UBS (UBS) executed its strategy and restored client confidence while addressing previous issues, as the company posted strong quarter and yearly earnings.
The company made progress by building its capital ratios, deleveraging its balance sheet and also reducing risk-weighted assets, according to UBS’ fourth quarter and 2012 earnings report.
As a result, UBS launched offers to repurchase certain bond debt of up to CHF 5 billion ($5.5 billion U.S. dollars), helping to lower the company’s future funding costs.
Additionally, UBS generated capacity within the company’s liquidity and funding position to be able to execute such offers.
This could potentially lead to tightening of credit spreads and as a result, UBS cautions that significant credit charges could occur in the first quarter of the year.
“UBS remains on track with its accelerated strategic plans designed to make it more stable and capable of delivering higher quality and sustainable performance while being more focused on serving its clients,” the report stated.
Therefore, as a sign of strength and continued confidence, UBS is recommending a 50% increase in its dividend for shareholders for 2012 to CHF 0.15 per share.
