10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2016

CITIZENS FINANCIAL GROUP INC/RI Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2016

Filed May 9, 2016For Securities:CFGCFG-PHCFG-PECFG-PI

Summary

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) reported solid financial results for the first quarter of 2016, demonstrating growth and stable asset quality. Net income available to common stockholders increased by 3% to $216 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to $209 million ($0.38 per diluted share) in the prior year's quarter. This growth was driven by an 8% increase in net interest income, reflecting stronger loan growth and an improved net interest margin. While noninterest income saw a slight decrease, primarily due to a card reward accounting change and lower mortgage banking fees, the company managed expenses effectively, with noninterest expense remaining stable year-over-year. The provision for credit losses increased, reflecting a higher reserve build and a decrease in commercial recoveries from the prior year, but overall asset quality remained stable with nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans at 1.07%. The company's capital ratios remain robust, well above regulatory requirements, indicating a strong financial position.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.23B
Interest Expense$115.00M
Net Income$223.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.41
EPS (Diluted)$0.41
Shares Outstanding (Basic)528.07M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)530.45M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income available to common stockholders increased 3% to $216 million in Q1 2016.
  • 2Diluted earnings per share rose to $0.41, up from $0.38 in Q1 2015.
  • 3Net interest income grew 8% to $904 million, driven by loan growth and improved net interest margin.
  • 4Net interest margin improved 9 basis points to 2.86%, supported by higher loan yields and better loan mix.
  • 5Provision for credit losses increased 57% to $91 million, influenced by higher reserves and lower commercial recoveries.
  • 6Total assets grew to $140.1 billion as of March 31, 2016.
  • 7Common equity tier 1 capital ratio remained strong at 11.6%.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the increase in net income was the 8% growth in net interest income, which benefited from a 7% increase in average loans and leases and a 9 basis point improvement in the net interest margin.

Asset quality remained relatively stable. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans and leases remained at 1.07%, and the allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases was 1.21%.

Noninterest expense remained stable year-over-year. While outside services and salaries/benefits increased, these were offset by lower other operating expenses, partly due to a card reward accounting change and the absence of restructuring charges and special items compared to the prior year.

Citizens Financial Group maintains a strong capital position. The Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 11.6% and the Tier 1 Capital ratio was 11.9% as of March 31, 2016, both well above regulatory requirements.