in 2004 compared to Ch$4,137 million during the 2003, mainly due to the increase in the inflation rate used for adjustment purposes from 1.0% in 2003 to 2.5% in 2004.

    INCOME TAXES

The Bank’s income taxes totaled Ch$18,349 million in 2004, compared to Ch$14,250 million in 2003. The annual increase in income taxes was mostly related to the higher income tax base in 2004 as a result of a 15.5% increase in net income before taxes and due to the increase in the statutory income tax rate from 16.5% in 2003 to 17% in 2004.

    LOAN PORTFOLIO

As of December 31, 2004, the Bank’s loan portfolio, net of interbank loans, totaled Ch$6,873,713 million, representing an annual expansion of 7.4% and a quarterly increase of 3.4%, figure that reflects an important recovery in the pace of loan growth compared to the previous quarters and to the system as an average.

The annual and quarterly growths were mainly boosted by other outstanding loans and commercial loans, followed by contingent loans, all fostered by improved economic conditions. Consumer loans and lease contracts also showed strong momentum, increasing by 14.7% and 24.7%, during the last twelve-months, respectively.

The expansion of other outstanding loans mainly reflects the Bank’s emphasis on higher yielding loans such as 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. In addition, the factoring contracts, also accounted as other outstanding loans, registered an outstanding 46% volume growth during 4Q04.

Regarding foreign trade loans, its annual and quarterly contraction was partly influenced by the reduction in the exchange rate of 6.6% and 7.8%, respectively.

Loan Portfolio
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Dec-03 Sep-04 Dec-04 % Change
12-months
% Change
4Q04/3Q04
Commercial Loans 2,708,178  2,697,395  2,867,288  5.9% 6.3%
Mortgage Loans 1 1,156,231  942,767  819,882  (29.1)% (13.0)%
Consumer Loans 603,402  680,930  691,851  14.7% 1.6%
Foreign trade Loans 674,737  646,115  599,051  (11.2)% (7.3)%
Contingent Loans 419,852  510,386  530,901  26.4% 4.0%
Others Outstanding Loans 2 3 452,018  738,811  936,202  107.1% 26.7%
Leasing Contracts 275,680  330,917  343,853  24.7% 3.9%
Past-due Loans 108,141  97,919  84,685  (21.7)% (13.5)%
Total Loans, net 6,398,239  6,645,240  6,873,713  7.4% 3.4%
Interbank Loans 13,554  40,678  15,198  12.1% (62.6)%







Total Loans 6,411,793  6,685,918  6,888,911  7.4% 3.0%







1  

Mortgage loans financed by mortgage bonds.

2  

Includes mortgage loans financed by the Bank’s general borrowings (Ch$725,396 million) and factoring contracts (Ch$197,365 million).

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 2004. The information for the prior periods was reclassified for comparative purposes.


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2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

In terms of segments, the annual expansion was principally fueled by individuals and, to a lesser extent, by middle market companies, segments that increased by 16.2% and 6.0% respectively during 2004. However, during 4Q04 loan activity showed a positive increase in all business segments, observing an important expansion in large corporations, which increased by 3.5% during the quarter, mainly in commercial loans.

The successful performance recorded by individual banking was positively impacted by the low interest rate and higher economic growth during 2004, which pushed the demand for consumer and residential mortgage loans. In addition, the Bank’s focus to increase lower-income retail volumes through the launch of the new brand “Banco Credichile”, together with important sales efforts and promotional campaigns allowed the expansion of this segment which provides an attractive profitability level.

In order to obtain additional growth in residential mortgage loans, the Bank strengthened its mortgage loan unit and developed a new and convenient mortgage loan based on a combined interest rate (Mutuo Hipotecario con Tasa Mixta). Accordingly, residential mortgage loans, in overall terms, showed a strong expansion of 21% during the year, thus reaching a market share of 14.8% as of December 2004.

Past Due Loans
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Dec-03 Sep-04 Dec-04 % Change
12-months
% Change
4Q04/3Q04
Commercial loans 93,227  82,409  68,387  (26.6)% (17.0)%
Consumer loans 3,454  3,594  3,693  6.9% 2.8%
Residential mortgage loans 11,460  11 ,916  12,605  10.0% 5.8%






Total Past Due Loans 108,141  97,919  84,685  (21.7)% (13.5)%







Past due loans dropped to Ch$84,685 million as of December 2004, a 21.7% annual contraction and a 13.5% quarterly decrease, mainly concentrated in commercial loans. This contraction implied an improvement in the past-due to total loan ratio, which reached 1.23% in December 2004 from 1.46% in September 2004 or 1.69% in December 2003. It is worth noting that beside the improved credit process and the more effective collection procedure, reflected in higher recoveries, the reduction in past-due loans also responded to the stringent charge-off policy carried by the Bank which, in turn, has implied an increase in the ratio of charge-offs to average loans to 1.74% in 2004 from 1.05% in 2003.


Page 10 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

    FUNDING


Funding
(in millions of Chilean pesos) Dec-03 Sep-04 Dec-04 % Change
12-months
% Change
4Q04/3Q04
Non-interest Bearing Liabilities          
Current Accounts 1,258,574  1,306,920  1,424,569  13.2% 9.0%
Bankers drafts and other deposits 680,037  812,544  697,476  2.6% (14.2)%
Other Liabilities 686,248  956,797  826,782  20.5% (13.6)%
    Total 2,624,859  3,076,261  2,948,827  12.3% (4.1)%
Interest Bearing Liabilities          
Savings & Time Deposits 3,508,098  3,571,939  3,663,682  4.4% 2.6%
Central Bank Borrowings 28,578  2,643  109,573  283.4% 4,045.8%
Repurchase agreements 437,410  454,264  349,086  (20.2)% (23.2)%
Mortgage Finance Bonds 1,039,813  912,429  788,888  (24.1)% (13.5)%
Subordinated Bonds 277,977  268,781  266,304  (4.2)% (0.9)%
Other Bonds 3,205  180,109  181,515  5,563.5% 0.8%
Borrowings from Domestic Financ. Inst. 51,129  48,375  26,399  (48.4)% (45.4)%
Foreign Borrowings 735,918  448,321  595,548  (19.1)% 32.8%
Other Obligations 61,090  46,531  44,847  (26.6)% (3.6)%
    Total 6,143,218  5,933,392  6,025,842  (1.9)% 1.6%






Total Liabilities 8,768,077 9,009,653 8,974,669 2.4% (0.4)%






Total liabilities increased by 2.4% during the last twelve-months ending December 31, 2004 as the 12.3% increase in non-interest bearing liabilities more than offset the 1.9% decrease in interest bearing liabilities.

The annual increase in non-interest bearing liabilities was mainly driven by the 13.2% growth in current account balances, clearly reflecting the Bank’s focus in expanding its client base through improving and offering new customer service proposals. The number of checking accounts increased by 5.9%, during 2004, mainly in the individual segment, reaching more than 399 thousand accounts. On the other hand, other liabilities also increased importantly during the year as a consequence of higher balances in contingent obligations as a response to contingent loan expansion in the year.

The 1.9% Y-o-Y decrease in interest bearing liabilities was principally due to the 24% decrease in mortgage finance bonds and the 19% drop in foreign borrowings. However, the mentioned decreases were partially offset by the significant growth in other bonds as the Bank issued, during 3Q04, a 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.

During 4Q04 the 4.1% decline in non-interest bearing liabilities was partially offset by the 1.6% increase in interest bearing liabilities mainly due to an expansion in savings accounts, foreign borrowings and a specific increase in the Central Bank borrowings balance. Its is worth noting that checking account balances has continued to increase despite the decision of the Central Bank of twice raising the short-term reference interest rate for monetary policy by 50 basis points between September and December 2004, to 2.25%.

In terms of funding structure, the ratio of average interest bearing liabilities to average interest earning assets improved to 71.1% in 2004 from 73.0% in 2003.

    INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

As of December 2004, the Bank’s investment portfolio totaled Ch$1,607,273 million, a 10.7% and 18.2% decrease compared to September 2004 and December 2003, respectively. The quarterly drop in the investment portfolio has been mainly driven by short term Central Bank securities, while the annual decline reveals a contraction not only in Central Bank securities but also in investments in Chilean financial institutions and in foreign countries as a result of the decrease in the exchange rate. As we already said in the previous release, the Bank’s bonds issuance during 3Q04 implied the substitution of short-term liabilities by long-term liabilities, thus improving liquidity which has allowed the Bank to reduce its lower yielding short-term assets (investments).

In terms of composition, during 4Q04 the Bank continued to reduce the duration of its investment portfolio, anticipating the expected increases in interest rates.

As of December 31, 2004, the investment portfolio was comprised principally by:


Page 11 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results


    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of December 31, 2004, the Bank’s Shareholder Equity totaled Ch$674,533 million (US$1,205 million), a 5.4% decrease compared to 2003, as a consequence of a 67.9% decrease in reserves which more than offset the 14.1% increase in net income during the last twelve-months.

The drop in reserves was the result of the Bank’s tender offer for the repurchase of common stocks (2.5% of the total capital), as the value of the 1,701,994,590 repurchased shares which amounted to Ch$52,762 million were deducted from the basic capital, an obligation as the shares were held by the Bank.

At the end of December 2004, on a consolidated basis, Total Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets (BIS ratio) was 11.7%, and Basic Capital to Total Assets was 5.37%, both well above the minimum requirements applicable to Banco de Chile of 10% and 3%, respectively.

Shareholders' Equity
(in million of Chilean pesos) Dec. 03 Sept. 04 Dec. 04

% Change 12- months

Paid in share capital

494,567

494,567

494,567

0.0%

Reserves

80,709

25,965

25,907

(67.9)%

Accumulated adjustment for translation differences 3

3,695

3,833

1,354

(63.4)%

Unrealized gain (loss) on permanent financial invest.4

280

123

77

(72.5)%

Net Income

133,817

122,388

152,628

14.1%


Total Shareholders' equity

713,068

646,876

674,533

(5.4)%


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.

    Regulatory matters in US branches

Targeted examination at the US branches

On January 21st 2005, the Bank informed the markets that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) was conducting a targeted examination of the New York Branch of Banco de Chile to determine the Bank’s compliance with U.S. Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements with respect to certain accounts of that Branch and, simultaneously, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta was conducting a similar review with respect to certain accounts of the Bank’s Miami Branch. The Bank said that the ongoing examinations are likely to result in supervisory actions by the OCC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, although the nature and extent of such actions cannot yet be determined.

Consent Order from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regarding the New York Branch activities.

The Bank and its New York Branch entered into a Stipulation and Consent agreement to the issuance of a Consent Order by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), in connection with the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and Anti-Money Laundering compliance of the New York Branch. The Consent Order became effective on February 1st, 2005.

In accordance with this order, the Bank and the New York Branch shall adopt several immediate actions and, within the next 90 days, shall prepare and present an action plan constituting a review of the skills of the Branch´s staff to conduct an effective compliance program. The action plan will include the following contents: a book and records program, specifically regarding the necessary information required to assure compliance with the US Bank Secrecy Act; an Employee Standards Program; an Internal Control Program that shall include additional controls to high risk accounts and accounts of politically exposed persons, and that ensures the identification of all parties involved in any transaction of the Branch; a Bank Secrecy Act Program; a Bank Secrecy Act Audit Function Program; and a Suspicious Activity Report Program. This program will subsequently be submitted to the OCC for consideration. Finally, according to the Consent Order, the Bank shall establish a Compliance Department at the New York Branch, shall not perform any transaction with certain persons or any entity related to those persons, and shall create a reporting committee responsible for ensuring that the corrective actions are put in place.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issues a Cease and Desist Order regarding the Miami Branch activities.

On February 1st, 2005 the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued a Cease and Desist Order against Banco de Chile and its Miami Branch. The order states that the Bank and its Branch are taking steps to address deficiencies relating to compliance with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-money laundering policies and procedures. The Bank and the Miami Branch consented to the issuance of this Order. In accordance with the order, within the next 90 days, the Bank and the Miami Branch shall submit to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta a written Anti-Money Laundering program designed to ensure the Miami Branch’s compliance with all applicable provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act. The program shall include enhanced internal controls, and shall be managed by a qualified compliance officer. Additionally, the following documents shall be submitted to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta: a Suspicious Activity Reporting and Customer Due Diligence program; a program to ensure compliance with the regulations of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC); a coordination plan to share information between the Miami and the New York branches; a complete a review of all the accounts related to senior foreign political figures; and a written policy and procedures that govern the conduct of Branch personnel in all regulatory matters.

Comments by the Bank

The Bank is fully cooperating with the US authorities and has already taken actions to correct the identified weaknesses. Independent consultants are working with the Bank in order to enhance internal controls.


Page 12 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results


BANCO DE CHILE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Under Chilean GAAP)
(Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of December 31, 2004 and millions of US dollars (MUS$))

  Q u a r t e r s % Change       % Change
 



  4Q03
MCh$
3Q04
MCh$
4Q04
MCh$
4Q04
MUS$
4Q04-4Q03 4Q04-3Q04 Dec03
MCh$
Dec04
MCh$
Dec04
MUS$
Dec 04-Dec 03
Interest revenue and expense
    Interest revenue 62,480 140,505 127,035 226.9 103.3 % (9.6) % 439,422 543,372 970.6 23.7 %
    Interest expense (41,065) (62,515) (57,577) (102.8) 40.2 % (7.9) % (209,340) (214,900) (383.9) 2.7 %
        Net interest revenue 21,415 77,990 69,458 124.1 224.3 % (10.9) % 230,082 328,472 586.7 42.8 %





Income from services, net                    
    Income from fees and other services 40,620 43,983 45,638 81.5 12.4 % 3.8 % 140,518 166,704 297.8 18.6 %
    Other services expenses (13,456) (10,055) (10,506) (18.8) (21.9) % 4.5 % (42,267) (39,862) (71.2) (5.7) %
        Income from services, net 27,164 33,928 35,132 62.7 29.3 % 3.5 % 98,251 126,842 226.6 29.1 %





Other operating income, net                    
    Gains on financial instruments, net (3,932) (2,275) (7,363) (13.2) 87.3 % 223.6 % 5,463 (3,151) (5.6) n/a
    Foreign exchange transactions, net 59,420 11,357 24,131 43.1 (59.4) % 112.5 % 93,338 17,660 31.5 (81.1) %
        Total other operating income, net 55,488 9,082 16,768 29.9 (69.8) % 84.6 % 98,801 14,509 25.9 (85.3) %





Operating Revenues 104,067 121,000 121,358 216.7 16.6 % 0.3 % 427,134 469,823 839.2 10.0 %
                     
Provision for loan losses (17,233) (19,596) (20,915) (37.4) 21.4 % 6.7 % (61,612) (73,512) (131.3) 19.3 %
Other income and expenses                    
    Recovery of loans previously charged-off 7,664 12,418 7,163 12.8 (6.5) % (42.3) % 26,026 33,736 60.3 29.6 %
    Non-operating income 1,529 919 1,423 2.6 (6.9) % 54.8 % 5,429 4,821 8.6 (11.2) %
    Non-operating expenses (5,451) (5,851) (3,189) (5.6) (41.5) % (45.5) % (15,963) (16,558) (29.7) 3.7 %
    Participation in earnings of equity investments 861 367 (102) (0.2) n/a n/a (1,251) 436 0.8 n/a
        Total other income and expenses 4,603 7,853 5,295 9.6 15.0 % (32.6) % 14,241 22,435 40.0 57.5 %





Operating expenses                    
    Personnel salaries and expenses (37,132) (33,381) (40,132) (71.7) 8.1 % 20.2 % (128,329) (136,599) (244.0) 6.4 %
    Administrative and other expenses (19,373) (22,537) (25,561) (45.7) 31.9 % 13.4 % (81,847) (87,726) (156.7) 7.2 %
    Depreciation and amortization (3,922) (4,212) (4,154) (7.4) 5.9 % (1.4) % (17,381) (15,977) (28.5) (8.1) %
        Total operating expenses (60,427) (60,130) (69,847) (124.8) 15.6 % 16.2 % (227,557) (240,302) (429.2) 5.6 %





Loss from price-level restatement 626 (3,685) (1,894) (3.4) n/a (48.6) % (4,137) (7,466) (13.3) 80.5 %
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries (1) 0 0 0.0 n/a n/a (2) (1) 0.0 (50.0) %
                   
        Income before income taxes 31,635 45,442 33,997 60.7 7.5 % (25.2) % 148,067 170,977 305.4 15.5 %
                   
Income taxes (3,404) (5,929) (3,027) (5.4) (11.1) % (48.9) % (14,250) (18,349) (32.8) 28.8 %
                   
Net income 28,231 39,513 30,970 55.3 9.7 % (21.6) % 133,817 152,628 272.6 14.1 %

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 December 31, 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$599.83 for US$1.00 as of December 31, 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 13 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

BANCO DE CHILE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Under Chilean GAAP)
(Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of December 31, 2004 and millions of US dollars (MUS$))


ASSETS Dec 02
MCh$
Dec 03
MCh$
Sep 04
MCh$
Dec 04
MCh$
Dec 04
MUS$
% C h a n g e
Dec 04- Sep 04 Dec 04- Dec 03
Cash and due from banks
    Noninterest bearing 618,772  660,180  596,548  539,637  963.9  (9.5%) (18.3%)
    Interbank bearing 81,495  218,075  126,061  350,979  626.9  178.4% 60.9%
        Total cash and due from banks 700,267  878,255  722,609  890,616  1,590.8  23.3% 1.4%



Financial investments
    Government securities 899,996  1,035,505  1,042,714  913,656  1,632.0  (12.4%) (11.8%)
    Investments purchase under agreements to resell 33,311  30,402  42,972  26,310  47.0  (38.8%) (13.5%)
    Investment collateral under agreements to repurchase 286,202  428,381  443,165  347,182  620.2  (21.7%) (19.0%)
    Other investments 435,752  469,944  270,671  320,125  571.8  18.3% (31.9%)
        Total financial investments 1,655,261  1,964,232  1,799,522  1,607,273  2,871.0  (10.7%) (18.2%)



Loans, Net
    Commercial loans 2,711,533  2,708,178  2,697,395  2,867,288  5,121.7  6.3% 5.9%
    Consumer loans 544,014  603,402  680,930  691,851  1,235.8  1.6% 14.7%
    Mortgage loans 1,229,122  1,156,231  942,767  819,882  1,464.5  (13.0%) (29.1%)
    Foreign trade loans 633,232  674,737  646,115  599,051  1,070.1  (7.3%) (11.2%)
    Interbank loans 56,750  13,554  40,678  15,198  27.1  (62.6%) 12.1%
    Lease contracts 257,874  275,680  330,917  343,853  614.2  3.9% 24.7%
    Other outstanding loans 400,932  452,018  738,811  936,202  1,672.3  26.7% 107.1%
    Past due loans 150,046  108,141  97,919  84,685  151.3  (13.5%) (21.7%)
    Contingent loans 395,224  419,852  510,386  530,901  948.3  4.0% 26.4%
        Total loans 6,378,727  6,411,793  6,685,918  6,888,911  12,305.3  3.0% 7.4%
    Allowances (223,678) (183,938) (164,091) (153,742) (274.6) (6.3%) (16.4%)
        Total loans, net 6,155,049  6,227,855  6,521,827  6,735,169  12,030.7  3.3% 8.1%



Other assets
    Assets received in lieu of payment 19,667  16,018  16,451  16,130  28.8  (2.0%) 0.7%
    Bank premises and equipment 144,255  130,949  132,401  132,670  237.0  0.2% 1.3%
    Investments in other companies 4,945  5,428  5,531  5,412  9.7  (2.2%) (0.3%)
    Other 215,438  258,413  458,189  261,933  467.9  (42.8%) 1.4%
        Total other assets 384,305  410,808  612,572  416,145  743.4  (32.1%) 1.3%
Total assets 8,894,882  9,481,150  9,656,530  9,649,203  17,235.9  (0.1%) 1.8%

Page 14 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

BANCO DE CHILE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Under Chilean GAAP)
(Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of December 31, 2004 and millions of US dollars (MUS$))


LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Dec 02
MCh$
Dec 03
MCh$
Sep 04
MCh$
Dec 04
MCh$
Dec 04
MUS$
% C h a n g e
Dec 04- Sep 04 Dec 04- Dec 03
Deposits              
      Current accounts 1,109,977 1,258,574 1,306,920 1,424,569 2,544.6 9.0% 13.2%
      Bankers drafts and other deposits 588,676  680,037  812,544  697,476  1,245.9 (14.2%) 2.6%
      Saving accounts and time deposits 3,620,736 3,508,098 3,571,939 3,663,682 6,544.3 2.6% 4.4%
        Total deposits 5,319,389 5,446,709 5,691,403 5,785,727 10,334.8 1.7% 6.2%



Borrowings
      Central Bank borrowings 3,896  28,578  2,643  109,573  195.7  4045.8%  283.4% 
      Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 286,428 437,410 454,264 349,086  623.6  (23.2%) (20.2%)
      Mortgage finance bonds 1,122,253 1,039,813 912,429 788,888 1,409.2 (13.5%) (24.1%)
      Other bonds 4,755  3,205  180,109  181,515  324.2  0.8%  5563.5% 
      Subordinated bonds 287,441  277,977  268,781  266,304  475.7  (0.9%)  (4.2%) 
      Borrowings from domestic financial institutions 52,268 51,129 48,375  26,399 47.2 (45.4%) (48.4%)
      Foreign borrowings 528,334  735,918  448,321  595,548  1,063.8 32.8% (19.1%)
      Other obligations 79,476  61,090  46,531  44,847  80.1  (3.6%)  (26.6%) 
        Total borrowings 2,364,851 2,635,120 2,361,453 2,362,160 4,219.5 0.0% (10.4%)



Other liabilities
      Contingent liabilities 394,422  419,879  513,137  532,172  950.5  3.7%  26.7% 
      Other 176,195  266,369  443,660  294,610  526.2  (33.6%)  10.6% 
        Total other liabilities 570,617  686,248  956,797  826,782  1,476.7 (13.6%) 20.5%



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



Shareholders' equity
      Capital and Reserves 585,532  579,251  524,488  521,905  932.3  (0.5%)  (9.9%) 
      Net income for the year 54,490  133,817  122,388  152,628  272.6  24.7%  14.1% 
        Total shareholders' equity 640,022  713,068  646,876  674,533  1,204.9 4.3% (5.4%)
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity 8,894,882  9,481,150  9,656,530  9,649,203  17,235.9  (0.1%) 1.8%



Page 15 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End Results

BANCO DE CHILE
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


  Quarters  Year ended 
  4Q03 3Q04 4Q04 Dec 03 Dec 04
Earnings per Share          
      Net income per Share (Ch$) (1) 0.41  0.60  0.47  1.97  2.30 
      Net income per ADS (Ch$) (1) 248.80  357.16  279.94  1,179.35  1,379.63 
      Net income per ADS (US$) (2) 0.42  0.59  0.50  1.97  2.46 
      Book value per Share (Ch$) (1) 10.48  9.75  10.16  10.48  10.16 
      Shares outstanding (Millions) 68,080  66,378  66,378  68,080  66,378 



Profitability Ratios (3)(4)
      Net Interest Margin 1.02%  3.57%  3.18%  2.75%  3.84% 
      Net Financial Margin 3.85%  4.09%  4.28%  3.86%  4.04% 
      Fees / Avg. Interest Earnings Assets 1.30%  1.55%  1.61%  1.17%  1.48% 
      Other Operating Revenues / Avg. Interest Earnings Assets 2.65%  0.42%  0.77%  1.18%  0.17% 
      Operating Revenues / Avg. Interest Earnings Assets 4.96%  5.54%  5.55%  5.10%  5.49% 
      Return on Average Total Assets 1.19%  1.63%  1.26%  1.45%  1.59% 
      Return on Average Shareholders' Equity 16.03%  24.94%  18.65%  20.01%  23.56% 



Capital Ratios
      Shareholders Equity / Total Assets 7.52%  6.70%  6.99%  7.52%  6.99% 
      Basic capital / total assets 6.08%  5.39%  5.37%  6.08%  5.37% 
      Basic Capital / Risk-Adjusted Assets 9.20%  8.04%  7.81%  9.20%  7.81% 
      Total Capital / Risk-Adjusted Assets 13.22%  12.06%  11.67%  13.22%  11.67% 



Credit Quality Ratios
      Past Due Loans / Total Loans 1.69%  1.46%  1.23%  1.69%  1.23% 
      Allowance for loan losses / past due loans 170.09%  167.58%  181.55%  170.09%  181.55% 
      Allowance for Loans Losses / Total Loans 2.87%  2.45%  2.23%  2.87%  2.23% 
      Provision for Loan Losses / Avg.Loans (4) 1.07%  1.16%  1.21%  0.96%  1.11% 



Operating and Productivity Ratios
      Operating Expenses / Operating Revenue 58.07%  49.69%  57.55%  53.28%  51.15% 
      Operating Expenses / Average Total Assets (3) 2.56%  2.48%  2.85%  2.46%  2.50% 
      Loans per employee (million Ch$) (1) 702  721  736  702  736 



Average Balance Sheet Data (1)(3)
      Avg. Interest Earnings Assets (million Ch$) 8,390,292  8,736,101  8,740,016  8,379,084  8,560,739 
      Avg. Assets (million Ch$) 9,449,752  9,693,554  9,797,246  9,259,720  9,601,226 
      Avg. Shareholders Equity (million Ch$) 704,632  633,636  664,311  668,695  647,925 
      Avg. Loans 6,428,732  6,739,225  6,920,222  6,432,373  6,629,807 
      Avg. Interest Bearing Liabilities (million Ch$) 6,080,594  6,222,721  6,048,525  6,112,917  6,087,927 



Other Data
      Inflation Rate -0.78%  0.66%  0.17%  1.07%  2.43% 
      Exchange rate (Ch$) 599.42  606.96  559.83  599.42  559.83 
      Employees 9,130  9,271  9,365  9,130  9,365 
Notes

(1)

These figures were expressed in constant Chilean pesos as of December 31, 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 16 of 17

2004 Fourth Quarter and Year End 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 17 of 17

 


 
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: February 3, 2005

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

 
By: Pablo Granifo Lavin
Chief Executive Officer