Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 was $1.58, up 26% year-over-year on a reported basis and up 22% excluding notable items [10] - Total revenue reached $4.8 billion, an increase of 6% year-over-year, with expenses controlled at a 2% increase [11][25] - Pre-tax margin improved to 32% and return on tangible common equity rose to 24% [12][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Security services reported total revenue of $2.3 billion, up 8% year-over-year, with investment services fees growing by 4% [34] - Market and wealth services segment revenue was $1.7 billion, an 11% increase year-over-year, with net new assets of $11 billion [37] - Investment and wealth management segment revenue decreased to $779 million, down 8% year-over-year, with assets under management flat at $2 trillion [39][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firm-wide assets under custody and administration (AUCA) increased by 9% year-over-year to $53.1 trillion [26] - Foreign exchange revenue rose by 3% year-over-year, driven by higher spreads due to increased volatility [27] - Net interest income was up 11% year-over-year, reflecting reinvestment of maturing investment securities at higher yields [28][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming into a more platforms-oriented organization, enhancing client experience and agility [13][23] - The first quarter marked the first anniversary of the phased transition into the new operating model, with over half of the company now working in this way [14] - The company is exploring inorganic growth opportunities while maintaining discipline in acquisitions, emphasizing cultural fit and alignment with strategic priorities [66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a significant reversal of sentiment in the operating environment due to trade and fiscal policy uncertainties, leading to elevated risks [7][9] - The company is prepared for a range of macroeconomic scenarios and continues to focus on supporting clients amid uncertainty [23] - Management expressed optimism about the potential of AI and innovation to drive future growth and efficiency [20][22] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $1.1 billion of capital to common shareholders, representing a 95% total payout ratio year-to-date [31] - The liquidity coverage ratio was 116%, indicating strong liquidity position [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit stability and NII generation - Management indicated that Q1 deposit levels were in line with expectations, with a slight uptick in deposits due to market volatility, but not as significant as in previous crises [50][52] Question: Strategic opportunities for M&A - Management is carefully evaluating inorganic growth opportunities, emphasizing the need for alignment with strategic priorities and cultural fit [64][66] Question: Impact of macro environment on client activity - Management noted that while clients may be cautious, the breadth of the company's platforms provides a competitive advantage, allowing for continued business as usual [120][124] Question: Treasury market functioning and Fed intervention - Management confirmed that the treasury market is functioning well, despite reduced liquidity and wider bid-offer spreads, indicating no immediate need for Fed intervention [101][102] Question: Digital assets and stablecoin legislation - Management views digital assets as a long-term play, with stablecoin legislation seen as a positive development for future opportunities [105][111]

The PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) Q4 2024 Earnings Call January 16, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Bryan Gill - EVP, Director of Investor RelationsWilliam Demchak - Chairman & CEORobert Reilly - Executive VP & CFOR. Scott Siefers - Managing DirectorMike Mayo - Managing DirectorBetsy Graseck - Managing DirectorGerard Cassidy - Managing DirectorEbrahim Poonawala - Managing Director - Head of North American Banks Research Conference Call Participants John McDonald - Senior Research AnalystErika Naj ...