For the full year period of 2012, its cash NPAT stood at A$7.1bn ($7.4bn), up 4% from the prior year period, while its cash return on equity was 18.6%.
The Board declared a final dividend of A$1.97 per share, with an increase of 5% on the prior year’s final dividend. The total dividend for the year was A$3.34 per share, representing 4% growth on the prior year.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia CEO Ian Narev said this is a good result given the uncertain environment in which the bank is operating.
"As expected, revenue growth was subdued reflecting ongoing caution from both our retail and corporate customers," Narev added.
"Despite this environment, cash ROE remained healthy at 18.6 per cent. We are also particularly pleased that we have continued to invest for the long-term, while maintaining our momentum."
"We have worked hard at tailoring our cost base to this new lower growth environment. Two businesses which benefit most from our Core Banking Modernisation programme, Retail Banking Services and Business and Private Banking, have again reduced their respective cost to income ratios."
"While many of our customers are facing challenges, this is not translating into a deterioration of credit quality. However, given the uncertain outlook for both the global and domestic economies, we remain cautious with a strong balance sheet with high levels of capital, provisioning and liquidity."
Presenting his view to the outlook for the 2013 financial year Narev said, "The Group remains positive about the medium to long term outlook for Australia. However, the global economy remains uncertain. It is difficult to see the catalyst for alleviating the uncertainty which will continue to affect consumer and corporate confidence. So, in the near term, we expect current revenue trends to continue, and we will retain conservative business settings."
