The result exceeded market and Morningstar expectations, with impressive performances from both domestic and international businesses.
The bank, which operates in New Zealand, reported an operating profit of $A10.1 billion ($NZ11.6 billion), up 9%, for the year ended September.
The cash profit was up 11% to $A6.5 billion, the reported profit was up 11% to A6.3 billion and earnings per share were up 9% to $A2.38.
A final dividend of tax-paid A91c, up 15%, was proposed, taking the total dividend to $A1.64.
ANZ chief executive Mike Smith said the strong performance was the result of a long-term strategy focused on growth in domestic franchises and targeted expansion in Asia.
''In 2013, we have continued to attract more customers, with further market share gains in Australian retail and commercial. In New Zealand, brand consideration is at a historic high and we are growing market share in home loans and small business banking,'' he said.
Mr Ellis said the high quality performance underpinned his positive investment view for the ''wide moat'', or competitively advantaged, major banks.
''Importantly, asset quality is still improving, boding well for future earnings growth. Strong core profitability was driven by moderate revenue growth and a decline in operating expenses, producing an impressive improvement in the cost to income ratio.''
Lower bad debts, down 5%, contributed to the strong increase in bottom-line earnings, he said.
The only negative was the expected fall in net interest margins due primarily to business mix changes in the Asian region.
The result was hard to fault, with particularly strong performances from the Australian and New Zealand operations, Mr Ellis said.
ANZ New Zealand chief executive David Hisco said the New Zealand arm of the bank reported a cash profit of $1.44 billion for the period, up from $1.29 billion in the previous corresponding period.
Productivity and credit quality improvements were key features of the result, with expenses down 14% and provision charges falling 66%.
''Twelve months after we created the new ANZ, our customers are already enjoying much better products and services.''
Since ANZ began simplifying the business, it had increased bank coverage from 75% to 82%, including a presence in eight more communities across New Zealand, while reducing branch costs, he said.
