SocGen Net Rises on Investment Bank, Lower Loan Losses

Societe Generale SA, France’s second-largest bank, posted higher profit in the second quarter as earnings jumped at the investment bank and provisions for doubtful loans declined.

Net income rose to 1.03 billion euros ($1.4 billion) from 955 million euros a year earlier, the Paris-based bank said today. While earnings were the highest in four years and above analysts’ estimates, the shares fell amid concern over the bank’s business in Russia, where Societe Generale is among the largest foreign banks.