australia and new zealand banking group limited abn 11 005 357 522 consolidated financial report dividend announcement appendix 4d half year 31 march 2004 this on the constitutes required by australian stock exchange should be read in conjunction with september 2003 annual for release 27 april anz interim cash earnings per share up profit after tax compared first 1 396 million 22 312 excluding significant items 15 241 underlying 10 76 8 cents eps transactions 78 9 47 adjusted rights issue cost income ratio 45 down from 6 return equity 18 4 20 3 risk reduced sustainability improved net specific provisions 196 24 international assets 19 account 93 of total non accrual loans 14 average trading value at 4m 97
