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Citi(C) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $4.1 billion and earnings per share of $1.96, with a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 9.1% [6][23] - Total revenues increased by 3% year-over-year, driven by growth in each business line, while expenses decreased by 5% [23][24] - The cost of credit was $2.7 billion, reflecting net credit losses and a firm-wide net allowance for credit losses (ACL) build due to macroeconomic uncertainty [24][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services recorded its highest first-quarter revenue in a decade, with assets under custody and administration growing to $26 trillion [8] - Markets revenues increased by 12%, with fixed income businesses contributing to an 8% rise and equities up by 23% [9][37] - Banking revenues rose by 12%, with M&A revenue nearly doubling, reflecting a strong performance in investment banking [10][39] - Wealth management revenues grew by 24%, driven by increased client investment assets and fee revenue [42] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's balance sheet increased by 9% to $2.6 trillion, with a diversified deposit base growing by 2% [32][33] - The average liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) was reported at 117%, with available liquidity resources of $960 billion [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transformation investments to modernize infrastructure and integrate AI into operations, enhancing client experience [13][14] - Management emphasized a diversified business mix to navigate various macroeconomic scenarios, maintaining a disciplined approach to capital return and expense management [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a more negative macro outlook than anticipated, with clients in a wait-and-see mode, impacting confidence [16][20] - Despite uncertainties, management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute its strategy and improve returns [20][98] Other Important Information - The company returned $2.8 billion in capital to shareholders, including $1.75 billion in buybacks, as part of a $20 billion plan [12][102] - The CET1 ratio ended the quarter at 13.4%, reflecting a slight decrease due to capital distributions and RWA growth [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunities in Treasury and Trade Solutions - Management highlighted the diversified business mix as well-positioned for various scenarios, emphasizing the importance of their expertise in helping clients navigate economic shifts [56][58] Question: Demand for Balance Sheet and Trading Aspects - Management noted that while clients are preparing for headwinds, there is still deal activity, and clients are bolstering their balance sheets [68][70] Question: Credit Oversight and Risk Management - Management reassured investors about the strong balance sheet and disciplined risk framework, emphasizing a focus on higher investment-grade clients [88][89] Question: Capital Optimization and Buybacks - Management discussed the commitment to the $20 billion share repurchase program and the importance of balancing client demand with capital returns [102][104] Question: Banamex IPO Planning - Management confirmed that preparations for the Banamex IPO are on track, with timing dependent on market conditions and regulatory approvals [126][129]