Citizens Financial (US:CFG)2025-10-15 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported EPS growth of $0.13 sequentially, representing a 14% increase [5] - Net Interest Income (NII) grew by 3.5% sequentially, driven by a 5 basis points expansion in Net Interest Margin (NIM) [6] - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio increased by 10 basis points to 10.7% [6][14] - The company achieved a positive operating leverage of 3% with expense growth limited to just 1% [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Private Bank saw a significant deposit growth of $3.8 billion, reaching $12.5 billion, exceeding the year-end target of $12 billion [7][25] - The Private Bank contributed $0.08 to EPS this quarter, up from $0.06 in the prior quarter [14] - Capital markets delivered a record performance, marking the second-best quarterly results ever [13][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loan volume increased by 1%, contributing to the 3.5% NII growth [13] - Non-interest bearing deposits increased by $1.5 billion or 4%, maintaining a steady mix at 22% of total deposits [21] - The company maintained a stable retail deposit base, which constitutes 66% of total deposits, compared to a peer average of about 56% [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic initiatives, particularly in the Private Bank and Private Wealth sectors, aiming for superior organic EPS growth relative to peers [11][24] - The "Reimagine the Bank" initiative is underway, aimed at improving customer service and operational efficiency, with expected net benefits starting in 2027 [8][28] - The company plans to maintain a high level of profitability with a Return on Equity (ROE) target of 20% to 25% in 2025 and beyond [26][57] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment remains positive despite uncertainties in fiscal and monetary policies, with a strong focus on execution [12] - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum into 2026, with expectations of continued attractive earnings growth [11][30] - Credit trends are favorable, with net charge-offs decreasing and a robust credit reserve maintained [22][85] Other Important Information - The company returned a total of $259 million to shareholders in Q3, including $184 million in common dividends and $75 million in share repurchases [24] - The company is planning to refresh its leadership team, with a new CFO set to join soon [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin trajectory and expectations - Management expects NIM to reach around 3.05% in Q4, influenced by various factors including asset sensitivity and market conditions [34][35] Question: M&A role in the company's future - The company remains focused on organic growth through its Private Bank and is open to M&A opportunities but maintains a high bar for such actions [40][42] Question: Private Bank outlook and AUM targets - Management is confident in achieving deposit growth but acknowledges that AUM targets may depend on the timing of lift-outs [46][50] Question: Capital markets outlook - The company sees strong pipelines across various capital market segments, including M&A and syndicated lending, with a positive outlook for Q4 and beyond [79][81] Question: Credit exposure and risks - The company maintains a high-quality credit portfolio with strong protections in place, expressing confidence in its private credit exposure [83][85] Question: Expense growth and operating leverage - Management anticipates continued positive operating leverage, driven by NIM expansion and disciplined expense management [100][102]