2025-08-05 03:15Investment Rating - The report maintains an "In-Line" investment rating for the industry, with a cautious view on midcap banks and a positive outlook for large cap banks [5][3]. Core Insights - The regulatory landscape for US banks is expected to undergo significant changes, with proposals for lower capital requirements likely to double excess capital and risk-weighted asset (RWA) capacity at large cap banks [1][4]. - The Federal Reserve is moving quickly on regulatory reforms, with a broad consensus anticipated on many proposals, including stress test transparency and GSIB surcharge adjustments [3][4]. - The expected increase in excess capital for large cap banks is projected to rise from $118 billion in Q2 2025 to $228 billion following the implementation of new regulations [7][9]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Changes - Key changes anticipated over the next year include lower stress capital buffers (SCBs) from the 2025 stress test, enhanced stress test transparency, and reforms to the GSIB surcharge and supplementary leverage ratio (SLR) [7][10]. - The Basel III Endgame finalization is expected to provide clarity for banks to optimize capital, supporting loan demand and capital markets activity [10][11]. Capital and RWA Capacity - Large cap banks currently have $118 billion of excess capital, which is expected to increase to $157 billion after a lower 2025 SCB, $172 billion post-SLR reform, and $228 billion post-GSIB surcharge reform [9][17]. - Incremental RWA capacity for large cap banks is projected to double from $0.9 trillion in Q2 2025 to $1.9 trillion following regulatory changes [9][19]. Earnings Impact - A sensitivity analysis indicates that optimizing excess capital could lead to a median increase of 24% in consensus 2026 earnings per share (EPS) across large cap banks, midcap banks, and consumer finance coverage [10][34]. - Regional banks are expected to benefit significantly from faster M&A approvals, which should enhance capital positions and growth opportunities [10][11]. Company-Specific Opportunities - Citigroup is projected to increase its excess capital from $16 billion to $31 billion post-GSIB surcharge reform, with significant buyback plans [32]. - Bank of America is expected to see its excess capital rise from $10 billion to $33 billion, with strong buyback potential and loan growth [32]. - JPMorgan Chase anticipates an increase in excess capital from $38 billion to $60 billion, benefiting from lower GSIB surcharges [32]. - Goldman Sachs is positioned to benefit from a rebound in capital markets, with expected buybacks of $17 billion in 2025 [32][33]. - Wells Fargo is projected to increase its excess capital from $13 billion to $34 billion, allowing for organic growth and share repurchases [32].