10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 14, 2002For Securities:PNC

Summary

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. reported a solid third quarter and first nine months of 2002, with net income increasing to $285 million ($1.00 per diluted share) for the quarter and $922 million ($3.23 per diluted share) for the nine-month period, up from $247 million ($0.84 per diluted share) and $807 million ($2.73 per diluted share) respectively in the prior year. The company demonstrated strength in its balance sheet management, evidenced by a strong loans-to-deposits ratio of 80% and an increased common shareholders' equity to total assets ratio of 9.9%. Significant progress was made in repositioning the institutional lending business, with loans held for sale reduced substantially. Asset quality remained a focus, with nonperforming assets declining. While overall performance improved, revenue for the third quarter saw a slight dip compared to the previous quarter due to market conditions impacting market-sensitive businesses and a lower level of earning assets. Management anticipates a challenging operating environment for the remainder of 2002, emphasizing continued efforts in loan portfolio management, asset quality stability, revenue growth, and expense control.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased by 15.4% to $285 million for Q3 2002 and by 14.3% to $922 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, compared to the prior year.
  • 2Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.00 for Q3 2002 and $3.23 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, up from $0.84 and $2.73, respectively.
  • 3Total revenue remained stable at $1.29 billion for Q3 2002, slightly up from $1.288 billion in Q3 2001, and increased to $4.07 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, from $3.864 billion in the prior year.
  • 4Noninterest income continued to be a significant contributor, representing 58.76% of total revenue for Q3 2002.
  • 5The company strengthened its capital position, with the common shareholders' equity to total assets ratio increasing from 8.35% at year-end 2001 to 9.91% at September 30, 2002.
  • 6Nonperforming assets decreased by 18% from June 30, 2002, to $409 million at September 30, 2002, indicating improved asset quality.
  • 7PNC announced resolutions with the SEC, the Federal Reserve, and the OCC concerning prior regulatory matters, signaling progress in addressing these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

PNC's earnings growth was driven by a combination of factors including the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization expense, leading to higher reported earnings for 2001 on a pro forma basis. Additionally, strong performance in various business segments, improved asset quality metrics, and successful balance sheet management contributed to the overall increase in net income and earnings per share.

The company's balance sheet was strengthened, with a loans-to-deposits ratio of 80% and an improved common shareholders' equity to total assets ratio of 9.9% at September 30, 2002. Asset quality showed improvement, with nonperforming assets declining by 18% from the previous quarter to $409 million. The company also made significant strides in reducing loans held for sale as part of its strategic repositioning efforts.

Management anticipates a challenging operating environment for the rest of 2002, citing the economy, interest rates, financial market conditions, and potential international hostilities as key factors. The company's success will depend on its ability to continue liquidating loans held for sale without significant losses, maintain asset quality stability, drive revenue growth, leverage technology effectively, and manage expenses. Regulatory matters and ongoing compliance with agreements with the Federal Reserve and OCC remain important areas of focus.

PNC announced resolutions with the SEC concerning an inquiry into asset transfers with AIG. The company also entered into agreements with the Federal Reserve and the OCC to address issues such as risk, management, and financial controls. While these resolutions are positive steps, the company may incur additional operating costs for compliance, and certain activities like merchant banking and securities underwriting are subject to limitations. The company is also involved in ongoing legal proceedings, including a federal securities law class action and a dispute over closing date adjustments from a prior business sale, though management believes these will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position.