PNC Financial Services Earnings Preview: Revenue, EPS Expected to Fall

PNC Financial Services PNC announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.49/share and revenues of $3.57 billion. PNC Financial Services' latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.56/share on revenues of $3.6 billion. Investors are bracing themselves for Wednesday when we'll learn if PNC Financial Services reports lower EPS and slightly reduced revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are predicting.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q2	Q1	Q4	Q3
EPS Estimate	$1.47	$1.37	$1.40	$1.49
EPS Actual	$1.67	$1.57	$1.60	$1.56

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of PNC Financial Services were trading at $51.28. Since January 1st, shares of PNC Financial Services have declined 14.4%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 1.8%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for PNC Financial Services is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how PNC Financial Services compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Bank of America BAC: Hold with a -$0.90 recent quarter EPS
• BB&T BBT: Hold with a $0.44 recent quarter EPS
• Citigroup C: Moderate Buy with a $1.09 recent quarter EPS
• First Horizon National FHN: Hold with a $0.16 recent quarter EPS

PNC Financial Services is in the banks-major regional industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.9%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: PNC Financial Services Group offers corporate and institutional banking, retail banking, asset management, residential mortgage banking, and global investment services.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at PNC Financial Services' upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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