SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended Commission File June 30, 1998 No. 1-8019 P R O V I D E N T F I N A N C I A L G R O U P , I N C . Incorporated under IRS Employer I.D. the Laws of Ohio No. 31-0982792 One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Phone: 513-579-2000 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ______ Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common stock, without par value, outstanding at July 31, 1998 is 43,232,212. Please address all correspondence to: John R. Farrenkopf Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Provident Financial Group, Inc. One East Fourth Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 - 1 - PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in Thousands) June 30, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) ASSETS Cash and Noninterest Bearing Deposits $225,541 $274,521 Federal Funds Sold and Reverse Repurchase Agreements 34,000 1,720 Trading Account Securities 59,794 - Investment Securities Available for Sale (amortized cost - $1,522,877 and $1,371,303) 1,520,276 1,371,507 Loans and Leases (Net of Unearned Income): Commercial Lending: Commercial and Financial 3,166,849 2,733,556 Mortgage 445,120 469,505 Construction 362,140 305,150 Lease Financing 358,983 340,302 Consumer Lending: Instalment 639,728 624,340 Residential - Held for Sale 99,505 136,183 Lease Financing 515,681 442,806 Total Loans and Leases 5,588,006 5,051,842 Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses (75,472) (71,980) Net Loans and Leases 5,512,534 4,979,862 Premises and Equipment 202,496 183,854 Other Assets 303,101 312,195 $7,857,742 $7,123,659 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities: Deposits: Noninterest Bearing $573,458 $605,166 Interest Bearing 4,208,391 4,091,132 Total Deposits 4,781,849 4,696,298 Short-Term Debt 1,435,657 806,125 Long-Term Debt 668,101 688,157 Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company's Junior Subordinated Debentures 98,848 98,817 Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities 170,864 197,001 Total Liabilities 7,155,319 6,486,398 Shareholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, 5,000,000 Shares Authorized, Series D, 70,272 Issued 7,000 7,000 Common Stock, No Par Value, 110,000,000 Shares Authorized, 43,226,937 and 42,325,882 Issued 12,744 12,482 Capital Surplus 218,541 196,617 Retained Earnings 465,829 417,360 Reserve for Retirement of Capital Securities - 3,667 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities (net of deferred income taxes) (1,691) 135 Total Shareholders' Equity 702,423 637,261 $7,857,742 $7,123,659 - 2 - PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 1998 1997 1998 1997 Interest Income: Interest and Fees on Loans and Leases $127,346 $121,839 $250,488 $241,540 Interest on Investment Securities: Taxable 26,374 19,901 49,023 37,215 Exempt From Federal Income Taxes 35 72 143 127 26,409 19,973 49,166 37,342 Other Interest Income 944 424 1,831 640 Total Interest Income 154,699 142,236 301,485 279,522 Interest Expense: Interest on Deposits: Savings and Demand Deposits 12,429 5,461 23,227 10,250 Time Deposits 42,811 50,635 86,699 97,679 Total Interest on Deposits 55,240 56,096 109,926 107,929 Interest on Short-Term Debt 18,306 8,084 31,192 15,735 Interest on Long-Term Debt 10,761 10,344 21,533 22,447 Interest on Junior Subordinated Debentures 2,165 2,165 4,331 4,331 Total Interest Expense 86,472 76,689 166,982 150,442 Net Interest Income 68,227 65,547 134,503 129,080 Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 5,000 15,000 10,000 26,000 Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 63,227 50,547 124,503 103,080 Noninterest Income: Service Charges on Deposit Accounts 6,789 6,329 13,201 11,907 Other Service Charges and Fees 13,843 10,373 28,801 19,606 Operating Lease Income 9,405 6,405 18,459 11,999 Gain on Sales of Loans and Leases 21,023 18,800 34,549 33,708 Security Gains 2,024 1,030 5,716 3,253 Other 3,747 3,857 5,810 6,865 Total Noninterest Income 56,831 46,794 106,536 87,338 Noninterest Expense: Compensation: Salaries 26,722 19,728 50,123 38,457 Benefits 3,661 3,035 8,309 6,474 Profit Sharing 1,186 1,608 2,474 3,167 Depreciation on Operating Lease Equipment 5,242 4,409 10,524 8,161 Occupancy 4,104 2,700 7,911 5,346 Equipment Expense 4,783 3,618 9,014 6,885 Professional Fees 4,341 3,681 8,314 6,729 Charges and Fees 3,607 3,002 6,001 6,435 Marketing 3,017 1,841 5,324 3,883 Other 14,241 10,239 27,541 19,346 Total Noninterest Expense 70,904 53,861 135,535 104,883 Earnings Before Income Taxes 49,154 43,480 95,504 85,535 Applicable Income Taxes 17,154 15,280 33,104 30,028 Net Earnings $32,000 $28,200 $62,400 $55,507 Net Earnings Per Common Share: Basic $.74 $.69 $1.45 $1.36 Diluted .71 .65 1.39 1.28 Average Basic Shares 43,018 40,799 42,817 40,704 Average Diluted Shares 45,165 43,392 44,995 43,293 - 3 - PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (In Thousands) Reserve for Unrealized Retirement Gains (Losses) Preferred Common Capital Retained of Capital on Marketable Comprehensive Stock Stock Surplus Earnings Securities Securities Income Balance at January 1, 1997 $7,000 $11,973 $160,586 $326,599 $6,667 $3,980 Net Earnings 55,507 $55,507 Dividends Paid on: Preferred Stock (316) Common Stock (13,050) Allocation for Retirement of Capital Securities (666) 666 Retirement of Capital Securities 4,000 (4,000) Exercise of Stock Options 82 5,281 Acquisition 55 7,097 Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities (2,367) (2,367) Other 9 Balance at June 30, 1997 $7,000 $12,110 $172,964 $372,083 $3,333 $1,613 $53,140 Balance at January 1, 1998 $7,000 $12,482 $196,617 $417,360 $3,667 $135 Net Earnings 62,400 $62,400 Dividends Paid on: Preferred Stock (395) Common Stock (17,203) Allocation for Retirement of Capital Securities (333) 333 Retirement of Capital Securities 4,000 (4,000) Exercise of Stock Options 262 21,924 Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities (1,826) (1,826) Balance at June 30, 1998 $7,000 $12,744 $218,541 $465,829 $- ($1,691) $60,574 - 4 - PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In Thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 1997 Operating Activities: Net Earnings $62,400 $55,507 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 10,000 26,000 Amortization of Goodwill 869 814 Amortization of Unearned Income and Other (35,722) (36,362) Depreciation of Premises and Equipment 17,713 13,520 Realized Investment Security Gains (5,716) (3,253) Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held for Sale 575,951 677,833 Origination of Loans Held for Sale (559,619) (379,470) Realized Gains on Loans Held for Sale (22,038) (31,427) Realized Gains on Sale of Other Loans and Leases (12,511) (2,281) Increase in Trading Account Securities (59,794) - Increase in Interest Receivable (1,166) (372) (Increase) Decrease in Other Assets 9,391 (9,663) Increase in Interest Payable 163 512 Increase (Decrease) in Other Liabilities (22,282) 10,259 Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities (42,361) 321,617 Investing Activities: Investment Securities Available for Sale: Proceeds from Sales 1,646,600 795,684 Proceeds from Maturities and Prepayments 442,355 61,567 Purchases (2,191,914) (1,107,893) Net Increase in Loans and Leases (531,491) (154,121) Net Increase in Premises and Equipment (36,355) (21,800) Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Received in Acquisition - 7,410 Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (670,805) (419,153) Financing Activities: Net Increase in Deposits 85,551 71,487 Net Increase in Short-Term Debt 629,532 187,772 Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt (38,245) (202,708) Proceeds From Issuance of Long-Term Debt 15,040 - Cash Dividends Paid (17,598) (13,366) Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock 22,186 5,363 Net Increase in Other Equity Items - 9 Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 696,466 48,557 Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents (16,700) (48,979) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period 276,241 278,747 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $259,541 $229,768 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: Cash Paid for: Interest $166,044 $149,929 Income Taxes 22,000 15,000 Non-Cash Activity: Transfer of Loans and Premises and Equipment to Other Real Estate 932 9,338 Residual Interest Securities Created from the Sale of Loans 42,384 37,072 Common Stock Issued To Acquire Business - 7,152 - 5 - PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary for fair presentation. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The financial statements presented herein should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Provident Financial Group, Inc.'s 1997 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Provident Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" establishes standards for the reporting of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income includes net income and certain items that are reported directly within a separate component of stockholders' equity and bypass net income. The provisions of this SFAS became effective with 1998 interim reporting and is disclosed within the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity. Implementation of this statement had no impact on net earnings or shareholders' equity. Prior periods have been restated to conform to the current presentation. Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in Company's Junior Subordinated Debentures In 1996, Provident Financial established Provident Capital Trust I. Provident Capital issued $100 million of preferred Capital Securities to the public and $3.1 million of common to Provident Financial. Proceeds from the issuance of the capital securities were invested in Provident Financial's 8.60% Junior Subordinated Debentures, due 2026. Taken together, Provident Financial's obligations under the Guarantee, the Declaration, the Indenture and the Debentures provide a full and unconditional guarantee of the Capital Securities. The sole assets (excluding interest receivable on the Debentures, prepaid expenses and receivables) of Provident Capital are the Debentures. - 6 - Provident Auto Leasing Company In January 1997, Provident Financial formed Provident Auto Leasing Company, a Delaware business trust, as a subsidiary of Provident Commercial Group, Inc. Provident Auto was created to avoid the administrative difficulty and expense associated with retitling leased vehicles in connection with the financing or transfer of beneficial ownership of automobile and light duty trucks subject to leases. Provident Auto is a separate legal entity from Provident Commercial and each maintains separate books and records with respect to its assets and liabilities. As of June 30, 1998 Provident Auto had total assets of $176.2 million. These assets are not available to creditors of Provident Commercial to secure any indebtedness of Provident Commercial, or otherwise to satisfy the claims of such creditors against Provident Commercial. Stock Options Options to purchase 360,050 shares of Provident Financial Common Stock were granted during the first six months of 1998. The options have exercise prices ranging from $44.12 to $54.47. Off-Balance Sheet Financial Agreements In the normal course of business, Provident Financial uses various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to manage its interest rate risk and to meet the financing needs of its customers. At June 30, 1998, these off-balance sheet instruments consisted of standby letters of credit of $143.4 million, commitments to extend credit of $2.2 billion and interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $1.6 billion. Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations Summary Provident Financial's net earnings for the second quarter of 1998 were $32.0 million compared to $28.2 million for the second quarter of 1997. Net interest income increased by $2.7 million, or 4%, over the comparable period in 1997. The provision for loan and lease losses was $5.0 million, a decrease of $10.0 million from the second quarter in 1997. Noninterest income increased $10.0 million, or 21%, primarily in the other service charges and fees and operating lease income categories. Noninterest expense increased $17.0 million, or 32%, primarily as a result of the continued expansion of Provident Consumer Financial Services and Information Leasing Corporation, and data processing expense associated with Year 2000 compliance. - 7 - For the first six months of 1998, Provident Financial's net earnings were $62.4 million, an increase of $6.9 million, or 12%, over the same period during 1997. Interest income increased by $22.0 million, which more than offset the $16.5 million increase in interest expense. The provision for loan and lease losses decreased $16.0 million from the same period during 1997. Noninterest income increased $19.2 million, or 22%, while noninterest expense increased $30.7 million, or 29%. The explanations for the increase in noninterest income and expense are the same as those noted in the above quarterly comparisons paragraph. The following ratios compare Provident Financial's annualized returns on average assets and average equity for the first six months of 1998 to the year 1997: Six Months Ended Year Ended June 30, 1998(1) December 31, 1997 Net Earnings to Average Assets 1.65% 1.67% Net Earnings to Average Shareholders' Equity 18.64% 20.32% <FN> (1) Net earnings for the six months ended June 30, 1998 have been annualized. The ratio of noninterest expense to tax equivalent revenue ("efficiency ratio") was 57.6% for the first six months of 1998 compared to 49.2% for the first six months of 1997. For purposes of calculating the efficiency ratio, noninterest expense excludes non- recurring expenses. Tax equivalent revenue includes tax equivalent net interest income and noninterest income but excludes non-recurring income and security gains or losses. The efficiency ratio has deteriorated over the past twelve months. As a result, Management will be taking initiatives to reduce operating expenses. Free Markets Partner, a database marketing division of Provident Bank, will be downsized and integrated into the Bank's retail division. The MeritValu program will be refocused, concentrating its efforts in the greater Cincinnati market and developing alternative products for its technology. The national conforming mortgage division is changing its focus to Provident Financial's regional markets only, as revenues are not supporting expenses being incurred. Nine supermarket branches which overlapped traditional branches will be closed. In addition, a consulting firm has been employed to reduce costs, increase fee income, otherwise enhance earnings through such means as improved float management, liquidity, compensation balances and working capital, and to redeploy resources to enhance revenues. Nonperforming assets as of June 30, 1998 were $70.4 million, an increase of $11.2 million compared to December 31, 1997. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total loans, leases and other real estate owned was 1.26% at June 30, 1998, compared to 1.17% at December 31, 1997. - 8 - Net Interest Income See Table 1 for net interest income on a tax equivalent basis and Table 2 for consolidated average balances, average rates and net interest margin. Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased approximately $5.4 million for the first six months of 1998 over the comparable period in 1997. This increase resulted from a $9.1 million increase due to changes in volume more than offsetting the $3.7 million decrease which was caused by changes in rates. Volume changes are caused by changes in the average balances of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The net interest margin was 3.89% for the first six months of 1998 as compared to 4.05% for the comparable period in 1997. This decrease reflects the increase in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities of 4 basis points and the decrease in the average rate received on interest earning assets of 6 basis points. The increase in Provident Financial's overall rate on interest bearing liabilities was due primarily to the increase in the rate paid on Premium Index savings deposits. The decrease in the average rate received on interest earning assets was due primarily to holding a higher level of investment securities which receive a lower average interest rate than most other earning assets. Interest rate swaps increased the net interest margin by 12 basis points and 22 basis points during the first six months of 1998 and 1997, respectively. In preparing the net interest margin tables, nonaccrual loan balances are included in the average balances for loans and leases. Fees included in interest and fees on loans and leases are as follows: second quarter 1998 - $4.2 million, second quarter 1997 - $3.9 million, year-to-date 1998 - $8.4 million, and year-to-date 1997 - $8.2 million. Provision for Loan and Lease Losses The provision for loan and lease losses was $5.0 million and $15.0 million during the second quarter of 1998 and 1997, respectively, and $10.0 million and $26.0 million during the first six months of 1998 and 1997, respectively. The decrease in the provision was primarily the result of lower net charge-offs incurred during the first six months of 1998 as compared to the first six months of 1997. - 9 - Noninterest Income Second Quarter 1998 Compared to Second Quarter 1997 Noninterest income increased $10.0 million during the second quarter of 1998 compared to the same quarter in 1997. Service charges on deposit accounts increased primarily as a result of increased fees received on demand deposit accounts and ATM usage. The increase in other service charges and fees were from gains and fees related to commercial lending, mortgage loan servicing and brokerage operations. The growth in operating lease income is the result of the expansion of Provident Commercial and Information Leasing lines of business, and the excess rental income received over that paid on leased vehicles which were sold and subsequently leased back. Gain on sales of loans and leases increased primarily as a result of the sale of equipment which was being leased by Provident Commercial. Security gains were recognized primarily from the sale of mortgage-backed securities. Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 Noninterest income increased $19.2 million during the first six months of 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. Service charges on deposit accounts, other service charges and fees, operating lease income and security gains increased for the same reasons given in the quarterly comparison. The decrease in other income was due to the receipt of additional consideration in 1997 relating to a restructured loan. Since the third quarter of 1996, it has been Provident Financial's policy to sell its closed-end nonconforming residential loans originated by Provident Consumer. The recognition of gains on the sale of these loans have made a notable contribution to the financial performance over this time period. The following is a summary of selected operational data for Provident Consumer for the past five quarters (in millions): Quarter Ended June 1998 Mar. 1998 Dec. 1997 Sept. 1997 June 1997 Loan Originations $226.2 $193.4 $266.2 $230.3 $213.6 Loan Sales 239.2 207.8 255.2 233.2 233.2 Gain on Sale of Loans 10.8 8.0 10.2 13.8 15.5 Interest and Fees on Loans 5.3 7.0 6.7 5.6 5.2 - 10 - Included in "Investment Securities Available for Sale" are residual interest securities representing the present value of net cash flows due Provident Financial from loan securitizations and sales. Components of the residual interest securities and the underlying assumptions follow (dollars in thousands): Closed-End Closed-End Opened-End Nonconforming Conforming Conforming Estimated Cash Flows of Underlying Loans, Net of Payments to Certificate Holders $223,412 $5,067 $9,661 Less: Off-Balance Sheet Allowance for Loan Losses (40,652) (595) (504) Servicing Costs and Insurance Premiums (26,455) (885) (1,333) Discount to Present Value (36,827) (479) (1,058) Carrying Value of Residual Interest Securities $119,478 $3,108 $6,766 Assumptions Used (Weighted Average) Prepayment Speed (initial) 9.00% 15.00% n/a Prepayment Speed (ramps up to) 28.00 15.00 n/a Repayment Rate (overall) n/a n/a 40.00% Provision for Loan Losses (annual basis) 1.06 0.30 0.15 Provision for Loan Losses (% of original balance) 3.48 0.79 0.30 Discount Rate 11.55 9.36 9.23 The structure for securitizing nonconforming residential loans was changed for 1998. Prior to 1998 securitizations, the allowance for loan loss would be funded from future cash flows of the underlying loans, net of interest payments to the security holders. Beginning in 1998, an allowance for loan losses is being funded at the beginning of each securitization, separately from the cash flows of the loan payments. As of June 30, 1998 the allowance on the 1998 securitizations was $9.6 million. Noninterest Expense Second Quarter 1998 Compared to Second Quarter 1997 Noninterest expense increased $17.0 million during the second quarter of 1998 when compared to 1997. Compensation expense increased primarily as a result of the expansion of Provident Consumer and the acquisition of the Florida banks. The larger volume of operating leases originated by Provident Commercial and Information Leasing has resulted in the higher depreciation expense of operating lease equipment. Occupancy expense increased primarily in the Provident Consumer and retail distribution areas. Equipment expense increased primarily due to the purchase of data processing and voice communications equipment. Professional fees have increased primarily in the areas of commercial and consumer lending. Charges and fees increased as a result of credit card origination expenses. Marketing costs increased primarily from advertising of Retail, Provident Consumer and Value Systems products and services. Higher data processing expense related to Year 2000 compliance was the primary reason for the increase in other expense. - 11 - Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 Noninterest expense increased $30.7 million during the first six months of 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. All expenses except for charges and fees increased for the same reasons as given in the quarterly comparison. Charges and fees decreased as a result of foreclosed property costs incurred during 1997 exceeding the credit card origination expenses incurred during 1998. Financial Condition Short-Term Investments and Investment Securities Federal funds sold and reverse repurchase agreements increased $32.3 million since December 31, 1997. The amount of federal funds sold changes daily as cash is managed to meet reserve requirements and customer needs. After funds have been allocated to meet lending and investment requirements, any remainder is placed in overnight federal funds. Beginning in 1998, Provident Financial began purchasing securities with the intention of recognizing short-term profits. These securities are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in other noninterest income. As of June 30, 1998 Provident Financial held $59.8 million in trading account securities. Securities purchased with the intention of being held for indefinite periods of time are classified as investment securities available for sale. This category of securities increased $148.8 million during 1998 as more funds were invested in this manner. Loans and Leases Total loans and leases increased $536.2 million during 1998. Commercial loan growth of $433.3 million was the primary reason for the increase in total loans and leases. Residential loans decreased $36.7 million due primarily to sales exceeding originations of nonconforming residential loans by $27.4 million. - 12 - The following table shows the composition of the commercial and financial loan category by industry type at June 30, 1998 (dollars in millions): Amount on Type Amount % Nonaccrual Manufacturing $638.3 20 $14.5 Service Industries 560.6 18 2.7 Real Estate Operators/Investment 340.6 11 1.2 Wholesale Trade 244.2 8 3.4 Retail Trade 239.1 7 1.8 Residential Warehouse Lending 221.7 7 - Transportation/Utilities 179.7 6 14.2 Finance & Insurance 162.4 5 .9 Construction 128.8 4 .5 Automobile Dealers 102.4 3 - Other(1) 349.0 11 3.2 Total $3,166.8 100 $42.4 (1) Includes various kinds of loans, such as small business loans and loans with balances under $100,000. The composition of the commercial mortgage and construction loan categories by property type at June 30, 1998 is shown in the following table (dollars in millions): Amount on Type Amount % Nonaccrual Shopping/Retail $183.4 23 $.3 Office/Warehouse 171.6 21 - Apartments 141.1 17 - Residential Development 121.1 15 - Land 30.4 4 - Auto Sales and Service 27.5 3 - Industrial Plants 15.4 2 - Hotels/Motels 12.8 2 - Churches 12.3 2 - Mobile Home Parks 4.1 0 - Health Facilities 0.8 0 - Other Commercial Properties 86.8 11 - Total $807.3 100 $.3 Provident Financial maintains a reserve for loan and lease losses to absorb potential losses in its portfolio. Management's determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based on reviews of specific loans and leases, credit loss experience, general economic conditions and other pertinent factors. The reserve is maintained at a level which management considers to be adequate to absorb future loan and lease losses. Reserve adjustments needed for charge-offs or risk characteristics in the lending portfolio are made through changes to the provision for loan and lease losses. Loans and leases deemed uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the reserve and recoveries on loans and leases previously charged off are added to the reserve. - 13 - The following table shows the progression of the reserve for loan and lease losses (in thousands): 1998 1997 Balance at January 1 $71,980 $66,693 Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 10,000 26,000 Acquired Reserves - 334 Loans and Leases Charged Off (12,859) (20,532) Recoveries 6,351 5,801 Balance at June 30 $75,472 $78,296 Net charge-offs totaled $6.5 million during the first six months of 1998 compared to $14.7 million for the same time period in 1997. During the first two quarters of 1998, net charge-offs for the commercial lending portfolio were $.8 million, consisting primarily of commercial loans and equipment leases. Net charge-offs for the consumer lending portfolio were $5.7 million consisting principally of auto loans and leases and credit card lending. As a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding, the reserve was 1.35% at June 30, 1998 compared to 1.42% at December 31, 1997. Table 3 shows a comparison of the major components of nonperforming assets over the past five quarters along with various asset quality ratios. Nonperforming assets increased $11.2 million during the first six months of 1998. Nonaccrual loans increased $11.5 million due primarily to the addition of three commercial loans and one commercial lease, which was partially offset by the removal of two commercial loans, one which was brought current and the other being restructured. Renegotiated loans increased $8.8 million due to the loan formerly on nonaccrual being restructured. Other real estate decreased $9.1 million due primarily to three commercial properties being sold. At June 30, 1998, nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans, leases and other real estate was 1.26% compared to 1.17% at December 31, 1997. Short-Term Debt Short-term debt increased $629.5 million, or 78%, to $1.4 billion during the first six months of 1998. The increase was due primarily to the purchase of term and overnight federal funds. The amount of federal funds purchased changes daily as cash is managed to meet reserve requirements and customer needs. After funds have been allocated to meet lending and investment requirements, any shortage is offset by the purchase of overnight federal funds. Capital Resources and Adequacy During the first six months of 1998, shareholders' equity increased $65.2 million, or 10%, to $702.4 million. The increase in equity was primarily the result of net income exceeding dividends paid and the exercise of stock options. Dividends of $17.2 million on common stock and $395,000 on preferred stock were paid in the first two quarters of 1998. - 14 - The following table of ratios is important to the analysis of the adequacy of capital resources. Six Months Ended Year Ended June 30, 1998 December 31, 1997 Average Shareholders' Equity to Average Assets 8.85% 8.22% Preferred Dividend Payout to Net Earnings .63 .62 Common Dividend Payout to Net Earnings 27.57 25.62 Tier 1 Leverage Ratio 9.98 10.13 Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets 10.31 9.81 Total Risk-Based Capital To Risk-Weighted Assets 13.44 13.25 In August 1998, Provident Financial announced that it would purchase up to 1 million shares, or approximately 2.3%, of its common stock. The purchases are to be made from time-to-time in open market or in privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of management. Shares purchased pursuant to the buy-back program will be used to fund various company benefit plans and for other corporate purposes. Capital expenditures planned by Provident Financial for building improvements and furniture and equipment in 1998 are currently estimated to be approximately $25 million. Included in this amount are projected capital expenditures for the purchase or construction of computer equipment and software, office building renovations and branch enhancements. Through June 30, 1998, approximately $17 million of these expenditures have been made. Liquidity Adequate liquidity is necessary to meet the borrowing needs and deposit withdrawal requirements of customers as well as to satisfy liabilities, fund operations and support asset growth. Provident Financial has a number of sources to provide for liquidity needs. First, liquidity needs can be met by the liquid assets on its balance sheet such as cash, deposits with other banks and federal funds sold. Another source is the generation of new deposits. Provident Financial may borrow both short-term and long-term funds. Provident Financial has an additional $687.5 million available for borrowing under a $1 billion bank notes program. Additional sources of liquidity include the sale of investment securities and the sale of commercial and consumer loans and leases. The major source of liquidity for Provident Financial on a parent-only basis ("the Parent") is dividends paid to it by its subsidiaries. Pursuant to Federal Reserve and state banking regulations, the maximum amount available for dividend distribution to the Parent at June 30, 1998 by its banking subsidiaries was approximately $234.6 million. The Parent has not received any dividends from its subsidiaries during the first six months of 1998. - 15 - At June 30, 1998, the Parent had $219.2 million of short-term commercial paper outstanding. A portion of commercial paper proceeds was used to fund investment securities and short-term loans. Contractual lines of credit totaling $175 million have been obtained by the Parent to support its commercial paper borrowings. Also, the Parent has $40 million in general purpose lines of credit. These lines had not been used at June 30, 1998. The Parent had approximately $126.0 million in cash, interest earning deposits and federal funds sold at June 30, 1998. - 16 - Provident Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (unaudited) (In Thousands) Table 1. Quarter Ended Six Months Ended June June June June 1998 1997 1998 1997 Total Interest Income $154,699 $142,236 $301,485 $279,522 Taxable Equivalent Adjustment 59 86 158 164 Taxable Equivalent Interest Income 154,758 142,322 301,643 279,686 Total Interest Expense 86,472 76,689 166,982 150,442 Net Interest Income 68,286 65,633 134,661 129,244 Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 5,000 15,000 10,000 26,000 Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan and Lease Losses 63,286 50,633 124,661 103,244 Noninterest Income 56,831 46,794 106,536 87,338 Noninterest Expense 70,904 53,861 135,535 104,883 Taxable Equivalent Earnings Before Income Taxes 49,213 43,566 95,662 85,699 Applicable Income Taxes 17,154 15,280 33,104 30,028 Taxable Equivalent Adjustment 59 86 158 164 Net Earnings $32,000 $28,200 $62,400 $55,507 Net Earnings Applicable to Common Stock $31,802 $28,042 $62,004 $55,191 - 17 - Provident Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Average Balances, Rates and Yields On a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis (unaudited) (Dollars In Millions) Table 2. Quarter Ended Six Months Ended Jun. 30,1998 Jun. 30,1997 Jun. 30,1998 Jun. 30,1997 Average Avg Average Avg Average Avg Average Avg Balance Rate Balance Rate Balance Rate Balance Rate Assets: Loans and Leases (Net of Unearned Income): Commercial Lending: Commercial and Financial $3,049 9.37% $2,479 9.47% $2,949 9.32% $2,437 9.34% Mortgage 443 9.08 511 9.18 447 9.20 500 9.22 Construction 333 8.92 286 8.89 322 8.91 283 8.79 Lease Financing 352 11.64 248 11.22 348 11.69 245 11.15 Consumer Lending: Instalment 625 9.62 877 9.86 625 10.12 893 9.76 Residential 212 7.59 204 9.09 220 8.99 314 8.33 Lease Financing 486 7.87 647 7.57 470 7.87 631 7.63 Total Loans and Leases 5,500 9.29 5,252 9.31 5,381 9.39 5,303 9.19 Investment Securities: Taxable 1,621 6.53 1,176 6.79 1,527 6.47 1,101 6.82 Tax-Exempt 3 8.63 7 6.36 6 7.27 7 5.36 Total Investment Securities 1,624 6.53 1,183 6.78 1,533 6.48 1,108 6.81 Trading Account Securities 58 5.55 - - 47 5.53 - - Federal Funds Sold and Reverse Repurchase Agreements 11 5.61 22 7.78 20 5.51 21 5.79 Total Earning Assets 7,193 8.63 6,457 8.84 6,981 8.71 6,432 8.77 Cash and Noninterest Bearing Deposits 188 106 187 138 Other Assets 380 193 398 202 Total Assets $7,761 $6,756 $7,566 $6,772 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity: Deposits: Demand Deposits $268 2.20 $263 2.18 $269 2.18 $241 2.25 Savings Deposits 1,023 4.29 535 3.02 970 4.22 529 2.88 Time Deposits 3,011 5.70 3,505 5.79 3,055 5.72 3,448 5.71 Total Deposits 4,302 5.15 4,303 5.23 4,294 5.16 4,218 5.16 Short-Term Debt: Federal Funds Purchased and Repurchase Agreements 1,090 5.56 427 5.41 906 5.50 435 5.31 Commercial Paper 221 5.77 156 5.91 226 5.76 149 5.72 Short-Term Notes Payable 2 5.35 1 5.09 2 6.05 1 5.52 Total Short-Term Debt 1,313 5.59 584 5.55 1,134 5.55 585 5.42 Long-Term Debt 676 6.39 665 6.24 678 6.40 722 6.27 Junior Subordinated Debentures 99 8.79 99 8.79 99 8.84 99 8.84 Total Interest Bearing Liabilities 6,390 5.43 5,651 5.44 6,205 5.43 5,624 5.39 Noninterest Bearing Deposits 534 396 531 443 Other Liabilities 152 157 160 166 Shareholders' Equity 685 552 670 539 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $7,761 $6,756 $7,566 $6,772 Net Interest Spread 3.20% 3.40% 3.28% 3.38% Net Interest Margin 3.81% 4.08% 3.89% 4.05% - 18 - Provident Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Quarterly Nonperforming Assets (unaudited) (Dollars In Thousands) Table 3. Quarter Ended June Mar. Dec. Sep. June 1998 1997 1997 1997 1997 Nonaccrual Loans: (1) Commercial Lending: Commercial and Financial $42,413 $32,746 $37,800 $28,551 $27,230 Mortgage 335 335 335 553 - Construction - - 27 87 27 Lease Financing 11,862 7,046 4,798 5,481 7,292 Consumer Lending: Instalment - - - 14 - Residential 3,314 3,287 3,459 2,239 2,028 Lease Financing - - - - - Total Nonaccrual Loans 57,924 43,414 46,419 36,925 36,577 Renegotiated Loans (2) 9,196 9,327 377 257 246 Total Nonperforming Loans 67,120 52,741 46,796 37,182 36,823 Other Real Estate and Equipment Owned: Commercial 2,247 4,330 11,207 11,088 8,820 Residential 983 1,124 1,079 1,662 3,369 Land 91 92 110 15 68 Total 3,321 5,546 12,396 12,765 12,257 Total Nonperforming Assets $70,441 $58,287 $59,192 $49,947 $49,080 Loans 90 Days Past Due Still Accruing $10,058 $17,109 $9,811 $10,504 $20,460 Total Loans and Leases 5,588,006 5,265,159 5,051,842 5,105,578 5,205,897 Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses 75,472 72,837 71,980 75,242 78,296 Total Assets 7,801,614 7,699,935 7,123,659 7,079,578 6,985,035 Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses as a Percent of: Nonperforming Loans 112.44% 138.10% 153.82% 202.36% 212.63% Nonperforming Assets 107.14% 124.96% 121.60% 150.64% 159.53% Total Loans and Leases 1.35% 1.38% 1.42% 1.47% 1.50% Nonperforming Loans as a % of Total Loans and Leases 1.20% 1.00% .93% .73% .71% Nonperforming Assets as a Percent of: Total Loans, Leases and Other Real Estate 1.26% 1.11% 1.17% .98% .94% Total Assets .90% .76% .83% .71% .70% <FN> (1) Provident Financial generally stops accruing interest on loans and leases when the payment of principal and/or interest is past due 90 days or more. (2) Loans renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of a deterioration in the financial position of the borrower. - 19 - PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Registrant's annual meeting of shareholders was held on May 28, 1998. Proxies were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the following matters were voted upon and approved by the shareholders as indicated below. Votes Votes For Against Abstentions Election of the following directors: (a)Jack M. Cook 39,775,186 25,911 48,966 (b)Allen L. Davis 39,754,702 25,911 69,450 (c)Thomas D. Grote, Jr. 39,777,058 25,911 47,094 (d)Robert L. Hoverson 39,775,589 25,911 48,563 (e)Philip R. Myers 39,777,883 25,911 46,269 (f)Joseph A. Pedoto 39,773,165 25,911 50,987 (g)Sidney A. Peerless 39,765,094 25,911 59,058 (h)Joseph A. Steger 39,722,667 25,911 101,485 Item 5. Other Information The form of Proxy for Provident Financial's Annual Meeting of Shareholders grants authority to the designated proxies to vote in their discretion on any matters that come before the meeting except for those set forth in Provident Financial's Proxy Statement and except for matters as to which adequate notice is received. In order for a notice to be deemed adequate for the 1999 Annual Shareholders' Meeting, it must be received prior to March 14, 1999. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits filed: Exhibit 10 - Material Contract Exhibit 27.1 - Financial Data Schedule for June 30, 1998 Exhibit 27.2 - Restated Financial Data Schedule for June 30, 1997 All other items required in Part II of this form have been omitted since they are not applicable or not required. - 20 - SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Provident Financial Group, Inc. Registrant Date: August 12, 1998 \s\ John R. Farrenkopf John R. Farrenkopf Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - 21 -