Credit Suisse Group AG reports 2Q13 and 6M13 results

– 2Q13 Core pre-tax income of CHF 1,534 million, up 38% from 2Q12, net income attributable to shareholders of CHF 1,045 million and return on equity of 10%
– 6M13 Core pre-tax income of CHF 3,356 million, up 192% from 6M12, net income attributable to shareholders of CHF 2,348 million and return on equity of 12%; underlying* return on equity of 13%

2Q13 divisional results:
– Private Banking & Wealth Management: Solid profitability with pre-tax income of CHF 1,017 million and cost/income ratio of 69%, both excluding UK withholding tax charge of CHF 100 million; reported pre-tax income of CHF 917 million; net new assets of CHF 7.6 billion with strong inflows in emerging markets; Wealth Management Clients business gross margin increased to 111 basis points from 109 basis points in 1Q13
– Investment Banking: Solid pre-tax income of CHF 754 million, more than double the CHF 314 million in 2Q12; Basel III RWA of USD 177 billion vs. year-end 2013 target of USD 175 billion; return on Basel III allocated capital of 12% for the quarter and 18% for 6M13; continued market share momentum

Continued execution of capital plan and balance sheet reduction:
– 2Q13 Look-through Swiss Core Capital ratio of 10.4%, and 10.6% on a pro forma basis, exceeding our target of 10%; ratios include 6M13 accrual for resumed cash dividend payments
– Swiss leverage exposure reduced by CHF 147 billion since 3Q12, on track to achieve reduction target by year-end 2013; Swiss phase-in leverage ratio projected to be at around 4.5% at year-end 2013, including using consensus earnings

Further progress on cost savings:
– Achieved annualized 6M13 gross* expense savings of CHF 2.7 billion; on track to reach cost run-rate reduction target of CHF 4.4 billion by end-2015 versus adjusted* annualized 6M11 run-rate

Zurich, 17-9-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Credit Suisse Group reports 2Q13 and 6M13 results.

Brady W. Dougan, Chief Executive Officer, said: “With an underlying return on equity of 13% for the first six months of 2013 and 10% for the second quarter, our business model is performing well and we continue to make progress in reducing our cost base and balance sheet. Our Look-through Swiss Core Capital ratio significantly increased from 9.6% at the end of the first quarter to 10.4% at the end of the second quarter of 2013. We are pleased to have exceeded our target of 10% for the middle of this year. Operating under Basel III, we are generating one of the highest returns on equity in our peer group with a strong capital base.”

Commenting on the results of the Private Banking & Wealth Management division, he continued: “Our Private Banking & Wealth Management division delivered net revenues of CHF 3,424 million in the second quarter, with continued strong client activity. The gross margin in Wealth Management Clients improved to 111 basis points from 109 basis points in the prior quarter, driven by higher transaction- and performance-based revenues. Private Banking & Wealth Management’s cost-to-income ratio for the second quarter of 2013 improved to 69%, excluding the UK withholding tax charge.”

Commenting on the results of the Investment Banking division, he added: “Investment Banking delivered a strong return on Basel III allocated capital of 12% for the second quarter and 18% for the first six months of 2013, double the 9% reported in the first half of 2012 and supporting our through-the-cycle Group return on equity target of above 15%. Together with a cost-to-income ratio of 72% for the first six months of 2013, this demonstrates our successful transition to Basel III, the effectiveness of our diversified business model and our significantly improved capital and operating efficiency. For the second quarter, Investment Banking reported net revenues of CHF 3,400 million and pre-tax income of CHF 754 million, more than double the CHF 314 million recorded in the prior-year quarter.”

Commenting on the bank’s overall positioning, he added: “We have significantly advanced the transformation of our business model, consistent with the Swiss regulatory framework. We have reduced our Look-through Basel III risk-weighted assets, achieving our year-end 2013 Group target of CHF 285 billion six months earlier than planned. Over the past nine months, we have lowered our Swiss leverage exposure by CHF 147 billion as of the end of the second quarter of 2013 and are on track to achieve the remaining CHF 70 billion reduction needed to meet our year-end 2013 target. Furthermore, we have exceeded our Look-through Swiss Core Capital ratio target of 10%.”

Commenting on the market environment, he concluded: “The transition to higher interest rates led, in the latter part of the second quarter, to increased market volatility and reduced client activity. This market volatility continued into July, although more recently we have seen signs of stabilization in our major markets. In the longer term, the transition to higher rates will benefit our business, both our global Private Banking & Wealth Management franchise and our client-focused, capital-efficient Investment Banking business.“

Private Banking & Wealth Management with 2Q13 net revenues of CHF 3,424 million and pre-tax income of CHF 917 million
– Stable net revenues compared to 2Q12, as higher transaction- and performance-based revenues, reflecting improved client activity, and higher recurring commissions and fees were offset by lower other revenues and lower net interest income
– Wealth Management Clients with 2Q13 pre-tax income of CHF 529 million, with slightly higher net revenues of CHF 2,337 million compared to 2Q12, reflecting higher transaction- and performance-based revenues and higher recurring commissions and fees, which offset the impact of lower net interest income
– Corporate & Institutional Clients with 2Q13 pre-tax income of CHF 244 million and net revenues of CHF 525 million, down slightly compared to 2Q12, with lower net interest income partially offset by higher transaction- and performance-based revenues
– Asset Management with 2Q13 pre-tax income of CHF 144 million, and net revenues of
CHF 562 million, stable compared to 2Q12, reflecting higher fee-based revenues in 2Q13, compared to gains in 2Q12 from partial sales of an ownership interest in Aberdeen Asset Management
– Net new assets across Private Banking & Wealth Management of CHF 7.6 billion in 2Q13 and assets under management of CHF 1,297 billion as of the end of 2Q13, up 7% from end-2Q12
– Wealth Management Clients contributed net new assets of CHF 7.5 billion, with continued strong inflows from emerging markets and from the ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI) client segment, partially offset by continued outflows in Western Europe
– Corporate & Institutional Clients reported outflows of CHF 0.2 billion, driven by a small number of large Swiss institutional clients rebalancing their investment strategy out of some of Credit Suisse’s index products into cash
– Asset Management contributed net new assets of CHF 1.5 billion, with inflows mainly in credit, hedge fund and fixed income and equities products and multi-asset class solutions, partially offset by outflows from index strategies and outflows of CHF 1.0 billion from businesses the bank decided to exit
– Total operating expenses of CHF 2,461 million in 2Q13, 3% higher compared to 2Q12, mainly driven by an expense provision of CHF 100 million relating to the withholding tax treaty between Switzerland and the UK. The cost/income ratio, excluding the expense provision relating to the withholding tax treaty between Switzerland and the UK, improved to 69%.

Investment Banking with 2Q13 net revenues of CHF 3,400 million and pre-tax income of CHF 754 million
– Net revenues increased 24% compared to 2Q12, reflecting higher revenues in the majority of Investment Banking businesses
– Fixed income sales and trading revenues of CHF 1,257 million were up 13% compared to 2Q12, driven by higher results across most fixed income businesses, reflecting improved trading conditions
– Equity sales and trading revenues of CHF 1,338 million were up 24% from 2Q12, driven by higher client activity, improved market conditions and strong market shares across most equities businesses
– Underwriting and advisory revenues of CHF 909 million increased 45% from 2Q12, as higher debt and equity underwriting revenues were partially offset by lower merger and acquisitions (M&A) fees
– Total operating expenses of CHF 2,642 million increased 8% from 2Q12, mainly driven by higher litigation provisions and higher discretionary performance-related compensation expense, reflecting higher results
– Return on Basel III allocated capital for Investment Banking was 12% in 2Q13 and 18% in 6M13
– Basel III risk-weighted assets as of the end of 2Q13 were USD 177 billion; on track to reach year-end 2013 target of USD 175 billion

Update on cost savings
As of the end of 2Q13, Credit Suisse delivered gross* expense savings of CHF 2.7 billion, compared to an adjusted* annualized 6M11 run-rate. Credit Suisse remains on track to reach its total run-rate reduction target of CHF 4.4 billion by end-2015. Business realignment costs recognized in the Corporate Center were CHF 133 million for the quarter.

Benefits of the integrated bank
In 2Q13, Credit Suisse generated CHF 1,191 million of collaboration revenues from the integrated bank. This corresponds to 17% of the Group’s net revenues in 2Q13.

Capital and funding
As of the end of 2Q13, Credit Suisse’s Look-through Swiss Core Capital ratio stood at 10.4%, exceeding its previously announced target of 10% for the middle of 2013. On a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the remaining capital measures announced in July 2012, the Look-through Swiss Core Capital ratio stood at 10.6%. The calculation of these ratios includes a pro-rata accrual for the resumption of an expected cash dividend in respect of 2013. As of the end of 2Q13, Credit Suisse reported a Basel III common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 15.3%, up 0.7 percentage points from 1Q13, reflecting increased CET1 capital and a reduction in RWA.

In October 2012, Credit Suisse announced targeted measures to further reduce its total balance sheet assets by CHF 130 billion or 13% to CHF 900 billion by year-end 2013 on a foreign-exchange neutral basis compared to end-3Q12. As of the end of 2Q13, total balance sheet assets amounted to CHF 920 billion, down CHF 27 billion from 1Q13, reflecting measures taken in connection with the balance sheet reduction initiative announced in October 2012 and the foreign exchange translation impact.

Credit Suisse also announced that it targets to reduce its Swiss leverage exposure – which includes total balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet exposures – to CHF 1,190 billion by year-end 2013. As of the end of 2Q13, Credit Suisse’s Swiss leverage exposure amounted to CHF 1,258 billion, down from CHF 1,288 billion at the end of 1Q13. Credit Suisse’s Swiss phase-in leverage ratio is projected to be at around 4.5% by year-end 2013, including using consensus earnings. At the end of 2Q13, Credit Suisse’s Swiss phase-in leverage ratio stood at 3.9%. The Swiss leverage ratio requirement effective as of January 1, 2019 is 4.2%.

Credit Suisse is continuing to conservatively manage its liquidity, with an estimated long-term net stable funding ratio (NSFR) in excess of 100% under the current FINMA framework and short-term liquidity under Swiss regulations in excess of requirements as of the end of 2Q13.

Private Banking & Wealth Management
Private Banking & Wealth Management, which comprises the global Wealth Management Clients business, the Swiss Corporate & Institutional Clients business and the global Asset Management business, reported pre-tax income of CHF 917 million and net revenues of CHF 3,424 million in 2Q13. Net revenues were 4% higher compared to 1Q13, reflecting higher transaction- and performance-based revenues and higher recurring commissions and fees. Compared to 2Q12, net revenues were stable, as higher transaction- and performance-based revenues, reflecting improved client activity, and higher recurring commissions and fees were offset by lower other revenues and lower net interest income.

Total operating expenses of CHF 2,461 million increased 4% compared to 1Q13 and 3% compared to 2Q12, driven by an expense provision of CHF 100 million relating to the withholding tax treaty between Switzerland and the UK. As announced on July 5, 2013, the negative after-tax impact is expected to be no more than CHF 90 million.

The Wealth Management Clients business in 2Q13 reported pre-tax income of CHF 529 million, with net revenues of CHF 2,337 million, an increase of 5% compared to 1Q13. Higher transaction- and performance-based revenues, higher recurring commissions and fees and higher net interest income were partially offset by lower other revenues, reflecting a gain in 1Q13 on the sale of JO Hambro Investment Management. Compared to 2Q12, net revenues were slightly higher, as higher transaction- and performance-based revenues and higher recurring commissions and fees were partially offset by lower net interest income and lower other revenues, reflecting gains of CHF 41 million in 2Q12 related to the sale of a non-core business from the integration of Clariden Leu. In 2Q13, the gross margin was 111 basis points, 2 basis points higher than in 1Q13, mainly reflecting higher transaction- and performance-based revenues and a stable recurring commissions and fees margin. Compared to 2Q12, the gross margin was 8 basis points lower, reflecting a continued adverse interest rate environment and the impact from the growth in the UHNWI client segment, which has lower gross margins but higher profitability.

The Corporate & Institutional Clients business, which provides comprehensive coverage for all the financial services needs of corporate and institutional clients in Switzerland and for banks worldwide, reported strong pre-tax income of CHF 244 million in 2Q13, with net revenues of CHF 525 million, stable compared to 1Q13. Slightly higher recurring commissions and fees and slightly higher transaction- and performance-based revenues were partially offset by lower other revenues. Compared to 2Q12, net revenues were slightly lower, as lower net interest income was partially offset by higher transaction- and performance-based revenues. Total operating expenses in 2Q13 were slightly lower compared to 1Q13 and 8% lower than in 2Q12. The cost/income ratio for 2Q13 was 49%, improved from 50% in 1Q13 and from 52% in 2Q12. Provision for credit losses was CHF 26 million in 2Q13 on a net loan portfolio of CHF 63 billion, reflecting a well-diversified credit portfolio and strong risk management.

The Asset Management business reported pre-tax income of CHF 144 million, with net revenues of
CHF 562 million in 2Q13, up 5% from1Q13, as higher fee-based revenues more than offset lower investment-related gains. Net revenues were stable compared to 2Q12, as higher fee-based revenues were offset by lower equity participations and other gains which included CHF 66 million in 2Q12 from partial sales of an ownership interest in Aberdeen Asset Management.

Investment Banking
Investment Banking reported net revenues of CHF 3,400 million and pre-tax income of CHF 754 million in 2Q13. Investment Banking delivered solid results in 2Q13, with less volatile results compared to a year ago, reflecting the effectiveness of the diversified and capital-efficient Investment Banking business model. Net revenues decreased 14% compared to 1Q13, as higher equity sales and trading results and higher underwriting and advisory results were more than offset by lower fixed income sales and trading revenues. Compared to 2Q12, net revenues were 24% higher, driven by higher results across most businesses.

Fixed income sales and trading revenues of CHF 1,257 million were 37% lower compared to a seasonally strong 1Q13. 2Q13 was characterized by a strong first half of the quarter, followed by more challenging conditions in the latter part due to market volatility resulting from rising interest rates which had an adverse impact on client activity. Relative to 2Q12, fixed income sales and trading revenues were 13% higher, driven by higher results across most businesses, reflecting improved trading conditions.

Equity sales and trading revenues of CHF 1,338 million increased 3% and 24% compared to 1Q13 and 2Q12, respectively. The increase was driven by higher client activity, improved market conditions and strong market shares across most of our equities businesses.

Underwriting and advisory revenues of CHF 909 million were 19% higher compared to 1Q13, driven by higher revenues across debt and equity underwriting and advisory. Relative to 2Q12, underwriting and advisory revenues were 45% higher, as higher debt and equity underwriting revenues were partially offset by lower M&A fees.

Compensation and benefits were stable compared to 1Q13, primarily due to lower deferred compensation from prior-year awards, largely offset by higher discretionary performance-related compensation expense. Compensation and benefits increased 4% from 2Q12, primarily due to higher discretionary performance-related expense, reflecting higher results, offsetting a decline in salaries due to lower headcount. Total other operating expenses were stable compared to 1Q13. Compared to 2Q12, total other operating expenses increased 13%, mainly due to higher litigation provisions.

Corporate Center
The Corporate Center recorded a loss before taxes of CHF 137 million in 2Q13, including business realignment costs of CHF 133 million. 2Q13 results also included fair value gains on own debt of CHF 17 million, debit valuation adjustment gains on certain structured notes liabilities of CHF 79 million and fair value gains on stand-alone derivatives of CHF 34 million, resulting in overall gains on such items of CHF 130 million in the quarter. This compares to a loss before taxes of CHF 359 million in 1Q13 and a loss before taxes of CHF 180 million in 2Q12.

*Underlying and adjusted results are non-GAAP financial measures. For a reconciliation of the underlying results to the most directly comparable US GAAP measures, see Annex A “Reconciliation to underlying results – Core Results” of this media release. For further information on the calculation of the cost run-rate on an adjusted annualized basis, see the 2Q13 Results Presentation Slides. Gross expense savings, as referenced herein, exclude certain significant items as set out in the 2Q13 Results Presentation Slides.

Enquiries
Media Relations Credit Suisse AG, Tel. +41 844 33 88 44, media.relations@credit-suisse.com
Investor Relations Credit Suisse AG, Tel. +41 44 333 71 49, investor.relations@credit-suisse.com

Credit Suisse AG
Credit Suisse AG is one of the world’s leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as ‘Credit Suisse’). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 46,300 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse’s parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, in the future we, and others on our behalf, may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the following:
– our plans, objectives or goals;
– our future economic performance or prospects;
– the potential effect on our future performance of certain contingencies; and
– assumptions underlying any such statements.
Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends” and “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable securities laws. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections and other outcomes described or implied in forward-looking statements will not be achieved. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include:
– the ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and access capital markets;
– market and interest rate fluctuations and interest rate levels;
– the strength of the global economy in general and the strength of the economies of the countries in which we conduct our operations, in particular the risk of continued slow economic recovery or downturn in the US or other developed countries in 2013 and beyond;
– the direct and indirect impacts of continuing deterioration or slow recovery in residential and commercial real estate markets;
– adverse rating actions by credit rating agencies in respect of sovereign issuers, structured credit products or other credit-related exposures;
– the ability to achieve our strategic objectives, including improved performance, reduced risks, lower costs, and more efficient use of capital;
– the ability of counterparties to meet their obligations to us;
– the effects of, and changes in, fiscal, monetary, trade and tax policies, and currency fluctuations;
– political and social developments, including war, civil unrest or terrorist activity;
– the possibility of foreign exchange controls, expropriation, nationalization or confiscation of assets in countries in which we conduct our operations;
– operational factors such as systems failure, human error, or the failure to implement procedures properly;
– actions taken by regulators with respect to our business and practices in one or more of the countries in which we conduct our operations;
– the effects of changes in laws, regulations or accounting policies or practices;
– competition in geographic and business areas in which we conduct our operations;
– the ability to retain and recruit qualified personnel;
– the ability to maintain our reputation and promote our brand;
– the ability to increase market share and control expenses;
– technological changes;
– the timely development and acceptance of our new products and services and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users;
– acquisitions, including the ability to integrate acquired businesses successfully, and divestitures, including the ability to sell non-core assets;
– the adverse resolution of litigation and other contingencies;
– the ability to achieve our cost efficiency goals and cost targets; and
– our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

We caution you that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. When evaluating forward-looking statements, you should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and events, including the information set forth in “Risk Factors” in I – Information on the company in our Annual Report 2012.

Capital and liquidity disclosures
As of January 1, 2013, Basel III was implemented in Switzerland along with the Swiss “Too Big to Fail” legislation and regulations thereunder. Our related disclosures are in accordance with our current interpretation of such requirements, including relevant assumptions. We have calculated our Basel III NSFR based on the current FINMA framework. Changes in the interpretation of these requirements in Switzerland or in any of our assumptions or estimates could result in different numbers from those shown herein. In addition, we have calculated our 2Q13 pro forma Look-through Swiss Core Capital assuming the successful completion of the remaining CHF 0.6 billion of capital measures that we announced in July 2012. The calculation of Investment Banking’s return on Basel III allocated capital assumes 30%, 27% and 25% tax rates for 2Q13, 6M13 and 6M12 respectively, as well as capital allocated at 10% of Basel III risk-weighted assets. For information regarding consensus earnings and other assumptions underlying the projected Swiss phase-in leverage ratio, see the 2Q13 Results Presentation Slides.

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