M&T Bank Reports 28 Percent EPS Jump Sequentially in Q2

Core Insights - M&T Bank Corporation reported a 27.7% increase in diluted GAAP EPS to $4.24 in Q2 2025, compared to $3.32 in Q1 2025, alongside $1.1 billion in share repurchases [1] Capital Management - The bank executed $1.1 billion in share repurchases, representing 5.7% of shares outstanding in the first half of 2025, while the CET1 ratio declined by 52 basis points to 10.98% [2] - The decline in the CET1 ratio is attributed to increased capital distributions, with a long-term target set at 10% and an operational range of 11% to 10.75% [3] Risk Management - Criticized loan balances were reduced by $1 billion (11%), with criticized CRE loans declining by $813 million, and net charge-offs remaining below full-year expectations at 32 basis points [4] - The bank's stress capital buffer (SCB) decreased from 3.8% to 2.7%, reflecting efforts to limit on-balance sheet CRE exposure and successful credit sales [5][6] Revenue Growth - Non-interest income rose to $683 million from $611 million in the prior quarter, with an 11% year-over-year growth in fee income, driven by trust and wealth revenues, mortgage subservicing, and European expansion [7][9] - Consumer and residential mortgage loans increased by $1.5 billion sequentially, with specialty lending growth in newly acquired markets contributing to franchise scale benefits [8] Future Outlook - For the full year 2025, net interest margin is expected to be in the mid to high 3.60%s, with net charge-offs forecasted below 40 basis points [10] - Capital targets remain at 10.75%–11% CET1 for the remainder of the year, with anticipated dividend actions from the Board [10]