Citizens Financial Analysts Boost Their Forecasts After Better-Than-Expected Q4 Earnings

Core Viewpoint - Citizens Financial Group, Inc. reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results, with earnings per share of $1.13 and sales of $2.157 billion, surpassing analyst estimates [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved quarterly earnings of $1.13 per share, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $1.11 per share [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $2.157 billion, slightly above the analyst consensus estimate of $2.156 billion [1]. - The company reported a 5% increase in operating leverage in Q4 compared to the prior year [2]. Growth Initiatives - Chairman and CEO Bruce Van Saun highlighted strong execution of key growth initiatives and improvement in net interest margin [2]. - The Private Bank achieved year-end deposits of $14.5 billion, contributing 7% accretion to the bottom line with a 25% return on equity (ROE) [2]. Shareholder Returns - Citizens Financial delivered an 80% return of capital to shareholders for the year [2]. - Following the earnings announcement, Citizens Financial shares increased by 1.6%, trading at $65.10 [2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Christopher McGratty maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $68 to $70 [4]. - RBC Capital analyst Gerard Cassidy also maintained an Outperform rating, increasing the price target from $60 to $67 [4]. - DA Davidson analyst Peter Winter maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $65 to $73 [4].