UBS(UBS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of $2.5 billion for Q3 2025, representing a 74% increase year-over-year, with earnings per share of $0.76 [11] - Underlying pre-tax profit was $3.6 billion, up 50% on 5% revenue growth, with a return on CET1 capital of 16.3% [11][12] - The tangible book value per share grew by 2% to $26.54, primarily due to net profit, partially offset by share repurchases [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global Wealth Management (GWM) delivered a pre-tax profit of $1.8 billion, up 21% year-over-year, with APAC showing a standout performance with a 48% increase [17][18] - Personal and Corporate Banking (PNC) reported a pre-tax profit of CHF 668 million, up 1%, with transaction-based income increasing by 10% [23][24] - Asset Management achieved a pre-tax profit of $282 million, up 19% year-over-year, with invested assets surpassing $2 trillion for the first time [26][27] - The Investment Bank reported a pre-tax profit of $787 million, more than double year-on-year, with revenues up 23% to $3 billion [28][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Invested assets reached nearly $7 trillion across the group, with Global Wealth Management and Asset Management contributing significantly [3][4] - In APAC, invested assets exceeded $1 trillion, reinforcing the company's position as the largest global wealth manager in the region [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on completing the integration of Credit Suisse and enhancing its platform for sustainable growth, including applying for a national bank charter in the U.S. [8][10] - The integration of Asset Management is substantially complete, allowing the company to focus on driving efficient growth [5][27] - The company aims to strategically invest across its platform to position itself for long-term value creation [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong results amid macroeconomic uncertainties and regulatory challenges, emphasizing the importance of client engagement [9][10] - The outlook for Q4 indicates healthy deal pipelines, although macro uncertainties and a strong Swiss franc may cloud the economic outlook [9][10] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in its cost reduction program, achieving $900 million in incremental gross run-rate cost savings in Q3, with a cumulative total reaching $10 billion [13][14] - The company is actively managing its balance sheet, with total assets of $1.6 trillion and a CET1 capital ratio of 14.8% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why wait for Q4 before upgrading guidance? - Management indicated that the ongoing year-end planning process will inform guidance updates for 2026 [37] Question: Comments on the $500 million hit on asset management client assets? - Management clarified that UBS does not have balance sheet exposure to First Brands and is taking steps to protect clients' interests [38] Question: Benefits of the national charter and net new asset outlook? - The national charter is expected to broaden banking capabilities and enhance net interest income, with a healthy recruiting pipeline supporting future growth [41][42] Question: Clarification on AT1 write-down and acquisition of Credit Suisse? - Management confirmed that the AT1 write-down was integral to the rescue transaction and that Credit Suisse had no outstanding AT1 instruments at the time of acquisition [72]