UBS Third-Quarter Pre-Tax Profit CHF 1 Billion; Wealth Management Businesses' Net New Money CHF 7.8 billion; BIS Tier 1 Capital Ratio 18.4%

UBS delivered a pre-tax profit of CHF 1 billion despite a trading income loss of CHF 1.8 billion resulting from the unauthorized trading incident reported in September and significant volatility in global financial markets. Our wealth management businesses recorded combined net new money broadly in line with the prior quarter. An improvement in our BIS tier 1 ratio to 18.4% and an increase in our BIS tier 1 capital to CHF 38.1 billion both underlined our position as one of the world's best capitalized banks.

  • Pre-tax profit CHF 980 million, including a CHF 1,849 million trading income loss resulting from the unauthorized trading incident and an own credit gain of CHF 1,765 million
  • Net profit attributable to UBS shareholders increased to CHF 1,018 million; diluted earnings per share CHF 0.27
  • CHF 2 billion cost reduction program on track; total restructuring charges CHF 387 million in the third quarter; operating costs down 2%
  • Third quarter performance reflects the following:
  • Significantly increased market volatility due to heightened concerns around eurozone debt and worsening economic data
  • Sharp declines in global market indices, leading to a reduction in invested assets for the Group
  • Significant currency exchange rate volatility had an overall negative effect on profitability, particularly the substantial strengthening of the Swiss franc against major currencies, though the Swiss franc depreciated against the euro after the Swiss National Bank announced in early September that it would no longer tolerate a euro exchange rate of less than CHF 1.20
  • Group revenues CHF 6.4 billion compared with CHF 7.2 billion, including the CHF 1.8 billion trading income loss resulting from the unauthorized trading incident and an own credit gain of CHF 1.8 billion, with declines in revenues reflecting the challenging market conditions described above
  • BIS tier 1 ratio improved to 18.4% and tier 1 capital increased to CHF 38.1 billion, confirming our continued capital strength
  • Client deposits remain our largest source of funding and grew by CHF 15 billion to CHF 370 billion
  • Residual risk exposures, including our exposures to auction rate securities, were reduced further
  • Wealth Management's pre-tax profit up 32% to CHF 888 million; gross margin on invested assets excluding gains from the sale of treasury-related investments resilient at 97 basis points; net new money CHF 3.8 billion
  • Retail & Corporate's pre-tax profit up 62% to CHF 683 million, mainly due to gains from the sale of treasury-related investments
  • Wealth Management Americas' pre-tax profit broadly in line with the prior quarter at CHF 139 million despite turbulent markets and CHF 13 million of total restructuring charges; net new money up CHF 1.4 billion to CHF 4.0 billion
  • Global Asset Management's pre-tax profit CHF 79 million; CHF 1.5 billion net new money inflows from third parties, excluding money market flows
  • Investment Bank's pre-tax loss CHF 650 million, reflecting market conditions and the CHF 1.8 billion trading income loss resulting from the unauthorized trading incident

ZURICH/BASEL--()--Regulatory News:

Commenting on UBS’s (NYSE:UBS)(SWX:UBSN) third quarter 2011 results, Group CEO Sergio Ermotti said: "We continued to put our clients first and focused on providing the highest-quality advice and services in volatile trading conditions, enabling the majority of our businesses to deliver profit. UBS clients and shareholders can rest assured that our financial, capital and funding positions remain unquestionably solid. We are finalizing the plans essential to implementing the Investment Bank's client-centric strategy, which will strengthen our wealth management offering, reduce the firm's risks and improve returns to shareholders. We are well positioned in areas of future growth and our targeted investments, together with our focus on efficiency, will strengthen the firm. I am very confident about the future of our business."

Third-quarter net profit attributable to UBS shareholders CHF 1,018 million
Net profit attributable to UBS shareholders was CHF 1,018 million, compared with CHF 1,015 million in the second quarter of 2011. Pre-tax profit declined by CHF 674 million to CHF 980 million. This was mainly due to the trading income loss of CHF 1,849 million related to the unauthorized trading incident, lower revenues in the Investment Bank, and total restructuring charges of CHF 387 million. This was partly offset by an own credit gain of CHF 1,765 million and a gain of CHF 722 million from the sale of treasury-related investments. We recorded a net income tax benefit of CHF 40 million, compared with a net income tax expense of CHF 377 million in the prior quarter. Net profit attributable to non-controlling interests declined to CHF 2 million from CHF 263 million.

Wealth Management’s pre-tax profit was CHF 888 million, compared with CHF 672 million in the previous quarter. The quarter included a gain of CHF 433 million from the sale of treasury-related investments, as well as CHF 85 million in restructuring charges associated with our cost reduction program. In addition, income was affected by seasonally lower client activity and adverse market conditions. The gross margin for the quarter was 120 basis points. When adjusted for the sale of positions from treasury-related investments, the gross margin remained resilient at 97 basis points, reflecting 6% lower income compared with a 5% decline in average invested assets. Net new money inflows were CHF 3.8 billion compared with CHF 5.6 billion in the previous quarter. International wealth management reported net inflows of CHF 3.9 billion compared with CHF 5.5 billion in the prior quarter, with continued net inflows in the Asia-Pacific region and emerging markets, as well as globally from ultra high net worth clients. Our European onshore business reported net outflows, reflecting outflows of approximately CHF 1.5 billion related to the departure of client advisors who had joined our firm as part of a past acquisition in Germany. Excluding this, our European onshore business reported net inflows. Our European cross-border business recorded net outflows, mainly from the cross-border business related to neighboring countries of Switzerland. Invested assets were CHF 720 billion on 30 September 2011, a decrease of CHF 28 billion from 30 June 2011. This decline was mainly due to a significant decrease in global equity markets during the quarter, partly offset by an ultimately positive net currency effect toward the end of the quarter and net new money inflows. Operating expenses increased to CHF 1,290 million from CHF 1,194 million, mainly due to restructuring charges.

Retail & Corporate’s pre-tax profit was CHF 683 million compared with CHF 421 million in the previous quarter. The quarter included a CHF 289 million gain from the sale of treasury-related investments, and CHF 24 million in restructuring charges associated with our cost reduction program. Total operating income was CHF 1,218 million, up 25% from the prior quarter. In addition, collective loan loss provisions increased by CHF 73 million, mainly due to the increased credit risks arising predominantly from Swiss corporate clients impacted by the strengthening of the Swiss franc. Net interest income was CHF 595 million, up 3% from the prior quarter due to an increase in treasury-related income. Net fee and commission income of CHF 291 million was 3% lower than the second quarter, mainly due to a significant decrease in the asset base at the beginning of the quarter as a result of weaker equity markets. Net trading income increased by CHF 28 million, or 36%, mainly as a result of a gain related to credit default swaps on certain loans as well as higher foreign exchange income linked to client trading activities. Operating expenses decreased to CHF 535 million from CHF 552 million.

Wealth Management Americas’ pre-tax profit decreased 1% to CHF 139 million from CHF 140 million. In US dollar terms, the pre-tax profit rose slightly as higher operating income was almost entirely offset by higher operating expenses. Operating income increased 1% to CHF 1,294 million from CHF 1,284 million as a result of higher net interest and trading income as well as an increase in realized gains on the sale of securities held as available-for-sale. These effects were partly offset by lower transaction-based revenues resulting from lower client activity. Third quarter net new money was CHF 4.0 billion compared with CHF 2.6 billion in the second quarter. Financial advisors employed with UBS for more than one year and net recruiting of financial advisors contributed to the improvement in net new money. The gross margin on invested assets in Swiss franc terms increased by 4 basis points to 80 basis points, as income increased 1% compared with a 4% decline in average invested assets. Total operating expenses increased 1% to CHF 1,154 million from CHF 1,144 million. The third quarter included total net restructuring charges of CHF 13 million.

Global Asset Management’s pre-tax profit was CHF 79 million compared with CHF 108 million in the prior quarter, and included restructuring charges of CHF 12 million associated with our cost reduction program. Total operating income was CHF 399 million compared with CHF 444 million. Net management fees were lower due to both lower average market valuations and the Swiss franc being stronger for the majority of the quarter, as well as lower transaction fees in global real estate. Performance fees were down in alternative and quantitative investments due to challenging trading conditions during the quarter. Traditional investments also reported a decrease in performance fees. Excluding money market flows, net new money inflows from third parties were CHF 1.5 billion compared with inflows of CHF 5.7 billion in the second quarter. Net inflows were recorded in Asia Pacific, Switzerland and Europe, Middle East and Africa and net outflows in the Americas. Net outflows, excluding money market flows, from clients of UBS’s wealth management businesses were CHF 2.8 billion compared with net outflows of CHF 2.2 billion. The majority of these net outflows were recorded in booking center Switzerland as investors remained cautious in the volatile market environment and tended to move into cash and equivalents. Total gross margin was 30 basis points compared with 32 basis points in the prior quarter, mainly as a result of lower performance and transaction fees. Total operating expenses were CHF 321 million compared with CHF 337 million.

The Investment Bank recorded a pre-tax loss of CHF 650 million compared with a loss of CHF 406 million in the third quarter of 2010. The pre-tax loss, excluding own credit gains of CHF 1,765 million and a trading income loss relating to the unauthorized trading incident of CHF 1,849 million, was CHF 566 million compared with a loss, excluding the own credit gain, of CHF 19 million in the third quarter of 2010. This was due to lower revenues across all business areas in difficult market conditions and the strengthening of the Swiss franc. In investment banking, total revenues were CHF 215 million compared with CHF 422 million. Combined advisory and capital markets revenues decreased 14% to CHF 503 million from CHF 583 million. Securities revenues decreased 27% to CHF 1,303 million from CHF 1,773 million. Equities revenues decreased 30% to CHF 630 million from CHF 904 million. FICC revenues decreased 23% to CHF 673 million from CHF 869 million. A strong performance in the macro business, due to high market volatility and good client flows in foreign exchange, was more than offset by the impact of illiquid credit markets. Total operating expenses decreased 8% to CHF 2,078 million from CHF 2,248 million. Operating expenses for the quarter included a total of CHF 238 million in restructuring costs associated with our cost reduction program.

The Corporate Center’s pre-tax result was a loss of CHF 160 million compared with a loss of CHF 63 million in the previous quarter. This result was mainly due to a valuation loss of CHF 209 million on our option to acquire the SNB StabFund's equity, which was partially offset by a gain on the sale of a property in Switzerland of CHF 78 million.

Results by reporting segment
CHF million   Total operating income   Total operating expenses  

Performance from continuing
operations before tax

For the quarter ended   30.9.11   30.6.11   % change   30.9.11   30.6.11   % change   30.9.11   30.6.11   % change
Wealth Management   2,178   1,867   17   1,290   1,194   8   888   672   32
Retail & Corporate   1,218   974   25   535   552   (3)   683   421   62
Wealth Management &
Swiss Bank
  3,396   2,840   20   1,825   1,747   4   1,571   1,094   44
Wealth Management Americas   1,294   1,284   1   1,154   1,144   1   139   140   (1)
Global Asset Management   399   444   (10)   321   337   (5)   79   108   (27)
Investment Bank   1,428   2,604   (45)   2,078   2,229   (7)   (650)   376    
Corporate Center   (105)   (2)       55   61   (10)   (160)   (63)   (154)
UBS   6,412   7,171   (11)   5,432   5,516   (2)   980   1,654   (41)
                 

Capital position and balance sheet
Our BIS tier 1 capital has increased by CHF 0.7 billion and the risk-weighted assets remained approximately at the 30 June 2011 level, improving our BIS tier 1 capital ratio to 18.4% on 30 September 2011 from 18.1% at the end of the previous quarter. Our BIS core tier 1 capital ratio was 16.3%, up from 16.1% on 30 June 2011. On 30 September 2011, our balance sheet assets stood at CHF 1,447 billion, CHF 210 billion higher than on 30 June 2011, mainly due to market and currency driven increases in positive replacement values.

Invested assets
Invested assets were CHF 2,025 billion as of 30 September 2011, compared with CHF 2,069 billion as of 30 June 2011. This decline was primarily attributable to negative market performance, partially offset by the depreciation of the Swiss franc. Of the invested assets, CHF 850 billion were attributable to Wealth Management & Swiss Bank (CHF 720 billion thereof attributable to Wealth Management and CHF 130 billion attributable to Retail & Corporate); CHF 651 billion were attributable to Wealth Management Americas; and CHF 524 billion were attributable to Global Asset Management.

Outlook
Prospects for global economic growth remain largely contingent on the satisfactory resolution of eurozone sovereign debt and banking industry concerns, as well as issues surrounding US economic growth, employment and the US Federal budget deficit. In the absence of such developments, current market conditions and trading activity are unlikely to improve materially, potentially creating headwinds for growth in revenues and net new money. Nevertheless, we will continue to leverage our unparalleled client franchise and competitive advantages in wealth management through closer alignment with a more focused Investment Bank. Implementation of the Investment Bank's client-centric strategy will make the business less complex and more capital efficient and ensure it provides more reliable returns to our shareholders. Our financial, capital and funding positions remain solid and we believe the action we are taking now will strengthen the firm further, delivering improved value to our clients and shareholders. We have every reason to remain confident about our future.

UBS key figures
    For the quarter ended   Year-to-date
CHF million, except where indicated   30.9.11   30.6.11   30.9.10   30.9.11   30.9.10
 
Group results
Operating income   6,412   7,171   6,658   21,926   24,853
Operating expenses   5,432   5,516   5,840   17,058   18,611
Operating profit from continuing operations before tax   980   1,654   818   4,868   6,242
Net profit attributable to UBS shareholders   1,018   1,015   1,664   3,840   5,871
Diluted earnings per share (CHF) 1   0.27   0.26   0.43   1.00   1.53
 
Key performance indicators, balance sheet and capital management 2
Performance
Return on equity (RoE) (%)               10.7   17.6
Return on risk-weighted assets, gross (%)               14.4   15.9
Return on assets, gross (%)               2.3   2.3
Growth
Net profit growth (%) 3   0.3   (43.8)   (17.0)   (34.6)   N/A
Net new money (CHF billion) 4   4.9   8.7   1.2   35.9   (21.4)
Efficiency
Cost / income ratio (%)   83.6   77.1   88.1   77.5   75.2
 
    As of        
CHF million, except where indicated   30.9.11   30.6.11   31.12.10        
Capital strength
BIS tier 1 ratio (%) 5   18.4   18.1   17.8        
FINMA leverage ratio (%) 5   5.4   4.8   4.4        
Balance sheet and capital management
Total assets   1,446,845   1,236,770   1,317,247        
Equity attributable to UBS shareholders   51,817   47,263   46,820        
Total book value per share (CHF) 5   13.85   12.54   12.35        
Tangible book value per share (CHF) 5   11.34   10.19   9.76        
BIS total ratio (%) 5   20.0   19.5   20.4        
BIS risk-weighted assets 5   207,257   206,224   198,875        
BIS tier 1 capital 5   38,121   37,387   35,323        
 
Additional information
Invested assets (CHF billion)   2,025   2,069   2,152        
Personnel (full-time equivalents)   65,921   65,707   64,617        
Market capitalization 6   40,390   58,745   58,803        
1 Refer to ”Note 8 Earnings per share (EPS) and shares outstanding” in the ”Financial information” section of the third quarter 2011 report. 2 For the definitions of our key performance indicators, refer to the ”Measurement and analysis of performance” section on page 33 of our Annual Report 2010. 3 Not meaningful if either the current period or the comparison period is a loss period. 4 Excludes interest and dividend income. 5 Refer to the ”Capital management” section of the third quarter 2011 report. 6 Refer to the appendix ”UBS registered shares” of the third quarter 2011 report.
 
Income statement
    For the quarter ended   % change from   Year-to-date
CHF million, except per share data   30.9.11   30.6.11   30.9.10   2Q11   3Q10   30.9.11   30.9.10
 
Continuing operations
Interest income   4,372   4,880   4,620   (10)   (5)   13,830   14,281
Interest expense   (2,512)   (3,440)   (3,019)   (27)   (17)   (8,748)   (9,769)
Net interest income   1,861   1,440   1,601   29   16   5,082   4,512
Credit loss (expense) / recovery   (89)   16   30           (70)   98
Net interest income after credit loss expense   1,771   1,456   1,631   22   9   5,012   4,610
Net fee and commission income   3,557   3,879   3,978   (8)   (11)   11,676   12,716
Net trading income   (28)   1,724   868           3,900   6,687
Other income   1,111   112   180   892   517   1,339   840
Total operating income   6,412   7,171   6,658   (11)   (4)   21,926   24,853
Personnel expenses   3,758   3,925   3,977   (4)   (6)   12,090   13,143
General and administrative expenses   1,411   1,408   1,634   0   (14)   4,307   4,691
Depreciation of property and equipment   212   161   196   32   8   564   687
Amortization of intangible assets   51   22   33   132   55   97   91
Total operating expenses   5,432   5,516   5,840   (2)   (7)   17,058   18,611
Operating profit from continuing operations
before tax
  980   1,654   818   (41)   20   4,868   6,242
Tax expense / (benefits)   (40)   377   (825)       (95)   763   89
Net profit from continuing operations   1,019   1,277   1,643   (20)   (38)   4,105   6,153
 
Discontinued operations
Profit from discontinued operations before tax   0   0   0           0   2
Tax expense   0   0   0           0   0
Net profit from discontinued operations   0   0   0           0   2
Net profit   1,019   1,278   1,643   (20)   (38)   4,106   6,155
Net profit attributable to non-controlling interests   2   263   (21)   (99)       266   283
from continuing operations   2   262   (21)   (99)       266   282
from discontinued operations   0   0   0           0   1
Net profit attributable to UBS shareholders   1,018   1,015   1,664   0   (39)   3,840   5,871
from continuing operations   1,018   1,015   1,664   0   (39)   3,839   5,871
from discontinued operations   0   0   0           0   1
 
Earnings per share (CHF)
Basic earnings per share   0.27   0.27   0.44   0   (39)   1.02   1.55
from continuing operations   0.27   0.27   0.44   0   (39)   1.01   1.55
from discontinued operations   0.00   0.00   0.00           0.00   0.00
Diluted earnings per share   0.27   0.26   0.43   4   (37)   1.00   1.53
from continuing operations   0.27   0.26   0.43   4   (37)   1.00   1.53
from discontinued operations   0.00   0.00   0.00           0.00   0.00

Media release available at www.ubs.com/media

Further information on UBS’s quarterly results is available at www.ubs.com/investors:

  • Third quarter 2011 financial report
  • Third quarter 2011 results slide presentation
  • Letter to shareholders (English, German, French and Italian)

Webcast
The results presentation, with Sergio P. Ermotti, Group Chief Executive Officer, Tom Naratil, Group Chief Financial Officer, and Caroline Stewart, Global Head of Investor Relations, will be webcast live on www.ubs.com/media at the following time on 25 October 2011:

  • 0900 CEST
  • 0800 BST
  • 0300 US EST

Webcast playback will be available from 1400 CEST on 25 October 2011.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including but not limited to management’s outlook for UBS’s financial performance and statements relating to the anticipated effect of transactions and strategic initiatives on UBS’s business and future development. While these forward-looking statements represent UBS’s judgments and expectations concerning the matters described, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from UBS’s expectations. Additional information about those factors is set forth in documents furnished and filings made by UBS with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including UBS’s financial report for the third quarter of 2011 and UBS’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2010. UBS is not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Rounding
Numbers presented throughout this release may not add up precisely to the totals provided in the tables and text. Percentages and percent changes are calculated based on rounded figures displayed in the tables and text and may not precisely reflect the percentages and percent changes that would be derived based on figures that are not rounded.

Contacts

UBS AG
Media contact
Switzerland: +41-44-234-85 00
UK: +44-207-567 47 14
Americas: +1-212-882 58 57
APAC: +852-297-1 82 00
www.ubs.com

Contacts

UBS AG
Media contact
Switzerland: +41-44-234-85 00
UK: +44-207-567 47 14
Americas: +1-212-882 58 57
APAC: +852-297-1 82 00
www.ubs.com