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The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)5
Registration No. 333-164364

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. DATED SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated September 6, 2012)

THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/4,000^th

Interest in a Share of     % Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series Q

We are offering              depositary shares each representing a 1/4,000^th ownership interest in a share of     % Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series Q, $1.00 par value, with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share) (the “Preferred Stock”). As a holder of depositary shares, you will be entitled to all proportional rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights). You must exercise such rights through the depositary.

For a discussion of certain risks that you should consider in connection with an investment in the depositary shares, see “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, and all subsequent filings under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as the additional risk factors contained in this prospectus supplement beginning on page S-12.

We will pay dividends on the Preferred Stock, when, as, and if declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board. Dividends will accrue and be payable from the date of issuance at a rate of     % per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2012. Upon payment of any dividends on the Preferred Stock, holders of depositary shares will receive a proportionate payment.

Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be cumulative. If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable dividend payment date, or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board declares a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any future dividend period.

We may redeem the Preferred Stock at our option, (i) in whole or in part, from time to time, on any dividend payment date on or after December 1, 2017 at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, or (ii) in whole but not in part, at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event (as defined herein), at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends and any accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) to the redemption date. If we redeem the Preferred Stock, the depositary will redeem a proportionate number of depositary shares.

The Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights, except as set forth under “Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights” on page S-21.

Neither the Preferred Stock nor the depositary shares are deposits or other obligations of a bank or are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the depositary shares or Preferred Stock or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

		Per Depositary Share				Total (3)
Public Offering Price(1)		$				$
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions(2)		$				$
Proceeds (before expenses)(3)		$				$

 

(1)	Plus accrued dividends, if any, from the date of original issuance, which is expected to be September    , 2012.

 

(2)	Reflects             depositary shares sold to institutional investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of $         per share and            depositary shares sold to retail investors for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of $         per share.

(3)	Assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

The underwriters expect to deliver the depositary shares to purchasers in book-entry form through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company and its direct participants, including Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System (“Euroclear”), and Clearstream Banking, a société anonyme (“Clearstream”), on or about September    , 2012.

We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional            depositary    shares within 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any.

Because our affiliate, PNC Capital Markets LLC, is participating in the offer and sale of the depositary shares, the offering is being conducted in compliance with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 5121.

Affiliates of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC beneficially own ten percent or more of our outstanding preferred equity. Any underwriter, along with its affiliates, that beneficially owns ten percent or more of our outstanding preferred equity is considered by FINRA to have a conflict of interest with us in regard to this offering. Accordingly, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC has a conflict of interest within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. Because this offering is being made in compliance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121, a qualified independent underwriter is not required.

We intend to apply to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNCPRQ”. If the application is approved, trading of the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within 30 days after they are first issued.

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

Morgan Stanley
		BofA Merrill Lynch
				Citigroup
						J.P. Morgan
								PNC Capital Markets LLC

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		Page
Prospectus Supplement
About This Prospectus Supplement			S-1
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements			S-1
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference			S-4
Summary (including Conflicts of Interest)			S-6
Risk Factors			S-12
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends			S-15
Use of Proceeds			S-16
Description of Preferred Stock			S-17
Description of Depositary Shares			S-24
Book-Entry Issuance			S-26
Certain U. S. Federal Income Tax Considerations			S-29
Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)			S-35
Legal Matters			S-39
Experts			S-39
Prospectus
About This Prospectus			1
Where You Can Find More Information			2
Risk Factors			3
Forward-Looking Statements			3
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.			6
PNC Funding Corp			6
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges			7
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends			7
Use of Proceeds			7
Description of Senior Debt Securities of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc			8
Description of Debt Securities of PNC Funding and Guarantees			17
Global Debt Securities of PNC and PNC Funding			30
Description of Common Stock			35
Description of the Preferred Stock			38
Description of Depositary Shares			59
Description of Purchase Contracts			61
Description of Units			62
Descriptions of Warrants			63
Certain Tax Considerations			64
Plan of Distribution (including Conflicts of Interest)			65
Legal Opinions			69
Experts			69

 

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About This Prospectus Supplement

You should read both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” in the accompanying prospectus and in “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” in this prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “PNC,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar references mean The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and its successors. References to The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are specifically made where applicable.

If the information set forth in this prospectus supplement differs in any way from the information set forth in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information set forth in this prospectus supplement.

Currency amounts in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are stated in U.S. dollars.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement may be used only for the purpose for which it has been prepared. No one is authorized to give information other than that contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.

We are offering to sell the depositary shares and the Preferred Stock only in places where sales are permitted. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell the depositary shares or the Preferred Stock in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference herein or in the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus constitutes an offer, or an invitation on our behalf or on behalf of the underwriters, to subscribe for and purchase any of the depositary shares or the Preferred Stock and may not be used for or in connection with an offer or solicitation by anyone, in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

We make statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and we may from time to time make other statements, regarding our outlook for earnings, revenues, expenses, capital levels and ratios, liquidity levels, asset levels, asset quality, financial position, and other matters regarding or affecting PNC and its future business and operations that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “see,” “look,” “intend,” “outlook,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “goal,” “will,” “should” and other similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We do not assume any duty and do not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in forward-looking statements, as well as from historical performance.

We provide greater detail regarding these as well as other factors in our 2011 Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, in our first and second quarter 2012 Form 10-Qs, filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including in the Risk Factors and Risk Management sections and the Legal Proceedings and Commitments and Guarantees Notes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in those

 

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reports. Our forward-looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or in our other filings with the SEC.

Our forward-looking statements are subject to the following principal risks and uncertainties.

 

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Our businesses, financial results and balance sheet values are affected by business and economic conditions, including the following:

 

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Changes in interest rates and valuations in debt, equity and other financial markets.

 

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Disruptions in the liquidity and other functioning of U.S. and global financial markets.

 

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The impact on financial markets and the economy of any changes in the credit ratings of U.S. Treasury obligations and other U.S. government-backed debt, as well as issues surrounding the level of U.S. and European government debt and concerns regarding the creditworthiness of certain sovereign governments, supranationals and financial institutions in Europe.

 

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Actions by Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury and other government agencies, including those that impact money supply and market interest rates.

 

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Changes in customers’, suppliers’ and other counterparties’ performance and creditworthiness.

 

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Slowing or failure of the current moderate economic expansion.

 

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Continued effects of aftermath of recessionary conditions and uneven spread of positive impacts of recovery on the economy and our counterparties, including adverse impacts on levels of unemployment, loan utilization rates, delinquencies, defaults and counterparty ability to meet credit and other obligations.

 

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Changes in customer preferences and behavior, whether due to changing business and economic conditions, legislative and regulatory initiatives, or other factors.

 

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Our forward-looking financial statements are subject to the risk that economic and financial market conditions will be substantially different than we are currently expecting. These statements are based on our current view that the moderate economic expansion will persist in 2012 and interest rates will remain very low.

 

•

Legal and regulatory developments could have an impact on our ability to operate our businesses, financial condition, results of operations, competitive position, reputation, or pursuit of attractive acquisition opportunities. Reputational impacts could affect matters such as business generation and retention, liquidity, funding, and ability to attract and retain management. These developments could include:

 

•

Changes resulting from legislative and regulatory reforms, including major reform of the regulatory oversight structure of the financial services industry and changes to laws and regulations involving tax, pension, bankruptcy, consumer protection, and other industry aspects, and changes in accounting policies and principles. We will be impacted by extensive reforms provided for in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and otherwise growing out of the recent financial crisis, the precise nature, extent and timing of which, and their impact on us, remains uncertain.

 

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Changes to regulations governing bank capital and liquidity standards, including due to the Dodd-Frank Act and to Basel-related initiatives.

 

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Unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings or other claims and regulatory and other governmental investigations or other inquiries. In addition to matters relating to PNC’s business and activities, such matters may include proceedings, claims, investigations, or inquiries relating to pre-acquisition business and activities of acquired companies, such as National City. These

 

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matters may result in monetary judgments or settlements or other remedies, including fines, penalties, restitution or alterations in our business practices, and in additional expenses and collateral costs, and may cause reputational harm to PNC.

 

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Results of the regulatory examination and supervision process, including our failure to satisfy requirements of agreements with governmental agencies.

 

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Impact on business and operating results of any costs associated with obtaining rights in intellectual property claimed by others and of adequacy of our intellectual property protection in general.

 

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Business and operating results are affected by our ability to identify and effectively manage risks inherent in our businesses, including, where appropriate, through effective use of third-party insurance, derivatives, and capital management techniques, and to meet evolving regulatory capital standards. In particular, our results currently depend on our ability to manage elevated levels of impaired assets.

 

•

Business and operating results also include impacts relating to our equity interest in BlackRock, Inc. and rely to a significant extent on information provided to us by BlackRock. Risks and uncertainties that could affect BlackRock are discussed in more detail by BlackRock in its SEC filings.

 

•

Our acquisition of RBC Bank (USA) presents us with risks and uncertainties related to the integration of the acquired businesses into PNC, including:

 

•

Anticipated benefits of the transaction, including cost savings and strategic gains, may be significantly harder or take longer to achieve than expected or may not be achieved in their entirety as a result of unexpected factors or events.

 

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Our ability to achieve anticipated results from this transaction is dependent also on the extent of credit losses in the acquired loan portfolios and the extent of deposit attrition, in part related to the state of economic and financial markets. Also, litigation and regulatory and other governmental investigations that may be filed or commenced relating to the pre-acquisition business and activities of RBC Bank (USA) could impact the timing or realization of anticipated benefits to PNC.

 

•

Integration of RBC Bank (USA)’s business and operations into PNC may take longer than anticipated or be substantially more costly than anticipated or have unanticipated adverse results relating to RBC Bank (USA)’s or PNC’s existing businesses. PNC’s ability to integrate RBC Bank (USA) successfully may be adversely affected by the fact that this transaction results in PNC entering several geographic markets where PNC did not previously have any meaningful retail presence.

 

•

In addition to the RBC Bank (USA) transaction, we grow our business in part by acquiring from time to time other financial services companies, financial services assets and related deposits and other liabilities. These other acquisitions often present risks and uncertainties analogous to those presented by the RBC Bank (USA) transaction. Acquisition risks include those presented by the nature of the business acquired as well as risks and uncertainties related to the acquisition transactions themselves, regulatory issues, and the integration of the acquired businesses into PNC after closing.

 

•

Competition can have an impact on customer acquisition, growth and retention and on credit spreads and product pricing, which can affect market share, deposits and revenues. Industry restructuring in the current environment could also impact our business and financial performance through changes in counterparty creditworthiness and performance and in the competitive and regulatory landscape. Our ability to anticipate and respond to technological changes can also impact our ability to respond to customer needs and meet competitive demands.

 

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Business and operating results can also be affected by widespread disasters, dislocations, terrorist activities or international hostilities through impacts on the economy and financial markets generally or on us or our counterparties specifically.

 

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Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference

The SEC allows us to incorporate information in this document by reference to other documents filed separately with the SEC. This means that PNC can disclose important information to you by referring you to those other documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this document, except for any information that is superseded by information that is included directly in this document. You may read and copy this information at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov. The reports and other information filed by PNC with the SEC are also available at our Internet website, www.pnc.com. We have included the web addresses of the SEC and PNC as inactive textual references only. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this document, information on those websites is not part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

This document incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we previously filed with the SEC. They contain important information about PNC and its financial condition.

 

Filing		Period or date filed
Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A		Year ended December 31, 2011
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q		Quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012
Current Reports on Form 8-K		Filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012, February 13, 2012, February 17, 2012, March 5, 2012, March 8, 2012 (with respect to Items 8.01 and 9.01), March 22, 2012, April 10, 2012, April 24, 2012 (with respect to Items 3.03, 5.03, 8.01 and 9.01(other than exhibit 99.1)), April 25, 2012, April 27, 2012, June 21, 2012 and June 28, 2012

In addition, PNC also incorporates by reference additional documents that we file with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), between the date of this document and the date of the termination of the offer being made pursuant to this prospectus supplement. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, PNC is not incorporating any document or information that it furnished rather than filed with the SEC.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

Statements contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus do not purport to be complete, and where reference is made to the particular provisions of such contract or other document, such provisions are qualified in all respects by reference to all of the provisions of such contract or other document. We will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus has been delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any

 

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or all of the documents which have been or may be incorporated in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus by reference (other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in any such documents) and a copy of any or all other contracts or documents which are referred to in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings at the address and telephone number set forth below.

In reviewing any agreements incorporated by reference, please remember they are included to provide you with information regarding the terms of such agreements and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about PNC. The agreements may contain representations and warranties by PNC or other parties, which should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate. The representations and warranties were made only as of the date of the relevant agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in such agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties alone may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

Documents incorporated by reference are available from PNC without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

Attention: Shareholder Services

Telephone: (800) 982-7652

Email: www.computershare.com/contactus

 

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Risk Factors

Your investment in the depositary shares involves risks. This prospectus supplement does not describe all of those risks. Before purchasing any of the depositary shares, you should carefully consider the following risk factors, which are specific to the depositary shares being offered, as well as the risks and other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the discussion under “Item 1A—Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, as such discussion may be amended or updated in other reports filed by us with the SEC.

You are making an investment decision about both the depositary shares and the Preferred Stock.

As described in this prospectus supplement, we are issuing depositary shares representing fractional interests in shares of Preferred Stock. The depositary will rely solely on the payments it receives on the Preferred Stock to fund all payments on the depositary shares. You should carefully review the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus regarding both of these securities.

Our ability to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock may be limited by federal regulatory considerations.

As a bank holding company, PNC’s ability to declare and pay dividends is primarily dependent on the receipt of dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries. The principal source of our liquidity at the parent company level is dividends from PNC Bank, N.A., which is subject to various statutory and regulatory limitations on the ability to pay dividends or make other capital distributions. The amount available for dividend payments by PNC Bank, N.A. to the parent company without prior regulatory approval was approximately $1.3 billion at June 30, 2012.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires federal banking agencies to establish more stringent risk-based capital requirements and leverage limits applicable to banks and bank holding companies, and especially those institutions with consolidated assets equal to or greater than $50 billion. In June 2012, the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued three notices of proposed rulemaking, including a joint notice of proposed rulemaking (the “June NPR”), addressing, among other matters, Section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Act and the agreement reached with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (Basel III). The June NPR set forth the proposed criteria for qualifying additional Tier 1 capital instruments consistent with Basel III, including the requirement that any dividends on such instruments only be paid out of the banking organization’s net income and retained earnings. Until the final rules are issued, we cannot predict the June NPR’s actual effect on us. These requirements, and any other new regulations or capital distribution constraints, could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends on the Preferred Stock and therefore your ability to receive distributions on the depositary shares.

The Preferred Stock is equity and is subordinate to our existing and future indebtedness.

The shares of Preferred Stock are equity interests in PNC and do not constitute indebtedness. This means that the depositary shares, which represent proportional fractional interests in the shares of Preferred Stock, will rank junior to all indebtedness and other non-equity claims on PNC with respect to assets available to satisfy claims on PNC, including in a liquidation of PNC. Our existing and future indebtedness may restrict payment of dividends on the Preferred Stock.

Additionally, unlike indebtedness, where principal and interest customarily are payable on specified due dates, in the case of preferred stock like the Preferred Stock, (1) dividends are payable only if declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, (2) dividends do not cumulate if they are not declared and (3) as a corporation, we are subject to restrictions on payments of dividends and redemption price out of lawfully available funds. Further, the Preferred Stock places no restrictions on our business or operations or on our ability to incur indebtedness or engage in any transactions, subject only to the limited voting rights referred to below under “Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights.”

 

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Dividends on the Preferred Stock are discretionary and non-cumulative.

Dividends on the Preferred Stock are discretionary and will not be cumulative. If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable

dividend payment date or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board declares a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any future dividend period.

Investors should not expect PNC to redeem the Preferred Stock on the date it becomes redeemable or on any particular date after it becomes redeemable.

The Preferred Stock is a perpetual equity security. This means that the Preferred Stock has no maturity or mandatory redemption date and is not redeemable at the option of investors, including the holders of the depositary shares offered by this prospectus supplement. The Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us at our option, (i) either in whole or in part, on any dividend payment date on or after December 1, 2017, or (ii) in whole but not in part, at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event. Our right to redeem the Preferred Stock is subject to an important limitation. Under the Federal Reserve’s current risk-based capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, any redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve. We cannot assure you that the Federal Reserve will approve any redemption of the Preferred Stock that we may propose.

We may be able to redeem the Preferred Stock before December 1, 2017.

In addition to our ability to redeem the Preferred Stock on any dividend payment date on or after December 1, 2017, we may redeem the Preferred Stock at any time after it is issued upon the occurrence of certain events involving the capital treatment of the Preferred Stock if we determine in good faith that a “Regulatory Capital Treatment Event,” has occurred. This redemption would be subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve. See “Description of Preferred Stock—Redemption—Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event.”

It is possible that the Preferred Stock may not satisfy the proposed criteria for “tier 1 capital” instruments consistent with Basel III as set forth in the June NPR. As a result, in addition to other circumstances that may constitute a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event, if the Federal Reserve revises and replaces its current capital rules with the proposed risk-based and leverage capital requirements set forth in the June NPR, a “Regulatory Capital Treatment Event” could occur whereby we would have the right, subject to prior approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, to redeem the Preferred Stock in accordance with its terms prior to December 1, 2017 at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends and any accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared).

If we are deferring payments on our outstanding junior subordinated debt securities, if we are in default under the indentures governing those securities, or if full dividends are not paid on certain issues of our REIT preferred securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions on or redeeming the Preferred Stock.

The terms of our outstanding junior subordinated debt securities and certain issues of our REIT preferred securities prohibit us from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on the Preferred Stock, or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring or making a liquidation payment with respect to the Preferred Stock, if we are aware of any event that would be an event of default under the indenture governing those junior subordinated debt securities, at any time when we have deferred interest thereunder or at any time full dividends have not been paid on our REIT preferred securities or parity stock.

 

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Additionally, when dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of the Preferred Stock and any parity stock, all dividends declared upon shares of the Preferred Stock and any parity stock will be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share on the Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulations, on any parity stock, bear to each other. Therefore, if we are not paying full dividends on any outstanding parity stock, we will not be able to pay full dividends on the Preferred Stock.

Holders of the Preferred Stock and the depositary shares will have limited voting rights.

Holders of the Preferred Stock have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of voting shareholders. Holders of the Preferred Stock will have limited voting rights in the event of non-payments of dividends under certain circumstances and with respect to certain fundamental changes in the terms of the Preferred Stock, certain other matters or as otherwise required by law, as described under “Description of Preferred Stock—Voting Rights.” Holders of depositary shares would instruct the depositary how to vote the shares of Preferred Stock in such circumstances based, in the case of each holder of depositary shares, on the proportional rights in the Preferred Stock represented by such holder’s depositary shares.

General market conditions and unpredictable factors could adversely affect market prices for the depositary shares.

There can be no assurance about the market prices for the depositary shares. Several factors, many of which are beyond our control, will influence the market prices of the depositary shares. Factors that might influence the market prices of the depositary shares include:

 

•

whether we declare or fail to declare dividends on the Preferred Stock from time to time;

 

•

our creditworthiness;

 

•

interest rates;

 

•

developments in the credit, mortgage and housing markets, the markets for securities relating to mortgages or housing and developments with respect to financial institutions generally;

 

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the market for similar securities; and

 

•

economic, financial, geopolitical, regulatory or judicial events that affect us or the financial markets generally.

Accordingly, the depositary shares that an investor purchases, whether in this offering or in the secondary market, may trade at a discount to their purchase price.

Our ability to pay dividends depends upon the results of operations of our subsidiaries.

We are a holding company and conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make dividend payments on the Preferred Stock will depend primarily upon the receipt of dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries. Various legal limitations restrict the extent to which our subsidiaries may extend credit, pay dividends or other funds or otherwise engage in transactions with us or some of our other subsidiaries.

In addition, our right to participate in any distribution of assets from any subsidiary, upon the subsidiary’s liquidation or otherwise, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. As a result, the Preferred Stock will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries.

Under the regulations of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result of this regulatory policy, the Federal Reserve might require PNC to

 

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commit resources to its subsidiary banks, even when doing so is not otherwise in the interests of PNC or its shareholders or creditors.

We cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the depositary shares will develop.

The depositary shares are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to apply to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange. While we expect trading of the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within a 30-day period after the initial issuance of the depositary shares, there is no guarantee that we will be able to list the depositary shares. Even if the depositary shares are listed, there may be little or no secondary market for the depositary shares and such market may not provide sufficient liquidity. Because the depositary shares do not have a stated maturity date, investors seeking liquidity will need to rely on the secondary market. We cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the depositary shares will develop, that you will be able to sell your depositary shares at a particular time or that the price you receive when you sell will be favorable. We do not expect that there will be any separate public trading market for the shares of the Preferred Stock except as represented by the depositary shares.

Holders of Preferred Stock may be unable to use the dividends received deduction.

Distributions paid to corporate U.S. holders of the depositary shares out of dividends on the Preferred Stock may be eligible for the dividends received deduction if we have current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Although we presently have accumulated earnings and profits, we may not have sufficient current or accumulated earnings and profits during future fiscal years for the distributions on the Preferred Stock to qualify, in whole or in part, as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” If any distributions on the Preferred Stock with respect to any fiscal year are not eligible for the dividends received deduction because of insufficient current or accumulated earnings and profits, the market value of the Preferred Stock may decline.

Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

The table below sets forth PNC’s consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods presented.

 

		Six months ended June 30								Year Ended December 31
		2012				2011				2011				2010				2009				2008				2007
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges*
Excluding interest on deposits			4.25x				5.26x				5.03x				4.39x				3.28x				1.96x				2.35x
Including interest on deposits			3.31				3.48				3.37				2.80				2.01				1.39				1.50
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends*
Excluding interest on deposits			3.51x				4.85x				4.61x				3.64x				2.29x				1.90x				2.35x
Including interest on deposits			2.88				3.32				3.20				2.52				1.69				1.37				1.50

 

*

“Earnings” is computed as pretax income from continuing operations before adjustment for noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries or income or loss from equity investees, plus distributed income of equity investees, plus fixed charges excluding interest on deposits, minus noncontrolling interests in pretax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges, minus interest capitalized, minus interest on deposits.

 

“Fixed charges” is computed as interest on borrowed funds, plus the interest component of rentals, plus amortization of notes and debentures, plus interest capitalized, plus interest on deposits.

 

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Use of Proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately $        (or approximately $        if the underwriters exercise in full their over-allotment option to purchase additional depositary shares), based on the public offering price of $        per depositary share, after deducting underwriting commissions and expenses. We expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of our depositary shares for general corporate purposes, which may include: advances to our subsidiaries to finance their activities, repayment of outstanding indebtedness, and repurchases and redemptions of issued and outstanding securities of PNC and its subsidiaries. The precise amounts and timing of our use of the net proceeds will depend upon our and our subsidiaries’ funding requirements and the availability of other funds. Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering as described above, we will use the net proceeds to reduce our short-term indebtedness or for temporary investments.

 

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Description of Preferred Stock

General

The Preferred Stock is a single series of our authorized preferred stock. We are offering             depositary shares, representing             shares of the Preferred Stock (or             depositary shares, representing             shares of the Preferred Stock if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional depositary shares in full) in the aggregate by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Shares of the Preferred Stock, upon issuance against full payment of the purchase price for the depositary shares, will be fully paid and nonassessable. The depositary will be the sole holder of shares of the Preferred Stock. The holders of depositary shares will be required to exercise their proportional rights in the Preferred Stock through the depositary, as described in “Description of Depositary Shares” in this prospectus supplement.

Shares of the Preferred Stock will rank senior to our common stock, equally with our Series B Preferred Stock, Series H Preferred Stock (when issued), Series I Preferred Stock (when issued), Series J Preferred Stock (when issued), Series K Preferred Stock, Series L Preferred Stock, Series M Preferred Stock (when issued), Series O Preferred Stock and Series P Preferred Stock and at least equally with each other series of our preferred stock we may issue (except for any senior stock that may be issued with the requisite consent of the holders of the Preferred Stock and all other parity stock), with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. See “—Other Preferred Stock” below. In addition, we will generally be able to pay dividends and distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up only out of lawfully available assets for such payment (after satisfaction of all claims for indebtedness and other non-equity claims).

The Preferred Stock will not be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series of stock or other securities of PNC. The Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or other obligation of PNC to redeem or repurchase the Preferred Stock.

We reserve the right to re-open this series and issue additional shares of the Preferred Stock either through public or private sales at any time and from time to time. The additional shares would form a single series with the shares of Preferred Stock offered by this prospectus supplement.

Dividends

Dividends on the Preferred Stock will not be cumulative. If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board does not declare a dividend on the Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable dividend payment date, or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board declares a dividend on the Preferred Stock for any future dividend period. Holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends under Pennsylvania law, non-cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Preferred Stock at a rate equal to     % per annum for each quarterly dividend period from the issue date of the depositary through the redemption date of the Preferred Stock, if any. In the event that we issue additional shares of Preferred Stock after the original issue date, dividends on such shares will accrue from the original issue date of such additional shares.

If declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board, we will pay dividends on the Preferred Stock quarterly, in arrears, on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year, each such date referred to as a dividend payment date, beginning on December 1, 2012. If any date on which dividends would otherwise be payable is not a business day, then the dividend payment date will be the next business day without any adjustment to the amount of dividends paid. A business day means any weekday that is not a legal holiday in New York, New York and is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are closed.

 

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Dividends will be payable to holders of record of Preferred Stock as they appear on our stock register on the applicable record date, which shall be the 15^th calendar day before the applicable dividend payment date, or such other record date, not exceeding 30 days before the applicable payment date, as shall be fixed by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board. The corresponding record dates for the depositary shares will be the same as the record dates for the Preferred Stock.

A dividend period is the period from and including a dividend payment date to but excluding the next dividend payment date, except that the initial dividend period will commence on and include the original issue date of the Preferred Stock. Dividends payable on the Preferred Stock will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward. Dividends on the Preferred Stock will cease to accrue on the redemption date, if any, as described below under “—Redemption,” unless we default in the payment of the redemption price of the shares of the Preferred Stock called for redemption.

Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, dividends on the Series Q Preferred Stock shall not be declared, paid or set aside for payment to the extent such act would cause PNC to fail to comply with the laws and regulations applicable thereto, including applicable capital adequacy guidelines.

So long as any share of Preferred Stock remains outstanding, (1) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any junior stock (other than (i) a dividend payable solely in junior stock or (ii) any dividend in connection with the implementation of a shareholders’ rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such plan), (2) no shares of junior stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly (other than (i) as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into other junior stock, (ii) the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or into another share of junior stock, (iii) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock, (iv) purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of junior stock in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers, directors or consultants, (v) purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy junior stock existing prior to the preceding dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan or (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged) nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by us and (3) no shares of parity stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us otherwise than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Preferred Stock and such parity stock except by conversion into or exchange for junior stock, during a dividend period, unless, in each case, the full dividends for the preceding dividend period on all outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside.

When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of the Preferred Stock and any parity stock, all dividends declared upon shares of the Preferred Stock and any parity stock will be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share on the Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulations, on any parity stock, bear to each other.

As used in this prospectus supplement, “junior stock” means our common stock and any other class or series of stock of PNC hereafter authorized over which the Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

As used in this prospectus supplement, “parity stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC that ranks on a parity with the Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC. Parity stock includes Series B Preferred Stock, Series K Preferred

 

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Stock, Series L Preferred Stock, Series O Preferred Stock and Series P Preferred Stock and would include Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, Series J Preferred Stock and Series M Preferred Stock, if issued.

As used in this prospectus supplement, “senior stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC ranking senior to the Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

Subject to the considerations described above, and not otherwise, dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), as may be determined by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, may be declared and paid on our common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to the Preferred Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment, and the holders of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.

Redemption

Optional Redemption. The Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. We may redeem the Preferred Stock at our option, in whole or in part, from time to time, on any dividend payment date on or after December 1, 2017, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. Neither the holders of Preferred Stock nor holders of depositary shares will have the right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Preferred Stock.

Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event. We may redeem shares of the Preferred Stock at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, in whole but not part, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends and any accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) on the shares of Preferred Stock called for redemption up to the redemption date. A “regulatory capital treatment event” means the good faith determination by PNC that, as a result of (i) any amendment to, or change in, the laws or regulations of the United States or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the initial issuance of any share of Preferred Stock; (ii) any proposed change in those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Preferred Stock; or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Preferred Stock, there is more than an insubstantial risk that PNC will not be entitled to treat the full liquidation value of the shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding as “Tier 1 Capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of Federal Reserve Regulation Y (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of any successor appropriate federal banking agency), as then in effect and applicable, for as long as any share of Preferred Stock is outstanding. Redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any required prior approvals from the Federal Reserve and to the satisfaction of any conditions set forth in the capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve applicable to the redemption of the Preferred Stock.

Redemption Procedures. If shares of the Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the notice of redemption shall be given by first class mail to the holders of record of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed, mailed not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof (provided that, if the depositary shares representing the Preferred Stock are held in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) we may give such notice in any manner permitted by DTC). Each notice of redemption will include a statement setting forth:

 

•

the redemption date;

 

•

the number of shares of the Preferred Stock to be redeemed and, if less than all the shares held by the holder are to be redeemed, the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed from the holder;

 

•

the redemption price;

 

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•

the place or places where the certificates evidencing shares of Preferred Stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and

 

•

that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on the redemption date.

If notice of redemption of any shares of Preferred Stock has been duly given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of any shares of Preferred Stock so called for redemption, then, on and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of Preferred Stock, such shares of Preferred Stock shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price plus any declared and unpaid dividends, and in the case of a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared). See “Description of Depositary Shares” below for information about redemption of the depositary shares relating to the Preferred Stock.

In case of any redemption of only part of the shares of the Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the shares to be redeemed shall be selected either pro rata, by lot or in such other manner as we may determine to be equitable. Subject to the provisions hereof, our board of directors shall have full power and authority to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which shares of Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from time to time.

Under the Federal Reserve’s current risk-based capital guidelines applicable to bank holding companies, any redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve. See “Risk Factors—Investors should not expect PNC to redeem the Preferred Stock on the date it becomes redeemable or on any particular date after it becomes redeemable” in this prospectus supplement. Any redemption of the Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any required prior approval by the Federal Reserve and to the satisfaction of any conditions set forth in the capital guidelines or regulations of the Federal Reserve applicable to redemption of the Preferred Stock.

Liquidation Rights

In the event we liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our business and affairs, either voluntarily or involuntarily, holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a liquidating distribution of $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends, after satisfaction of liabilities of creditors and subject to the rights of holders of any securities ranking senior to the Preferred Stock before we make any distribution of assets to the holders of our common stock or any other class or series of shares ranking junior to the Preferred Stock. Holders of the Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any other amounts from us after they have received their full liquidating distribution. In addition, the Preferred Stock may be fully subordinate to interests held by the U.S. government in the event of a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding, including a proceeding under the “orderly liquidation authority” provisions of the Dodd Frank Act.

In any such distribution, if the assets of PNC are not sufficient to pay the liquidation preferences plus declared and unpaid dividends in full to all holders of the Preferred Stock and all holders of parity stock as to such distribution with the Preferred Stock, the amounts paid to the holders of Preferred Stock and any parity stock will be paid pro rata in accordance with the respective aggregate liquidating distribution owed to those holders. If the liquidation preference plus declared and unpaid dividends has been paid in full to all holders of Preferred Stock and any parity stock, the holders of our junior stock shall be entitled to receive all remaining assets of PNC according to their respective rights and preferences.

For purposes of this section, the merger or consolidation of PNC with any other entity, including a merger or consolidation in which the holders of Preferred Stock receive cash, securities or property for their shares, or the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of PNC for cash, securities or other property, shall not constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

 

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Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors and our shareholders, including the holders of the Preferred Stock, to participate in the assets of any of our subsidiaries upon that subsidiary’s liquidation or recapitalization may be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent that we are a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.

Voting Rights

Except as provided below, the holders of the Preferred Stock will have no voting rights.

Right to Elect Two Directors upon Nonpayment. If we fail to pay, or declare and set apart for payment, dividends on outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred stock for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors of PNC shall be increased by two at our first annual meeting of the shareholders held thereafter, and at such meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until cumulative dividends payable for all past dividend periods and continuous noncumulative dividends for at least one year on all outstanding shares of preferred stock entitled thereto shall have been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, in full, the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting as a class with holders of any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights, to elect such two additional members of the board of directors to hold office for a term of one year. Upon such payment, or such declaration and setting apart for payment, in full, the terms of the two additional directors so elected shall forthwith terminate, and the number of directors of PNC shall be reduced by two, and such voting right of the holders of shares of preferred stock shall cease, subject to increase in the number of directors as described above and to revesting of such voting right in the event of each and every additional failure in the payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, as described above.

If the holders of the Preferred Stock become entitled to vote for the election of directors, the Preferred Stock may be considered a class of voting securities under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve. As a result, certain holders of the Preferred Stock may become subject to regulations under the Bank Holding Company Act. For further discussion of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, see “Description of Preferred Stock—General” of the accompanying prospectus.

Other Voting Rights. So long as any shares of the Preferred Stock remain outstanding the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, shall be required to:

 

•

authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or issue shares of any class or series of senior stock, or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares;

 

•

amend the provisions of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock, taken as a whole;

 

•

provided, however, that any increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Preferred Stock or authorized common stock or preferred stock or the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other series of preferred stock ranking equally with or junior to the Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC will not be deemed to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock; or

 

•

consolidate with or merge into any other corporation unless the shares of Preferred Stock outstanding at the time of such consolidation or merger or sale are converted into or exchanged for preference securities having such rights, privileges and voting powers, taken as a whole, as are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers of the Preferred Stock, taken as a whole.

 

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The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred Stock to effect such redemption.

Voting Rights Under Pennsylvania Law. The Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law attaches mandatory voting rights to the Preferred Stock in connection with certain amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, under which the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Preferred Stock would be required if the amendment would:

 

•

authorize the board of directors to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences, as between series, of any preferred or special class;

 

•

make any changes in the preferences, limitations or special rights (other than preemptive rights or the rights to vote cumulatively) of the shares of a class or series adverse to the class or series;

 

•

authorize a new class or series of shares having a preference as to dividends or assets which is senior to the shares of a class or series;

 

•

increase the number of authorized shares of any class or series having a preference as to dividends or assets which is senior in any respect to the shares of a class or series; or

 

•

make the outstanding shares of a class or series redeemable by a method that is not pro rata, by lot or otherwise equitable.

Holders of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock are also entitled under Pennsylvania law to vote as a class on a plan of merger that effects any change in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation if the holders would have been entitled to a class vote under the statutory provision relating to the adoption of articles amendments discussed above.

Preemptive and Conversion Rights

The holders of the Preferred Stock do not have any preemptive or conversion rights.

Other Preferred Stock

Our authorized capital stock includes 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share as reflected in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. Our board of directors is authorized without further shareholder action to cause the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock. Any additional preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, each with preferences, limitations, designations, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights, dividend rights, redemption provisions, voluntary and involuntary liquidation rights and other rights as the our board of directors may determine at the time of issuance.

As of the date of this prospectus supplement we have five outstanding series of preferred stock, with the following amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2012:

 

•

867 shares of $1.80 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B, with a per share liquidation preference of $40;

 

•

50,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K, with a per share liquidation preference of $10,000;

 

•

1,500 shares of 9.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series L, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000;

 

•

10,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series O, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000; and

 

•

15,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series P, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000.

 

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As of the date of this prospectus supplement, the following series of preferred stock were authorized for issuance upon the occurrence of certain events:

 

•

7,500 shares of 7% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series H, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (may be issued in connection with certain events related to our REIT Preferred Securities);

 

•

5,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (may be issued in connection with certain events related to our REIT Preferred Securities);

 

•

3,750 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (may be issued in connection with certain events related to our REIT Preferred Securities); and

 

•

5,751 shares of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (expected to be issued in connection with one of our Trust Preferred Securities).

As of the date of this prospectus supplement the following previously authorized and issued preferred stock has been redeemed and is no longer outstanding:

 

•

$1.80 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A

 

•

$1.60 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C

 

•

$1.80 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D

 

•

$2.60 Cumulative Nonvoting Preferred Stock, Series E

 

•

Fixed/Adjustable Rate Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series F

Please see the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding these series of preferred stock. As discussed above, all of the above series of preferred stock are parity stock ranking equally with the Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of PNC.

Additionally, the Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Series G authorized in connection with our rights plan, which expired on February 28, 2007, was never issued and is not outstanding.

Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. will be the depositary, transfer agent and registrar for the Preferred Stock.

 

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Description of Depositary Shares

We are issuing depositary shares representing proportional fractional interests in shares of the Preferred Stock. Each depositary share represents a 1/4,000^th interest in a share of the Preferred Stock, and will be evidenced by depositary receipts. We will deposit the underlying shares of the Preferred Stock with a depositary pursuant to a deposit agreement among us, Computershare Trust Company N.A., acting as depositary, and the holders from time to time of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each holder of a depositary share will be entitled, through the depositary, in proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented by such depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock represented thereby (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights).

In this prospectus supplement, references to “holders” of depositary shares mean those who own depositary shares registered in their own names, on the books that we or the depositary maintain for this purpose, and not indirect holders who own beneficial interests in depositary shares registered in street name or issued in book-entry form through DTC. Please review the special considerations that apply to indirect holders described in the “Book-Entry Issuance” section of this prospectus supplement.

Immediately following the issuance of the Preferred Stock, we will deposit the Preferred Stock with the depositary, which will then issue the depositary shares to the underwriters. Copies of the forms of deposit agreement and the depositary receipt may be obtained from us upon request and in the manner described in the “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” section of this prospectus supplement.

If we re-open the series and issue additional shares of Preferred Stock, we would issue additional depositary shares representing such Preferred Stock. The additional depositary shares would form a single series with the depositary shares offered hereby.

Dividends and Other Distributions

Each dividend payable on a depositary share will be in an amount equal to 1/4,000^th of the dividend declared and payable on the related share of the Preferred Stock.

The depositary will distribute any cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the deposited Preferred Stock to the record holders of depositary shares relating to the underlying Preferred Stock in proportion to the number of depositary shares held by the holders. If PNC makes a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute any property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares entitled to those distributions, unless it determines that the distribution cannot be made proportionally among those holders or that it is not feasible to make a distribution. In that event, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of the depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares they hold.

Record dates for the payment of dividends and other matters relating to the depositary shares will be the same as the corresponding record dates for the Preferred Stock.

The amounts distributed to holders of depositary shares will be reduced by any amounts required to be withheld by the depositary or by us on account of taxes or other governmental charges. The depositary may refuse to make any payment or distribution, or any transfer, exchange, or withdrawal of any depositary shares or the shares of the Preferred Stock until such taxes or other governmental charges are paid.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

If we redeem the Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from the redemption of the Preferred Stock held by the

 

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depositary. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to 1/4,000^th of the redemption price per share payable with respect to the Preferred Stock (or $25.00 per depositary share), plus (i) any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends, or (ii) in the case of a regulatory capital treatment event, plus any declared and unpaid dividends and any accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared).

Whenever we redeem shares of Preferred Stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing the shares of Preferred Stock so redeemed. If fewer than all of the outstanding depositary shares are redeemed, the depositary will select the depositary shares to be redeemed pro rata, by lot or in such other manner determined by the depositary to be equitable. The depositary will mail notice of redemption to record holders of the depositary receipts not less than 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of the Preferred Stock and the related depositary shares.

Voting the Preferred Stock

Because each depositary share represents a 1/4,000^th interest in a share of the Preferred Stock, holders of depositary receipts will be entitled to 1/4,000^th of a vote per depositary share under those limited circumstances in which holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to a vote.

When the depositary receives notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to the Preferred Stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the Preferred Stock, may instruct the depositary to vote the amount of the Preferred Stock represented by the holder’s depositary shares. To the extent possible, the depositary will vote the amount of the Preferred Stock represented by depositary shares in accordance with the instructions it receives. We will agree to take all reasonable actions that the depositary determines are necessary to enable the depositary to vote as instructed. If the depositary does not receive specific instructions from the holders of any depositary shares representing the Preferred Stock, it will not vote the amount of the Preferred Stock represented by such depositary shares.

Listing

We intend to apply to list the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNCPRQ”. If the application is approved, trading of the depositary shares on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within 30 days after they are first issued.

Depositary, Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. will be the depositary, transfer agent and registrar for the depositary shares.

Form of Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares

The depositary shares shall be issued in book-entry form through DTC, as described in “Book-Entry Issuance” in this prospectus supplement. The Preferred Stock will be issued in registered form to the depositary.

 

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Book-Entry Issuance

We will issue the depositary shares under a book-entry system in the form of one or more global depositary receipts. We will register the global depositary receipts in the name of CEDE & Co., as a nominee for The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (“DTC”), or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC and deposit the global depositary receipts with the depositary.

Following the issuance of the depositary shares in book-entry only form, DTC will credit the accounts of its participants with the depositary shares upon our instructions. In order to own a beneficial interest in a depositary receipt, you must be an organization that participates in DTC or have an account with an organization that participates in DTC, including Euroclear and Clearstream. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream and Euroclear’s names on the books of their U.S. depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers’ securities accounts in U.S. depositaries names on the books of DTC.

As long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global depositary receipts, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global depositary receipts and all depositary shares represented by these depositary receipts for all purposes under the instruments governing the rights and obligations of holders of depositary shares. Except in the limited circumstances referred to above, owners of beneficial interests in global depositary receipts:

 

•

Will not be entitled to have such global depositary receipts or the depositary shares represented by these receipts registered in their names;

 

•

Will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of depositary receipts in exchange for beneficial interests in the global depositary receipts; and

 

•

Will not be considered to be owners or holders of the global depositary receipts or the depositary shares represented by these receipts for any purpose under the instruments governing the rights and obligations of holders of depositary shares.

Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the depositary receipts must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its beneficial interest, in order to exercise any rights of a holder of depositary shares.

As long as the depositary shares are represented by the global depositary receipts, we will pay dividends on the Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares to or as directed by DTC as the registered holder of the global depositary receipts. Payments to DTC will be in immediately available funds by wire transfer. DTC will credit the relevant accounts of their participants on the applicable date. Neither we nor PNC Bank or our agent will be responsible for making any payments to participants or customers of participants or for maintaining any records relating to the holdings of participants and their customers, and you will have to rely on the procedures of DTC and its participants.

If we discontinue the book-entry only form system of registration, we will replace the global depositary receipt with depositary receipts.

DTC has advised us that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments that DTC’s participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among direct participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through

 

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electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between direct participants’ accounts. Direct participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly. The DTC Rules applicable to its participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about DTC can be found at http://www.dtcc.com and http://www.dtc.org.

Clearstream has advised us that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional depositary. Clearstream holds securities for its participants and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry transfers between their accounts. Clearstream provides its participants with, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Clearstream interfaces with domestic securities markets in several countries through established depository and custodial relationships. As a professional depositary, Clearstream is subject to regulation by the Luxembourg Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector, also known as the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. Clearstream participants are recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. Clearstream’s participants in the U.S. are limited to securities brokers and dealers and banks. Indirect access to Clearstream is also available to other institutions such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with Clearstream participants. Distributions with respect to interests in global securities held through Clearstream will be credited to cash accounts of its customers in accordance with its rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. depositary for Clearstream.

Euroclear has advised us that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for its participants and to clear and settle transactions between Euroclear participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and cash. Euroclear provides various other services, including securities lending and borrowing, and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries. Euroclear is operated by Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (the “Euroclear operator”) under contract with Euroclear plc, a U.K. corporation. Euroclear participants include banks, including central banks, securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries. Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear participant, either directly or indirectly.

Settlement

As long as the depositary shares are represented by a global depositary receipt registered in the name of DTC, or its nominee, the depositary shares will trade in the DTC Same-Day Funds Settlement System. DTC requires secondary market trading activity in the depositary shares to settle in immediately available funds. This requirement may affect trading activity in the depositary shares. Secondary market trading between Clearstream customers and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream and Euroclear and will be settled using the applicable procedures in immediately available funds.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream customers or Euroclear participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by the U.S. depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and

 

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within its established deadlines. The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving depositary shares in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream customers and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.

Notices

So long as the global depositary receipts are held on behalf of DTC or any other clearing system, notices to holders of depositary shares represented by a beneficial interest in the global depositary receipts may be given by delivery of the relevant notice to DTC or the alternative clearing system, as the case may be.

 

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Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the depositary shares. The summary is limited to taxpayers who will hold the depositary shares as “capital assets” and who purchase the depositary shares in the initial offering at the initial offering price.

The following summary is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations and judicial or administrative authority, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.

State, local and foreign tax consequences are not summarized, nor are estate or gift tax consequences or tax consequences to special classes of investors including, but not limited to, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, banks or other financial institutions, partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, dealers in securities, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, U.S. expatriates, persons liable for the alternative minimum tax, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, and persons that will hold the depositary shares as a position in a hedging transaction, “straddle,” “conversion transaction” or other risk reduction transaction. Tax consequences may vary depending upon the particular status of an investor.

Beneficial owners of depositary shares will be treated as owners of the underlying Preferred Stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the depositary shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner and the partnership holding the depositary shares should consult his, her or its tax advisors regarding the tax considerations of acquiring, holding and disposing of the depositary shares.

THIS SUMMARY IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR HOLDERS RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM (INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS) OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES.

U.S. Holders

The discussion in this section is addressed to a U.S. holder, which for this purpose means a beneficial owner of depositary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

•

an individual citizen or resident of the United States,

 

•

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or the District of Columbia,

 

•

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or

 

•

a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (b) it has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Distributions. You will be taxed on distributions with respect to the depositary shares as dividend income to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If you

 

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are a noncorporate U.S. holder, dividends paid to you in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013 that constitute qualified dividend income will be taxable to you at a maximum rate of 15%, provided that you hold your depositary shares of Preferred Stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or, if the dividend is attributable to a period or periods aggregating over 366 days, provided that you hold your depositary shares of Preferred Stock for more than 90 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before the ex-dividend date) and meet other holding period requirements. If you are taxed as a corporation, except as described in the remainder of this subsection, dividends would be eligible for the dividends-received deduction, which is generally 70%.

You generally will not be taxed on any portion of a distribution not paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits if your tax basis in the depositary shares is greater than or equal to the amount of the distribution. However, you would be required to reduce your tax basis (but not below zero) in the depositary shares by the amount of the distribution, and would recognize capital gain to the extent that the distribution exceeds your tax basis in the depositary shares. Further, if you are a corporation, you would not be entitled to a dividends-received deduction on this portion of a distribution.

Corporate shareholders may not be entitled to take the dividends-received deduction in all circumstances and, even if they are so entitled, may be subject to special rules in respect of their ownership of the depositary shares. Prospective corporate investors in depositary shares should consider the effect of:

 

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Section 246A of the Code, which reduces the dividends-received deduction allowed to a corporate shareholder that has incurred indebtedness that is “directly attributable” to an investment in portfolio stock such as depositary shares;

 

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Section 246(c) of the Code, which, among other things, disallows the dividends-received deduction in respect of any dividend on a share of stock that is held for less than the minimum holding period (generally at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend); and

 

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Section 1059 of the Code, which, under certain circumstances, reduces the basis of stock for purposes of calculating gain or loss in a subsequent disposition by the portion of any “extraordinary dividend” (as defined below) that is eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

If you are a corporate shareholder, you will be required to reduce your tax basis (but not below zero) in the depositary shares by the nontaxed portion of any “extraordinary dividend” if you have not held your stock for more than two years before the earliest of the date such dividend is declared, announced, or agreed. Generally, the nontaxed portion of an extraordinary dividend is the amount excluded from income by operation of the dividends-received deduction. An extraordinary dividend on the depositary shares generally would be a dividend that:

 

•

equals or exceeds 5% of the corporate shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the depositary shares, treating all dividends having ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period as one dividend; or

 

•

exceeds 20% of the corporate shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the depositary shares, treating all dividends having ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period as one dividend.

In determining whether a dividend paid on the depositary shares is an extraordinary dividend, a corporate shareholder may elect to substitute the fair market value of the stock for its tax basis for purposes of applying these tests if the fair market value as of the day before the ex-dividend date is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury. An extraordinary dividend also includes any amount treated as a dividend in the case of a redemption that is either non-pro rata as to all shareholders or in partial liquidation of the company, regardless of the stockholder’s holding period and regardless of the size of the dividend. Any part of the nontaxed portion of an extraordinary dividend that is not applied to reduce the corporate shareholder’s tax basis as a result of the limitation on reducing its basis below zero would be treated as capital gain and would be recognized in the taxable year in which the extraordinary dividend is received.

 

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If you are a corporate shareholder, please consult your tax advisor with respect to the possible application of the extraordinary dividend provisions of the federal income tax law to your ownership or disposition of the depositary shares in your particular circumstances.

Dispositions. A U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss on a sale or exchange of the depositary shares equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the sale or exchange and such U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged. Capital gain of a noncorporate U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the holder has a holding period greater than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

If we redeem your depositary shares, it generally would be a taxable event. You would be treated as if you had sold your depositary shares if the redemption:

 

•

results in a complete termination of your stock interest in us;

 

•

is substantially disproportionate with respect to you; or

 

•

is not essentially equivalent to a dividend with respect to you.

In determining whether any of these tests has been met, shares of stock considered to be owned by you by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in Section 318 of the Code, as well as shares actually owned, must be taken into account.

If we redeem your depositary shares in a redemption that meets one of the tests described above, you generally would recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the sum of the amount of cash and fair market value of property (other than stock of us or a successor to us) received by you less your tax basis in the depositary shares redeemed. This gain or loss would be long-term capital gain or capital loss if you have held the depositary shares for more than one year.

If a redemption does not meet any of the tests described above, you generally would be taxed on the cash and fair market value of the property (other than stock of us or a successor to us) you receive as a dividend to the extent paid out of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Any amount in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits would first reduce your tax basis in the depositary shares and thereafter would be treated as capital gain. If a redemption of the depositary shares is treated as a distribution that is taxable as a dividend, you should consult with your own tax advisor regarding the allocation of your basis in the redeemed and remaining depositary shares.

Medicare Tax. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, a U.S. holder that is an individual or estate, or a trust that does not fall into a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax, will be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. holder’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. holder’s modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances). A holder’s net investment income will generally include its dividend income and its net gains from the disposition of the depositary shares, unless such dividend income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). If you are a U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to your income and gains in respect of your investment in the depositary shares.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding on U.S. Holders. In general, if you are a non-corporate U.S. holder, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made on your depositary shares, as well as the payment of the proceeds from the sale or redemption of your depositary shares that are made within the United States, will be subject to information reporting requirements. Additionally, backup withholding will apply to such payments if you are a non-corporate U.S. holder and you:

 

•

fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;

 

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are notified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that you have failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your federal income tax returns; or

 

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in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.

If you sell your depositary shares outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker, and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then U.S. backup withholding and information reporting requirements generally will not apply to that payment. However, U.S. information reporting will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made outside the United States, if you sell your depositary shares through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is:

 

•

a U.S. person;

 

•

a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. tax purposes;

 

•

a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business for a specified three-year period; or

 

•

a foreign partnership, if at any time during its tax year:

 

•

one or more of its partners are “U.S. persons,” as defined in U.S. Treasury regulations, who in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interest in the partnership; or

 

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such foreign partnership is engaged in the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

Backup withholding will apply if the sale is subject to information reporting and the broker has actual knowledge that you are a U.S. person. You generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding rules that exceed your income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS and providing the required information in a timely manner.

U.S. Alien Holders

This section summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the depositary shares by a U.S. alien holder. You are a U.S. alien holder if you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

•

a nonresident alien individual;

 

•

a foreign corporation; or

 

•

an estate or trust that in either case is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis on income or gain from depositary shares.

Dividends. Except as described below, if you are a U.S. alien holder of depositary shares, dividends paid to you are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate. Even if you are eligible for a lower treaty rate, we and other payors will generally be required to withhold at a 30% rate (rather than the lower treaty rate) on dividend payments to you, unless you have furnished to us or another payor:

 

•

a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or an acceptable substitute form upon which you certify, under penalties of perjury, your status as a person who is not a U.S. person and your entitlement to the lower treaty rate with respect to such payments; or

 

•

in the case of payments made outside the United States to an offshore account (generally, an account maintained by you at an office or branch of a bank or other financial institution at any location outside the United States), other documentary evidence establishing your entitlement to the lower treaty rate in accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations.

If you are eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under a tax treaty, you may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of that rate by filing a refund claim with the IRS.

 

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If dividends paid to you are “effectively connected” with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and, if required by a tax treaty, the dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment that you maintain in the United States, we and other payors generally are not required to withhold tax from the dividends, provided that you have furnished to us or another payor a valid IRS Form W-8ECI or an acceptable substitute form upon which you represent, under penalties of perjury, that:

 

•

you are not a U.S. person; and

 

•

the dividends are effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business within the United States and are includible in your gross income.

“Effectively connected” dividends are taxed at rates applicable to U.S. citizens, resident aliens and domestic U.S. corporations. If you are a corporate U.S. alien holder, “effectively connected” dividends that you receive may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

Dispositions. If you are a U.S. alien holder, you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain that you recognize on a disposition of depositary shares unless:

 

•

the gain is “effectively connected” with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment that you maintain in the United States, if that is required by an applicable income tax treaty as a condition for subjecting you to U.S. taxation on a net income basis;

 

•

you are an individual, you hold the depositary shares as a capital asset, you are present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions exist; or

 

•

we are or have been a U.S. real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and you held, directly or indirectly, at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition, more than 5% of the relevant class of Preferred Stock underlying the depositary shares and you are not eligible for any treaty exemption.

If you are a corporate U.S. alien holder, “effectively connected” gains that you recognize may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or at a lower rate if you are eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty that provides for a lower rate.

We have not been, are not and do not anticipate becoming a U.S. real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding on U.S. Alien Holders. If you are a U.S. alien holder, we and other payors are required to report payments of dividends on IRS Form 1042-S even if the payments are exempt from withholding. You are otherwise generally exempt from backup withholding and information reporting requirements with respect to dividend payments; and the payment of the proceeds from the sale of depositary shares effected at a U.S. office of a broker; as long as the income associated with such payments is otherwise exempt from U.S. federal income tax, and:

 

•

the payor or broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person and you have furnished to the payor or broker:

 

•

a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or an acceptable substitute form upon which you certify, under penalties of perjury, that you are a non-U.S. person, or

 

•

other documentation upon which it may rely to treat the payments as made to a non-U.S. person in accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations, or

 

•

you otherwise establish an exemption.

 

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Payment of the proceeds from the sale of depositary shares affected at a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, a sale of depositary shares that is effected at a foreign office of a broker will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding if the proceeds are transferred to an account maintained by you in the United States; the payment of proceeds or the confirmation of the sale is mailed to you at a U.S. address; or the sale has some other specified connection with the United States as provided in U.S. Treasury regulations; in each case unless the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person and the documentation requirements described above are met or you otherwise establish an exemption.

In addition, a sale of depositary shares will be subject to information reporting if it is effected at a foreign office of a broker that is a U.S. person; a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. tax purposes; a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business for a specified three-year period; or certain foreign partnerships; in each case unless the broker does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person and the documentation requirements described above are met or you otherwise establish an exemption. Backup withholding will apply if the sale is subject to information reporting and the broker has actual knowledge that you are a U.S. person.

You generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules that exceed your income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS and providing the required information in a timely manner.

Withholdable Payments to Foreign Financial Entities and Other Foreign Entities

Newly enacted legislation may impose withholding taxes on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions,” or FFIs, and certain other non-U.S. entities. Under this legislation, the failure to comply with additional certification, information reporting and other specified requirements could result in withholding tax being imposed on payments of dividends and sales proceeds to U.S. shareholders that own the depositary shares through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries and certain non-U.S. shareholders. The legislation would impose a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, depositary shares paid to an FFI or to a foreign nonfinancial entity, unless (1) the FFI undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (2) the foreign non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner (although under proposed Treasury regulations, the non-financial foreign entity may be exempt from such withholding even if it does not provide such certification or such identifying information). In addition, if the payee is an FFI, it generally must enter into an agreement by June 30, 2013 with the U.S. Treasury that requires, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S. owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to certain other account holders. Under the proposed regulations, withholding on U.S. source dividends and interest paid to non-participating FFIs will begin on January 1, 2014, and withholding on all withholdable payments (including gross proceeds from the disposition of U.S. securities) will be fully phased in on January 1, 2015. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation.

 

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Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)

We are offering the depositary shares described in this prospectus supplement through a number of underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, the number of depositary shares listed next to its name below:

 

Name		Number of Depositary Shares
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
PNC Capital Markets LLC
Total

The underwriters have advised us that they are committed to purchase all the depositary shares offered by us if they purchase any depositary shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.

Depositary shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement. Any depositary shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount from the initial public offering price not to exceed $         per depositary share; provided, however, that such concession for sales to certain institutions will not be in excess of $         per depositary share. Any such securities dealers may resell any depositary shares purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount from the initial public offering price not to exceed $         per depositary share. If all the depositary shares are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to an aggregate of             additional depositary shares at the public offering price listed on the cover of this prospectus supplement, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely to cover any over-allotments. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of the additional depositary shares as the number listed next to the underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of depositary shares listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table.

The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per depositary share less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per depositary share. The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional depositary shares:

 

		No Exercise				Exercise
Per Depositary Share (1)		$				$
Total		$				$

 

(1)

Reflects            (            if over-allotment is exercised) depositary shares sold to institutional investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of $        per share, and            (            if over-allotment is exercised) depositary shares sold to retail investors, for which the underwriters received an underwriting discount of $        per share.

 

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We estimate that our total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $            .

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

The depositary shares are a new issue of securities, and there is currently no established trading market for the depositary shares. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the depositary shares. However, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making in the depositary shares at any time in their sole discretion. Therefore, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for the depositary shares will develop, that you will be able to sell your depositary shares at a particular time or that the price you receive when you sell will be favorable.

Other than in the U.S., no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons who come to possess this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

The underwriters will be permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the depositary shares. These transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the depositary shares. If the underwriters create a short position in the depositary shares in connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more depositary shares than are set forth on the cover page of the prospectus supplement, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing the depositary shares in the open market. In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of these purchases. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the underwriters’ overallotment option or, where no overallotment option exists, sales in excess of the number of depositary shares an underwriter has agreed to purchase from the issuer. Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the depositary shares. In addition, neither we nor the underwriters will make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have in the past provided to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may remit to us its underwriting fees related to this offering, pursuant to the resolution of a dispute between the two parties. From time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may affect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (which may include bank loans and/or credit default swaps) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or

 

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instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities including potentially the depositary shares offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the depositary shares offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Conflicts of Interest

Our subsidiary, PNC Capital Markets LLC, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and is participating in the distribution of the depositary shares. The distribution arrangements for this offering comply with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121 regarding a FINRA member’s firm participation in the distribution of securities of an affiliate. In accordance with Rule 5121, no FINRA member firm may make sales in this offering to any discretionary account without the prior approval of the customer. Our affiliates, including PNC Capital Markets LLC and other affiliates, may use this prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus in connection with offers and sales of the depositary shares in the secondary market. These affiliates may act as principal or agent in those transactions. Secondary market sales will be made at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale.

Affiliates of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC beneficially own ten percent or more of our outstanding preferred equity. Any underwriter, along with its affiliates, that beneficially owns ten percent or more of our outstanding preferred equity is considered by FINRA to have a conflict of interest with us in regard to this offering. Accordingly, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC has a conflict of interest within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121. Because this offering is being made in compliance with the requirements of FINRA Rule 5121, a qualified independent underwriter is not required.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the “Relevant Implementation Date”) no offer of securities described in this prospectus supplement may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

 

A.

to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

B.

to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives; or

 

C.

in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

provided that no such offer of securities shall require the Company or the representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression “an offer to the public” in relation to any securities described in this prospectus supplement in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe such securities, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the

 

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expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member States) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression “2010 PD Amending Directive” means Directive 2010/73/EU.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”) and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

 

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Legal Matters

The validity of the shares of preferred stock we are offering will be passed upon for us by George P. Long, III, Esq., Chief Governance Counsel and Corporate Secretary of PNC. Mr. Long beneficially owns, or has rights to acquire, an aggregate of less than 1% of PNC’s common stock. Additionally, certain tax matters relating to the offering will be passed upon for us by Reed Smith LLP, special counsel to PNC. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, New York.

Experts

The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

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THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

Senior Debt Securities

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Depositary Shares

Purchase Contracts

Units

Warrants

Guarantees

PNC FUNDING CORP

Debt Securities

Warrants

 

 

We may offer and sell the securities listed above from time to time in one or more offerings. We may also issue common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of certain of the securities listed above. One or more selling security holders to be identified in the future may also offer and sell the securities listed above from time to time. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities may be offered. When we decide to sell a particular series of securities, we will provide the specific terms of the securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

In addition, PNC Capital Markets LLC and other affiliates of ours may use this prospectus in reoffers and resales in market-making transactions in any of these securities after their initial sale.

The common stock of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNC.”

PNC’s principal executive offices are located at One PNC Plaza, 249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2707, and its telephone number is 412-762-2000.

 

 

Investing in these securities involves certain risks. For a discussion of certain risks that you should consider in connection with an investment in our securities, see “Risk Factors” in PNC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, and all subsequent filings under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. See also the section called “Risk Factors” on page 3 of this prospectus.

These securities are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other insurer or governmental agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined whether this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is September 6, 2012.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
About this Prospectus			1
Where You Can Find More Information			2
Risk Factors			3
Forward-Looking Statements			3
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.			6
PNC Funding Corp			6
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges			7
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends			7
Use of Proceeds			7
Description of Senior Debt Securities of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.			8
Description of Debt Securities of PNC Funding and Guarantees			17
Global Debt Securities of PNC and PNC Funding			30
Description of Common Stock			35
Description of Preferred Stock			38
Description of Depositary Shares			59
Description of Purchase Contracts			61
Description of Units			62
Description of Warrants			63
Certain Tax Considerations			64
Plan of Distribution (including Conflicts of Interest)			65
Legal Opinions			69
Experts			69

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. We may sell these securities either separately or in units. We also may issue common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of certain of the securities described in this prospectus.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement and the information incorporated by reference, contains additional information about the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration statement can be read at the SEC web site or at the SEC office mentioned below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Following the initial distribution of an offering of securities, PNC Capital Markets LLC and other affiliates of ours may offer and sell those securities in secondary market transactions. PNC Capital Markets LLC and other affiliates of ours may act as a principal or agent in these transactions. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement will also be used in connection with these transactions. Sales in any of these transactions will be made at varying prices related to prevailing market prices and other circumstances at the time of sale.

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

Neither the delivery of this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement, nor any sale made hereunder and thereunder, shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus or that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information.

In this prospectus, we use “PNC” to refer to The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. specifically, “PNC Funding” to refer to PNC Funding Corp specifically; and “we” or “us” to refer collectively to PNC and PNC Funding, unless the context requires otherwise. References to The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are specifically made where applicable.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

PNC files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its public reference room. The reports and other information filed by PNC with the SEC are also available at our Internet website, www.pnc.com. We have included the web addresses of the SEC and PNC as inactive textual references only. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this document, information on those websites is not part of this document.

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered part of this prospectus, and because we incorporate by reference future filings with the SEC later information that we file will automatically update and supersede this information.

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that PNC previously filed with the SEC and any future filings that PNC makes with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (in each case other than those documents or portions of those documents not deemed to have been filed in accordance with SEC rules) between the date of this prospectus and the termination of the offering of the securities to be issued under the registration statement, or if later until the date on which any of our affiliates cease offering and selling these securities:

 

Company SEC Filings		Period or Date Filed
Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A		Year ended December 31, 2011
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q		Quarter ended March 31, 2012 Quarter ended June 30, 2012
Current Reports on Form 8-K		Filed with the SEC on January 6, 2012, February 13, 2012, February 17, 2012, March 5, 2012, March 8, 2012 (with respect to Items 8.01 and 9.01) March 22, 2012, April 10, 2012, April 24, 2012 (with respect to Items 3.03, 5.03, 8.01 and 9.01 (other than exhibit 99.1)), April 25, 2012, April 27, 2012, June 21, 2012 and June 28, 2012
Description of Common Stock on Form 8-A (including any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating this description)		September 24, 1987

Documents incorporated by reference are available from PNC without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this document. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this document by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

Attention: Shareholder Services

Telephone: (800) 982-7652

Email: www.computershare.com/contactus

 

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RISK FACTORS

We are subject to a number of risks potentially impacting our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. For a detailed description of the potential risks, see Part I, Item 1A of PNC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, which report is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also review the risk factors that will be set forth in other documents that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” Additional risk factors may also be set forth in any applicable prospectus supplement.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including information incorporated in them by reference, have statements regarding our outlook for earnings, revenues, expenses, capital levels and ratios, liquidity levels, asset levels, asset quality, financial position, and other matters regarding or affecting PNC and its future business and operations that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “see,” “look,” “intend,” “outlook,” “project,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “goal,” “will,” “should” and other similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We do not assume any duty and do not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in forward-looking statements, as well as from historical performance.

We provide greater detail regarding these as well as other factors in our 2011 Form 10-K, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, in our first and second quarter 2012 Form 10-Qs, filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including in the Risk Factors and Risk Management sections and the Legal Proceedings and Commitments and Guarantees Notes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in those reports. Our forward-looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed elsewhere in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or in our other filings with the SEC.

Our forward-looking statements are subject to the following principal risks and uncertainties.

 

•

Our businesses, financial results and balance sheet values are affected by business and economic conditions, including the following:

 

•

Changes in interest rates and valuations in debt, equity and other financial markets.

 

•

Disruptions in the liquidity and other functioning of U.S. and global financial markets.

 

•

The impact on financial markets and the economy of any changes in the credit ratings of U.S. Treasury obligations and other U.S. government-backed debt, as well as issues surrounding the level of U.S. and European government debt and concerns regarding the creditworthiness of certain sovereign governments, supranationals and financial institutions in Europe.

 

•

Actions by Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury and other government agencies, including those that impact money supply and market interest rates.

 

•

Changes in customers’, suppliers’ and other counterparties’ performance and creditworthiness.

 

•

Slowing or failure of the current moderate economic expansion.

 

•

Continued effects of aftermath of recessionary conditions and uneven spread of positive impacts of recovery on the economy and our counterparties, including adverse impacts on levels of

 

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unemployment, loan utilization rates, delinquencies, defaults and counterparty ability to meet credit and other obligations.

 

•

Changes in customer preferences and behavior, whether due to changing business and economic conditions, legislative and regulatory initiatives, or other factors.

 

•

Our forward-looking financial statements are subject to the risk that economic and financial market conditions will be substantially different than we are currently expecting. These statements are based on our current view that the moderate economic expansion will persist in 2012 and interest rates will remain very low.

 

•

Legal and regulatory developments could have an impact on our ability to operate our businesses, financial condition, results of operations, competitive position, reputation, or pursuit of attractive acquisition opportunities. Reputational impacts could affect matters such as business generation and retention, liquidity, funding, and ability to attract and retain management. These developments could include:

 

•

Changes resulting from legislative and regulatory reforms, including major reform of the regulatory oversight structure of the financial services industry and changes to laws and regulations involving tax, pension, bankruptcy, consumer protection, and other industry aspects, and changes in accounting policies and principles. We will be impacted by extensive reforms provided for in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and otherwise growing out of the recent financial crisis, the precise nature, extent and timing of which, and their impact on us, remains uncertain.

 

•

Changes to regulations governing bank capital and liquidity standards, including due to the Dodd-Frank Act and to Basel-related initiatives.

 

•

Unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings or other claims and regulatory and other governmental investigations or other inquiries. In addition to matters relating to PNC’s business and activities, such matters may include proceedings, claims, investigations, or inquiries relating to pre-acquisition business and activities of acquired companies, such as National City. These matters may result in monetary judgments or settlements or other remedies, including fines, penalties, restitution or alterations in our business practices, and in additional expenses and collateral costs, and may cause reputational harm to PNC.

 

•

Results of the regulatory examination and supervision process, including our failure to satisfy requirements of agreements with governmental agencies.

 

•

Impact on business and operating results of any costs associated with obtaining rights in intellectual property claimed by others and of adequacy of our intellectual property protection in general.

 

•

Business and operating results are affected by our ability to identify and effectively manage risks inherent in our businesses, including, where appropriate, through effective use of third-party insurance, derivatives, and capital management techniques, and to meet evolving regulatory capital standards. In particular, our results currently depend on our ability to manage elevated levels of impaired assets.

 

•

Business and operating results also include impacts relating to our equity interest in BlackRock, Inc. and rely to a significant extent on information provided to us by BlackRock. Risks and uncertainties that could affect BlackRock are discussed in more detail by BlackRock in its SEC filings.

 

•

Our acquisition of RBC Bank (USA) presents us with risks and uncertainties related to the integration of the acquired businesses into PNC, including:

 

•

Anticipated benefits of the transaction, including cost savings and strategic gains, may be significantly harder or take longer to achieve than expected or may not be achieved in their entirety as a result of unexpected factors or events.

 

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•

Our ability to achieve anticipated results from this transaction is dependent also on the extent of credit losses in the acquired loan portfolios and the extent of deposit attrition, in part related to the state of economic and financial markets. Also, litigation and regulatory and other governmental investigations that may be filed or commenced relating to the pre-acquisition business and activities of RBC Bank (USA) could impact the timing or realization of anticipated benefits to PNC.

 

•

Integration of RBC Bank (USA)’s business and operations into PNC may take longer than anticipated or be substantially more costly than anticipated or have unanticipated adverse results relating to RBC Bank (USA)’s or PNC’s existing businesses. PNC’s ability to integrate RBC Bank (USA) successfully may be adversely affected by the fact that this transaction results in PNC entering several geographic markets where PNC did not previously have any meaningful retail presence.

 

•

In addition to the RBC Bank (USA) transaction, we grow our business in part by acquiring from time to time other financial services companies, financial services assets and related deposits and other liabilities. These other acquisitions often present risks and uncertainties analogous to those presented by the RBC Bank (USA) transaction. Acquisition risks include those presented by the nature of the business acquired as well as risks and uncertainties related to the acquisition transactions themselves, regulatory issues, and the integration of the acquired businesses into PNC after closing.

 

•

Competition can have an impact on customer acquisition, growth and retention and on credit spreads and product pricing, which can affect market share, deposits and revenues. Industry restructuring in the current environment could also impact our business and financial performance through changes in counterparty creditworthiness and performance and in the competitive and regulatory landscape. Our ability to anticipate and respond to technological changes can also impact our ability to respond to customer needs and meet competitive demands.

 

•

Business and operating results can also be affected by widespread disasters, dislocations, terrorist activities or international hostilities through impacts on the economy and financial markets generally or on us or our counterparties specifically.

 

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THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services companies in the United States and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PNC has businesses engaged in retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, asset management, and residential mortgage banking, providing many of its products and services nationally and others in PNC’s primary geographic markets located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, Wisconsin, and South Carolina. PNC also provides certain products and services internationally. As of June 30, 2012, PNC had total consolidated assets of approximately $299.6 billion, total consolidated deposits of approximately $206.9 billion and total consolidated shareholders’ equity of approximately $37.0 billion.

PNC was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1983 with the consolidation of Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation. Since 1983, we have diversified our geographical presence, business mix and product capabilities through internal growth, strategic bank and non-bank acquisitions and equity investments, and the formation of various non-banking subsidiaries.

PNC common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNC.”

PNC is a holding company and services its obligations primarily with dividends and advances that it receives from subsidiaries. PNC’s subsidiaries that operate in the banking and securities businesses can pay dividends only if they are in compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements imposed on them by federal and state bank regulatory authorities and securities regulators. PNC’s subsidiaries may be party to credit or other agreements that also may restrict their ability to pay dividends. PNC currently believes that none of these regulatory or contractual restrictions on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends will affect PNC’s ability to service its own debt or pay dividends on its preferred stock. PNC must also maintain the required capital levels of a bank holding company before it may pay dividends on its stock.

Under the regulations of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result of this regulatory policy, the Federal Reserve might require PNC to commit resources to its subsidiary banks, even when doing so is not otherwise in the interests of PNC or its shareholders or creditors.

PNC’s principal executive offices are located at One PNC Plaza, 249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707, and its telephone number is 412-762-2000.

PNC FUNDING CORP

PNC Funding is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of PNC. PNC Funding was incorporated under Pennsylvania law in 1972 and is engaged in financing the activities of PNC and its subsidiaries through the issuance of commercial paper and other debt guaranteed by PNC.

PNC Funding’s principal executive offices are located at One PNC Plaza, 249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707, and its telephone number is 412-762-2000.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following unaudited table presents the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges as defined in Item 503(d) of Regulation S-K for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. You should read these ratios in conjunction with exhibit 12.1 and the other information in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012, which report is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

		Six months ended June 30, 2012		Year Ended December 31
				2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
Excluding interest on deposits		4.25x		5.03x		4.39x		3.28x		1.96x		2.35x
Including interest on deposits		3.31		3.37		2.80		2.01		1.39		1.50

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND

PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following unaudited table presents the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends as defined in Item 503(d) of Regulation S-K for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and subsidiaries. You should read these ratios in conjunction with exhibit 12.2 and the other information in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012, which report is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

		Six months ended June 30, 2012		Year Ended December 31
				2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
Excluding interest on deposits		3.51x		4.61x		3.64x		2.29x		1.90x		2.35x
Including interest on deposits		2.88		3.20		2.52		1.69		1.37		1.50

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, which may include:

 

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advances to PNC (in the case of PNC Funding) and its subsidiaries to finance their activities,

 

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financing of possible future acquisitions,

 

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repayment or redemption of outstanding indebtedness,

 

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redemption of trust preferred securities;

 

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redemption of outstanding warrants, and

 

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repurchases of issued and outstanding shares of common and/or preferred stock.

Until we use the net proceeds for these purposes, we will use the net proceeds to reduce our short term indebtedness or for temporary investments. We expect that we may from time to time engage in additional financings of a character and in amounts to be determined. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of securities covered by this prospectus that are sold by any selling security holders.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES OF THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities that PNC may offer.

The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture between PNC and The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee, dated as of September 6, 2012. A form of the indenture is attached as an exhibit to this registration statement. The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder. The debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement relating thereto, the debt securities will be unsecured senior debt of PNC and will rank pari passu with all other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of PNC. The debt securities may also be convertible into common stock of PNC.

The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the senior debt securities offered through that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those senior debt securities.

For each series of senior debt securities, a supplemental indenture may be entered into between PNC and the trustee or such other trustee as may be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of senior debt securities.

We have summarized the material terms and provisions of the September 6, 2012 indenture in this section. We encourage you to read the indenture for additional information before you buy any senior debt securities issued by PNC. The summary that follows includes references to section numbers of the indenture so that you can more easily locate these provisions.

PNC Senior Debt Securities in General

The senior debt securities will be direct unsecured obligations of PNC. The indenture does not limit the amount of senior debt securities that PNC may issue from time to time in one or more series. (Section 3.01) The indenture provides that senior debt securities may be issued up to the principal amount authorized by PNC from time to time. (Section 3.01) Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement for a particular series of senior debt securities, PNC may reopen a previous issue of a series of senior debt securities and issue additional senior debt securities of that series.

PNC will specify in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of senior debt securities being offered the terms relating to the offering. The terms may include:

 

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the title of the senior debt securities,

 

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the aggregate principal amount of the senior debt securities,

 

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the date or dates on which the principal of and premium on the senior debt securities will be payable,

 

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if the senior debt securities will be interest bearing:

 

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the interest rate on the senior debt securities or the method by which the interest rate may be determined,

 

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the date from which interest will accrue,

 

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the record and interest payment dates for the senior debt securities,

 

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the first interest payment date,

 

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the place or places where the principal of, and premium and interest on, the senior debt securities will be payable,

 

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any optional redemption provisions that would permit us or the holders of senior debt securities to redeem the senior debt securities before their final maturity,

 

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any sinking fund provisions that would obligate us to redeem the senior debt securities before their final maturity,

 

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the denominations in which the senior debt securities shall be issued, if issued in denominations other than $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,

 

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if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the senior debt securities that will be payable upon an acceleration of the maturity of the senior debt securities,

 

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any events of default which will apply to the senior debt securities that differ from those contained in the indenture,

 

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the currency or currencies in which the senior debt securities will be denominated, payable, redeemable or repurchaseable,

 

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whether the senior debt securities are convertible and the terms and conditions applicable to conversion, including the conversion price or rate at which shares of PNC common stock will be delivered, the circumstances in which such price or rate will be adjusted, the conversion period, and other conversion terms and provisions,

 

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whether the senior debt securities of such series will be issued as a global security and, if so, the identity of the depositary for such series,

 

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whether the senior debt securities of such series will be defeasible,

 

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any trustees, paying agents, transfer agents or registrars for the senior debt securities, and

 

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any other terms of such senior debt securities.

If any of the senior debt securities are sold for, or if the principal of or any interest on any series of senior debt securities is payable in, foreign currencies or foreign currency units, the relevant restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of senior debt securities.

The indenture provides that we will issue senior debt securities in fully registered form. The principal of, and premium and interest on, fully registered securities will be payable at the place of payment designated for such securities and stated in the prospectus supplement. PNC also has the right to make interest payments by check mailed to the holder at the holder’s registered address. The principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on any senior debt securities in other forms will be payable in the manner and at the place or places as may be designated by PNC and specified in the prospectus supplement. (Sections 3.01 and 10.01)

You may exchange or transfer the senior debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee for the series of senior debt securities or at any other office or agency maintained by us for those purposes. We will not require payment of a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the senior debt securities, but PNC may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge. (Section 3.05)

Unless the prospectus supplement provides otherwise, each series of the senior debt securities will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof and payable in U.S. dollars. (Section 3.02) Under the indenture, however, senior debt securities may be issued in any denomination and payable in a foreign currency or currency unit. (Section 3.01)

We may issue senior debt securities with “original issue discount.” Original issue discount senior debt securities bear no interest or bear interest at below-market rates and will be sold below their stated principal amount. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe any special federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any securities issued with original issue discount.

 

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PNC is a holding company that conducts substantially all its operations through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of our senior debt securities to participate in the assets of any PNC subsidiary upon its liquidation or recapitalization will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of PNC’s subsidiaries (including, in the case of any bank subsidiary, its depositors), except to the extent that PNC may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. In addition, as a holding company PNC is dependant on dividends from its subsidiaries to fund payments related to its senior debt securities. There are certain regulatory and other limitations on the payment of dividends and on loans and other transfers of funds to PNC by its bank subsidiaries.

The senior debt securities will rank equally with all unsecured senior indebtedness of PNC, including PNC’s guarantees of senior debt securities issued by PNC Funding described under “Description of Debt Securities of PNC Funding and Guarantees—Guarantees of Senior Debt Securities”. There is no limitation on PNC creating, incurring or issuing additional senior indebtedness.

Certain Covenants

The indenture contains certain covenants that impose various restrictions on PNC and, as a result, afford the holders of its senior debt securities certain protections. The section below provides a description of the covenants. You should review the full text of the covenants to evaluate the covenants.

Restriction on Sale or Issuance of Voting Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank

The covenant described below is designed to ensure that, for so long as any senior debt securities are issued and outstanding, PNC will continue directly or indirectly to own and thus serve as the holding company for its “principal subsidiary banks.” When we use the term “principal subsidiary banks,” we mean each of:

 

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PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”),

 

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any other subsidiary bank the consolidated assets of which constitute 20% or more of the consolidated assets of PNC and its subsidiaries,

 

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any other subsidiary bank designated as a principal subsidiary bank by the board of directors of PNC, or

 

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any subsidiary that owns any voting shares or certain rights to acquire voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank, and their respective successors, provided any such successor is a subsidiary bank or a subsidiary, as appropriate.

As of the date hereof, PNC’s only principal subsidiary banks are PNC Bank and its parent, PNC Bancorp, Inc.

The indenture prohibits PNC, unless consent is obtained from the holders of a majority in principal amount of any series of senior debt securities, from:

 

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selling or otherwise disposing of, and permitting a principal subsidiary bank to issue, voting shares or certain rights to acquire voting shares of a principal subsidiary bank,

 

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permitting the merger or consolidation of a principal subsidiary bank with or into any other corporation, or

 

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permitting the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of any principal subsidiary bank,

if, after giving effect to any one of the transactions above and the issuance of the maximum number of voting shares issuable upon the exercise of all such rights to acquire voting shares of a principal subsidiary bank, PNC would own directly or indirectly less than 80% of the voting shares of such principal subsidiary bank.

 

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These restrictions do not apply to:

 

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transactions required by any law, or any regulation or order of any governmental authority,

 

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transactions required as a condition imposed by any law, or any regulation or order of any governmental authority, to the acquisition by PNC, directly or indirectly, or any other corporation or entity if thereafter,

 

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PNC would own at least 80% of the voting shares of the other corporation or entity,

 

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the consolidated banking assets of PNC would be at least equal to those prior thereto, and

 

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the board of directors of PNC shall have designated the other corporation or entity a principal subsidiary bank,

 

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transactions that do not reduce the percentage of voting shares of such principal subsidiary bank owned directly or indirectly by PNC, and

 

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transactions where the proceeds are invested within 180 days after such transaction in any one or more subsidiary banks.

The indenture does permit the following:

 

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the merger of a principal subsidiary bank with and into a principal subsidiary bank or PNC,

 

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the consolidation of principal subsidiary banks into a principal subsidiary bank or PNC, or

 

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the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any principal subsidiary bank to another principal subsidiary bank or PNC. (Section 10.06)

Restriction on Liens

The purpose of the restriction on liens covenant is to preserve PNC’s direct or indirect interest in voting shares of principal subsidiary banks free of security interests of other creditors. The covenant permits certain specified liens and liens where the senior debt securities are equally secured. The indenture prohibits PNC and its subsidiaries from creating or permitting any liens (other than certain tax and judgment liens) upon voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank to secure indebtedness for borrowed money unless the senior debt securities are equally and ratably secured. Notwithstanding this prohibition, PNC may create or permit the following:

 

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purchase money liens and liens on voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank existing at the time such voting shares are acquired or created within 120 days thereafter,

 

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the acquisition of any voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank subject to liens at the time of acquisition or the assumption of obligations secured by a lien on such voting shares,

 

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under certain circumstances, renewals, extensions or refunding of the liens described in the two preceding bullets, and

 

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liens to secure loans or other extensions of credit under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act or any successor or similar federal law or regulation. (Section 10.07)

Consolidation or Merger

The covenant described below protects the holders of senior debt securities upon certain transactions involving PNC by requiring any successor to PNC to assume the predecessor’s obligations under the indenture. In addition, the covenant prohibits such transactions if they would result in an event of default, a default or an event which could become an event of default or a default under the indenture. PNC may consolidate with, merge into, or transfer substantially all of its properties to, any other corporation organized under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction, if:

 

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the successor corporation assumes all obligations of PNC under the senior debt securities and under the indenture and for convertible senior debt securities provides for conversion rights in accordance with the terms of the indenture,

 

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immediately after the transaction, no event of default or default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an event of default or default, exists, and

 

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certain other conditions are met. (Sections 8.01 and 8.02)

The indenture does not limit our ability to enter into a highly leveraged transaction or provide you with any special protection in the event of such a transaction.

Modification and Waiver

PNC and the trustee may modify the indenture with the consent of the holders of the majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior debt securities of each series affected by the modification. The following modifications and amendments, however, will not be effective against any holder without the consent of the holder of each security:

 

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change in the stated maturity of any payment of principal or interest,

 

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reduction of the principal amount of, or the premium, if any, or the interest on such senior debt security,

 

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reduction of the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount senior debt security, payable upon acceleration of the maturity of that senior debt security,

 

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change in the place or places where, or the currency in which, any senior debt security or any premium or interest is payable,

 

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impairment of the right of the holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any senior debt security, or

 

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reduction of the percentage in principal amount of senior debt securities necessary to modify the indenture or the percentage in principal amount of outstanding senior debt securities necessary to waive compliance with conditions and defaults under the indenture. (Section 9.02)

PNC and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture without the consent of any holder of senior debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

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to evidence the succession of another corporation to PNC,

 

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to provide for the acceptance of appointment of a successor trustee,

 

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to add to the covenants of PNC for the benefit of the holders of senior debt securities,

 

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to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture, if such action does not adversely affect the holders of senior debt securities in any material respect,

 

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to secure the senior debt securities under applicable provisions of the indenture,

 

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to establish conversion rights of holders,

 

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to establish the form or terms of senior debt securities,

 

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to change or eliminate provisions of the indenture that apply only to a new series of senior debt securities,

 

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to add events of default,

 

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to eliminate or modify events of default or in connection with establishing a series of senior debt securities,

 

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to add, change or eliminate any provision as shall be necessary or desirable in accordance with any amendment to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Trust Indenture Act”),

 

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to permit the payment in the United States of principal, premium or interest on unregistered securities, or

 

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to provide for the issuance of uncertificated senior debt securities in place of certificated senior debt securities. (Section 9.01)

In addition, the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding senior debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of that series, waive compliance with certain covenants, including those described under the captions above entitled “Restriction on Sale or Issuance of Voting Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank” and “Restriction on Liens.” (Section 10.08) Covenants concerning the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the senior debt securities, compliance with the terms of the indenture, maintenance of an agency, and certain monies held in trust may only be waived pursuant to a supplemental indenture executed with the consent of each affected holder of senior debt securities as described above.

Events of Default and Waivers of Default

The indenture defines an event of default with respect to any series of senior debt securities as being any one of the following events unless such event is specifically deleted or modified in connection with the establishment of the senior debt securities of a particular series:

 

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failure to pay interest on such series for 30 days after the payment is due,

 

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failure to pay the principal of or premium, if any, on such series when due,

 

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failure to deposit any sinking fund payment with respect to such series when due,

 

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failure to perform any other covenant or warranty in the indenture that applies to such series for 90 days after PNC has received written notice of the failure to perform in the manner specified in the indenture,

 

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the occurrence of certain events relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of either PNC or any principal subsidiary bank, or

 

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any other event of default provided with respect to such senior debt securities. (Section 5.01)

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to any series of debt securities, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding senior debt securities of that series may declare the principal of such series (or if senior debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, a specified amount of the principal) to be due and payable immediately. Subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of such series may rescind such declaration and waive certain defaults. (Section 5.02) Prior to any declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of the applicable series may waive any past default, except a payment default, or a past default in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture which cannot be modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding senior debt security affected. Upon this waiver the default will cease to exist and any event of default arising there from will be deemed cured. (Section 5.13)

Other than its duties in the case of an event of default, the trustee is not obligated to exercise any of the rights or powers in the indenture at the request or direction of holders of senior debt securities unless such holders offer the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee. If such indemnification is provided, then, subject to the other rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee with respect to senior debt securities of such series. (Sections 6.03 and 5.12)

 

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The indenture provides that if default is made on payment of interest and continues for a 30 day period or if default is made on payment of principal of any senior debt security of any series, PNC will, upon demand of the trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the holder of any such senior debt security, the whole amount then due and payable on such senior debt security for principal, premium, if any, and interest. The indenture further provides that if PNC fails to pay such amount immediately upon such demand, the trustee may, among other things, institute a judicial proceeding for its collection. (Section 5.03)

The indenture requires us to furnish annually to the trustee certificates as to the absence of any default under the indenture. (Section 10.04) The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of senior debt securities of any default (except in payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or sinking fund installment) if the trustee determines that the withholding of the notice is in the interest of those holders. (Section 6.02)

The holder of any senior debt security of any series may institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy thereunder if:

 

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a holder previously has given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to senior debt securities of that series,

 

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the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of that series have made a written request, and offered indemnity satisfactory to the trustee, to the trustee to institute such proceeding,

 

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the trustee has not received directions inconsistent with such request from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of that series, and

 

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the trustee has not started such proceeding within 60 days after receiving the request. (Section 5.07)

The holder of any senior debt security will have, however, an absolute right to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on such senior debt security when due, to convert such senior debt security, if applicable, and to institute suit to enforce any such payment. (Section 5.08)

Convertibility

The senior debt securities may be designated as convertible at the option of the holder into common stock of PNC in accordance with the term of such series. (Sections 3.01 and 14.01) You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for a description of the specific conversion provisions and terms of any series of convertible senior debt securities that we may offer by that prospectus supplement. These terms and provisions may include:

 

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the title and specific designation of the convertible senior debt securities;

 

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the terms and conditions upon which conversion of the convertible senior debt securities may be effected, including the conversion price or rate, the conversion period and other conversion provisions;

 

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any circumstances in which the conversion price or rate will be adjusted;

 

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the terms and conditions on which we may, or may be required to, redeem the convertible senior debt securities;

 

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the place or places where we must pay the convertible senior debt securities and where any convertible senior debt securities issued in registered form may be sent for transfer, conversion or exchange; and

 

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any other terms of the convertible senior debt securities and any other deletions from or modifications or additions to the indenture in respect of the convertible senior debt securities.

Defeasance

We may choose to defease the senior debt securities in one of two ways as follows. If we have the ability to do so, we will state that in the prospectus supplement. (Sections 13.01-13.06)

 

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Full Defeasance

We may terminate or “defease” our obligations under the indenture of any series of senior debt securities, provided that certain conditions are met, including:

 

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we must irrevocably deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders, a combination of U.S. dollars or U.S. government obligations, specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the senior debt securities on their applicable due dates;

 

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there must be a change in current federal tax law or an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) ruling that lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on your security any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the security. Under current tax law you could recognize gain or loss; and

 

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an opinion of independent counsel shall have been delivered to the trustee to the effect that the holders of the senior debt securities of such series will have no federal income tax consequences as a result of such deposit and termination and that if the securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) they will not be delisted.

If we ever fully defease your senior debt security, you will have to rely solely on the trust deposit for payments on your senior debt security. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. Your right to convert your senior debt security remains after defeasance.

Covenant Defeasance

Under current federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from some of the restrictive covenants relating to your senior debt security. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and securities set aside in trust to repay your senior debt security. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

 

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deposit in trust for the benefit of the holders of the senior debt securities a combination of U.S. dollars and U.S. government obligations specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the senior debt securities on their applicable due dates; and

 

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deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that under current federal income tax law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on your senior debt security any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the senior debt security ourselves.

Governing Law

The indenture provides that the senior debt securities will be governed by, and construed, in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, except that the rights, immunities, duties and liabilities of the trustee will be governed by New York law. (Section 1.12).

Regarding the Trustee

In the ordinary course of business, PNC may maintain lines of credit with one or more trustees for a series of senior debt securities and the principal subsidiary banks and other subsidiary banks may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with one or more trustees for a series of senior debt securities.

 

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Trustee’s Duty to Resign Under Certain Circumstances

The trustee serves as trustee on several debt indentures to which PNC is a party, including the indentures described in “Description of Debt Securities of PNC Funding and Guarantees”. Because one of these indentures provides for the issuance of subordinated debt securities by PNC Funding and guarantees by PNC of subordinated securities of PNC Funding that will rank junior in right of payment to the senior debt securities, the occurrence of a default under one of the indentures could create a conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act, as amended, with respect to any trustee who serves as trustee for both senior and subordinated debt securities. In addition, upon the occurrence of a default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities the trustee of which maintains banking relationships with PNC, such trustee would have a conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act as a result of such business relationships. If a default has not been cured or waived within 90 days after the trustee has or acquires a conflicting interest, the trustee generally is required by the Trust Indenture Act to eliminate such conflicting interest or resign as trustee with respect to the appropriate debt securities.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES OF PNC FUNDING AND GUARANTEES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities that PNC Funding may offer, and the guarantees of those debt securities by PNC. The debt securities may be either senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities or convertible senior debt securities. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the debt securities and guarantees offered through that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to those debt securities and guarantees.

The debt securities will be issued under:

 

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an indenture, dated as of December 1, 1991, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture dated as of February 15, 1993, a second supplemental indenture dated as of February 15, 2000, a third supplemental indenture dated as of December 19, 2008, a fourth supplemental indenture dated as of December 19, 2008 and a fifth supplemental indenture dated as of March 31, 2009, a copy of which has been filed with the SEC. The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly known as The Bank of New York, successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly known as Chemical Bank, successor by merger to the Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, is the trustee under the indenture, unless a different trustee for a series of debt securities is named in the prospectus supplement; or

 

•

in the case of convertible senior debt securities, an indenture, dated as of June 30, 2005, with The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly known as The Bank of New York, successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as trustee, for convertible senior debt securities.

For each series of debt securities, a supplemental indenture may be entered into among PNC Funding, PNC and the trustee or such other trustee as may be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of debt securities.

We have summarized the material terms and provisions of the indentures in this section. We encourage you to read the indentures for additional information before you buy any debt securities issued by PNC Funding and guaranteed by PNC. The summary that follows includes references to section numbers of the indentures so that you can more easily locate these provisions. If the section reference to each indenture is the same, you will see one parenthetical reference. If the section references differ, the second parenthetical refers to the June 30, 2005 indenture under which the convertible senior debt securities can be issued. Differences between the indentures are also discussed, where applicable. Because the convertible debt securities will be senior debt securities, the indenture under which the senior convertible debt securities may be issued does not include sections discussing subordination and the related definitions.

PNC Funding Debt Securities in General

The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of PNC Funding. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue from time to time in one or more series. (Section 3.01) The indenture provides that debt securities may be issued up to the principal amount authorized by us from time to time. (Section 3.01) Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities, we may reopen a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series.

We will specify in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities being offered the terms relating to the offering. The terms may include:

 

•

the title and type of the debt securities,

 

•

the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities,

 

•

the purchase price of the debt securities,

 

•

the date or dates on which debt securities may be issued,

 

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•

the date or dates on which the principal of and premium on the debt securities will be payable,

 

•

if the debt securities will be interest bearing:

 

•

the interest rate on the debt securities or the method by which the interest rate may be determined,

 

•

the date from which interest will accrue,

 

•

the record and interest payment dates for the debt securities,

 

•

the first interest payment date,

 

•

any circumstances under which we may defer interest payments,

 

•

the place or places where the principal of, and premium and interest on, the debt securities will be payable,

 

•

any optional redemption provisions that would permit us or the holders of debt securities to redeem the debt securities before their final maturity,

 

•

any sinking fund provisions that would obligate us to redeem the debt securities before their final maturity,

 

•

the denominations in which the debt securities shall be issued, if issued in denominations other than $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,

 

•

the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities that will be payable upon an acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities,

 

•

whether payment of the principal of, premium, and interest on, the debt securities will be with or without deduction for taxes, assessments or governmental charges, and with or without reimbursement of taxes, assessments or governmental charges paid by holders,

 

•

any events of default which will apply to the debt securities that differ from those contained in the indenture,

 

•

whether the debt securities will be issued in registered form or in bearer form, or in both registered form and bearer form,

 

•

the currency or currencies in which the debt securities will be denominated, payable, redeemable or repurchaseable,

 

•

whether the debt securities are convertible and the terms and conditions applicable to conversion, including the conversion price or rate at which shares of PNC common stock will be delivered, the circumstances in which such price or rate will be adjusted, the conversion period, and other conversion terms and provisions,

 

•

whether the debt securities of such series will be issued as a global security and, if so, the identity of the depositary for such series,

 

•

any trustees, paying agents, transfer agents or registrars for the debt securities,

 

•

any special federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities, and

 

•

any other terms of such debt securities.

If any of the debt securities are sold for, or if the principal of or any interest on any series of debt securities is payable in, foreign currencies or foreign currency units, the relevant restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.

Although the indenture provides that we may issue debt securities in registered form, with or without coupons, or in bearer form, each series of debt securities will be issued in fully registered form unless the prospectus supplement provides otherwise. Debt securities that are not registered as to interest will have coupons

 

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attached, unless issued as original issue discount securities. The indenture under which convertible senior debt securities may be issued does not provide for the issuance of securities with coupons or in bearer form.

The principal of, and premium and interest on, fully registered securities will be payable at the place of payment designated for such securities and stated in the prospectus supplement. PNC Funding also has the right to make interest payments by check mailed to the holder at the holder’s registered address. The principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on any debt securities in other forms will be payable in the manner and at the place or places as may be designated by PNC Funding and specified in the prospectus supplement. (Sections 3.01 and 5.01) (Sections 3.01 and 10.01)

You may exchange or transfer the debt securities at the corporate trust office of the trustee for the series of debt securities or at any other office or agency maintained by us for those purposes. You may transfer bearer debt securities by delivery. We will not require payment of a service charge for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but PNC Funding may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge. (Section 3.05)

Unless the prospectus supplement provides otherwise, each series of the debt securities will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof and payable in dollars. (Section 3.02) Under the indenture, however, debt securities may be issued in any denomination and payable in a foreign currency or currency unit. (Section 3.01)

We may issue debt securities with “original issue discount.” Original issue discount debt securities bear no interest or bear interest at below-market rates and will be sold below their stated principal amount. The prospectus supplement will describe any special federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any securities issued with original issue discount.

PNC Funding Senior Debt Securities

The senior debt securities, including convertible senior debt securities, will rank equally with all senior indebtedness of PNC Funding.

“Senior indebtedness of PNC Funding” means the principal of, and premium and interest on, (i) all “indebtedness for money borrowed” of PNC Funding whether outstanding on the date of execution of the indenture or thereafter created, assumed or incurred, and (ii) any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such indebtedness. The following indebtedness of PNC Funding, however, is not considered to be senior indebtedness of PNC Funding:

 

•

5 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2015 and 5.625% Subordinated Notes due 2017.

The term “indebtedness for money borrowed” means:

 

•

any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, PNC Funding for the repayment of money borrowed, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments,

 

•

any capitalized lease obligation, and

 

•

any deferred obligation for payment of the purchase price of any property or assets. (Section 1.01)

There is no limitation on PNC Funding creating, incurring or issuing additional senior indebtedness.

PNC Funding Subordinated Debt Securities

The subordinated debt securities will rank equally with all other unsecured subordinated indebtedness of PNC Funding. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of PNC Funding. (Section 12.01) In certain events of insolvency of PNC Funding, the subordinated

 

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debt securities will also be effectively subordinated in right of payment to all “other company obligations” and will be subject to an obligation of PNC Funding to pay any “excess proceeds” (as defined in the indenture) to creditors in respect of any unpaid “other company obligations.” (Section 12.13).

“Other company obligations” means obligations of PNC Funding associated with derivative products such as interest rate and currency exchange contracts, foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts, or any similar arrangements, unless the instrument by which PNC Funding incurred, assumed or guaranteed the obligation expressly provides that it is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other indebtedness or obligations of PNC Funding. (Section 1.01)

Upon the liquidation, dissolution, winding up, or reorganization of PNC Funding, PNC Funding must pay to the holders of all senior indebtedness of PNC Funding the full amounts of principal of, and premium and interest on, that senior indebtedness before any payment is made on the subordinated debt securities. If, after PNC Funding has made those payments on the senior indebtedness:

 

•

(i) there are amounts available for payment on the subordinated debt securities (as defined in the indenture, “excess proceeds”), and (ii) at such time, any creditors in respect of “other company obligations” have not received their full payments, then

 

•

PNC Funding shall first use such excess proceeds to pay in full all such “other company obligations” before PNC Funding makes any payment in respect of the subordinated debt securities. (Section 12.02)

In addition, PNC Funding may not make any payment on the subordinated debt securities in the event:

 

•

PNC Funding has failed to make full payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior indebtedness of PNC Funding, or

 

•

any event of default with respect to any senior indebtedness of PNC Funding has occurred and is continuing, or would occur as a result of such payment on the subordinated debt securities. (Section 12.03)

Because of the subordination provisions and the obligation to pay excess proceeds, in the event of insolvency, holders of the subordinated debt securities may recover less, ratably, than holders of senior indebtedness of PNC Funding and “other company obligations” and other creditors of PNC Funding. (Sections 12.01, 12.02, 12.03, and 12.13)

PNC Funding’s obligations under the subordinated debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with each other, subject to the obligations of the holders of subordinated debt securities to pay over any excess proceeds to creditors in respect of “other company obligations” as provided in the indenture. (Section 12.13)

Guarantees by PNC in General

PNC will unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise. (Section 3.12) (Section 3.11)

PNC is a holding company that conducts substantially all its operations through subsidiaries. As a result, claims of the holders of the guarantees will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of PNC’s subsidiaries (including, in the case of any bank subsidiary, its depositors), except to the extent that PNC may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. In addition, there are certain regulatory and other limitations on the payment of dividends and on loans and other transfers of funds to PNC by its bank subsidiaries.

 

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Guarantees of Senior Debt Securities

The guarantees of senior debt securities, including convertible senior debt securities, will rank equally with all senior indebtedness of PNC.

“Senior indebtedness of PNC” means the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, (i) all “indebtedness for money borrowed” of PNC, whether outstanding on the date of execution of the indenture or thereafter created, assumed or incurred, and (ii) any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such indebtedness of PNC. (Section 1.01) PNC’s guarantee of the following indebtedness of PNC Funding outstanding as of the date of this prospectus, however, is not considered to be senior indebtedness of PNC:

 

•

5 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2015 and 5.625% Subordinated Notes due 2017.

The 4.625% Subordinated Notes due 2013 originally issued by Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, which are obligations of PNC, are also not considered senior indebtedness of PNC. Additionally, the 6.875% Subordinated Notes due 2019 originally issued by National City Corporation, which are obligations of PNC, are also not considered senior indebtedness of PNC.

The term “indebtedness for money borrowed” means

 

•

any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, PNC for the repayment of money borrowed, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments,

 

•

any capitalized lease obligation, and

 

•

any deferred obligation for payment of the purchase price of any property or assets. (Section 1.01)

“Senior indebtedness of PNC” includes PNC’s guarantee of any outstanding senior notes of PNC Funding, any senior notes that are direct obligations of PNC, including those obligations assumed by PNC upon the closing of the acquisition of National City and PNC’s guarantee of any outstanding commercial paper issued by PNC Funding. There is no limitation under the indenture on the issuance of additional senior indebtedness of PNC.

Guarantees of Subordinated Debt Securities

The guarantees of the subordinated debt securities (“subordinated guarantees”) will be subordinated in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of PNC. (Section 12.04) In certain events of insolvency of PNC, the subordinated guarantees will also be effectively subordinated in right of payment to all “other guarantor obligations” (as defined in the indenture). (Section 12.05) “Other guarantor obligations” means obligations of PNC associated with derivative products such as interest rate and currency exchange contracts, foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts or any similar arrangements, unless the instrument by which PNC incurred, assumed or guaranteed the obligation expressly provides that it is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other indebtedness or obligations of PNC. (Section 1.01)

Upon the liquidation, dissolution, winding up, or reorganization of PNC, PNC must pay to the holders of all senior indebtedness of PNC the full amounts of principal of, and premium and interest on, that senior indebtedness before any payment is made on the subordinated debt securities. If, after PNC has made those payments on the senior indebtedness:

 

•

(i) there are amounts available for payment on the subordinated debt securities (as defined in the indenture, “excess proceeds”), and (ii) at such time, any creditors in respect of “other guarantor obligations” have not received their full payments, then

 

•

PNC shall first use such excess proceeds to pay in full all such “other guarantor obligations” before PNC makes any payment in respect of the subordinated debt securities. (Section 12.05)

 

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In addition, PNC may not make any payment on the subordinated debt securities in the event:

 

•

PNC has failed to make full payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior indebtedness of PNC, or

 

•

any event of default with respect to any senior indebtedness of PNC has occurred and is continuing, or would occur as a result of such payment on the subordinated debt securities. (Section 12.06)

Because of the subordination provisions and the obligation to pay excess proceeds, in the event of insolvency, holders of subordinated guarantees of PNC may recover less, ratably, than holders of senior indebtedness of PNC, “other guarantor obligations” (as defined in the indenture) and other creditors of PNC. (Section 3.12, 12.04, 12.05, 12.06 and 12.14)

As provided in the indenture, in the event of insolvency of PNC, the holders of the subordinated guarantees are subject to an obligation to pay any excess proceeds to creditors in respect of any unpaid “other guarantor obligations” (as defined in the indenture).

The subordinated guarantees will also rank equally in right of payment with PNC’s guarantee of the following subordinated notes of PNC Funding as of the date of this prospectus:

 

•

5 1/4% Subordinated Notes Due 2015 and 5.625% Subordinated Notes due 2017.

As with holders of the subordinated guarantees, the holders of the foregoing guarantees of the subordinated notes of PNC Funding are subject to an obligation to pay any excess proceeds to creditors in respect of any unpaid “other guarantor obligations.” Therefore, in the event of insolvency of PNC, holders of the subordinated guarantees will recover the same, ratably, as holders of PNC’s guarantees of such subordinated notes of PNC Funding.

The subordinated guarantees will also rank equally with the 4.625% Subordinated Notes due 2013 originally issued by Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, which are obligations of PNC, and the 6.875% Subordinated Notes due 2019 originally issued by National City Corporation, which are obligations of PNC.

PNC’s junior subordinated debentures, discussed below, rank junior to the subordinated guarantees.

Effect of Subordination Provisions

By reason of the subordination provisions described above and as described more fully in the applicable prospectus supplement, in the event of insolvency of PNC Funding, holders of subordinated notes may recover less, ratably, than holders of senior indebtedness of PNC Funding and “other company obligations.” Holders of subordinated notes may also recover less, ratably, than other creditors of PNC Funding. Similarly, holders of subordinated guarantees may recover less, ratably, than holders of senior indebtedness of PNC and “other guarantor obligations,” and may also recover less, ratably, than holders of other creditors of PNC.

Certain Covenants

The indenture contains certain covenants that impose various restrictions on us and, as a result, afford the holders of debt securities certain protections. The section below provides a description of the covenants. You should review the full text of the covenants to be able to evaluate the covenants.

Restriction on Sale or Issuance of Voting Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank

The covenant described below is designed to ensure that, for so long as any senior debt securities or convertible senior debt securities are issued and outstanding, PNC will continue directly or indirectly to own and thus serve as the holding company for its “principal subsidiary banks.” When we use the term “principal subsidiary banks,” we mean each of:

 

•

PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”),

 

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•

any other subsidiary bank the consolidated assets of which constitute 20% or more of the consolidated assets of PNC and its subsidiaries,

 

•

any other subsidiary bank designated as a principal subsidiary bank by the board of directors of PNC, or

 

•

any subsidiary that owns any voting shares or certain rights to acquire voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank, and their respective successors, provided any such successor is a subsidiary bank or a subsidiary, as appropriate.

As of the date hereof, PNC’s only principal subsidiary banks are PNC Bank and its parent, PNC Bancorp, Inc.

The indenture prohibits PNC, unless debtholder consent is obtained from the holders of senior debt securities and convertible senior debt securities, from:

 

•

selling or otherwise disposing of, and permitting a principal subsidiary bank to issue, voting shares or certain rights to acquire voting shares of a principal subsidiary bank,

 

•

permitting the merger or consolidation of a principal subsidiary bank with or into any other corporation, or

 

•

permitting the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of any principal subsidiary bank,

if, after giving effect to any one of such transactions and the issuance of the maximum number of voting shares issuable upon the exercise of all such rights to acquire voting shares of a principal subsidiary bank, PNC would own directly or indirectly less than 80% of the voting shares of such principal subsidiary bank.

These restrictions do not apply to:

 

•

transactions required by any law, or any regulation or order of any governmental authority,

 

•

transactions required as a condition imposed by any governmental authority to the acquisition by PNC, directly or indirectly, or any other corporation or entity if thereafter,

 

•

PNC would own at least 80% of the voting shares of the other corporation or entity,

 

•

the consolidated banking assets of PNC would be at least equal to those prior thereto, and

 

•

the board of directors of PNC shall have designated the other corporation or entity a principal subsidiary bank,

 

•

transactions that do not reduce the percentage of voting shares of such principal subsidiary bank owned directly or indirectly by PNC, and

 

•

transactions where the proceeds are invested within 180 days after such transaction in any one or more subsidiary banks.

The indenture does permit the following:

 

•

the merger of a principal subsidiary bank with and into a principal subsidiary bank or PNC,

 

•

the consolidation of principal subsidiary banks into a principal subsidiary bank or PNC, or

 

•

the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any principal subsidiary bank to another principal subsidiary bank or PNC. (Section 5.06) (Section 10.06)

PNC must only comply with this covenant if there are outstanding senior debt securities and a breach of this covenant is not a default with respect to subordinated debt securities.

 

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Ownership of PNC Funding

The indenture contains a covenant that, so long as any of the debt securities are outstanding, PNC will continue to own, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding voting shares of PNC Funding. (Section 5.07) (Section 10.07)

Restriction on Liens

The purpose of the restriction on liens covenant is to preserve PNC’s direct or indirect interest in voting shares of principal subsidiary banks free of security interests of other creditors. The covenant permits certain specified liens and liens where the senior debt securities are equally secured. The indenture prohibits PNC and its subsidiaries from creating or permitting any liens (other than certain tax and judgment liens) upon voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank to secure indebtedness for borrowed money unless the senior debt securities are equally and ratably secured. Notwithstanding this prohibition, PNC may create or permit the following:

 

•

purchase money liens and liens on voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank existing at the time such voting shares are acquired or created within 120 days thereafter,

 

•

the acquisition of any voting shares of any principal subsidiary bank subject to liens at the time of acquisition or the assumption of obligations secured by a lien on such voting shares,

 

•

under certain circumstances, renewals, extensions or refunding of the liens described in the two preceding bullets, and

 

•

liens to secure loans or other extensions of credit under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act or any successor or similar federal law or regulation. (Section 5.08) (Section 10.08)

Consolidation or Merger

The covenant described below protects the holders of debt securities upon certain transactions involving PNC Funding or PNC by requiring any successor to PNC Funding or PNC to assume the predecessor’s obligations under the indenture. In addition, the covenant prohibits such transactions if they would result in an event of default, a default or an event which could become an event of default or a default under the indenture. PNC Funding or PNC may consolidate with, merge into, or transfer substantially all of its properties to, any other corporation organized under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction, if:

 

•

the successor corporation assumes all obligations of PNC Funding or PNC, as the case may be, under the debt securities and the guarantees and under the indenture and for convertible debt securities provides for conversion rights in accordance with the terms of the indenture,

 

•

immediately after the transaction, no event of default or default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an event of default or default, exists, and

 

•

certain other conditions are met. (Sections 10.01 and 10.03) (Sections 8.01 and 8.03)

The indenture does not limit our ability to enter into a highly leveraged transaction or provide you with any special protection in the event of such a transaction.

Modification and Waiver

We and the trustee may modify the indenture with the consent of the holders of the majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modification. The following modifications and amendments, however, will not be effective against any holder without the consent of the holder of each security:

 

•

change the stated maturity of any payment of principal or interest,

 

•

reduce the principal amount of, or the premium, if any, or the interest on such debt security,

 

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•

reduce the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount debt security, payable upon acceleration of the maturity of that debt security,

 

•

change the place or places where, or the currency in which, any debt security or any premium or interest is payable,

 

•

impair the right of the holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any debt security,

 

•

reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities necessary to modify the indenture or the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities necessary to waive compliance with conditions and defaults under the indenture, or

 

•

modify or affect the terms and conditions of the guarantees in any manner adverse to the holder. (Section 9.02)

We and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

 

•

to evidence the succession of another corporation to PNC Funding or PNC,

 

•

to provide for the acceptance of appointment of a successor trustee,

 

•

to add to the covenants of PNC Funding or PNC for the benefit of the holders of debt securities,

 

•

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture, if such action does not adversely affect the holders of debt securities in any material respect,

 

•

to secure the debt securities under applicable provisions of the indenture,

 

•

to establish the form or terms of debt securities,

 

•

to permit the payment in the United States of principal, premium or interest on unregistered securities, or

 

•

to provide for the issuance of uncertificated debt securities in place of certificated debt securities. (Section 9.01)

In addition, the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of that series, waive compliance with certain covenants, including those described under the captions above entitled “Restriction on Sale or Issuance of Voting Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank,” “Ownership of PNC Funding” and “Restriction on Liens.” (Section 5.09) (Section 10.09) If there are no senior debt securities outstanding, PNC may omit to comply with the covenant described under the caption above entitled “Restriction on Sale or Issuance of Voting Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank” without obtaining a waiver from the holders of subordinated debt securities. (Section 5.10) Covenants concerning the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities, compliance with the terms of the indenture, maintenance of an agency, and certain monies held in trust may only be waived pursuant to a supplemental indenture executed with the consent of each affected holder of debt securities. The covenant concerning certain reports required by federal law may not be waived.

Events of Default, Defaults, Waivers

The indenture defines an event of default with respect to any series of senior debt securities as being any one of the following events unless such event is specifically deleted or modified in connection with the establishment of the debt securities of a particular series:

 

•

failure to pay interest on such series for 30 days after the payment is due,

 

•

failure to pay the principal of or premium, if any, on such series when due,

 

•

failure to deposit any sinking fund payment with respect to such series when due,

 

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•

failure to perform any other covenant or warranty in the indenture that applies to such series for 90 days after we have received written notice of the failure to perform in the manner specified in the indenture,

 

•

the occurrence of certain events relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of either of us or any principal subsidiary bank, or

 

•

any other event of default specified in the supplemental indenture under which such senior debt securities are issued or in the form of security for such securities. (Section 7.01(a)) (Section 5.01)

The indenture defines an event of default with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities as certain events involving the bankruptcy or reorganization of PNC or any principal subsidiary bank, or any other event of default specified in the supplemental indenture under which such subordinated debt securities are issued or in the form of securities for such series. (Section 7.01(b)) There is no right of acceleration in the case of events involving the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of PNC Funding or of a default in the payment of principal, interest, premium, if any, or any sinking fund payment with respect to a series of subordinated debt securities or in the case of a default in the performance of any other covenant of PNC Funding or PNC in the indenture. Accordingly, payment of principal of any series of subordinated debt may be accelerated only in the case of the bankruptcy or reorganization of PNC or any principal subsidiary bank.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to any series of debt securities, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal of such series (or if debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, a specified amount of the principal) to be due and payable immediately. Subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may rescind such declaration and waive certain defaults. Prior to any declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series may waive any past default or event of default, except a payment default, or a past default or event of default in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture which cannot be modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected. (Sections 7.02, 7.08 and 7.13) (Sections 5.02, 5.08 and 5.13)

The indenture defines a default with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities as being any one of the following events unless such event is specifically deleted or modified in connection with the establishment of the debt securities of a particular series:

 

•

failure to pay interest on such series for 30 days after the payment is due,

 

•

failure to pay the principal of or premium, if any, on such series when due,

 

•

failure to perform any other covenant or warranty in the indenture that applies to such series for 90 days after we have received written notice of the failure to perform in the manner specified in the indenture,

 

•

any other event of default specified in the supplemental indenture under which such subordinated debt securities are issued or in the form of security for such securities, or

 

•

events involving the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of PNC Funding. (Section 7.01(c))

A breach of the covenant described under the caption above entitled “Restriction on Sale or Issuance of Voting Stock of a Principal Subsidiary Bank” will not result in a default with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities. (Sections 7.01(c) and 5.10(a))

Other than its duties in the case of an event of default or a default, the trustee is not obligated to exercise any of the rights or powers in the indenture at the request or direction of holders of debt securities unless such holders offer the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. If reasonable indemnification is provided, then, subject to the other rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any

 

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series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee with respect to debt securities of such series. (Sections 8.03 and 7.12) (Sections 6.03 and 5.12)

The indenture provides that if default is made on payment of interest and continues for a 30 day period or if default is made on payment of principal of any debt security of any series, PNC Funding will, upon demand of the trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the holder of any such debt security, the whole amount then due and payable on such debt security for principal and interest. The indenture further provides that if PNC Funding fails to pay such amount immediately upon such demand, the trustee may, among other things, institute a judicial proceeding for its collection. (Section 7.03) (Section 5.03)

The indenture requires us to furnish annually to the trustee certificates as to the absence of any default under the indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default (except in payment of principal, premium, if any, interest or sinking fund installment) if the trustee determines that the withholding of the notice is in the interest of those holders. (Sections 5.04 and 8.02) (Sections 10.04 and 6.02)

The holder of any debt security of any series may institute any proceeding with respect to the indenture or for any remedy thereunder if:

 

•

a holder previously has given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default or default with respect to debt securities of that series,

 

•

the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made a written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the trustee to institute such proceeding,

 

•

the trustee has not received directions inconsistent with such request from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, and

 

•

the trustee has not started such proceeding within 60 days after receiving the request. (Section 7.07) (Section 5.07)

The holder of any debt security will have, however, an absolute right to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on such debt security when due and to institute suit to enforce any such payment. (Section 7.08) (Section 5.08)

Convertibility

The convertible senior debt securities may, at the option of the holder, be converted into common stock of PNC in accordance with the term of such series. (Section 14.01) You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for a description of the specific conversion provisions and terms of any series of convertible senior debt securities that we may offer by that prospectus supplement. These terms and provisions may include:

 

•

the title and specific designation of the convertible debt securities;

 

•

the terms and conditions upon which conversion of the convertible debt securities may be effected, including the conversion price or rate, the conversion period and other conversion provisions;

 

•

any circumstances in which the conversion price or rate will be adjusted;

 

•

the terms and conditions on which we may, or may be required to, redeem the convertible debt securities;

 

•

the place or places where we must pay the convertible debt securities and where any convertible debt securities issued in registered form may be sent for transfer, conversion or exchange; and

 

•

any other terms of the convertible debt securities and any other deletions from or modifications or additions to the indenture in respect of the convertible debt securities.

 

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Defeasance

Senior and Subordinated Debt Securities Other than Convertible Senior Debt Securities

In the case of debt securities other than convertible senior debt securities and except as may otherwise be provided in any applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture provides that we will be discharged from our obligations under the debt securities of a series at any time prior to the stated maturity or redemption thereof when we have irrevocably deposited in trust with the trustee money and/or government securities which through the payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide sufficient funds, without reinvestment, to repay in full the debt securities of such series. Deposited funds will be in the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are denominated. Deposited government securities will be direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are fully guaranteed by, the government which issued the currency in which the debt securities are denominated, and which are not subject to prepayment, redemption or call. Upon such discharge, the holders of the debt securities of such series will no longer be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for the purposes of registration of transfer and exchange of the debt securities of such series, and replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated debt securities, and may look only to such deposited funds or obligations for payment. (Sections 11.01 and 11.02)

For federal income tax purposes, the deposit and discharge may, depending on a variety of factors, result in a taxable gain or loss being recognized by the holders of the affected debt securities. You are urged to consult your own tax advisers as to the specific consequences of such a deposit and discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than federal income tax laws.

Convertible Senior Debt Securities

We may choose to defease the convertible senior debt securities in one of two ways as follows. If we do so choose, we will state that in the prospectus supplement. (Sections 13.01-13.06)

(1) Full Defeasance. We may terminate or “defease” our obligations under the indenture of any series of convertible senior debt securities, provided that certain conditions are met, including:

 

•

we must irrevocably deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders, a combination of U.S. dollars or U.S. government obligations, specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their applicable due dates;

 

•

there must be a change in current federal tax law or an IRS ruling that lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on your security any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the security. Under current tax law you could recognize gain or loss; and

 

•

an opinion of independent counsel shall have been delivered to the trustee to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of such series will have no federal income tax consequences as a result of such deposit and termination and that if the securities are listed on the NYSE they will not be delisted.

If we ever fully defease your debt security, you will have to rely solely on the trust deposit for payments on your debt security. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. Your right to convert your debt security remains after defeasance.

 

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(2) Covenant Defeasance. Under current federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from some of the restrictive covenants relating to your debt security. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and securities set aside in trust to repay your debt security. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

 

•

deposit in trust for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities a combination of U.S. dollars and U.S. government obligations specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their applicable due dates; and

 

•

deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that under current federal income tax law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on your debt security any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt security ourselves.

Governing Law

The indenture provides that the debt securities and the guarantees will be governed by, and construed, in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Section 1.13) (Section 1.12).

Regarding the Trustee

In the ordinary course of business, we may maintain lines of credit with one or more trustees for a series of debt securities and the principal subsidiary banks and other subsidiary banks may maintain deposit accounts and conduct other banking transactions with one or more trustees for a series of debt securities.

Trustee’s Duty to Resign Under Certain Circumstances

PNC Funding may issue both senior and subordinated debt securities under the indenture. Because the subordinated debt securities will rank junior in right of payment to the senior debt securities, the occurrence of a default under the indenture with respect to the subordinated debt securities or any senior debt securities could create a conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, with respect to any trustee who serves as trustee for both senior and subordinated debt securities. In addition, upon the occurrence of a default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities the trustee of which maintains banking relationships with PNC Funding or PNC, such trustee would have a conflicting interest under the Trust Indenture Act as a result of such business relationships. If a default has not been cured or waived within 90 days after the trustee has or acquires a conflicting interest, the trustee generally is required by the Trust Indenture Act to eliminate such conflicting interest or resign as trustee with respect to the subordinated debt securities or the senior debt securities. In the event of the trustee’s resignation, we will promptly appoint a successor trustee with respect to the affected securities.

 

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GLOBAL DEBT SECURITIES OF PNC AND PNC FUNDING

The following discussion applies to debt securities issued by either PNC or PNC Funding described in this prospectus.

Registered Securities

Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable supplement, we will issue the debt securities in registered form. This means that our obligation runs to the holder of the debt security named on the face of the debt security. Each debt security in registered form will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of debt securities.

We refer to those persons who have debt securities registered in their own names, on the books that we or the trustee maintain for this purpose, as the “holders” of those securities. These persons are the legal holders of the debt securities. We refer to those who, indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in debt securities that are not registered in their own names as indirect owners of those debt securities. As we discuss below, indirect owners are not legal holders, and investors in securities issued in global, or book-entry, form or in street name will be indirect owners.

Book-Entry Only Issuance

Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable supplement, we will issue each debt security in global, or book-entry, form. This means that we will not issue actual notes to investors. Instead, we will issue global debt securities in registered form representing the entire issuance of debt securities. Each global security will be registered in the name of a financial institution or clearing system that holds the global security as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions that participate in that depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the global securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.

Because debt securities issued in global form are registered in the name of the depositary, we will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the debt securities. This means that we will make all payments on the debt securities to the depositary. The depositary passes along the payments it receives from us to its participants, which in turn pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants are not obligated to pass these payments along under the terms of the debt securities. Instead, they do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers.

As a result, investors will not own debt securities issued in book-entry form directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker, or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant in the depositary’s book-entry system. As long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will be indirect owners, and not holders, of the debt securities. The depositary will not have knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities.

Book-Entry System

The depositary will be The Depository Trust Company, known as DTC, unless otherwise identified in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for individual certificates evidencing debt securities in definitive form represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security or any nominee thereof to a successor of such depositary or a nominee of such successor

If DTC is the depositary for a series of debt securities, the series will be issued as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One fully registered global security will be issued for each series of debt securities, in the aggregate principal amount of the series, and will be deposited with DTC. If, however, the aggregate principal amount of the series of debt securities exceeds $500 million, one global security will be issued with respect to each $500 million of principal amount and an additional global security will be issued with respect to any remaining principal amount of the series.

 

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DTC, the world’s largest securities depositary, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments that its direct participants deposit with DTC. Direct participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly (“indirect participants”).

Purchases of the debt securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the debt securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each debt security, the beneficial owner, is in turn to be recorded on the direct and indirect participants’ records. Beneficial owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. A beneficial owner, however, is expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of its holdings, from the direct or indirect participant through which the beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the debt securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of direct and indirect participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the debt securities, except if the use of the book-entry system for the debt securities is discontinued.

The deposit of global debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the global debt securities; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts global debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The direct participants and indirect participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants and by direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

To the extent any issuance of debt securities is redeemable, we will send redemption notices to DTC. If less than all of the debt securities within an issue are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in such issue to be redeemed. The applicable prospectus supplement for an issuance of debt securities will indicate whether such issue is redeemable.

None of DTC, Cede & Co., or any other DTC nominee will consent or vote with respect to the debt securities unless authorized by a direct participant in accordance with DTC’s MMI procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts the debt securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy).

A beneficial owner must give any required notice of its election to have its debt securities repurchased through the participant through which it holds its beneficial interest in the security to the applicable trustee or tender agent. The beneficial owner shall effect delivery of its debt securities by causing the direct participant to transfer its interest in the debt securities on DTC’s records. The requirement for physical delivery of debt securities in connection with an optional tender or a mandatory purchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the debt securities are transferred by the direct participant on DTC’s records and followed by a book-entry credit of tendered debt securities to the applicable trustee or agent’s DTC account.

 

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Principal and interest payments on the global debt securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts, upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from the issuer or agent, on the payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as in the case of debt securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name.” These payments will be the responsibility of such participant and not DTC, PNC, PNC Funding or any agent thereof, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) will be the responsibility of PNC or PNC Funding, as applicable, or its respective agent. Disbursement of such payments to direct participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to beneficial owners will be the responsibility of direct participants and indirect participants. None of PNC, PNC Funding, any trustee or agent, or the registrar for the debt securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of the global security or global debt securities for any series of debt securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

If DTC is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as the depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by PNC Funding or PNC, as applicable, PNC Funding or PNC, as applicable, will issue certificated debt securities for each series in definitive form in exchange for each global security. If PNC Funding or PNC, as applicable, determines not to have a series of debt securities represented by a global security, which it may do, it will issue certificated debt securities for such series in definitive form in exchange for the global security. In either instance, a beneficial owner will be entitled to physical delivery of certificated debt securities for such series in definitive form equal in principal amount to such beneficial owner’s beneficial interest in the global security and to have such certificated debt securities for such series registered in such beneficial owner’s name. Certificated debt securities so issued in definitive form will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof and will be issued in registered form only, without coupons.

Beneficial interests in the global debt securities will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. If so stated in the relevant prospectus supplement, beneficial owners may elect to hold interests in the debt securities through either DTC (in the United States), Clearstream Banking S.A., known as “Clearstream, Luxembourg,” or through Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, or “Euroclear” (in Europe), either directly if they are participants of such systems or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such systems. Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in Clearstream, Luxembourg’s and Euroclear’s names on the books of their U.S. depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers’ securities accounts in the U.S. depositaries’ names on the books of DTC.

Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg each hold securities for their customers and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions by electronic book-entry transfer between their respective account holders (each such account holder, a “participant” and collectively, the “participants”). Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg provide various services including safekeeping, administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities lending and borrowing. Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg also deal with domestic securities markets in several countries through established depositary and custodial relationships. Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg have established an electronic bridge between their two systems across which their respective participants may settle trades with each other. Euroclear is incorporated under the laws of Belgium and Clearstream, Luxembourg is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg.

Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg customers are world-wide financial institutions, including underwriters, securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations. Indirect access to

 

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Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg is available to other institutions that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant of either system.

The address of Euroclear is Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., 1 Boulevard du Roi Albert II, B-1210 Brussels and the address of Clearstream, Luxembourg is Clearstream Banking, 42 Avenue JF Kennedy, L-1855, Luxembourg.

DTC is the depositary for a global security, Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg may hold interests in the global security as participants in DTC.

We have provided the descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear solely as a matter of convenience. The information in this section has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for its accuracy. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of those organizations and are subject to change by them from time to time. We and the paying agent do not take any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests in the debt securities represented by a global note to those persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in debt securities represented by a global note to pledge or transfer such interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of such interest.

Neither we nor the principal paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of debt securities by DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg, or Euroclear, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of those organizations relating to the debt securities.

Clearance and Settlement Procedures

Unless otherwise mentioned in the relevant prospectus supplement, initial settlement for the debt securities will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and/or Euroclear participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable rules and operating procedures of Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear and will be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional Eurobonds in immediately available funds.

Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly through DTC on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or Euroclear participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international clearing system by the U.S. depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving the debt securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Clearstream, Luxembourg customers and Euroclear participants may not deliver instructions directly to their U.S. depositaries.

 

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Because of time-zone differences, credits of the debt securities received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a DTC participant will be made during subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in the debt securities settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg customers or Euroclear participants on such business day. Cash received in Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear as a result of sales of the debt securities by or through a Clearstream, Luxembourg customer or a Euroclear participant to a DTC participant will be received with value on the DTC settlement date but will be available in the relevant Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following settlement in DTC.

Although DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of the debt securities among participants of DTC, Clearstream, Luxembourg and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

General

As of the date of the prospectus, PNC is authorized to issue 800,000,000 shares of common stock.

The following summary is not complete. You should refer to the applicable provisions of the following for a complete statement of the terms and rights of the common stock:

 

•

PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, which you can find as Exhibit 3.1 of PNC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, including the statements with respect to shares pursuant to which the outstanding series of preferred stock were issued,

 

•

the statement with respect to shares governing PNC’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series O, which you can find as Exhibit 3.1 of PNC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2011,

 

•

the statement with respect to shares governing PNC’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series P, which you can find as Exhibit 3.1 of PNC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 24, 2012,

 

•

any statements with respect to shares pursuant to which additional series of preferred stock may be issued, and

 

•

Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, or PBCL.

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to shareholders. Holders of common stock have neither cumulative voting rights nor any preemptive rights for the purchase of additional shares of any class of stock of PNC, and are not subject to liability for further calls or assessments. The common stock does not have any sinking fund, conversion or redemption provisions.

In the event of dissolution or winding up of the affairs of PNC, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payments to all creditors and payments required to be made in respect of outstanding preferred stock (including accrued and unpaid dividends thereon) have been made.

The board of directors of PNC may, except as otherwise required by applicable law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, cause the issuance of authorized shares of common stock without shareholder approval to such persons and for such consideration as the board of directors may determine in connection with acquisitions by PNC or for other corporate purposes.

Computershare Trust Company, N.A., Canton MA, is the transfer agent and registrar for PNC’s common stock. The shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNC.” The outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares offered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement will be, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and the holders of the common stock are not and will not be subject to any liability as shareholders.

Dividends

Holders of PNC’s common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. The payment of future dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors which will consider, among other factors, our operating results, overall financial condition, credit-risk considerations and capital requirements, as well as general business and market conditions. We are incorporated in Pennsylvania and governed by the PBCL. PNC’s board of directors may not pay or set apart dividends on common stock until dividends for all past dividend periods on any series of outstanding preferred stock have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. Under the PBCL, PNC cannot pay dividends if, after giving effect to the dividend payments, it would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of its business or its total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the

 

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amount that would be needed if it were to be dissolved at the time as of which the dividend is measured, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the dividends. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve, in its expectation that a bank holding company act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks, has reiterated the requirement to inform and consult with the Federal Reserve before paying dividends that could raise safety and soundness concerns.

The terms of each of PNC’s outstanding series of preferred stock prohibit us from paying dividends with respect to PNC’s common stock unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all completed dividend periods with respect to that preferred stock have been paid.

Dividends from PNC’s subsidiary banks are the primary source of funds for payment of dividends to PNC stockholders and there are statutory limits on the amount of dividends that our subsidiary banks can pay to us without regulatory approval. PNC is a holding company that conducts substantially all of its operations through its bank subsidiaries and other subsidiaries. As a result, PNC’s ability to make dividend payments on the common stock depends primarily on certain federal regulatory considerations and the receipt of dividends and other distributions from our subsidiaries. There are various regulatory restrictions on the ability of our banking subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to us, and those restrictions can vary among the different subsidiaries based on performance, capital and other factors. For additional information regarding the regulatory restrictions applicable to PNC and its subsidiaries, see “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation” in PNC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A, which is incorporated by reference herein.

PNC has outstanding junior subordinated debentures with various interest rates and maturities. The terms of these debentures permit PNC to defer interest payments on the debentures for up to five years. If PNC defers interest payments on these debentures, PNC may not during the deferral period:

 

•

declare or pay any cash dividends on any of its common stock,

 

•

redeem any of its common stock,

 

•

purchase or acquire any of its common stock, or

 

•

make a liquidation payment on any of its common stock.

Other Provisions

PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and bylaws contain various provisions that may discourage or delay attempts to gain control of PNC. PNC’s bylaws include provisions:

 

•

authorizing the board of directors to fix the size of the board between five and 36 directors,

 

•

authorizing directors to fill vacancies on the board occurring between annual shareholder meetings, including vacancies resulting from an increase in the number of directors,

 

•

authorizing only the board of directors or the Chairman of the board to call a special meeting of shareholders,

 

•

providing advance notice requirements for director nominations and business to be properly brought before a shareholder meeting, and

 

•

authorizing a majority of the board of directors to alter, amend, add to or repeal the bylaws.

PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation vest the authority to make, amend and repeal the bylaws in the board of directors, subject to the power of its shareholders to change any such action.

Provisions of Pennsylvania law also could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of PNC or have the effect of discouraging a third party from attempting to control PNC. The PBCL allows Pennsylvania

 

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corporations to elect to either be covered or not be covered by certain of the “anti-takeover” provisions. PNC has elected in its bylaws not to be covered by Subchapter G of Chapter 25 of the PBCL, which would otherwise enable existing shareholders of PNC in certain circumstances to block the voting rights of an acquiring person who makes or proposes to make a control-share acquisition. PNC has also opted out of the protection of Subchapter H of Chapter 25 of the PBCL, which would otherwise enable PNC to recover certain payments made to shareholders who have evidenced an intent to acquire control of PNC. However, the following provisions of the PBCL do apply to PNC:

 

•

shareholders are not entitled to call a special meeting (Section 2521),

 

•

unless the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provided otherwise, action by shareholder consent must be unanimous (Section 2524),

 

•

shareholders are not entitled to propose an amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Section 2535),

 

•

certain transactions with interested shareholders (such as mergers or sales of assets between the company and a shareholder) where the interested shareholder is a party to the transaction or is treated differently from other shareholders require approval by a majority of the disinterested shareholders (Section 2538),

 

•

a five year moratorium exists on certain business combinations with a 20% or more shareholder (Sections 2551-2556), and

 

•

shareholders have a right to “put” their shares to a 20% shareholder at a “fair value” for a reasonable period after the 20% stake is acquired (Sections 2541-2547).

In addition, in certain instances the ability of PNC’s board to issue authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock may have an anti-takeover effect.

Existence of the above provisions could result in PNC being less attractive to a potential acquirer, or result in PNC shareholders receiving less for their shares of common stock than otherwise might be available if there is a takeover attempt.

The ability of a third party to acquire PNC is also limited under applicable banking regulations. The Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “Bank Holding Company Act”) requires any “bank holding company” (as defined in such act) to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve prior to acquiring more than 5% of our outstanding common stock. Any person other than a bank holding company is required to obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve to acquire 10% or more of our outstanding common stock under the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978. Any holder of 25% or more of our outstanding common stock, other than an individual, is subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act. Furthermore, while PNC does not have a shareholder rights plan currently in effect, under Pennsylvania law, PNC’s board of directors can adopt a shareholder rights plan without stockholder approval. If adopted, a shareholder rights plan could result in substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire PNC on terms not approved by PNC’s board of directors.

While PNC does not currently have a shareholder rights plan, commonly referred to as a “poison pill,” under Pennsylvania law PNC’s board of directors can adopt a rights plan without shareholder approval. If adopted, a rights plan could operate to cause substantial dilution to a person or group who attempts to acquire PNC.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

This section describes the general terms and provisions of PNC’s preferred stock that may be offered by this prospectus as well as the specific terms of our outstanding series of preferred stock and certain terms of our authorized but unissued series of preferred stock. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the series of the preferred stock offered through that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to that series of preferred stock. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent sections of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and any statements with respect to shares pursuant to which the outstanding series of preferred stock were issued. You should read PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, which includes the designations relating to each series of the preferred stock for additional information before you buy any preferred stock.

General

PNC’s authorized capital stock includes 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share as reflected in PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation. The board of directors of PNC is authorized without further shareholder action to cause the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock. Any additional preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, each with the preferences, limitations, designations, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights, dividend rights, redemption provisions, voluntary and involuntary liquidation rights and other rights as the PNC board may determine at the time of issuance.

The rights of the holders of PNC’s common stock are subject to any rights and preferences of the outstanding series of preferred stock and the preferred stock offered in this prospectus. In addition, the rights of the holders of PNC’s common stock and any outstanding series of PNC’s preferred stock, would be subject to the rights and preferences of any additional shares of preferred stock, or any series thereof, which might be issued in the future.

The existence of authorized but unissued preferred stock could have the effect of discouraging an attempt to acquire control of PNC. For example, preferred stock could be issued to persons, firms or entities known to be friendly to management.

PNC has outstanding junior subordinated debentures with various interest rates and maturities. The terms of these debentures permit PNC to defer interest payments on the debentures for up to five years. If PNC defers interest payments on these debentures, PNC may not during the deferral period:

 

•

declare or pay any cash dividends on any of its preferred stock,

 

•

redeem any of its preferred stock,

 

•

purchase or acquire any of its preferred stock, or

 

•

make a liquidation payment on any of its preferred stock.

Terms of Preferred Stock

General

The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the shares of each series of preferred stock will upon issuance rank on parity in all respects with PNC’s currently existing series of preferred stock, described below, and each other series of preferred stock of PNC outstanding at that time. Holders of the preferred stock will have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any additional securities that may be issued by PNC. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., Canton, MA, will be the transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock.

 

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Because PNC is a holding company, its rights and the rights of holders of its securities, including the holders of preferred stock, to participate in the assets of any PNC subsidiary upon its liquidation or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary’s creditors and preferred shareholders, except to the extent PNC may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against such subsidiary or a holder of preferred shares of such subsidiary.

PNC may elect to offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts. If PNC so elects, each depositary share will represent a fractional interest (to be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of preferred stock) in a share of a particular series of the preferred stock issued and deposited with a depositary (as defined below). For a further description of the depositary shares, you should read “Description of Depositary Shares” below.

Dividends

The holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to receive dividends, if declared by the PNC board or a duly authorized committee thereof. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the dividend rate and dates on which dividends will be payable. The rate may be fixed or variable or both. If the dividend rate is variable, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the formula used for determining the dividend rate for each dividend period. PNC will pay dividends to the holders of record as they appear on the stock books of PNC on the record dates fixed by the PNC board or a duly authorized committee thereof. PNC may pay dividends in the form of cash, preferred stock (of the same or a different series) or common stock of PNC, in each case as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Any series of preferred stock will, with respect to the priority of payment of dividends, rank senior to all classes of common stock and any class of stock PNC issues that specifically provides that it will rank junior to such preferred stock in respect to dividends, whether or not the preferred stock is designated as cumulative or noncumulative.

The applicable prospectus supplement will state whether dividends on any series of preferred stock are cumulative or noncumulative. If the PNC board does not declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any noncumulative preferred stock, then the holders of that noncumulative preferred stock will not be entitled to receive a dividend for that dividend period, and PNC will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend period, even if the PNC board declares a dividend on that series payable in the future. Dividends on any cumulative preferred stock will accrue from the date of issuance or the date specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The PNC board will not declare and pay a dividend on PNC’s common stock or on any class or series of stock of PNC ranking subordinate as to dividends to a series of preferred stock (other than dividends payable in common stock or in any class or series of stock of PNC ranking subordinate as to dividends and assets to such series), until PNC has paid in full dividends for all past dividend periods on all outstanding senior ranking cumulative preferred stock and has declared a current dividend on all preferred stock ranking senior to that series. If PNC does not pay in full dividends for any dividend period on all shares of preferred stock ranking equally as to dividends, all such shares will participate ratably in the payment of dividends for that period in proportion to the full amounts of dividends to which they are entitled.

Voting

Except as provided in this prospectus or in the applicable prospectus supplement, or as required by applicable law, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote. Except as otherwise required by law or provided by the PNC board and described in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of preferred stock having voting rights and holders of common stock vote together as one class. Holders of preferred stock do not have cumulative voting rights.

 

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If PNC has failed to pay, or declare and set apart for payment, dividends on all outstanding shares of preferred stock in an amount that equals six quarterly dividends at the applicable dividend rate for such preferred stock, whether or not cumulative, then the number of directors of PNC will be increased by two at the first annual meeting of shareholders held thereafter, and at such meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until cumulative dividends payable for all past dividend periods and continuous noncumulative dividends for at least one year on all outstanding shares of preferred stock entitled thereto shall have been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, in full, the holders of all outstanding preferred stock voting together as a class will be entitled to elect those two additional directors to hold office for a term of one year. Upon such payment, or declaration and setting apart for payment, in full, the terms of the two additional directors will end, and the number of directors of PNC will be reduced by two, and such voting rights of the holders of preferred stock will end, subject to increase in the number of directors as described above and to revesting of this voting right in the event of each and every additional failure in the payment of dividends in an amount equal to six quarterly dividends as described above.

Unless PNC receives the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of all series, PNC will not:

 

•

create or increase the authorized number of shares of any class of stock ranking senior to the preferred stock as to dividends or assets, or

 

•

change the preferences, qualifications, privileges, limitations, restrictions or special or relative rights of the preferred stock in any material respect adverse to the holders of the preferred stock.

If any change to the rights of the preferred stock will affect any particular series materially and adversely as compared to any other series of preferred stock, PNC first must obtain the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of that particular series of preferred stock.

The holders of the preferred stock of a series will not be entitled to participate in any vote regarding a change in the rights of the preferred stock if PNC makes provision for the redemption of all the preferred stock of such series. See “Redemption by PNC” below. PNC is not required to obtain any consent of holders of preferred stock of a series in connection with the authorization, designation, increase or issuance of any shares of preferred stock that rank junior or equal to the preferred stock of such series with respect to dividends and liquidation rights.

Voting Rights Under Pennsylvania Law. The PBCL attaches mandatory voting rights to preferred stock in connection with certain amendments to PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, under which the holders of preferred stock of a particular series would be entitled to vote as a class if the amendment would:

 

•

authorize our board of directors to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences, as between series, of any preferred or special class;

 

•

make any changes in the preferences, limitations or special rights (other than preemptive rights or the rights to vote cumulatively) of the shares of a class or series adverse to the class or series;

 

•

authorize a new class or series of shares having a preference as to dividends or assets that is senior to the shares of a class or series;

 

•

increase the number of authorized shares of any class or series having a preference as to dividends or assets which is senior in any respect to the shares of a class or series; or

 

•

make the outstanding shares of a class or series redeemable by a method that is not pro rata, by lot or otherwise equitable.

Holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock are also entitled under Pennsylvania law to vote as a class on a plan of merger that effects any change in PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation if the holders would have been entitled to a class vote under the statutory provision relating to the adoption of articles amendments discussed above.

 

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Under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve or its staff, if the holders of preferred stock of any series become entitled to vote for the election of directors because dividends on such series are in arrears as described above, that series may then be deemed a “class of voting securities” and a holder of 25% or more of such series (or a holder of 5% or more if it otherwise exercises a “controlling influence” over PNC) may then be subject to regulation as a bank holding company in accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act. In addition, when the series is deemed a class of voting securities, any other bank holding company may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to acquire more than 5% of that series, and any person other than a bank holding company may be required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve to acquire 10% or more of that series.

Liquidation of PNC

In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation of PNC, the holders of each outstanding series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive liquidating distributions before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock or of any class or series of stock of PNC ranking subordinate to that series, in the amount fixed by the PNC board for that series and described in the applicable prospectus supplement, plus, if dividends on that series are cumulative, accrued and unpaid dividends.

Redemption by PNC

PNC may redeem the whole or any part of the preferred stock at the times and at the amount for each share set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

PNC may acquire preferred stock from time to time at the price or prices that PNC determines. If cumulative dividends, if any, payable for all past quarterly dividend periods have not been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, in full, PNC may not acquire preferred stock except in accordance with an offer made in writing or by publication to all holders of record of shares of preferred stock.

Redemption of preferred stock is generally subject to prior regulatory approval.

Conversion

The prospectus supplement may set forth the rights, if any, for a holder of preferred stock to convert that preferred stock into common stock or any other class of capital securities of PNC.

Preferred Stock Currently Outstanding

As of the date of this prospectus, we have five outstanding series of preferred stock, with the following amounts outstanding as of August 31, 2012:

 

•

867 shares of $1.80 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series B, with a per share liquidation preference of $40.00 (“Series B Preferred Stock”) (38,542 authorized);

 

•

50,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series K, with a per share liquidation preference of $10,000 (“Series K Preferred Stock”) (50,000 authorized);

 

•

1,500 shares of 9.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series L, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series L Preferred Stock”) (1,725 authorized);

 

•

10,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series O, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series O Preferred Stock”) (10,000 authorized); and

 

•

15,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series P, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series P Preferred Stock”) (15,750 authorized).

 

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As of the date of this prospectus, the following series of preferred stock were authorized for issuance upon the occurrence of certain events:

 

•

7,500 shares of 7% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series H, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series H Preferred Stock”) (may be issued in connection with certain events related to our REIT Preferred Securities);

 

•

5,000 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series I Preferred Stock”) (may be issued in connection with certain events related to our REIT Preferred Securities);

 

•

3,750 shares of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series J Preferred Stock”) (may be issued in connection with certain events related to our REIT Preferred Securities); and

 

•

5,751 shares of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M, with a per share liquidation preference of $100,000 (“Series M Preferred Stock”) (expected to be issued in connection with one of our Trust Preferred Securities).

As of the date of this prospectus, the following authorized and issued preferred stock has been redeemed and is no longer outstanding:

 

•

98,583 shares of $1.80 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, with a per share liquidation preference of $40.00 (of which all shares were redeemed and restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock);

 

•

1,433,935 shares of $1.60 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C, with a per share liquidation preference of $20.00 (of which all shares were redeemed and restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock);

 

•

1,766,140 shares of $1.80 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D, with a per share liquidation preference of $20.00 (of which all shares were redeemed and restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock);

 

•

338,100 shares of $2.60 Cumulative Nonvoting Preferred Stock, Series E, with a per share liquidation preference of $27.75 (of which all shares were redeemed and restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock); and

 

•

6,000,000 shares of Fixed/Adjustable Rate Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series F, with a per share liquidation preference of $50.00 (of which all shares were redeemed and restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock).

Additionally, 75,792 shares of Series N Preferred Stock issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program have been redeemed; and the Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Series G authorized in connection with our rights plan, which expired on February 28, 2007, was never issued and is not outstanding.

Computershare Trust Company, N.A., Canton, MA, is transfer agent and registrar for all outstanding series of preferred stock other than the Series K Preferred Stock.

 

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Summary of Key Terms of Outstanding Preferred Stock

The following is a summary of certain terms of PNC’s outstanding Preferred Stock. To the extent not included in the table, we have also described certain aspects of outstanding Preferred Stock below.

 

Preferred Series		Annual Dividend Rate				Cumulative Dividend				Conversion Rate				Voting Right (Based on Conversion Rate)				Liquidation Value per Share				Redeemable
B		$	1.80				Yes				1 preferred: 8 common				Yes			$	40				No
K			(1	)			No				None				(1)			$	10,000				(1)
L			(1	)			No				None				(1)			$	100,000				(1)
O			(1	)			No				None				(1)			$	100,000				(1)
P			(1	)			No				None				(1)			$	100,000				(1)

 

(1)	See discussion of particular terms for this series of preferred stock below.

Series B Preferred Stock

Holders of outstanding Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to cumulative dividends at the annual rate set forth above in the table titled “Summary of Certain Key Terms of Preferred Stock,” which are payable quarterly when and as declared by the board of directors of PNC.

Holders of outstanding Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of full shares of common stock into which their preferred stock is convertible. Holders of outstanding Series B Preferred Stock currently are entitled to the conversion privileges set forth above in the table titled “Summary of Certain Key Terms of Preferred Stock.”

Series B Preferred Stock is not redeemable.

Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock (unless called for redemption and not converted within the time allowed therefor), at any time at the option of the holder. No adjustment will be made for dividends on preferred stock converted or on common stock issuable upon conversion. The conversion rate of Series B of Preferred Stock will be adjusted in certain events, including payment of stock dividends on, or splits or combinations of, the common stock or issuance to holders of common stock of rights to purchase common stock at a price per share less than 90% of current market price as defined in the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of PNC. Appropriate adjustments in the conversion provisions also will be made in the event of certain reclassifications, consolidations or mergers or the sale of substantially all of the assets of PNC.

Series B Preferred Stock is currently traded in the over-the-counter market.

Series K Preferred Stock

Dividends

Dividends on shares of the Series K Preferred Stock are not mandatory. Holders of Series K Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by PNC’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends under Pennsylvania law, non-cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series K Preferred Stock at a rate equal to (1) 8.25% per annum for each semi-annual dividend period from the issue date of the depositary shares to, but excluding, May 21, 2013 (the “Fixed Rate Period”), and (2) three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.22% per annum, for each quarterly dividend period from May 21, 2013 through the redemption date of the Series K

 

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Preferred Stock, if any (the “Floating Rate Period”). In the event that we issue additional shares of Series K Preferred Stock after the original issue date, dividends on such shares will accrue from the original issue date of such additional shares.

If declared by PNC’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board, during the Fixed Rate Period, we will pay dividends on the Series K Preferred Stock semi-annually, in arrears, on May 21 and November 21 of each year. If declared by PNC’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board, during the Floating Rate Period, we will pay dividends on the Series K Preferred Stock quarterly, in arrears, on February 21, May 21, August 21 and November 21 of each year, beginning on May 21, 2013.

A dividend period is the period from and including a dividend payment date to, but excluding, the next dividend payment date. Dividends payable on the Series K Preferred Stock for the Fixed Rate Period are computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends payable on the Series K Preferred Stock for the Floating Rate Period will be computed based on the actual number of days in a dividend period and a 360-day year. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward. Dividends on the Preferred Stock will cease to accrue on the redemption date, if any, as described below under “—Redemption,” unless we default in the payment of the redemption price of the shares of the Series K Preferred Stock called for redemption.

Dividends on shares of Series K Preferred Stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, if the board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board does not declare a dividend on the Series K Preferred Stock payable in respect of any dividend period before the related dividend payment date, such dividend will not accrue and we will have no obligation to pay a dividend for that dividend period on the dividend payment date or at any future time, whether or not dividends on the Series K Preferred Stock are declared for any future dividend period.

So long as any share of Series K Preferred Stock remains outstanding, (1) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any junior stock (other than (i) a dividend payable solely in junior stock or (ii) any dividend in connection with the implementation of a shareholders’ rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such plan), (2) no shares of junior stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly (other than (i) as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into other junior stock, (ii) the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or into another share of junior stock, (iii) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock, (iv) purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of the junior stock in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers, directors or consultants, (v) purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy junior stock existing prior to the preceding dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan or (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged) nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by us and (3) no shares of parity stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us otherwise than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Series K Preferred Stock and such parity stock except by conversion into or exchange for junior stock, during a dividend period, unless, in each case, the full dividends for the preceding dividend period on all outstanding shares of Series K Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside.

As used in this description, “junior stock” means PNC’s common stock and any other class or series of stock of PNC hereafter authorized over which Series K Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of Series K Preferred Stock and any parity stock, all dividends declared upon shares of Series K Preferred Stock and any parity stock will be declared on a

 

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proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share on Series K Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulations, on any parity stock, bear to each other.

As used in this description, “parity stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC that ranks on a parity with the Series K Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC. Parity stock includes the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock, Series L Preferred Stock, Series O Preferred Stock and Series P Preferred Stock and would include Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, Series J Preferred Stock and Series M Preferred Stock, if issued.

Subject to the foregoing, and not otherwise, dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), as may be determined by PNC’s board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, may be declared and paid on PNC’s common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series K Preferred Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment, and the holders of Series K Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.

Voting Rights

Except as provided below or as otherwise provided by applicable law, the holders of the Series K Preferred Stock have no voting rights.

Right to Elect Two Directors upon Nonpayment. If we fail to pay, or declare and set apart for payment, dividends on outstanding shares of the Series K Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred stock for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors shall be increased by two at PNC’s first annual meeting of the shareholders held thereafter, and at such meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until cumulative dividends payable for all past dividend periods and continuous noncumulative dividends for at least one year on all outstanding shares of preferred stock entitled thereto shall have been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, in full, the holders of shares of preferred stock of all series shall have the right, voting as a class with holders of any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights, to elect such two additional members of PNC’s board of directors to hold office for a term of one year. Upon such payment, or such declaration and setting apart for payment, in full, the terms of the two additional directors so elected shall forthwith terminate, and the number of directors shall be reduced by two, and such voting right of the holders of shares of preferred stock shall cease, subject to increase in the number of directors as described above and to revesting of such voting right in the event of each and every additional failure in the payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, as described above.

If the holders of Series K Preferred Stock become entitled to vote for the election of directors, the Series K Preferred Stock may be considered a class of voting securities under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve. As a result, certain holders of Series K Preferred Stock may become subject to regulations under the Bank Holding Company Act. For further discussion of the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, see “Description of Preferred Stock—General” in the accompanying prospectus.

Other Voting Rights. So long as any shares of Series K Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Series K Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, shall be required to:

 

•

authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or to issue or authorize any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase, any class or series of stock ranking senior to the Series K Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC;

 

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•

amend the provisions of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation so as to materially and adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series K Preferred Stock, taken as a whole; provided, however, that any increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Series K Preferred Stock or authorized preferred stock or the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other series of preferred stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series K Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC will not be deemed to affect adversely the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series K Preferred Stock; and

 

•

consolidate with or merge into any other corporation unless the shares of Series K Preferred Stock outstanding at the time of such consolidation or merger or sale are converted into or exchanged for preference securities having such rights, privileges and voting powers, taken as a whole, as are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers of the Series K Preferred Stock, taken as a whole.

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series K Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of the Series K Preferred Stock to effect such redemption.

Redemption

The Series K Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. The Series K Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to May 21, 2013. On and after that date, the Series K Preferred Stock will be redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to $10,000 per share (equivalent to $1,000 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. Holders of Series K Preferred Stock will have no right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Series K Preferred Stock.

Series K Preferred Stock is currently traded in the over-the-counter market.

Series L Preferred Stock

Dividends

Holders of Series L Preferred Stock are entitled to receive non-cumulative cash dividends, only when, as and if declared by PNC’s board of directors (or a duly authorized committee of the board) from funds legally available, payable at the applicable dividend rate applied to the liquidation preference per share of the Series L Preferred Stock, calculated on each share from the original issue date as described under “—Dividend Rate” below.

Dividend Rate. Any dividends on shares of Series L Preferred Stock will be calculated as follows: (a) prior to February 1, 2013, at a rate per annum equal to 9.875%, and (b) thereafter, at a rate per annum that will be reset quarterly and will equal three-month LIBOR (as defined in the certificate of designation) for the related dividend period plus 6.330%. Any dividends will be calculated prior to February 1, 2013 based on a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and thereafter based on the actual number of days in the dividend period using a 360-day year.

Dividend Payment Date. The dividend payment dates for Series L Preferred Stock are February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. If a dividend payment date prior to February 1, 2013 is not a business day, then the applicable dividend shall be paid on the next business day, without adjustment to the dividend payable for the relevant dividend period. If any day on or after February 1, 2013 that would otherwise be a dividend payment date is not a business day, then the next business day will be the applicable dividend payment date.

 

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We may pay a partial dividend or skip a dividend payment on the Series L Preferred Stock at any time. During any dividend period, so long as any shares of Series L Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless (a) the full dividends for the then-current dividend period on all outstanding shares of Series L Preferred Stock have been paid, or declared and funds set aside therefor, and (b) we are not in default on our obligations to redeem any shares of the Series L Preferred Stock that have been called for redemption, no dividend whatsoever shall be declared on any junior stock, other than a dividend payable solely in junior stock. PNC and its subsidiaries also may not purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for consideration (other than as a result of reclassification of junior stock for or into junior stock, or the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or into another share of junior stock, and other than through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock), nor will we pay to or make available any monies for a sinking fund for the redemption of, any junior stock unless we have paid full dividends on the Series L Preferred Stock for the most recently completed dividend period.

The right of holders of the Series L Preferred Stock to receive dividends is non-cumulative. If PNC’s board of directors does not declare a dividend on the Series L Preferred Stock or declares less than a full dividend in respect of any dividend period, then the holders of the Series L Preferred Stock will have no right to receive any dividend or a full dividend, as the case may be, for that dividend period, and PNC will have no obligation to pay a dividend or to pay full dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends are declared and paid for any future dividend period with respect to the Series L Preferred Stock or any other class or series of its authorized preferred stock.

Voting Rights

Holders of the Series L Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as provided below or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

Right to Elect Two Directors upon Nonpayment. If and when dividends payable on the Series L Preferred Stock or on any other class or series of PNC’s stock, whether bearing dividends on a non-cumulative or cumulative basis but otherwise ranking on a parity with the Series L Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and that have comparable voting rights (which we refer to in this section as “Voting Parity Stock”) shall have not been declared and paid (i) in the case of the Series L Preferred Stock and Voting Parity Stock bearing non-cumulative dividends, in full for at least six quarterly dividend periods or their equivalent (whether or not consecutive), or (ii) in the case of Voting Parity Stock bearing cumulative dividends, in an aggregate amount equal to full dividends for at least six quarterly dividend periods or their equivalent (whether or not consecutive), the authorized number of directors then constituting PNC’s board of directors will be increased by two and the holders of shares of Series L Preferred Stock, together with the holders of all other affected classes and series of Voting Parity Stock, voting as a single class, shall be entitled to elect the two additional directors at any annual or special meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors or any special meeting of holders of shares of Series L Preferred Stock and holders of Voting Parity Stock. In the case of the Series L Preferred Stock and any other affected class or series of preferred stock that bears dividends on a non-cumulative basis, these voting rights shall continue until full dividends have been paid for at least one year. In the case of any class or series of preferred stock that bears dividends on a cumulative basis, these voting rights shall continue until cumulative dividends have been paid in full.

Other Voting Rights. Unless we amend PNC’s articles of incorporation to require different classes and series of preferred stock to vote in proportion to their respective liquidation preferences when voting together with Series L Preferred Stock as a single class, so long as any shares of Series L Preferred Stock have been issued and are outstanding, we will not issue any Voting Parity Stock with a liquidation preference less than $100,000 per share.

So long as any shares of Series L Preferred Stock are outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of shareholders required by law or by PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation:

 

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Creation of Senior Stock. The vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series L Preferred Stock and any other class or series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with,

 

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or junior to, the Series L Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets on our liquidation at the time outstanding (other than any class or series of preferred stock with a liquidation preference that is less than $100,000 per share, unless PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation requires such class or series of preferred stock to vote in proportion to their respective liquidation preferences when voting together with the Series L Preferred Stock as a single class), voting together as a single class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary for effecting or authorizing any amendment of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to authorize, or increase the authorized amount of, any shares of any class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series L Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets on our liquidation; in addition, if any series of outstanding preferred stock is more adversely affected by such amendment than the other series, the amendment must also be approved by the two-thirds vote of such series;

 

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Amendment of Articles of Incorporation. The vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series L Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, voting separately as a single class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary for effecting or authorizing any amendment to PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or bylaws that would alter or change the voting powers, preferences or special rights of the Series L Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely; provided that the amendment of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation so as to authorize or create, or to increase the authorized amount of any shares of any class or series or any securities convertible into shares of any class or series of other equity securities designated as ranking on a parity with the Series L Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends, any junior stock or other capital stock ranking on a parity with the Series L Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets on our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up shall not be deemed to affect adversely the voting powers, preferences or special rights of the Series L Preferred Stock; and

 

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Certain Mergers and Consolidations. The vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series L Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, voting separately as a single class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for that purpose, shall be necessary to effect or authorize any merger or consolidation of PNC with or into any entity other than a corporation, or any merger or consolidation of PNC with or into any other corporation if PNC is not the surviving corporation in such merger or consolidation and if the Series L Preferred Stock is changed in such merger or consolidation into anything other than a class or series of preferred stock of the surviving or resulting corporation, or a corporation controlling such corporation, having voting powers, preferences and special rights that, if such change were effected by amendment of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, would not require a vote of the holders of the Series L Preferred Stock under either of the preceding paragraphs.

Redemption

The Series L Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to February 1, 2013. On that date or on any date after that date, the Series L Preferred Stock will be redeemable solely at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share, plus any declared and unpaid dividends without regard to any undeclared dividends. The Series L Preferred Stock is not subject to any sinking fund, and we have no other obligation to redeem, repurchase or retire the Series L Preferred Stock.

Series L Preferred Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNCPRL.”

 

Series O Preferred Stock

Dividends

Dividends on the Series O Preferred Stock are not cumulative. If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board does not declare a dividend on the Series O Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend

 

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period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable dividend payment date, or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board declares a dividend on the Series O Preferred Stock for any future dividend period. Holders of Series O Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends under Pennsylvania law, non-cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series O Preferred Stock at a rate equal to (1) 6.75% per annum for each semi-annual dividend period from the issue date of the depositary shares to, but excluding, August 1, 2021 (the “Fixed Rate Period”), and (2) three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 3.678% per annum, for each quarterly dividend period from August 1, 2021 through the redemption date of the Series O Preferred Stock, if any (the “Floating Rate Period”). In the event that we issue additional shares of Series O Preferred Stock after the original issue date, dividends on such shares will accrue from the original issue date of such additional shares.

If declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board, during the Fixed Rate Period, we will pay dividends on the Series O Preferred Stock semi-annually, in arrears, on August 1 and February 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2012 and ending on August 1, 2021, and during the Floating Rate Period, we will pay dividends on the Series O Preferred Stock quarterly, in arrears, on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on November 1, 2021, each such date, referred to as a dividend payment date. If any date on which dividends would otherwise be payable is not a business day, then the dividend payment date will be the next business day without any adjustment to the amount of dividends paid. A business day means any weekday that is not a legal holiday in New York, New York and is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are closed.

Dividends will be payable to holders of record of Series O Preferred Stock as they appear on our stock register on the applicable record date, which shall be the 15th calendar day before the applicable dividend payment date, or such other record date, not exceeding 30 days before the applicable payment date, as shall be fixed by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board. The corresponding record dates for the depositary shares will be the same as the record dates for the Series O Preferred Stock.

A dividend period is the period from and including a dividend payment date to, but excluding, the next dividend payment date, except that the initial dividend period will commence on and include the original issue date of the Series O Preferred Stock. Dividends payable on the Series O Preferred Stock for the Fixed Rate Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends payable on the Series O Preferred Stock for the Floating Rate Period will be computed based on the actual number of days in a dividend period and a 360-day year. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward. Dividends on the Series O Preferred Stock will cease to accrue on the redemption date, if any, as described below under “—Redemption,” unless we default in the payment of the redemption price of the shares of the Series O Preferred Stock called for redemption.

The dividend rate for each dividend period in the Floating Rate Period will be determined by the calculation agent using three-month LIBOR as in effect on the second London banking day prior to the beginning of the dividend period, which date is the “dividend determination date” for the dividend period. The calculation agent then will add three-month LIBOR as determined on the dividend determination date and the applicable spread. Absent manifest error, the calculation agent’s determination of the dividend rate for a dividend period for the Series O Preferred Stock will be binding and conclusive on you, the transfer agent, and us. A “London banking day” is any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.

The term “three-month LIBOR” means the London interbank offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars having an index maturity of three months in amounts of at least $1,000,000, as that rate appears on Reuters screen page “LIBOR01” at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the relevant dividend determination date. If no offered rate appears on Reuters screen page “LIBOR01” on the relevant dividend determination date at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, then the calculation agent, after consultation with us, will select four major banks in the

 

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London interbank market and will request each of their principal London offices to provide a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in U.S. dollars in amounts of at least $1,000,000 are offered by it to prime banks in the London interbank market, on that date and at that time, that is representative of single transactions at that time. If at least two quotations are provided, three-month LIBOR will be the arithmetic average (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest .00001 of 1%) of the quotations provided. Otherwise, the calculation agent will select three major banks in New York City and will request each of them to provide a quotation of the rate offered by it at approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the dividend determination date for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks having an index maturity of three months for the applicable dividend period in an amount of at least $1,000,000 that is representative of single transactions at that time. If three quotations are provided, three-month LIBOR will be the arithmetic average (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest .00001 of 1%) of the quotations provided. Otherwise, three-month LIBOR for the next dividend period will be equal to three-month LIBOR in effect for the then-current dividend period.

So long as any share of Series O Preferred Stock remains outstanding, (1) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any junior stock (other than (i) a dividend payable solely in junior stock or (ii) any dividend in connection with the implementation of a shareholders’ rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such plan), (2) no shares of junior stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly (other than (i) as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into other junior stock, (ii) the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or into another share of junior stock, (iii) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock, (iv) purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of the junior stock in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers, directors or consultants, (v) purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy junior stock existing prior to the preceding dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan or (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged) nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by us and (3) no shares of parity stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us otherwise than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Series O Preferred Stock and such parity stock except by conversion into or exchange for junior stock, during a dividend period, unless, in each case, the full dividends for the preceding dividend period on all outstanding shares of Series O Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside.

When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of Series O Preferred Stock and any parity stock, all dividends declared upon shares of Series O Preferred Stock and any parity stock will be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share on Series O Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulations, on any parity stock, bear to each other.

As used in this prospectus supplement, “junior stock” means our common stock and any other class or series of stock of PNC hereafter authorized over which Series O Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

As used in this prospectus supplement, “parity stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC that ranks on a parity with the Series O Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC. Parity stock includes the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock, Series K Preferred Stock, Series L Preferred Stock and Series P Preferred Stock and would include Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, Series J Preferred Stock and Series M Preferred Stock, if issued.

 

 

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As used in this prospectus supplement, “senior stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC ranking senior to the Series O Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

Subject to the considerations described above, and not otherwise, dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), as may be determined by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, may be declared and paid on our common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series O Preferred Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment, and the holders of Series O Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.

Voting Rights

Except as provided below or as otherwise provided by applicable law, the holders of the Series O Preferred Stock will have no voting rights.

Right to Elect Two Directors upon Nonpayment. If we fail to pay, or declare and set apart for payment, dividends on outstanding shares of the Series O Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred stock for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors shall be increased by two at our first annual meeting of the shareholders held thereafter, and at such meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until cumulative dividends payable for all past dividend periods and continuous noncumulative dividends for at least one year on all outstanding shares of preferred stock entitled thereto shall have been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, in full, the holders of shares of preferred stock of all series shall have the right, voting as a class with holders of any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights, to elect such two additional members of the Board of Directors to hold office for a term of one year. Upon such payment, or such declaration and setting apart for payment, in full, the terms of the two additional directors so elected shall forthwith terminate, and the number of directors shall be reduced by two, and such voting right of the holders of shares of preferred stock shall cease, subject to increase in the number of directors as described above and to revesting of such voting right in the event of each and every additional failure in the payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, as described above.

If the holders of Series O Preferred Stock become entitled to vote for the election of directors, the Series O Preferred Stock may be considered a class of voting securities under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve. As a result, certain holders of Series O Preferred Stock may become subject to regulations under the Bank Holding Company Act.

Other Voting Rights. So long as any shares of Series O Preferred Stock remain outstanding the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Series O Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, shall be required to:

 

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authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or issue shares of any class or series of senior stock, or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares;

 

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amend the provisions of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series O Preferred Stock, taken as a whole;

 

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provided, however, that any increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Series O Preferred Stock or authorized common stock or preferred stock or the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other series of preferred stock ranking equally with or junior to the Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC will not be deemed to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series O Preferred Stock; or

 

 

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•

consolidate with or merge into any other corporation unless the shares of Series O Preferred Stock outstanding at the time of such consolidation or merger or sale are converted into or exchanged for preference securities having such rights, privileges and voting powers, taken as a whole, as are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers of the Series O Preferred Stock, taken as a whole.

The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at, or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series O Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of the Series O Preferred Stock to effect such redemption.

Redemption

Optional Redemption. The Series O Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. We may redeem the Series O Preferred Stock at our option, in whole or in part, from time to time, on any dividend payment date on or after August 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $1,000 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. Neither the holders of Series O Preferred Stock nor holders of depositary shares will have the right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Series O Preferred Stock.

Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event. We may redeem shares of the Series O Preferred Stock at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, in whole but not part, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $1,000 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends and any accrued and unpaid dividends on the shares of Series O Preferred Stock called for redemption up to the redemption date. A “regulatory capital treatment event” means the good faith determination by PNC that, as a result of (i) any amendment to, or change in, the laws or regulations of the United States or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the initial issuance of any share of Series O Preferred Stock; (ii) any proposed change in those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Series O Preferred Stock; or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Series O Preferred Stock, there is more than an insubstantial risk that PNC will not be entitled to treat the full liquidation value of the shares of Series O Preferred Stock then outstanding as “Tier 1 Capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of Federal Reserve Regulation Y (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of any successor appropriate federal banking agency), as then in effect and applicable, for as long as any share of Series O Preferred Stock is outstanding. Dividends will cease to accrue on those shares on the redemption date. Redemption of the Series O Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any required prior approvals from the Federal Reserve and to the satisfaction of any conditions set forth in the capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve applicable to the redemption of the Series O Preferred Stock.

Series O Preferred Stock is currently traded in the over-the-counter market.

Series P Preferred Stock

Dividends

Dividends on the Series P Preferred Stock are not cumulative. If our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board does not declare a dividend on the Series P Preferred Stock in respect of a dividend period, then no dividend shall be deemed to have accrued for such dividend period, be payable on the applicable dividend payment date, or be cumulative, and we will have no obligation to pay any dividend for that dividend period, whether or not our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board declares a dividend on the Series P Preferred Stock for any future dividend period. Holders of Series P Preferred Stock will be entitled

 

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to receive, when, as, and if declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends under Pennsylvania law, non-cumulative cash dividends based on the liquidation preference of the Series P Preferred Stock at a rate equal to (1) 6.125% per annum for each quarterly dividend period from the issue date of the depositary shares to, but excluding, May 1, 2022 (the “Series P Fixed Rate Period”), and (2) three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.0675% per annum, for each quarterly dividend period from May 1, 2022 through the redemption date of the Series P Preferred Stock, if any (the “Series P Floating Rate Period”). In the event that we issue additional shares of Series P Preferred Stock after the original issue date, dividends on such shares will accrue from the original issue date of such additional shares.

If declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board, we will pay dividends on the Series P Preferred Stock quarterly, in arrears, on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, each such date referred to as a dividend payment date beginning on August 1, 2012. If any date on which dividends would otherwise be payable is not a business day, then the dividend payment date will be the next business day without any adjustment to the amount of dividends paid. A business day means any weekday that is not a legal holiday in New York, New York and is not a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are closed.

Dividends will be payable to holders of record of Series P Preferred Stock as they appear on our stock register on the applicable record date, which shall be the 15th calendar day before the applicable dividend payment date, or such other record date, not exceeding 30 days before the applicable payment date, as shall be fixed by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board. The corresponding record dates for the depositary shares will be the same as the record dates for the Series P Preferred Stock.

A dividend period is the period from and including a dividend payment date to, but excluding, the next dividend payment date, except that the initial dividend period will commence on and include the original issue date of the Series P Preferred Stock. Dividends payable on the Series P Preferred Stock for the Series P Fixed Rate Period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends payable on the Series P Preferred Stock for the Series P Floating Rate Period will be computed based on the actual number of days in a dividend period and a 360-day year. Dollar amounts resulting from that calculation will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward. Dividends on the Series P Preferred Stock will cease to accrue on the redemption date, if any, as described below under “—Redemption,” unless we default in the payment of the redemption price of the shares of the Series P Preferred Stock called for redemption.

The dividend rate for each dividend period in the Series P Floating Rate Period will be determined by the calculation agent using three-month LIBOR as in effect on the second London banking day prior to the beginning of the dividend period, which date is the “dividend determination date” for the dividend period. The calculation agent then will add three-month LIBOR as determined on the dividend determination date and the applicable spread. Absent manifest error, the calculation agent’s determination of the dividend rate for a dividend period for the Series P Preferred Stock will be binding and conclusive on you, the transfer agent, and us. A “London banking day” is any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.

The term “three-month LIBOR” means the London interbank offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars having an index maturity of three months in amounts of at least $1,000,000, as that rate appears on Reuters screen page “LIBOR01” at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on the relevant dividend determination date. If no offered rate appears on Reuters screen page “LIBOR01” on the relevant dividend determination date at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, then the calculation agent, after consultation with us, will select four major banks in the London interbank market and will request each of their principal London offices to provide a quotation of the rate at which three-month deposits in U.S. dollars in amounts of at least $1,000,000 are offered by it to prime banks in the London interbank market, on that date and at that time, that is representative of single transactions at

 

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that time. If at least two quotations are provided, three-month LIBOR will be the arithmetic average (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest .00001 of 1%) of the quotations provided. Otherwise, the calculation agent will select three major banks in New York City and will request each of them to provide a quotation of the rate offered by it at approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the dividend determination date for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks having an index maturity of three months for the applicable dividend period in an amount of at least $1,000,000 that is representative of single transactions at that time. If three quotations are provided, three-month LIBOR will be the arithmetic average (rounded upward if necessary to the nearest .00001 of 1%) of the quotations provided. Otherwise, three-month LIBOR for the next dividend period will be equal to three-month LIBOR in effect for the then-current dividend period.

So long as any share of Series P Preferred Stock remains outstanding, (1) no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment and no distribution shall be declared or made or set aside for payment on any junior stock (other than (i) a dividend payable solely in junior stock or (ii) any dividend in connection with the implementation of a shareholders’ rights plan, or the redemption or repurchase of any rights under any such plan), (2) no shares of junior stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us, directly or indirectly (other than (i) as a result of a reclassification of junior stock for or into other junior stock, (ii) the exchange or conversion of one share of junior stock for or into another share of junior stock, (iii) through the use of the proceeds of a substantially contemporaneous sale of other shares of junior stock, (iv) purchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of the junior stock in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of employees, officers, directors or consultants, (v) purchases of shares of junior stock pursuant to a contractually binding requirement to buy junior stock existing prior to the preceding dividend period, including under a contractually binding stock repurchase plan or (vi) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of junior stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such stock or the security being converted or exchanged) nor shall any monies be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such securities by us and (3) no shares of parity stock shall be repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us otherwise than pursuant to pro rata offers to purchase all, or a pro rata portion, of the Series P Preferred Stock and such parity stock except by conversion into or exchange for junior stock, during a dividend period, unless, in each case, the full dividends for the preceding dividend period on all outstanding shares of the Series P Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set aside.

When dividends are not paid in full upon the shares of the Series P Preferred Stock and any parity stock, all dividends declared upon shares of the Series P Preferred Stock and any parity stock will be declared on a proportional basis so that the amount of dividends declared per share will bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends for the then-current dividend period per share on the Series P Preferred Stock, and accrued dividends, including any accumulations, on any parity stock, bear to each other.

As used in this description, “junior stock” means our common stock and any other class or series of stock of PNC hereafter authorized over which the Series P Preferred Stock has preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

As used in this description, “parity stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC that ranks on a parity with the Series P Preferred Stock in the payment of dividends and in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC. Parity stock includes the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock, Series K Preferred Stock, Series L Preferred Stock and Series O Preferred Stock and would include Series H Preferred Stock, Series I Preferred Stock, Series J Preferred Stock and Series M Preferred Stock, if issued.

As used in this description, “senior stock” means any other class or series of stock of PNC ranking senior to the Series P Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

 

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Subject to the considerations described above, and not otherwise, dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), as may be determined by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board, may be declared and paid on our common stock and any other stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series P Preferred Stock from time to time out of any assets legally available for such payment, and the holders of Series P Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such dividend.

Voting Rights

Except as provided below or as otherwise provided by applicable law, the holders of the Series P Preferred Stock will have no voting rights.

Right to Elect Two Directors upon Nonpayment. If we fail to pay, or declare and set apart for payment, dividends on outstanding shares of the Series P Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred stock for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, the number of directors of PNC shall be increased by two at our first annual meeting of the shareholders held thereafter, and at such meeting and at each subsequent annual meeting until cumulative dividends payable for all past dividend periods and continuous noncumulative dividends for at least one year on all outstanding shares of preferred stock entitled thereto shall have been paid, or declared and set apart for payment, in full, the holders of shares of the Series P Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting as a class with holders of any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights, to elect such two additional members of the board of directors to hold office for a term of one year. Upon such payment, or such declaration and setting apart for payment, in full, the terms of the two additional directors so elected shall forthwith terminate, and the number of directors of PNC shall be reduced by two, and such voting right of the holders of shares of preferred stock shall cease, subject to increase in the number of directors as described above and to revesting of such voting right in the event of each and every additional failure in the payment of dividends for six quarterly dividend periods, or their equivalent, whether or not consecutive, as described above.

If the holders of the Series P Preferred Stock become entitled to vote for the election of directors, the Series P Preferred Stock may be considered a class of voting securities under interpretations adopted by the Federal Reserve. As a result, certain holders of the Series P Preferred Stock may become subject to regulations under the Bank Holding Company Act.

Other Voting Rights. So long as any shares of the Series P Preferred Stock remain outstanding the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, shall be required to:

 

•

authorize or increase the authorized amount of, or issue shares of any class or series of senior stock, or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to purchase any such shares;

 

•

amend the provisions of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation so as to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Preferred Stock, taken as a whole;

 

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provided, however, that any increase in the amount of the authorized or issued Series P Preferred Stock or authorized common stock or preferred stock or the creation and issuance, or an increase in the authorized or issued amount, of other series of preferred stock ranking equally with or junior to the Series P Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends (whether such dividends are cumulative or non-cumulative) or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC will not be deemed to adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the Series P Preferred Stock; or

 

•

consolidate with or merge into any other corporation unless the shares of Series P Preferred Stock outstanding at the time of such consolidation or merger or sale are converted into or exchanged for preference securities having such rights, privileges and voting powers, taken as a whole, as are not materially less favorable to the holders thereof than the rights, preferences, privileges and voting powers of the Series P Preferred Stock, taken as a whole.

 

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The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series P Preferred Stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been set aside by us for the benefit of the holders of the Series P Preferred Stock to effect such redemption.

Redemption

Optional Redemption. The Series P Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. We may redeem the Series P Preferred Stock at our option, in whole or in part, from time to time, on any dividend payment date on or after May 1, 2022, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. Neither the holders of Series P Preferred Stock nor holders of depositary shares will have the right to require the redemption or repurchase of the Series P Preferred Stock.

Redemption Following a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event. We may redeem shares of the Series P Preferred Stock at any time within 90 days following a regulatory capital treatment event, in whole but not part, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus any declared and unpaid dividends and any accrued and unpaid dividends on the shares of Series P Preferred Stock called for redemption up to the redemption date. A “regulatory capital treatment event” means the good faith determination by PNC that, as a result of (i) any amendment to, or change in, the laws or regulations of the United States or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the initial issuance of any share of Series P Preferred Stock; (ii) any proposed change in those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Series P Preferred Stock; or (iii) any official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws or regulations that is announced after the initial issuance of any share of Series P Preferred Stock, there is more than an insubstantial risk that PNC will not be entitled to treat the full liquidation value of the shares of Series P Preferred Stock then outstanding as “Tier 1 Capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy guidelines of Federal Reserve Regulation Y (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy guidelines or regulations of any successor appropriate federal banking agency), as then in effect and applicable, for as long as any share of Series P Preferred Stock is outstanding. Redemption of the Series P Preferred Stock is subject to our receipt of any required prior approvals from the Federal Reserve and to the satisfaction of any conditions set forth in the capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve applicable to the redemption of the Series P Preferred Stock.

Series P Preferred Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PNCPRP.”

Preferred Stock Authorized but Not Yet Outstanding

PNC has authorized but not yet issued Series H, I, J and M Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future as described below.

Series M Preferred Stock

As part of the National City transaction, PNC established the PNC Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series M, which mirrors in all material respects the former National City Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E. PNC has designated 5,751 preferred shares, liquidation value $100,000 per share, for this series. No shares have been issued; however, National City issued stock purchase contracts for 5,001 shares of its Series E Preferred Stock (now replaced by the PNC Series M as part of the National City transaction) to the National City Preferred Capital Trust I (the “Trust”) in connection with the issuance by that Trust of $500 million of 12.000% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Normal Automatic Preferred Enhanced Capital Securities (the “Normal APEX Securities”) in January 2008 by the Trust. It is expected that the Trust will purchase 5,001 of the Series M preferred shares pursuant to these stock purchase contracts on December 10, 2012 or on an earlier date and

 

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possibly as late as December 10, 2013. The Trust has pledged the $500,100,000 principal amount of National City 8.729% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2043 held by the Trust and their proceeds to secure this purchase obligation.

If Series M shares are issued prior to December 10, 2012, any dividends on such shares will be calculated at a rate per annum equal to 12.000% until December 10, 2012, and thereafter, at a rate per annum that will be reset quarterly and will equal three-month LIBOR for the related dividend period plus 8.610%. Dividends will be payable if and when declared by the Board at the dividend rate so indicated applied to the liquidation preference per share of the Series M Preferred Stock. The Series M Preferred Stock is redeemable at PNC’s option, subject to a replacement capital covenant for the first ten years after issuance and subject to Federal Reserve approval, if then applicable, on or after December 10, 2012 at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference plus any declared but unpaid dividends.

Certain other terms of the Series M Preferred Stock follow.

Voting Rights

Holders of the Series M Preferred Stock when issued will have no voting rights except as provided below or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

Right to Elect Directors upon Nonpayment. If and when dividends payable on the Series M Preferred Stock or on any other class or series of PNC’s stock, whether bearing dividends on a non-cumulative or cumulative basis but otherwise ranking on a parity with the Series M Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends and that have comparable voting rights (which we refer to in this section as “Voting Parity Stock”), shall have not been declared and paid (i) in the case of the Series M Preferred Stock and Voting Parity Stock bearing non-cumulative dividends, in full for at least six quarterly dividend periods or their equivalent (whether or not consecutive), or (ii) in the case of Voting Parity Stock bearing cumulative dividends, in an aggregate amount equal to full dividends for at least six quarterly dividend periods or their equivalent (whether or not consecutive), the authorized number of directors then constituting PNC’s board of directors will be increased by two and the holders of shares of Series M Preferred Stock, together with the holders of all other affected classes and series of Voting Parity Stock, voting as a single class, shall be entitled to elect the two additional directors at any annual or special meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors or any special meeting of holders of shares of Series M Preferred Stock and holders of Voting Parity Stock. In the case of the Series M Preferred Stock and any other affected class or series of preferred stock that bears dividends on a non-cumulative basis, these voting rights shall continue until full dividends have been paid for at least one year. In the case of any class or series of preferred stock that bears dividends on a cumulative basis, these voting rights shall continue until cumulative dividends have been paid in full.

Unless we amend PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to require different classes and series of preferred stock to vote in proportion to their respective liquidation preferences when voting together with the Series M Preferred Stock as a single class, so long as the Stock Purchase Contracts (as defined in the certificate of designation) have not been terminated or any shares of Series M Preferred Stock have been issued and are outstanding, we will not issue any class or series of Voting Parity Stock with a liquidation preference that is less than $100,000 per share.

Other Voting Rights. So long as any shares of Series M Preferred Stock are outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of shareholders required by law or by PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, the vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Series M Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, voting separately as a single class, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary for effecting or validating:

 

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•

any amendment of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to authorize, or increase the authorized amount of, any shares of any class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series M Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends or distribution of assets on our liquidation; as well as any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or bylaws that would alter or change the voting powers, preferences or special rights of the Series M Preferred Stock so as to affect them adversely; provided that (i) the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock and each other class or series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with, or junior to, the Series M Preferred Stock with respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets on our liquidation (other than any class or series of preferred stock with a liquidation preference that is less than $100,000 per share, unless PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation requires such class or series of preferred stock to vote in proportion to their respective liquidation preferences when voting together with the Series M Preferred Stock as a single class) shall vote together as a single class with respect to the authorization, or increase in the authorized amount, of any class or series of capital stock ranking senior to the Series M Preferred Stock and (ii) the amendment of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation so as to authorize or create, or to increase the authorized amount of, any shares of any class or series or any securities convertible into shares of any class or series of capital stock designated as ranking on a parity with the Series M Preferred Stock as to payment of dividends, junior stock or PNC’s other capital stock ranking on a parity with the Series M Preferred Stock in the distribution of assets on our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up shall not be deemed to affect adversely the voting powers, preferences or special rights of the Series M Preferred Stock; or

 

•

any merger or consolidation of PNC with or into any entity other than a corporation, or any merger or consolidation of PNC with or into any other corporation if PNC is not the surviving corporation in such merger or consolidation and if the Series M Preferred Stock is changed in such merger or consolidation into anything other than a class or series of preferred stock of the surviving or resulting corporation, or a corporation controlling such corporation, having voting powers, preferences and special rights that, if such change were effected by amendment of PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, would not require a vote of the holders of the Series M Preferred Stock under the preceding paragraph.

Series H, I and J Preferred Stock

The Series H, I and J Preferred Stock will be issued by PNC upon the direction by the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (or any successor United States federal bank regulatory authority that is the primary supervisory agency for PNC Bank) (the “OCC”) to exchange the Series A Preferred Stock of PNC REIT Corp., the Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-cumulative Exchangeable Perpetual Trust Securities, liquidation preference $100,000 per security of PNC Preferred Funding Trust II or the Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-cumulative Exchangeable Perpetual Trust Securities, liquidation preference $100,000 per security of PNC Preferred Funding Trust III, on a share-for-share basis, for the Series H Preferred Stock, the Series I Preferred Stock and the Series J Preferred Stock, respectively, in connection with the occurrence of certain events of undercapitalization or receivership of PNC Bank. Terms of the Series H, I and J Preferred Stock are included in PNC’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

PNC may, at its option, elect to offer fractional interests in the preferred stock, rather than whole shares of preferred stock. If PNC does, PNC will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of receipts for depositary shares, and each of these depositary shares will represent a fraction of a share of a particular series of the preferred stock. We will specify that fraction in the prospectus supplement.

The shares of any series of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement between PNC and a depositary selected by PNC. The depositary will be a bank or trust company and will have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of depositary shares will set forth the name and address of the depositary. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in a share of preferred stock underlying that depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying that depositary share. Those rights include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued under the deposit agreement. If you purchase the fractional shares in the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares, you will receive depositary receipts as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the preferred stock to the record holders of related depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by those holders.

If PNC makes a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary shares that are entitled to receive the distribution, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with the approval of PNC, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the applicable holders.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

Whenever PNC redeems shares of preferred stock that are held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem, as of the same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock so redeemed. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to that series of the preferred stock. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary will select the depositary shares to be redeemed by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the depositary.

Depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding after the applicable redemption date, and all rights of the holders of these depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive any money or other property upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares.

Voting the Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares underlying that preferred stock. Each record holder of those depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock) will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of preferred stock underlying that holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will try, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock underlying

 

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those depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and PNC will agree to take all action which the depositary deems necessary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will not vote the shares of preferred stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares underlying the preferred stock.

Conversion of Preferred Stock

If a series of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares is convertible into shares of PNC’s common stock or any other class of capital securities of PNC, PNC will accept the delivery of depositary receipts to convert the preferred stock using the same procedures as those for delivery of certificates for the preferred stock. If the depositary shares represented by a depositary receipt are to be converted in part only, the depositary will issue a new depositary receipt or depositary receipts for the depositary shares not to be converted.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

PNC and the depositary may amend the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement at any time. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. PNC or the depositary may terminate the deposit agreement only if (i) all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed or (ii) there has been a final distribution of the underlying preferred stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of PNC.

Charges of Depositary

PNC will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. PNC will also pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to PNC notice of its election to do so. PNC may remove the depositary at any time. Any such resignation or removal will take effect only upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of its appointment. The successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.

Miscellaneous

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications from PNC that PNC delivers to the depositary and that PNC is required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock.

Neither the depositary nor PNC will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of PNC and the depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their respective duties under the deposit agreement. They will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding relating to any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. They may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by holders of depositary shares or other persons they believe to be competent and on documents they believe to be genuine. The depositary may rely on information provided by PNC.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

PNC may issue purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities, for the purchase or sale of:

 

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our debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock; and

 

•

securities of an entity not affiliated with us, a basket of those securities, an index or indices of those securities or any combination of the above.

The price of our debt securities or price per share of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, as applicable, may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. We may issue purchase contracts in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish.

The applicable prospectus supplement may contain, where applicable, the following information about the purchase contracts issued under it:

 

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whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, our debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, or method of determining those amounts;

 

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whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not;

 

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whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage to the value, performance or level of PNC’s common stock or preferred stock;

 

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any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts;

 

•

United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the purchase contracts; and

 

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whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts. The preceding description and any description of purchase contracts in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contract agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such purchase contracts.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

PNC may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:

 

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the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

•

any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units;

 

•

the terms of the unit agreement governing the units;

 

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United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the units; and

 

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whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The preceding description and any description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

PNC may issue warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares. PNC Funding may issue warrants to purchase debt securities. We may issue warrants independently of or together with any other securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrant of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants. The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Debt Warrants

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt warrants, including the following:

 

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the title of the debt warrants,

 

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the offering price for the debt warrants, if any,

 

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the aggregate number of the debt warrants,

 

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the designation and terms of the debt securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants,

 

•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the debt warrants are issued and the number of debt warrants issued with each of these securities,

 

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if applicable, the date after which the debt warrants and any securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable,

 

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the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of a debt warrant and the purchase price,

 

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the dates on which the right to exercise the debt warrants begins and expires,

 

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if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the debt warrants that may be exercised at any one time,

 

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whether the debt warrants represented by the debt warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the debt warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form,

 

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information with respect to any book-entry procedures,

 

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the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable,

 

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if applicable, a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations,

 

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any antidilution provisions of the debt warrants,

 

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any redemption or call provisions applicable to the debt warrants, and

 

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any additional terms of the debt warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the debt warrants.

Stock Warrants

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock warrants, including the following:

 

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the title of the stock warrants,

 

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the offering price of the stock warrants,

 

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•

the aggregate number of the stock warrants,

 

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the designation and terms of the common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares that are purchasable upon exercise of the stock warrants,

 

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if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the stock warrants are issued and the number of such stock warrants issued with each such security,

 

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if applicable, the date after which the stock warrants and any securities issued with the warrants will be separately transferable,

 

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the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares purchasable upon exercise of a stock warrant and the purchase price,

 

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the dates on which the right to exercise the stock warrants begins and expires,

 

•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the stock warrants which may be exercised at any one time,

 

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the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price, if, any, and the exercise price are payable,

 

•

if applicable, a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations,

 

•

any antidilution provisions of the stock warrants,

 

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any redemption or call provisions applicable to the stock warrants, and

 

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any additional terms of the stock warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the stock warrants.

Outstanding Warrants

PNC has outstanding 16,885,192 warrants, each to purchase one share of PNC common stock at an exercise price of $67.33 per share. These warrants were sold by the US Treasury in a secondary public offering that closed on May 5, 2010 after the US Treasury exchanged its TARP Warrant (issued on December 31, 2008 under the TARP Capital Purchase Program) for 16,885,192 warrants. These warrants expire December 31, 2018.

CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS

PNC or PNC Funding will be required to withhold the Pennsylvania Corporate Loans Tax from interest payments on debt securities held by or for those subject to such tax, principally individuals and partnerships resident in Pennsylvania and trustees of trusts held for a resident beneficiary. The tax, at the current annual rate of four mills on each dollar of nominal value ($4.00 per $1,000), will be withheld, at any time when it is applicable, from each interest payment to taxable holders of debt securities. We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement additional tax considerations for the securities offered thereby.

Additional tax considerations, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Holders of securities should consult their tax advisors as to the applicability to the securities and interest and dividends payable thereon of federal, state and local taxes and of withholding on interest and dividends.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

These securities may be distributed under this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

•

at prices related to prevailing market prices; or

 

•

at negotiated prices.

Each time we sell securities, we will describe the method of distribution of the securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may offer and sell debt securities and warrants being offered by use of this prospectus:

 

•

through underwriters,

 

•

through dealers,

 

•

through agents,

 

•

directly to purchasers,

 

•

through or in connection with hedging transactions, or

 

•

through a combination of such methods of sale.

PNC may offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, purchase contracts, units, warrants and depositary shares being offered by use of this prospectus:

 

•

through underwriters,

 

•

through dealers,

 

•

through agents,

 

•

directly to purchasers,

 

•

through or in connection with hedging transactions, or

 

•

through any combination of such methods of sale.

Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will name any underwriter, dealer or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities. The prospectus supplement will also set forth the terms of the offering, including the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale of the securities, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation related to the offering, public offering or purchase price and any discounts or commissions allowed or paid to dealers, any commissions allowed or paid to agents and any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.

Distribution Through Underwriters

We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If the securities are sold to underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and we will name them in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters will receive compensation in the form of underwriting commissions, which will be paid by us. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the securities unless

 

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the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the securities, they will be required to purchase all of the offered securities. The underwriters may acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may sell the offered securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions, or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

Distribution Through Dealers

We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered securities to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by the dealers at the time of resale. We will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Distribution Through Agents

We may offer and sell securities on a continuous basis through agents that become parties to an underwriting or distribution agreement. We will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by us in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the agent will be acting on a best efforts basis during the appointment period.

Direct Sales

We may sell directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters, as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, for any resale of the securities. We will describe the terms of any sales of this kind in the prospectus supplement relating to the offer.

At-the-Market Offerings

To the extent that we make sales to or through one or more underwriters or agents in at-the-market offerings, we will do so pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement between us and the underwriters or agents. If we engage in at-the-market sales pursuant to a distribution agreement, we will issue and sell shares of PNC’s common stock to or through one or more underwriters or agents, which may act on an agency basis or on a principal basis. During the term of any such agreement, we may sell shares on a daily basis in exchange transactions or otherwise as we agree with the underwriters or agents. The distribution agreement will provide that any shares of PNC’s common stock sold will be sold at prices related to the then prevailing market prices for PNC’s common stock. Therefore, exact figures regarding proceeds that will be raised or commissions to be paid cannot be determined at this time and will be described in a prospectus supplement. Pursuant to the terms of the distribution agreement, we also may agree to sell, and the relevant underwriters or agents may agree to solicit offers to purchase, blocks of PNC’s common stock or other securities. The terms of each such distribution agreement will be set forth in more detail in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. In the event that any underwriter or agent acts as principal, or broker-dealer acts as underwriter, it may engage in certain transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our securities. We will describe any such activities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Selling Security Holders

If any securities are sold pursuant to this prospectus by any persons other than us, we will, in a prospectus supplement, name the selling security holder and provide the information required under the Securities Act, including the name of the selling security holder, the security or securities to be offered and sold, and information about any underwriters or agents, including commissions that we or the selling security holder must pay.

 

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General

In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus.

Securities may be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms, which we refer to herein as the “remarketing firms,” acting as principals for their own accounts, for the account of holders of the securities, or as our agent. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, in connection with the securities remarketed thereby.

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain institutional investors to purchase securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date. Institutional investors with which these contracts may be made include, among others:

 

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commercial and savings banks;

 

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insurance companies;

 

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pension funds;

 

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investment companies; and

 

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educational and charitable institutions.

In all cases, these purchasers must be approved by us. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of any purchaser under any of these contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that (a) the purchase of the securities must not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which that purchaser is subject and (b) if the securities are also being sold to underwriters, we must have sold to these underwriters the securities not subject to delayed delivery. Underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of these contracts.

Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 and to be reimbursed by us for certain expenses.

 

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Subject to any restrictions relating to debt securities in bearer form, any securities initially sold outside the United States may be resold in the United States through underwriters, dealers or otherwise.

Each series of securities other than common stock will be new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom offered securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time.

The anticipated date of delivery of the securities offered by this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The securities offered by this prospectus may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange or a foreign securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity or activity of any trading in the offered securities.

In connection with an underwritten offering of the capital securities, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a short position for the underwriters. The underwriters may enter bids for, and purchase, capital securities in the open market in order to stabilize the price of the capital securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the capital securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. In addition, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the capital securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed capital securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions, or otherwise. These activities may cause the price of the capital securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. Those activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

Following the initial distribution of an offering of securities, our affiliates, including PNC Capital Markets LLC and other affiliates may use this prospectus supplement and the attached prospectus in connection with offers and sales of the senior notes in the secondary market. These affiliates may act as principal or agent in those transactions. Secondary market sales will be made at prices related to market prices at the time of sale.

Although we expect that delivery of securities generally will be made against payment on the third business day following the date of any contract for sale, we may specify a longer settlement cycle in the applicable prospectus supplement. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if we have specified a longer settlement cycle in the applicable prospectus supplement for an offering of securities, purchasers who wish to trade those securities on the date of the contract for sale, or on one or more of the next succeeding business days as we will specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, will be required, by virtue of the fact that those securities will settle in more than T+3, to specify an alternative settlement cycle at the time of the trade to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisors in connection with that election.

The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.

Conflicts of Interest

PNC Capital Markets LLC is an affiliate of PNC Funding Corp and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The distribution arrangements for any offering in which PNC Capital Markets LLC participates will comply with the requirements of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 5121 regarding a FINRA member’s firm participation in the distribution of securities of an affiliate. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, no FINRA member firm may make sales in such offering to any discretionary account without the prior approval of the customer.

 

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LEGAL OPINIONS

The validity of the securities will be passed upon for us by counsel identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the securities are being distributed in an underwritten offering, the validity of the securities will be passed upon for the underwriters by counsel identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for the years then ended and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

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The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

 

Depositary Shares

 

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

 

Morgan Stanley    BofA Merrill Lynch    Citigroup    J.P. Morgan    PNC Capital Markets LLC

 

 

September     , 2012