PNC Financial Services Group Stock Price, News & Analysis

PNC's 2022 Christmas Price Index reveals a 10.5% increase in costs, marking the third highest year-over-year rise in its 39-year history. The total cost for the 12 gifts from 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' is now $45,523.27. Major contributors to this rise include a 28.4% spike in fertilizer costs and 14.5% inflation in services, outpacing goods at 4.2%. This index reflects broader inflation concerns, with PNC's chief investment officer suggesting consumers should reconsider their gift choices amid sustained economic volatility and high consumer costs.

Harris Williams, a global investment bank, advised United States Infrastructure Corporation (USIC) in its sale of a 50% stake to Kohlberg & Company. Partners Group retains a 50% co-lead interest. USIC, North America's largest utility damage prevention services provider, operates in 48 states and Canada, performing over 80 million locates annually for various utility sectors. The transaction highlights USIC's growth potential and resilience, attracting significant investor interest. Partners Group, managing $131 billion in assets, focuses on transformative investments.

Harris Williams is advising Liquibox, a leader in liquid packaging, on its upcoming sale to Sealed Air (NYSE: SEE). This transaction highlights the strong interest in the packaging sector. Liquibox, which operates globally and employs nearly 1,400 people, has benefited from a partnership with Olympus Partners, managing over $8.5 billion in investments. Sealed Air is committed to sustainable packaging solutions, aiming for 100% recyclability in materials by 2025 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Harris Williams is serving as the lead sell-side advisor for A2MAC1, a global leader in automotive technology benchmarking, in its sale to Providence Equity Partners. Five Arrows Principal Investments will reinvest as joint-lead. A2MAC1 has expanded its offerings beyond technology benchmarking to include costing and performance insights, and it employs over 700 people worldwide. The partnership is expected to enhance A2MAC1's growth trajectory and further develop its unique insights in the automotive industry.

Harris Williams has successfully advised St Pierre Groupe on its sale to Grupo Bimbo, a significant player in the global bakery sector. St Pierre, known for its premium French bakery products, will leverage Grupo Bimbo's extensive global infrastructure to foster its growth. This strategic acquisition positions St Pierre to enhance its brand presence in the U.S. and European markets. Both parties view this transaction as a vital step in achieving long-term strategic goals, as St Pierre operates in over 35,000 retail locations globally.

Harris Williams served as the lead advisor for the sale of Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning to Cobepa S.A., alongside The Jordan Company. Ned Stevens, a growing player in exterior home services since 1965, operates in 15 states and Washington D.C. AVALT retains a minority stake post-sale, highlighting Cobepa's investment focus on companies with strong growth potential. With a portfolio of approximately $4.2 billion, Cobepa prioritizes sustainable business models. The transaction underscores ongoing interest in residential services amidst economic challenges.

The 2023 economic outlook presented at the 59th annual ASU/PNC Bank Economic Forecast Luncheon highlights significant challenges, including conflicting economic indicators, rising inflation, and potential recession risks. Despite robust employment, concerns over food supply disruptions due to the Ukraine conflict have been raised. Key speakers include Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller and PNC’s Chief Investment Strategist Daniel Brady. The event will occur on November 16, 2022, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, offering insights on market performance and regional economic trends.

Harris Williams announced its advisory on the sale of Bradford Health Services, a leading provider of substance use disorder treatment, to Lee Equity Partners. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Bradford operates a network of 40 facilities across the Southeast, providing comprehensive treatment services. The investment reflects the increasing demand for behavioral health services. Centre Partners, a private equity firm, previously partnered with Bradford to enhance its growth trajectory. The deal signifies a strategic move to further develop Bradford's ability to address the substance use epidemic in the U.S.