Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG) Maintains Strong Position with Jefferies' "Buy" Rating

Core Viewpoint - Citizens Financial Group (CFG) has demonstrated strong financial performance, leading to an optimistic outlook from Jefferies, which has maintained a "Buy" rating and increased the price target from $70 to $80 [1][5]. Financial Performance - CFG reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.13 for the fourth quarter of 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.11, representing a 32.9% year-over-year increase [2][5]. - The company achieved a net income of $528 million, reflecting a 31.6% increase from the prior-year quarter, showcasing strong operational execution and strategic growth initiatives [4]. Revenue Growth - The growth in CFG's net interest income and non-interest income significantly contributed to its impressive results, supported by higher loan and deposit balances [3][5]. - CFG's stock price rose by nearly 2.8% in early trading following the earnings announcement, indicating positive market reception to its financial performance [2][5]. Credit Quality and Expenses - The company experienced improvements in credit quality, with declines in provisions, charge-offs, and non-accrual loans compared to the previous year [3]. - Despite the positive financial results, CFG faced challenges with rising expenses [3].