Comerica reported a strong start to the year with Q1 2021 earnings of $2.43 per share, a 59% increase over the fourth quarter. The results were driven by a reduction in the credit reserve, robust fee-generating activity, and expense discipline. The company plans to resume share repurchases in the second quarter.
Net income was $350 million, or $2.43 per share.
Credit quality improved with a reduction in the credit reserve due to improvements in the economic outlook and decreases in nonaccrual and criticized loans.
Noninterest income increased 2% over the previous quarter, driven by robust fee-generating activity.
Expenses decreased 4% due to expense discipline.
Management expects continued improvement in economic conditions. The second quarter of 2021, compared to the first quarter of 2021, expects increase in net interest income as lease residual adjustment ($17 million in first quarter) does not repeat.
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income