Core Viewpoint - Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) is expected to report strong earnings growth, with analysts projecting a significant increase in earnings per share (EPS) for the upcoming fiscal fourth quarter and the full year [2][3]. Financial Performance - CFG is anticipated to report a profit of $1.12 per share on a diluted basis for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 31.8% increase from $0.85 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the full fiscal year 2025, analysts expect CFG to report an EPS of $3.85, which is an 18.8% increase from $3.24 in fiscal 2024 [3]. - EPS is projected to rise further to $4.98 in fiscal 2026, marking a year-over-year increase of 29.4% [3]. Stock Performance - CFG's stock has outperformed the S&P 500 Index, which gained 15.4% over the past 52 weeks, with CFG shares increasing by 36.9% during the same period [4]. - The stock also outperformed the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLF) returns of 14.5% in the same timeframe [4]. Growth Drivers - The strong performance of CFG is attributed to robust growth in its private banking and wealth management sectors, with a 3.5% increase in net interest income (NII) and record capital markets performance [5]. - The private bank has surpassed $12.5 billion in deposits, and capital markets have delivered the second-highest quarterly results [5]. - Strategic investments in technology and private banking are enhancing efficiency and profitability [5]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a bullish consensus on CFG stock, with a "Strong Buy" rating overall. Out of 23 analysts, 17 recommend a "Strong Buy," two suggest a "Moderate Buy," and four give a "Hold" rating [7]. - The average analyst price target for CFG is $62.16, indicating a potential upside of 6.4% from current levels [7].