Merrill lynchHistorical Earnings Announcements 2003 1st

Merrill Lynch reported first quarter 2003 net earnings of $685 million, a 6% increase from $647 million in the first quarter of 2002. Revenues were $4.9 billion, down 5% from the prior year quarter. While commissions revenue declined due to lower transaction volumes, debt trading increased revenues. Expenses decreased 6% to $2.5 billion for compensation and 7% for other expenses through cost cutting. The results demonstrated progress in diversifying revenues despite difficult markets.