Citi(US:C)2026-01-14 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.81 and an adjusted ROTCE of 7.7% for Q4 2025, with full-year adjusted net income surpassing $16 billion, reflecting an 180 basis points improvement to 8.8% ROTCE [3][19] - Total revenues for the quarter were up 2%, with adjusted revenues increasing by 8% when excluding the notable item related to Russia [18][19] - Expenses increased by 6% to $13.8 billion, driven by higher compensation, tax charges, and technology expenses [18][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Services revenues increased by 15% in Q4, with net income of $2.2 billion and an ROTCE of 36.1% [26] - Markets revenues were down 1%, with fixed income and equities both experiencing slight declines, but overall, markets delivered a net income of $783 million [29] - Banking revenues surged by 78%, driven by corporate lending and investment banking, with M&A fees up 84% [30][31] - Wealth management revenues grew by 7%, with net income of $338 million and an ROTCE of 10.9% [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cross-border transaction value increased by 14%, and assets under custody and administration grew by 24% [26] - The corporate lending wallet was noted to be over $100 billion, with expectations for continued share gains [76] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a multi-year transformation strategy, with over 80% of its programs nearing target states [10][56] - Investments in technology and innovation are prioritized to enhance operational efficiency and client experience [11][72] - The company aims to achieve a ROTCE target of 10%-11% and maintain positive operating leverage [14][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the global economic outlook, citing strong capital investment and a healthy consumer environment [12] - The company is well-positioned to support corporate clients, with a focus on maintaining high credit quality [12][24] - Management highlighted the importance of continued investment in the franchise to drive long-term growth [72] Other Important Information - The company repurchased over $13 billion in common shares during the year, with a CET1 ratio of 13.2%, significantly above regulatory requirements [9][25] - The company is nearing the end of its international divestitures, including the sale of its consumer business in Poland and operations in Russia [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Markets performance and ROTCE - Inquiry about the flat revenues in markets and the relationship between allocated capital and ROTCE [48] - Response highlighted strong full-year performance in markets, with a focus on optimizing RWA and deploying it in high-return areas [50][51] Question: Efficiency ratio target - Clarification sought on the change in efficiency ratio target from below 60% to around 60% [52] - Response indicated that the adjustment allows for continued investment in the business while maintaining expense discipline [52] Question: Transformation progress - Inquiry about the remaining work in transformation and its relation to safety and soundness [55] - Management confirmed significant progress, with a focus on compliance, risk, controls, and data modernization [56][58] Question: Competitive positioning and investment banking - Question regarding the gap between Citi and best-in-class peers in investment banking [69] - Management acknowledged past investments and ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities and competitive positioning [70][72] Question: NII outlook - Inquiry about the improved NII outlook for 2026 [87] - Response indicated that higher loan and deposit volumes contributed to the positive outlook, with expectations for continued growth [88]