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Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUBMITTED: SEPTEMBER 29, 2000
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
MEDIA ANALYSTS
DOROTHY BROWNLEY (614) 480-4531 ANNE CREEK (614) 480-3954
HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES REVISES
EARNINGS OUTLOOK FOR 2000 AND 2001
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ: HBAN;
www.huntington.com) today announced that it is revising its earnings outlook for
third and fourth quarter 2000 and for 2001. The revised operating earnings per
share estimates are $.30 for third quarter 2000 and ranges of $.31 to $.33 for
fourth quarter 2000 and $1.40 to $1.50 for 2001. Additionally, for the third
quarter 2000, the company plans to record a one-time charge to earnings of $33
million after-tax, or $.13 per share, representing a write-down of the auto
lease residual values associated with its $3 billion auto leasing portfolio.
"We are disappointed to report a lowering of our earnings estimates,"
said Frank Wobst, chairman and chief executive officer of Huntington Bancshares
Incorporated. "A variety of factors contributed to the shortfall, including the
repricing of consumer deposits to stimulate growth, the flat yield curve which
has put pressure on net interest income, lower than expected growth in retail
investment products, and a reduction in mortgage banking origination volumes. In
addition, our very successful expense reduction program, which has significantly
reduced operating costs over the past year, delayed implementation of our
revenue initiatives."
Wobst continued, "As part of our Huntington 2000+ program, the company
has repositioned its balance sheet to reduce earnings volatility, employed a
number of talented senior executives and changed our management approach from a
regional to a line of business structure. We believe these actions, combined
with expansive product changes, a disciplined daily sales
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management process, and strategic investments in technology provide a strong
foundation to drive top-line revenue growth from our core business lines."
Looking ahead to 2001, Huntington expects to earn $1.40 to $1.50 per
share, excluding the impact of any securities gains and other non-recurring
items. It is also important to note the company has substantially reduced its
risk profile by increasing its reserve for auto lease residuals; selling $541
million of credit card receivables in the fourth quarter 1999; selling $3
billion of the company's mortgage servicing portfolio in the second quarter
2000; and, by continuing to expand its percentage of revenue generated from fee
income sources such as electronic banking and insurance.
"We believe the steps we've taken will make us a stronger company and
will better position us for long-term growth," said Wobst. "Our strategic
repositioning provides a more stable revenue base from which to grow.
Additionally, we will continue to explore acquisition opportunities in niche
businesses and within certain geographies to improve the value of the
franchise."
A conference call to discuss this announcement will be held today at
9:30 a.m. and will be available via a live Internet Webcast at
www.streetfusion.com. The slides for the conference call, along with
management's comments, will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on Form 8-K.
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $29 billion regional bank
holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Through its affiliated
companies, Huntington has over 134 years of serving the financial needs of its
customers. Huntington provides innovative products and services through over 600
offices in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and
West Virginia. International banking services are made available through the
headquarters office in Columbus and additional offices located in the Cayman
Islands and Hong Kong. Huntington also offers products and services online at
www.huntington.com; through its technologically advanced, 24-hour telephone
bank, and through its network of more than 1,400 ATMs.
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For faxed copies of all company news releases, please call (800)
758-5804 extension 423276.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLOSURE:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements,
including certain plans, expectations, goals, and projections, which are subject
to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those contained or implied by such statements for a variety of
factors including: changes in economic conditions; movements in interest rates;
competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success and timing of
business strategies; the successful integration of acquired businesses; the
nature, extent, and timing of governmental actions and reforms; and extended
disruption of vital infrastructure.
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