Notes to Users

Purpose:
The Division of Insurance and Research prepared this report. In addition to providing data on individual companies, the aggregate results provide an early indication of the commercial banking industry's overall performance in the most recent quarter.

Sources:
The report is based on data from SNL Securities' DataSource, as well as information from public sources, including press releases and media accounts. We thank the late Jim McFadyen, originator of the 25 Largest and Geri Bonebrake, who provided design expertise.

Coverage:
The report covers the 25 largest banking companies for which timely quarterly results are available. Some large foreign-owned companies are excluded because comparable information on these companies generally is not available until later regulatory filings. Large banks owned by diversified financial services companies where non-banking business activities predominate are also excluded. Large thrift companies also are not covered by this report. For specific institutions not covered, please refer to the table listing the large insured banks and thrifts that are excluded from this report.

Comparison with Regulatory Data:
This report contains consolidated information published by the largest bank holding companies, including their bank and nonbank subsidiaries. Thus, the 25 Largest reflects the combined activities of FDIC-insured banks and related subsidiaries, such as insurance companies and securities firms. Regulatory data – primarily Call Reports – does not include information on nonbank subsidiaries, unless they are owned directly by an FDIC-insured bank.

Preliminary Data:
The earnings announcements on which this report is based are preliminary, and companies have some flexibility as to content and format not available to them in later, more detailed regulatory filings with the SEC and the banking agencies.

Prior Period Comparisons:
Caution should be exercised when comparing results between different periods because acquisitions or accounting changes may distort comparability. Efforts have been made to adjust prior periods appropriately, when possible.

Agency Disclaimers:
Use of the information in this report is subject to the following disclaimers.

The views expressed herein are those of the authors and may not reflect the official positions of the FDIC. The FDIC does not endorse any of the financial institutions discussed in this report for any purpose.

The FDIC has taken reasonable measures to ensure that the information and data presented in this report is accurate and current. However, the FDIC makes no express or implied warranty regarding such information or data, and hereby expressly disclaims all legal liability and responsibility to persons or entities who use this report, based on their reliance on any information or data that is available in this report.

The content of this report is not designed or intended to provide authoritative financial, accounting, investment, legal, regulatory or other professional advice which may be reasonably relied on by its readers. If expert assistance in these areas is required, the service of qualified professionals should be sought.

Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacture, or otherwise does not constitute an endorsement, a recommendation, or a favoring by the FDIC or the United States government.

This general disclaimer is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other disclaimers found in this report. In addition, the terms of this disclaimer extend to the FDIC, its directors, officers and employees.

Contacts:

Chau Nguyen
(202) 898-7373
changuyen@fdic.gov

J.R. Bauer
(202) 898-6813
jbauer@fdic.gov

(202) 898-7222 (fax)