
PNC Financial Services and BlackRock, two financial giants, have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has led to a significant decrease in the global economy.
BlackRock, a global investment management company, has seen a decline in its assets under management due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. This decline has resulted in a loss of revenue for the company.
PNC Financial Services, on the other hand, has taken steps to support its customers and employees during the pandemic. The company has implemented various measures, including loan modifications and increased digital banking services, to help its customers navigate the economic uncertainty.
The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of digital banking services, a trend that was already underway before the pandemic.
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Pnc Financial Services
PNC Financial Services generated $3.7 billion in profits from the sale of its stake in BlackRock, but would have reported a loss if not for the one-time gain.
The bank's sale of its 22.4% ownership stake in BlackRock produced net proceeds of $14.2 billion and an after-tax gain of $4.3 billion.
PNC's total revenue of nearly $4.1 billion in the quarter was down from the second quarter of 2019.
The bank set aside nearly $2.5 billion to cover potential loan losses, up from $914 million in the first quarter of the year.
Actual loan losses and credit quality remained fairly stable, given the deteriorating economic conditions.
PNC booked net charge-offs of $236 million, up 66% from the second quarter of 2019, but only up 11% from the first quarter of the year.
Nonperforming loans of roughly $1.9 billion in the quarter were only up 9% from the second quarter of 2019.
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Transaction and Capital Management
PNC Financial Services Group is taking a significant step to bolster its capital to the highest level in its history. The company plans to sell its investment in BlackRock, Inc. through a registered offering and related buyback by BlackRock.
PNC currently holds 34.8 million common and Series B preferred shares of BlackRock, representing 22.4% ownership. This stake in BlackRock has created significant value since PNC acquired it.
The sale of PNC's stake in BlackRock will result in a substantial return on investment, significantly enhancing PNC's balance sheet and liquidity. PNC will retain 500,000 BlackRock shares for a donation to the PNC Foundation by the end of the second quarter of 2020.
The divestiture of PNC's stake in BlackRock will also eliminate any regulatory obligations associated with the ownership of a large position in another diversified financial services company. This is a strategic move by PNC to optimize its capital management.
By selling its stake in BlackRock, PNC will be well-positioned to take advantage of potential investment opportunities that can arise in disrupted markets.
Coronavirus Stimulus and Investment
Big Money Managers Take the Lead in Managing Coronavirus Stimulus. BlackRock has risen to become a central power on Wall Street, no longer beholden to other banks.
Government officials believe that money managers like BlackRock can be more impartial in managing coronavirus stimulus because they're not in the business of arranging debt offerings or maintaining an inventory of bonds for clients, unlike Wall Street banks.
PNC Financial Services Group's decision to exit its stake in BlackRock has ended a chapter where BlackRock was owned by several banks, opening a new era of independence for the firm.
BlackRock's rise to power is a result of its ability to deliver a rich stream of dividends, with PNC reaping 70-fold paper value gains and options to unlock the value of its investment.
Selling stakes in BlackRock reduces some regulatory costs for PNC, and the noninterest income delivered by the BlackRock business segment has padded the banks' earnings in past challenging lending environments.
The $6.5 trillion asset manager's rise is emblematic of how asset managers have gained ground on the biggest Wall Street banks, marking a significant shift in the way coronavirus stimulus is managed.
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Insight and Analysis
PNC Financial Services is building its reserves to prepare for potential loan defaults due to the recession, similar to larger banks like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.
Demchak hinted at the bank's strategy to pursue bank acquisitions with its new capital after selling its BlackRock stake, positioning PNC to take advantage of investment opportunities in disrupted markets.
The bank's average loans increased by 18% and average deposits by 40% in the quarter ending June 30, compared to the same period in 2019, driven in part by higher liquidity maintained by customers due to the pandemic and Paycheck Protection Program loan originations.
PNC's strategy to pursue bank acquisitions remains the same, despite economic uncertainty, and the bank will be patient in its approach.
Demchak noted that consumer behavior has changed permanently with the adoption of digital technology, and the bank will adjust its branch strategy accordingly.
The bank has been in the consolidation business for some time, averaging 50 to 70 branch consolidations a year, and has applied to close 29 branches in August.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns PNC Financial?
PNC Financial is a publicly traded company, not owned by any one individual. It is a component of the S&P 500 and one of the largest regional financial institutions in the US.
Who owns the most stock in PNC Bank?
Vanguard is the largest shareholder of PNC Bank, holding the most shares. Approximately 29.25% of PNC Bank's stock is held by retail investors.
Who owns the biggest share of BlackRock?
BlackRock's largest shareholders include institutional giants like Vanguard Group and State Street Corp, as well as its own executives and founders. The company's ownership structure is complex, with multiple large shareholders holding significant stakes.
Who did PNC Bank merge with?
PNC Bank merged with BBVA USA in 2021. This acquisition expanded PNC's presence in several US states, including Colorado, Texas, and California.
Sources
- https://investor.pnc.com/news-events/financial-press-releases/detail/67/pnc-announces-intent-to-sell-its-investment-in-blackrock
- https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/07/15/sale-of-blackrock-boosts-pnc-to-profitable-quarter.aspx
- https://www.americanbanker.com/news/pad-reserves-or-buy-out-a-rival-blackrock-haul-gives-pnc-options
- https://www.bankingdive.com/news/blackrock-sale-boosts-pncs-q2-profit-to-37b/581674/
- https://0618johnny.medium.com/pnc-financial-to-exit-full-investment-in-blackrock-1fd6aa843af2
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