1131 GMT - Standard Bank Group beat consensus profit expectations due to a continued strong credit performance despite slightly weaker revenue than expected, Citi analyst Simon Nellis says. The Johannesburg-based bank was also helped by contributions from corporate and investment banking, insurance and asset management and its joint venture with ICBC, Citi writes. The bank backed its full-year guidance and 2028 targets. However, a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would harm the outlook for most of its markets, Nellis says. Citi has a buy recommendation on the stock and a 325 South African rand target price. Shares are up 1.2% at 327.20 rand.