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Mar 31, 2020

Citizens Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Citizens Financial Group reported a decrease in net income and EPS due to a CECL-related reserve build tied to COVID-19 impacts, while experiencing record noninterest income and a strong CET1 ratio.

Key Takeaways

Citizens Financial Group's first quarter results were impacted by a significant CECL provision build due to COVID-19, although underlying performance remained strong. The company reported a net income of $34 million, or $0.03 per share. The company's CET1 ratio remained strong at 9.4% and tangible book value per share increased by 8% year over year.

Net income was $34 million, with EPS at $0.03, impacted by a CECL-related reserve build of $463 million due to COVID-19.

Underlying net income was $59 million, with EPS at $0.09, excluding notable items.

CET1 ratio remained strong at 9.4%.

Record noninterest income increased 16% year over year, driven by mortgage and wealth management.

Total Revenue
$1.66B
Previous year: $1.59B
+4.3%
EPS
$0.03
Previous year: $0.93
-96.8%
Efficiency Ratio
61.1%
Underlying Efficiency Ratio
59.1%
Loan-to-Deposit Ratio
95.5%
Gross Profit
$1.66B
Previous year: $1.58B
+4.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$177B
Previous year: $2.44B
+7153.7%
Total Assets
$177B
Previous year: $161B
+9.5%

Citizens

Citizens

Forward Guidance

Citizens Financial Group is focused on serving the needs of its customers and communities and is financially strong. The company will cease stock repurchases through December 31, 2020 to ensure capital remains strong.

Positive Outlook

  • Citizens remains financially strong.
  • The company is focused on serving the needs of its customers, colleagues and communities.
  • The TOP 6 program is on track, with a target of approximately $300-$325 million in pre-tax run-rate benefit by year-end 2021.
  • The company is continuing to fund its major strategic initiatives.
  • Citizens is considering new opportunities arising from the current environment in an effort to drive higher customer and revenue growth coming out of the crisis.

Challenges Ahead

  • COVID-19’s effect on the economy.
  • Some Q2 saves will be deferred until later in the year, to be offset by other expense actions.
  • The Company will cease stock repurchases through December 31, 2020.
  • The company recorded a $463 million reserve build under CECL tied to COVID-19 impacts.
  • Capital markets fees and foreign exchange and interest rate products reflect good underlying business performance, partially offset by COVID-19 impacts.