Urs Rohner, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented: “Unquestioned capital strength is of paramount importance to the Group. Given the current environment, we decided to accelerate the implementation of our capital plans in a manner which eliminates any doubts raised by the 2012 SNB Financial Stability Report. With a business that has strong returns on an industry-leading capital base, we are confident that Credit Suisse will further enhance its ability to best serve our clients and provide best-in-class returns to our shareholders.”

Commenting on the results, Brady W. Dougan, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our second quarter results underscore the strength of our business model and the positive impacts of the changes we have made to adapt it to the new environment. The first quarter showed that we can produce high returns in moderate markets, and the second quarter shows that the business model is resilient under more challenging conditions. We are convinced that our business model will generate returns on equity of above 15% over the cycle.”

He added: “Expense reductions and capital discipline help ensure the effectiveness of the model going forward. In the first half of the year, we achieved our CHF 2.0 billion cost reduction target 18 months early, and we have further increased the end 2013 target to CHF 3.0 billion. This gives us considerable operating flexibility. The progress we have made towards a Basel III compliant business model – including the reduction of CHF 65 billion in risk-weighted assets from the third quarter 2011 – positions us favorably in the industry’s inevitable transition to the new environment. This allows us to serve our clients consistently and helps us generate more stable returns.”

Commenting on the capital measures, he continued: “The capital measures that we announced today take any question of the strength of our capitalization off the table. A look-through Swiss Core Capital Ratio of 9.4% by the end of this year along with our leading total capital and funding structure and our high quality balance sheet confirms our place among the strongest global banks. Using a methodology broadly comparable to the 2012 SNB Financial Stability Report we expect that our look-through total capital ratio will move to 10.8% by year-end, almost double the 5.9% per 1Q12 as stated in the SNB report. This is a robust and balanced set of capital initiatives, close to 80% of which are non-dilutive. Over the past five years and prior to these measures, we have maintained one of the strongest capital levels in the industry with minimal dilution to our shareholders.“

2Q12 results summary
Credit Suisse Group reported 2Q12 pre-tax income of CHF 1.1 billion, net income attributable to shareholders of CHF 0.8 billion, return on equity of 9% and net new assets of CHF 4.4 billion.

Private Banking with 2Q12 net revenues of CHF 2,704 million and pre-tax income of CHF 775 million
- Revenues slightly higher compared to 1Q12 driven by both higher interest income and recurring revenues
- Modest reduction in compensation and benefits, including PAF2 impact in 1Q12, main benefits from efficiency measures expected to come through in the second half of the year
- Pre-tax income margin improved to 29%
- Private Banking with net new assets of CHF 3.4 billion
- Wealth Management with net asset inflows of CHF 8.9 billion, before the impact of CHF 3.4 billion of outflows related to Clariden Leu
- Corporate & Institutional Clients with outflows of CHF 2.1 billion
- Clariden Leu integration now substantially complete with pre-tax income benefit to the Group of CHF 125 million to be realized in 2013

Investment Banking with 2Q12 net revenues of CHF 2,909 million and pre-tax income of CHF 383 million
- Significant progress in executing strategy resulting in more consistent performance and continued market-share momentum
- More balanced business model with repositioned Fixed Income franchise; continued discipline regarding risk and inventory levels
- Equity sales & trading revenues reflect lower client activity; maintained market leading positions
- Underwriting & advisory result reflects lower industry-wide transaction volumes, #2 ranking in global completed M&A
- Improved operating and capital efficiency with annualized expense run-rate reduced by CHF 1.6 billion from 6M11 and 38% reduction in Basel III RWA since end 2Q11
- 6M12 return on Basel III allocated capital of 12%, up from 8% in 6M11

Asset Management with 2Q12 net revenues CHF 550 million and pre-tax income of CHF 133 million

- Gain of CHF 66 million on partial sale of a stake in Aberdeen and higher performance fees offset by lower contribution from investment-related gains, reflecting the challenging market conditions
- Net new assets of CHF 0.4 billion driven by alternative investments in emerging markets partially offset by outflows in traditional investments
- On July 2, 2012, Credit Suisse Group completed the sale of its residual stake in Aberdeen Asset Management for a gain of approximately CHF 140 million which will be recognized in 3Q12

Cost saving measures
After successfully delivering CHF 2.0 billion of annualized cost reductions in 6M12 versus 6M11, Credit Suisse increases its end-2013 cost savings target to CHF 3.0 billion.

In 2011 Credit Suisse began implementing a number of cost efficiency initiatives with the goal to achieve CHF 2.0 billion in total cost savings by the end of 2013. We have accelerated the implementation of these measures and achieved the annualized CHF 2.0 billion target already in 6M12. In 2Q12, we recognized related realignment costs of CHF 183 million in the Corporate Center.

Credit Suisse is increasing its end-2013 cost savings target to a total of CHF 3.0 billion. The additional cost savings of CHF 1.0 billion include overall shared services savings of CHF 0.5 billion. Savings of CHF 0.45 billion are targeted in Private Banking and CHF 0.55 billion are targeted in Investment Banking. Remaining realignment costs are expected to be approximately CHF 525 million, of which CHF 225 million are expected to be incurred in the second half of 2012.

Capital measures and liquidity summary
Credit Suisse today announced a number of measures to accelerate the strengthening of its capital position in light of the current regulatory and market environment. An immediate set of actions will be implemented to increase the capital by CHF 8.7 billion. Additional capital actions and earnings related impacts are to increase the capital by a further CHF 6.6 billion by year-end 2012.

The measures will result in an expected end-2012 look-through Swiss Core Capital Ratio of 9.4%, compared to the 2018 requirement of 10%. Look-through Swiss Core Capital includes look-through Basel III Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) and existing participation securities (“Claudius notes”) that qualify as part of the Swiss equity requirement in excess of the 8.5% Basel III G-SIB Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio.

The measures will result in an expected look-through Swiss Total Capital Ratio of 10.8% at end 2012. This broadly compares to the figure of 5.9% calculated by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) at the end of 1Q12 and published in its 2012 Financial Stability Report. Look-through Swiss Total Capital includes look-through Basel III CET1 and the participation securities (“Claudius notes”). Additionally it includes the Group’s Buffer Capital Notes (“CoCos with high trigger”).

The definitions for regulatory capital and respective ratios used in this press release refer to the regulations under the Swiss too-big-to-fail regime as determined by Finma. Ratio calculations based on these capital definitions use projected Basel III year-end 2012 RWA. The expected end-2012 ratios are based on a pro-forma calculation assuming successful completion of the announced capital actions, and using Bloomberg consensus earnings estimates and Credit Suisse Basel III risk-weighted assets estimates. As Basel III will not be implemented before January 1, 2013, our Basel III risk-weighted assets were calculated for purposes of this release in accordance with the currently proposed requirements and our current interpretation of such requirements, including relevant assumptions. Changes in the requirements upon implementation of Basel III would result in different numbers from those used in the release.

The capital measures include mandatory and contingent convertible securities of CHF 3.8 billion issued at a fixed conversion price of CHF 16.29 per share. Investors in the mandatory and contingent convertible securities (“MACCS”) include existing investors, such as the Qatar Holding LLC, The Olayan Group and the Norges Bank Investment Management, as well as new investors such as the Singapore-based investment company Temasek.

Credit Suisse continues to conservatively manage its liquidity. We estimate our Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) to be over 100% at the end of 2Q12.

Segment Results Detail

Private Banking
Private Banking, which comprises the global Wealth Management Clients business and the Swiss Corporate & Institutional Clients business, reported 2Q12 income before taxes of CHF 775 million and net revenues of CHF 2,704 million.

Net revenues increased CHF 100 million from 1Q12, reflecting slightly higher net interest income and recurring commissions and fees, which included semi-annual performance fees. Transaction-based revenues were negatively impacted by ongoing low client activity, which was more than offset by gains from the integration of Clariden Leu, of which CHF 41 million related to the sale of a non-core business. Compared to 2Q11, which included gains of CHF 72 million from the sale of real estate, net revenues declined 2%.

Total operating expenses were slightly lower compared to 1Q12 and 2Q11. Compensation and benefits decreased 7%, or CHF 87 million compared to 1Q12, which included PAF2 deferred compensation awards which were granted and expensed in 1Q12. Provisions for credit losses were CHF 39 million on a net loan portfolio of CHF 202 billion.

The Wealth Management Clients business reported income before taxes of CHF 551 million in 2Q12, down 5% compared to 2Q11, as lower total operating expenses and higher net interest income were more than offset by lower recurring commissions and fees and transaction-based revenues and higher provisions for credit losses. Excluding the gains on sales, Wealth Management Clients’ income before taxes was stable to 2Q11. Compared to 1Q12, the gross margin improved 4 basis points.

The Corporate & Institutional Clients business, which provides comprehensive coverage for all the financial service needs of corporate and institutional clients in Switzerland and for banks worldwide, reported income before taxes of CHF 224 million in 2Q12, down 13% from 2Q11, as stable net revenues were offset by a 5% increase in total operating expenses. Compared to 1Q12 income before taxes was up 2%.

Investment Banking
Investment Banking reported 2Q12 income before taxes of CHF 383 million, down 62% compared to 1Q12 and up 84% compared to 2Q11, and net revenues of CHF 2,909 million.

Fixed income sales and trading revenues of CHF 1,190 million were resilient and more balanced amid a difficult market environment, reflecting a substantially repositioned business with significantly reduced inventory levels. Revenues declined from a strong 1Q12 reflecting challenging trading conditions, particularly in global rates, and subdued client flow, particularly in global rates. Relative to 2Q11, revenues increased 96%, led by a marked improvement in securitized products and higher results in corporate lending, global rates, emerging markets and global credit products.

Equity sales and trading revenues of CHF 1,150 million decreased by 18% and 8% compared to 1Q12 and 2Q11, respectively, reflecting reduced client volumes across key businesses such as cash equities and derivatives. Prime services results remained strong as solid market share more than offset lower industry activity and lower client balances due to reduced market values.
Underwriting and advisory revenues of CHF 644 million were also lower in the quarter relative to 1Q12 and 2Q11, driven by weak underwriting revenues as global issuance volumes remained subdued.

Compensation and benefits declined 30% from 1Q12, reflecting lower deferred compensation expense as 1Q12 included CHF 418 million of expense related to the PAF2 awards, and lower discretionary performance-related compensation expense. Total other expenses decreased from 1Q12 and 2Q11.

In 2Q12, consistent with the execution of the refined strategy in Investment Banking, Basel III risk-weighted assets were further reduced by USD 4 billion to USD 206 billion.

Results in 2Q12 were impacted by the strengthening of the average rate of the US dollar against the Swiss franc compared to 2Q11, which favorably impacted revenues and adversely affected expenses. In Swiss francs, net revenues increased 3% and total operating expenses declined 2%. In US dollars, net revenues were down 6% and total operating expenses declined 11% from 2Q11.

Asset Management
Asset Management posted 2Q12 income before taxes of CHF 133 million, down 48% compared to 1Q12 and down 37% compared to 2Q11. Net revenues of CHF 550 million were down 19% from 1Q12 and down 16% from 2Q11.

In the quarter, additional partial sales of an investment in Aberdeen were completed, recognizing a gain of CHF 66 million. In 1Q12, we recognized a gain of CHF 178 million from another sale. Excluding the gains from these sales in the first two quarters, income before taxes was CHF 67 million in 2Q12 and CHF 76 million in 1Q12, compared to CHF 210 million in 2Q11.

Investment-related gains of CHF 27 million were significantly lower than the CHF 101 million in 1Q12 and CHF 156 million in 2Q11, mainly due to adverse market conditions. Compared to 2Q11, fee-based revenues of CHF 478 million were down 3%, with higher performance fees from Hedging-Griffo being offset by lower equity participations income resulting from the sale of Aberdeen and lower placement fees.

Operating expenses of CHF 417 million were down 2% compared to 1Q12, which included the PAF2 expenses noted above, and down 6% compared to 2Q11.

Corporate Center
The Corporate Center recorded a loss before taxes of CHF 180 million in 2Q12, including gains related to own debt of CHF 39 million. This compares to a loss of CHF 1,818 million in 1Q12 and a loss of CHF 167 million in 2Q11.

Net New Assets
Credit Suisse Group reported net new asset inflows of CHF 4.4 billion in 2Q12. Private Banking attracted net new assets of CHF 3.4 billion. Wealth Management Clients contributed net new assets of CHF 8.9 billion, driven by inflows, mainly from its ultra-high-net-worth individual client segment and emerging markets, before the impact of outflows of CHF 3.4 billion relating to the integration of Clariden Leu. Corporate & Institutional Clients in Switzerland reported outflows of CHF 2.1 billion. Asset Management recorded net asset inflows of CHF 0.4 billion, driven by alternative investments in emerging markets, partially offset by outflows in traditional investments.

As a result of the integration of Clariden Leu and other organizational changes, prior periods of the divisions have been restated to conform to the current presentation in order to show meaningful trends.

Details of Capital Actions

Hybrids exchange
An agreement has been reached for the immediate exchange of some existing Tier 1 capital notes (hybrids) into Tier 1 Buffer Capital Notes (BCNs; “high-trigger CoCos”), thereby accelerating an exchange initially scheduled for October 2013. The BCNs will qualify for Swiss Total Capital. The conversion floor of the high trigger Tier 1 capital notes is aligned to the conversion price of the mandatorily convertible securities.

Mandatory and contingent convertible securities (“MACCS”)
The MACCS are mandatorily convertible into 233.5 million ordinary shares in March 2013 at a fixed conversion price of CHF 16.29 per share. MACCS convertible into 117 million shares are subject to shareholders’ pre-emptive rights and have been fully underwritten by strategic investors, while strategic investors have entered into binding commitments for MACCS convertible into 116.5 million shares.

Tier 1 participation securities recognition
Claudius holds participation securities issued by Credit Suisse AG, a 100% subsidiary of Credit Suisse Group AG. Claudius has issued USD notes to investors: (i) USD 1.5 billion perpetual 8.25% and (ii) USD 1.5 billion perpetual 7.875%. Finma ruled that under the Swiss too-big-to-fail regime, the existing USD 3 billion in Tier 1 participation securities (with a haircut of 20%) will qualify as part of the Swiss equity requirement in excess of the 8.5% Basel III G-SIB Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio. Effectively this contributes an additional 0.8% to the Swiss Core Capital Ratio until 2018 on a non-reducing basis.

Sale of residual stake in Aberdeen Asset Management
Credit Suisse Group completed the sale of its residual stake in Aberdeen Asset Management on July 2, 2012 for a capital benefit of CHF 0.2 billion.

APPA exchange: Voluntary exchange offer to employees
Credit Suisse is launching a voluntary exchange offer, under which employees can elect to convert any future cash payments from the Adjustable Performance Plan Awards (APPA) for shares at the same price as the conversion price under the MACCS. Such an exchange would be immediately accretive to Credit Suisse’s capital. Delivery of the shares will be consistent with the APPA deferral schedule, i.e. from 2013 to 2015. APPA was a cash-based deferred compensation plan awarded during 2009 and 2010, where the award value was linked to the financial performance of the employees’ business areas and the firm’s return on equity. Assuming an end 2012 obligation of CHF 1.3 billion, the initial exchange offer benefit to capital is expected to be CHF 0.75 billion. Assuming a year-end 2012 obligation of CHF 1.3 billion, the initial exchange offer benefit to capital is targeted to be approximately CHF 0.75 billion (implying a 58% acceptance level). The actual size of the capital benefit depends on the acceptance level of the exchange offer and 2H12 financial performance.

Strategic divestments
In line with the accelerated implementation of its strategy toward a more liquid alternatives business and given the residual uncertainty around the implementation of the “Volcker Rule”, Credit Suisse intends to sell certain illiquid private equity businesses within the Asset Management division. The targeted businesses have limited synergies with other businesses of the Group. At the same time, Credit Suisse intends to grow liquid alternative strategies as they are more capital efficient, consistent with regulatory developments and more synergistic with other businesses of the Group.

Real Estate Sales
Credit Suisse is also in advanced negotiations for outright sales covering two major real-estate sites and a number of smaller buildings. Additionally, Credit Suisse intends to enter into a sale-and-lease-back transaction agreement relating to an office building it currently owns and occupies.

Changes in Equity
For the purpose of the simulation of the full year 2012 earnings, net income projections are based on Bloomberg consensus of analyst estimates for 2012, less 6M12 reported net income. The resulting net income estimate for 2H12 has been adjusted by deducting additional restructuring expenses, transaction fees for this capital plan and the capital benefit from the planned tender offer to repurchase certain debt instruments. These earnings expectations are not endorsed or verified and used solely for illustrative purposes and the actual net income (and, therefore, our actual end-2012 capital ratios) may differ significantly from those presented herein.

Expenses related to share-based compensation awards are offset in shareholders’ equity by an obligation to deliver shares. The expense related to share-based compensation for 2H12 is currently estimated to amount to CHF 0.6 billion. Assuming that future obligations to deliver shares are being met with the delivery of new shares from conditional capital, such benefit can be deemed to be permanently additive to capital.**

2H12 pre-tax income and certain additional actions are expected to reduce the current level of deferred tax assets (DTAs) on net operating losses. As at the end of 2Q12, DTAs on net operating losses were CHF 3.5 billion. DTAs that rely on future profitability, such as DTA on net operating losses, must be deducted from CET1 capital.

Lower threshold regulatory deductions
Any amounts from each of (i) DTAs on timing differences, (ii) significant investments in unconsolidated financial institutions, or (iii) mortgage servicing rights that exceed 10% of CET1 capital, must be deducted from CET1 capital. In addition, any aggregate amount of items (i) to (iii) that exceeds 15% of CET1 capital must be deducted from CET1 capital. As capital actions increase the projected CET 1 capital, current threshold regulatory deductions will be subsequently reduced.

Additional liability management measures announced today: Tender offer to repurchase certain outstanding public capital and senior funding instruments
In addition to the capital measures announced today, Credit Suisse also announced a tender offer to repurchase certain outstanding public capital and senior funding instruments. The offer targets 11 capital instruments denominated in USD, Euro and GBP and 5 additional senior bonds denominated in USD. The offers are being made based on the terms and conditions set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum dated July 18, 2012 issued by Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, which are subject to offer restrictions. It allows the bank’s bond investors to sell holdings in capital and senior funding securities. The transaction announced today follows on from the very successful liability management transaction which was completed in April 2012.

The complete Credit Suisse Group 2Q12 Financial Release will be published on July 24, 2012, at 6:45 CEST.


** Requires AGM approval