Comerica Q4 Earnings Top Estimates on Higher NII & Fee Income

Core Insights - Comerica Incorporated (CMA) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.46, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28, and up from $1.20 in the prior-year quarter [1][9] - The results were driven by an increase in net interest income (NII), fee income, and deposit balances, although concerns arose from lower loan balances and rising expenses [1][11] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter, net income attributable to common shareholders (GAAP basis) was $176 million, a 3.5% increase from the year-ago quarter [2] - Total quarterly revenues reached $850 million, a slight year-over-year increase, but missed the consensus estimate of $850.1 million [4] - For the full year 2025, adjusted EPS was $5.47, up from $5.02 in the previous year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.23 [3] - Total revenues for 2025 were $3.37 billion, an increase from $3.24 billion in 2024, beating the consensus estimate of $3.36 billion [4] Income and Expenses - Quarterly NII rose marginally to $577 million, with the net interest margin increasing by 1 basis point to 3.07% [4] - Total non-interest income was $273 million, reflecting a 9.2% year-over-year increase [5] - Non-interest expenses totaled $617 million, up 5.1% year over year, leading to an efficiency ratio of 72.30%, compared to 69.51% in the prior-year quarter [5] Loan and Deposit Trends - As of December 31, 2025, total loans decreased slightly to $50.7 billion, while total deposits increased by 3.6% to $64.9 billion [6][9] Credit Quality - The provision for credit loss was $14 million in the fourth quarter, down from $21 million in the year-ago quarter [7] - Total non-performing assets decreased by 18.5% year over year to $251 million [7] - The allowance for credit losses to total loans ratio was 1.45%, up from 1.44% in the previous year [8] Capital Position - The total capital ratio improved to 14.25%, up from 14.21% in the prior-year quarter [10] - The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio increased to 12.02%, compared to 11.89% in the previous year [10] - The tangible common equity ratio was 8.40%, up from 7% in the prior-year quarter [10] Strategic Outlook - The planned merger with Fifth Third Bancorp is expected to enhance Comerica's scale, diversification, and competitiveness in key growth markets, with the transaction anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026 [12]