UniCredit Bank Austria AG: Bank Austria posts net profit of EUR 59 million for the first quarter

Wien (pta016/11.05.2016/09:11 UTC+2) * Sound operating performance from customer business despite market interest rates which are at a historically low level and persistently weak economic trends
o Lending volume at a stable EUR 117 billion
o Customer deposits in Austria and CEE total EUR 114 billion, up by 7 % on the same period of the previous year
* Overall operating costs stable on account of strict cost management, down by 2 % in Austria
* Net write-downs of loans down by 31.4 % to EUR 144 million compared with the first quarter of the previous year
* Significant improvement in operating performance: net operating profit up by EUR 47 million or 11 % to EUR 471 million
* Total charge for bank levies and other systemic charges, which are largely recognised in the first quarter for the full year 2016, rises by 66.7 % to EUR 172 million
* Net profit amounts to EUR 59 million, down by 70.5 % on the Q1 2015 figure, mainly on account of two factors:
o Bank levies and other systemic charges up by EUR 69 million on the same period of the previous year
o Integration/restructuring costs of EUR 206 million reflect an amendment to the Austrian General Social Insurance Act (ASVG) which was passed by the Austrian National Council and required the bank to increase the relevant provision
* Total capital ratio1 at 15.1 %, up by 27 basis points on year-end 2015; Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio1 up by 15 basis points to 11.2 %
* Excellent direct funding ratio underlines the bank's strong liquidity position
o Loans to customers funded with customer deposits and the bank's own issues to the extent of 121.8 %

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Emitter:	UniCredit Bank Austria AG Schottengasse 6-8 1010 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Günther Stromenger
Phone:	+43 (0)50505-57232
E-Mail:	guenther.stromenger@unicreditgroup.at
Website:	www.bankaustria.at
ISIN(s):	AT0000995006 (Bond) XS0638845700 (Bond)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Regulated Open Market); Free Market in Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart
Other Stock Exchanges:	Luxemburg