In fourth quarter 2004, we incurred a tax
expense of CHF 535 million, reflecting an effective
tax rate of 20.6% for the quarter and
19.9% for full-year 2004, compared to last
years full-year rate of 17.9% (before significant
financial events). The 2003 tax rate was positively
influenced by a favorable regional profit
mix. The higher rate for 2004 has been driven
by an increase in profitability in higher tax
jurisdictions, mainly in the US. We believe that
a similar underlying tax rate is a reasonable
indicator for 2005.