10-KPeriod: FY2003

US BANCORP \DE\ Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2003

Filed February 27, 2004For Securities:USBUSB-PHUSB-PPUSB-PRUSB-PQUSB-PSUSB-PA

Summary

U.S. Bancorp (USB) reported a strong financial performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003, demonstrating significant growth and improved profitability. The company achieved a record net income of $3.7 billion, a 17.8% increase from the previous year, translating to diluted earnings per share of $1.93. Key financial highlights include an industry-leading Return on Assets (ROA) of 1.99% and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 19.2%, underscoring effective asset and capital management. The company also reported significant strategic advancements, including the spin-off of Piper Jaffray to reduce earnings volatility and business risk. U.S. Bancorp demonstrated a commitment to shareholder value through a 17% increase in dividends and an authorized share repurchase program. Investments in distribution channels, particularly in-store branch expansion and technology enhancements, position the company for continued growth in high-potential markets. The report also highlights improvements in credit quality, with a decline in nonperforming assets and net charge-offs, reflecting successful risk management initiatives.

Key Highlights

  • 1Record Net Income of $3.7 billion, up 17.8% year-over-year.
  • 2Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $1.93, an increase of 17.6% year-over-year.
  • 3Industry-leading Return on Assets (ROA) of 1.99%.
  • 4Industry-leading Return on Equity (ROE) of 19.2%.
  • 5Tangible Common Equity ratio improved to 6.5%.
  • 6Successful spin-off of Piper Jaffray, reducing earnings volatility and business risk.
  • 7Strategic investments in distribution channels, including in-store banking expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

U.S. Bancorp reported record net income of $3.7 billion, an increase of 17.8% from 2002. Diluted earnings per share were $1.93, up 17.0% from the prior year. The company also achieved a Return on Average Assets (ROA) of 1.99% and a Return on Average Equity (ROE) of 19.2%, alongside an improved efficiency ratio of 45.6%.

In 2003, U.S. Bancorp completed the tax-free distribution of Piper Jaffray Companies, its capital markets business, to shareholders. This move was intended to reduce earnings volatility and business risk. The company also announced an expanded share repurchase program and increased its quarterly cash dividend by 17.1%.

The total loan portfolio grew by 1.7% to $118.2 billion. The company reported an improvement in credit quality, with a 16.4% decline in nonperforming assets and a decrease in net charge-offs to 1.06% of average loans from 1.20% in 2002. Management anticipates further improvements in nonperforming assets in 2004 due to ongoing risk reduction efforts and an improving economy.

U.S. Bancorp operates through four major lines of business: Consumer Banking, Payment Services, Private Client, Trust & Asset Management, and Wholesale Banking. The company's total net revenue increased by 3.9% to $12.5 billion in 2003, driven by a 5.4% increase in net interest income and a 2.0% increase in noninterest income, with significant growth noted in payment services and trust/asset management fees.