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01/19/2018

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Net Income of $666 Million and Diluted EPS of $1.35

Results include a $317 million after-tax net benefit, or $0.64 per diluted share, from notable items Underlying net income up 24% and Underlying diluted EPS up 29% from fourth quarter 2016*

ROTCE of 19.9%, and Underlying ROTCE of 10.4% in fourth quarter 2017*

2017 net income of $1.7 billion and $3.25 diluted EPS

2017 Underlying net income of $1.3 billion up 28% and diluted EPS of $2.58 up 34% from Adjusted 2016*

Positive operating leverage of 6.8% year on year on an Underlying basis*

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CFG or “Citizens”) today reported fourth quarter net income of $666 million, or $1.35 per diluted common share, compared with fourth quarter 2016 net income of $282 million, or $0.55 per diluted common share. Fourth quarter 2017 Return on Average Tangible Common Equity* (“ROTCE”) of 19.9% compares with fourth quarter 2016 of 8.4%. Full year 2017 net income available to common stockholders of $1.64 billion and diluted EPS of $3.25 compares with 2016 net income of $1.03 billion and diluted EPS of $1.97. 2017 ROTCE* of 12.3% compares with 7.7% in 2016.

Fourth quarter 2017 results included a $317 million after-tax net benefit from notable items including a benefit related to the Company’s net deferred tax liability in connection with the December 2017 Tax Legislation, partially offset by investments in our colleagues and communities, as well as a $17 million gain on the sale of a Troubled Debt Restructuring Portfolio offset by other notable items largely associated with our efficiency initiatives (“TDR Transaction II”).

On an Underlying basis,* fourth quarter 2017 net income available to common stockholders of $349 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, increased 24% and 29%, respectively, from fourth quarter 2016 and increased 2% and 4%, respectively, from third quarter 2017. Underlying fourth quarter 2017 ROTCE* of 10.4% improved from 10.1% in third quarter 2017 and 8.4% in fourth quarter 2016. On an Adjusted/Underlying basis,* full year 2017 net income available to common stockholders of $1.3 billion, increased 28% and diluted EPS of $2.58 increased 34% from 2016 levels. Full year 2017 ROTCE* of 12.3% compares to 7.7% in 2016. On an Adjusted/Underlying basis,* 2017 ROTCE of 9.8% compares with 7.6% in 2016.

Citizens announced today that its board of directors declared a 22% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.22 per common share. The dividend is payable on February 15, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2018.

“We are pleased to report another quarter of strong results to cap what has been an exceptional year for Citizens,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Van Saun. “We are executing well and running the bank better and better, as evidenced by the 6.8% year on year operating leverage, ROTCE reaching 10.4% in the fourth quarter, and consistent progress in delivering well for our customers, colleagues and communities. We enter 2018 with solid momentum, and are pleased to raise our dividend today by a further 22%.”

*Please see important information on Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this release for an explanation of our use of these metrics and non-GAAP financial measures and their reconciliation to GAAP financial measures. 4Q17 after-tax notable items excluded from our “Underlying” results reflect a $10 million gain on a TDR portfolio sale offset by $11 million of other notable items (“TDR Transaction II”) and a $331 million benefit relating to the December 2017 Tax Legislation, partially offset by $13 million of other notable items. December 2017 Tax Legislation benefit amounts are estimated as of December 31, 2017 and may be subject to adjustment during 2018. “Underlying” results, as applicable, also exclude a 1Q17 $23 million benefit related to the settlement of certain state tax matters and reclassify 2Q17 results for the pre-tax impact of $26 million of lease asset impairments to reflect their credit-related impact. 3Q16 after-tax notable items excluded from our “Adjusted” results reflect a $19 million gain on a TDR portfolio sale less other notable items (“TDR Transaction”). Where there is a reference to “Adjusted”, “Underlying” or “Adjusted/Underlying” results in a paragraph, all measures that follow these references are on the same basis, when applicable. Current reporting-period regulatory capital ratios are preliminary.

Fourth Quarter 2017 vs. Third Quarter 2017

Key Highlights

• Fourth quarter highlights include ROTCE of 19.9% and Underlying ROTCE* of 10.4%. Underlying results* reflect revenue growth of 2% driven by strength in net interest income given continued loan growth and a three basis point improvement in net interest margin. Provision expense increased modestly from relatively low third quarter levels.
• Results reflect an efficiency ratio of 61%, which includes the impact of $40 million of notable expense items.
  On an Underlying basis,* operating leverage was 1.6% and the efficiency ratio improved 91 basis points to 58.5%.
• Tangible book value per common share of $27.48 increased by 2%. Fully diluted average common shares outstanding decreased by 8.4 million shares.

Results

• Total revenue of $1.5 billion increased 3% including the $17 million benefit tied to notable items; on an Underlying basis,* total revenue of $1.5 billion increased 2%.
  • Net interest income of $1.1 billion increased $18 million, reflecting 1% average loan growth and a three basis point improvement in net interest margin to 3.08% from third quarter levels that included a two basis point benefit tied to higher commercial loan interest recoveries.
  • Net interest margin reflects improved yields on interest-earning assets, including the benefit of higher short-term interest rates and balance sheet optimization, partially offset by higher funding costs.
  • Noninterest income of $404 million increased $23 million, which includes a $17 million benefit from notable items. Underlying noninterest income* of $387 million increased 2%, driven by strength in foreign exchange and interest rate products, trust and investment services fees and other income.
• Noninterest expense of $898 million increased $40 million, driven by the impact of notable items. On an Underlying basis,* noninterest expense of $858 million was stable, as lower other operating expense and salaries and employee benefits were offset by an increase in outside services, which included costs associated with our strategic initiatives.
• Provision for credit losses of $83 million increased modestly from relatively low third quarter levels.
• Efficiency ratio of 60.5%, 58.5% on an Underlying basis,* compares with 59.4% in third quarter 2017; ROTCE of 19.9%, 10.4% on an Underlying basis,* improved from 10.1% in the third quarter 2017.

Balance Sheet

• Average interest-earning assets increased $950 million, driven by an increase in loans, with particular strength in retail.
• Average deposits increased $806 million, driven by growth in term and demand, partially offset by a decrease in checking with interest.
• Nonperforming loans and leases (“NPLs”) to total loans and leases ratio of 0.79% improved from 0.85%, reflecting a reduction in commercial NPLs. Allowance coverage of NPLs increased to 142% from 131%.
• Net charge-offs of 28 basis points increased modestly from third quarter levels.
• Capital strength remains robust, with a preliminary common equity tier 1 (“CET1”) risk-based capital ratio of 11.1%; 11.2% including a pro forma benefit tied to an anticipated FASB accounting standards change related to Tax Legislation.
• Repurchased 8.8 million shares of common stock in the quarter, and including common dividends, returned $424 million in capital to shareholders.
• Average loan-to-deposit ratio remained relatively stable at 97.8%; Period-end loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96.7%.

Fourth Quarter 2017 vs. Fourth Quarter 2016

Key Highlights

• Fourth quarter results reflect a 136% increase in net income available to common stockholders, which includes the impact of the 2017 Tax Legislation and other notable items. Underlying net income available to common stockholders* increased 24% led by revenue growth of 8%, with a 10% increase in net interest income and 3% increase in noninterest income.
• Results, including the impact of notable items, reflect operating leverage of 2.9%, efficiency ratio of 61% and ROTCE of 19.9%. On an Underlying basis,* operating leverage of 6.4% reflects continued strong focus on top-line growth and expense management, with a 3.7% improvement in the efficiency ratio to 58.5% and a 2.0% improvement in ROTCE to 10.4%.*
• Fully diluted average common shares outstanding decreased by 20.1 million shares.

Results

• Total revenue of $1.5 billion increased $121 million, or 9%; on an Underlying basis,* total revenue increased $104 million, or 8%, driven by strength in both net interest income and noninterest income.
  • Net interest income increased 10% given 4% growth in average loans and an 18 basis point improvement in net interest margin.
  • Net interest margin of 3.08% reflects improved loan yields driven by the continued focus on balance sheet optimization and the benefit of higher rates, partially offset by an increase in funding costs.
  • Noninterest income of $404 million increased $27 million, which includes a $17 million benefit tied to notable items. On an Underlying basis,* noninterest income increased 3% driven by strength in trust and investment services fees, card fees and capital markets fees partially offset by lower mortgage banking fees and other income.
• Noninterest expense increased 6% from fourth quarter 2016 driven by the impact of $40 million of notable items. On an Underlying basis,* noninterest expense increased 1%, largely reflecting higher salaries and employee benefits expense and higher outside services expense, driven by the impact of strategic growth initiatives, partially offset by lower other operating expense, largely due to fraud, legal and regulatory costs.
• Provision for credit losses decreased $19 million, or 19%, reflecting strong overall portfolio credit quality and lower net charge-offs.
• ROTCE of 19.9% improved by 11.5%, and Underlying ROTCE of 10.4% improved by 2.0%, from 8.4%.*

Balance Sheet

• Average interest-earning assets increased $3.7 billion, or 3%, driven by growth in loans and loans held for sale with a 5% increase in retail and a 3% increase in commercial.
• Average deposits increased $4.6 billion, or 4%, on strength in term, checking with interest, savings and demand deposits.
• NPLs to total loans and leases ratio of 0.79% improved from 0.97%, reflecting a decrease in retail driven by real estate secured portfolios, as well as a reduction in commercial, largely tied to commodities-related credits. Allowance coverage of NPLs of 142% improved from 118%.
• Net charge-offs of 28 basis points of loans improved from 39 basis points in fourth quarter 2016, reflecting improved results in commercial and retail.

Full-Year 2017 vs. Full-Year 2016

• Total revenue of $5.7 billion increased $452 million, or 9%. Adjusted/Underlying revenue growth* of $513 million, or 10%, was driven by an 11% increase in net interest income and a 7% increase in noninterest income. Net interest income results reflect 6% average loan growth and a 16 basis point improvement in net interest margin.
• Noninterest expense of $3.5 billion increased 4% driven by the impact of notable items. On an Adjusted/Underlying basis,* noninterest expense increased 3%.
• Efficiency ratio of 60.9% improved 293 basis points. On an Adjusted/Underlying basis, the efficiency ratio of 60.0% improved 396 basis points and positive operating leverage was 6.8%.*
• Net income available to common stockholders increased 59%. Adjusted/Underlying net income* was up 28%.
• ROTCE of 12.3% improved by 4.6%. Adjusted/Underlying ROTCE of 9.8% increased by 2.2%.*
• Capital strength remains robust, with a common equity tier 1 (“CET1”) risk-based capital ratio of 11.1%.
• Average loan-to-deposit ratio remained relatively stable at 98.3%; period-end loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 96.7%.
• Tangible book value per common share of $27.48 increased by 7%.
• Returned $1.1 billion to common shareholders including dividends and share repurchases, a 70% increase compared to 2016.

Update on Plan Execution

Consumer Banking

• Performance paced by solid loan and deposit growth. Strong progress in data analytics and digital strategies, as well as in efforts to further enhance customer journeys and overall experience.
• Wealth management business continues to build scale and add capabilities highlighted by the launch of SpeciFi^SM, its new digital and investment advisory platform. Continued progress in migrating sales mix toward fee-based products with fee-based investment sales up 70% in 2017.
• Continued progress on repositioning the mortgage business, with better focus on branches and progress in building out a direct-to-consumer product offering. Conforming mortgages reached 45% of originations in fourth quarter 2017.

Commercial Banking

• Strong growth in 2017 fee income was paced by record results in Capital Markets, with strong performance in loan syndications, bond underwriting and M&A and advisory fees, and solid growth in card fees.
• Continued balance sheet and customer growth, with full year 2017 growth of 6% in average loans and loans held for sale compared with full year 2016, reflecting strength in Mid-corporate and Private Equity and Commercial Real Estate, as well as the impact of our geographic expansion strategies, partially offset by a planned reduction in Asset Finance.

Efficiency and balance sheet optimization initiatives

• TOP IV Program, which includes both efficiency and revenue initiatives, is underway and on track to meet end of 2018 run-rate pre-tax benefit of $95-$110 million.
• Balance Sheet Optimization initiatives to shift loan portfolio mix to higher-return categories continue to deliver benefits, with an estimated benefit of approximately 8 basis points on net interest margin year over year.

1) Current reporting-period regulatory capital ratios are preliminary. Basel III ratio definitions impacting risk-weighted assets and qualifying Basel III capital fully phase in as of January 1, 2018.
2) Capital adequacy and asset-quality ratios calculated on a period-end basis, except net charge-offs.

Discussion of Results:

Fourth quarter 2017 results include a net $317 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, after-tax benefit from notable items, including a $331 million after-tax benefit for the adjustment of the company’s net deferred tax liability tied to the December 2017 Tax Legislation, partially offset by other notable items which reflect a $22.5 million investment in our colleagues and the communities we serve. Results also reflect a $17 million gain on the sale of a Troubled Debt Restructuring Portfolio (“TDR Transaction II”) that was offset by $18 million of other notable items largely associated with our efficiency and strategic growth initiatives. Fourth quarter 2017 EPS reflects an 8.4 million reduction in fully diluted average common shares outstanding from third quarter 2017 and a 20.1 million reduction from fourth quarter 2016.

Full year 2017 net income available to common stockholders includes a $340 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, after-tax benefit related to notable items compared with an after-tax benefit of $19 million in 2016. For 2017 results, second quarter 2017 impairments on aircraft lease assets of $26 million have been reclassified from income and expense line items to credit-related costs. Adding these costs to provision expense resulted in total 2017 underlying credit-related costs of $347 million. These lease impairments, which largely related to a non-core runoff portfolio, reduced noninterest income by $11 million and increased noninterest expense by $15 million.

All references to Adjusted/Underlying results* exclude the notable items as outlined in the table below.

Fourth quarter 2017 net income available to common stockholders of $666 million increased $325 million, or 95%, from third quarter 2017 and $384 million, or 136%, from fourth quarter 2016. Diluted EPS of $1.35 increased $0.67, or 99%, from third quarter 2017 and $0.80, or 145%, from fourth quarter 2016.

Underlying fourth quarter 2017 net income available to common stockholders* of $349 million increased $8 million, or 2%, with Underlying diluted EPS* of $0.71 up $0.03, or 4%, from third quarter 2017, reflecting continued revenue growth and expense discipline, which drove 1.6% positive operating leverage, a 1% improvement in the efficiency ratio and ROTCE* improvement to 10.4%.

Compared with fourth quarter 2016, fourth quarter 2017 Underlying net income to common stockholders* increased $67 million, or 24%, with diluted EPS up $0.16, or 29%, reflecting 8% revenue growth led by a 10% increase in net interest income and a 3% increase in noninterest income, which coupled with prudent expense management drove 6.4% operating leverage, a 3.7% improvement in the efficiency ratio and 2.0% improvement in ROTCE.*

Full year 2017 net income available to common stockholders of $1.6 billion increased $607 million, or 59%, from 2016, reflecting 9% revenue growth, partially offset by 4% growth in noninterest expense. Full year 2017 diluted EPS of $3.25 increased $1.28, or 65%, and reflects a 20.2 million reduction in average fully diluted shares outstanding.

On an Adjusted/Underlying basis,* full year 2017 net income available to common stockholders of $1.3 billion increased $286 million, or 28%, compared with full year 2016, as 11% growth in net interest income and 7% growth in noninterest income drove a 10% increase in revenue. Our disciplined expense management allowed us to generate operating leverage of 6.8% and led to a 4% reduction in the efficiency ratio. On an Adjusted/Underlying basis, full year 2017 diluted EPS of $2.58 increased $0.65, or 34%, while ROTCE improved by 2.2% to 9.8%.*

Net interest income of $1.1 billion increased $18 million, or 2%, from third quarter 2017, reflecting loan growth and a three basis point improvement in net interest margin to 3.08% from third quarter levels that included a two basis point benefit from higher commercial loan interest recoveries. The improvement in net interest margin reflects higher interest-earning asset yields tied to higher short-term interest rates and improving loan mix toward higher-return categories, partially offset by higher deposit and funding costs.

Compared to fourth quarter 2016, net interest income increased $94 million, or 10%, reflecting 4% growth in average loans and an 18 basis point improvement in net interest margin. The improvement in net interest margin reflects higher interest-earning asset yields given balance sheet optimization initiatives and higher rates, partially offset by a reduction in Federal Reserve Bank stock dividends and higher deposit and funding costs.

1) Other income includes bank-owned life insurance and other income.

Noninterest income of $404 million increased $23 million from third quarter 2017, which includes a $17 million benefit from notable items. Underlying noninterest income* of $387 million increased $6 million from third quarter as growth in foreign exchange and interest rate products, trust and investment services fees and other income was partially offset by lower capital markets and seasonally lower card fees. Capital Markets fees decreased $11 million from record third quarter levels, as a decrease in loan syndication and bond underwriting fees was partially offset by an increase in advisory fees. Trust and investment services fees increased $4 million, reflecting an increase in sales volume and productivity, and growth in managed money assets. Foreign exchange and interest rate products increased $8 million, reflecting an increase in demand for variable rate loan hedges relative to third quarter levels that were impacted by the timing of interest-rate moves and seasonality. Other income increased $5 million, reflecting an increase in hedging income and in leasing income, despite the impact of a $3 million impairment write-down on aircraft lease assets. Securities gains were modest and relatively stable with third quarter levels and partially offset the aircraft lease impairment recorded in other income.

Compared to fourth quarter 2016, noninterest income increased $27 million, which includes a $17 million benefit tied to notable items. On an Underlying basis,* noninterest income increased $10 million, or 3%, largely reflecting strength in trust and investment services fees, card fees, capital markets fees and letter of credit and loan fees, partially offset by lower mortgage banking fees. Card fees increased $6 million, reflecting the benefit of revised contract terms for processing fees and an increase in purchase volume. Capital markets fees increased $5 million, driven by the investments made to broaden our capabilities. Trust and investment services fees increased $8 million, reflecting improved sales volume and productivity, an increase in managed money assets and an increase in the number of financial consultants. Letter of credit and loan fees increased $2 million. Mortgage banking fees decreased $8 million from fourth quarter 2016 levels that included improved mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) valuations and higher origination volumes.

Noninterest expense of $898 million increased $40 million from third quarter 2017, reflecting $40 million of notable items. Underlying noninterest expense* remained stable compared to third quarter as increases in outside services, occupancy and equipment expense were offset by decreases in salaries and benefits and other expense. Salaries and benefits expense decreased $4 million, reflecting lower incentives and seasonally lower payroll taxes. Outside services expense increased $7 million, driven by consumer strategic growth initiatives and technology initiatives. Occupancy expense increased $2 million, reflecting seasonality, and equipment expense increased $2 million driven by higher service contract costs. Other operating expense decreased $8 million, driven by lower legal and regulatory costs and lower advertising expense.

Compared with fourth quarter 2016, noninterest expense increased $51 million, driven by a $40 million increase related to notable items. Underlying noninterest expense* increased $11 million from fourth quarter 2016 levels as improvement in other operating expense was more than offset by increases in salaries and benefits, outside services and occupancy expense. Salaries and benefits increased $12 million driven by merit increases and the impact of hiring associated with strategic growth initiatives. Outside services increased $8 million tied to consumer strategic growth initiatives and technology initiatives. Occupancy expense increased $3 million reflecting costs associated with our branch strategy and maintenance. Other operating expense decreased $12 million driven by a reduction in fraud, legal and regulatory costs.

The effective tax rate for fourth quarter 2017 was (32.4)%, which includes a $331 million after-tax benefit for the adjustment of the company’s net deferred tax liability tied to the December 2017 Tax Legislation. Excluding this one-time benefit, the effective tax rate for fourth quarter 2017 was 33.7%, up from the third quarter 2017 effective tax rate of 32.2%, given the impact from our historic tax-credit investment program. The fourth quarter 2016 effective tax rate was 31.9%.

1) Represents period end unless otherwise noted.
2) Includes loans held for sale.
3) Current reporting period regulatory capital ratios are preliminary. Basel III ratios assume that certain definitions impacting risk-weighted assets and qualifying Basel III capital fully phase in as of January 1, 2018.

Total assets of $152.3 billion at December 31, 2017 increased $980 million, or 1%, compared with September 30, 2017. Compared with December 31, 2016, total assets increased $2.8 billion, or 2%, driven by a $3.0 billion increase in loans and leases and loans held for sale.

Average interest-earning assets of $138.4 billion in fourth quarter 2017 were up $950 million compared with third quarter 2017 driven by an increase in loans and leases. Compared with fourth quarter 2016, average interest-earning assets increased $3.7 billion, or 3%, given growth in loans and leases, partially offset by a decrease in investments and interest bearing deposits.

Period-end investments and interest-bearing deposits of $28.0 billion as of December 31, 2017 increased $602 million, or 2%, from September 30, 2017. Compared with December 31, 2016, investments and interest-bearing deposits decreased $828 million, or 3%, largely reflecting a $951 million decrease in interest bearing deposits. At the end of fourth quarter 2017, the average effective duration of the securities portfolio increased to 3.9 years compared with 3.8 years at September 30, 2017, given higher long-term rates that drove a decrease in securities prepayment speeds. At December 31, 2016, the securities portfolio duration was 4.3 years, reflecting the impact of somewhat higher long-term rates and a steeper yield curve, which resulted in a decrease in prepayment speeds.

Period-end loans and leases of $110.6 billion at December 31, 2017 were relatively stable compared to September 30, 2017. Compared to December 31, 2016, period-end loans and leases increased $2.9 billion, or 3%, from $107.7 billion, reflecting a $2.6 billion increase in retail loans and a $380 million increase in commercial loans and leases.

Average loans and leases were up $966 million compared with third quarter 2017 as retail loans increased $807 million and commercial loans and leases increased $159 million. Retail loan growth reflects strength in mortgage, education and other unsecured retail loans, partially offset by lower home equity and auto balances. Commercial loan results largely reflect growth in Mid-corporate and Private Equity, as well as the impact of our geographic expansion strategies, partially offset by a planned reduction in Asset Finance and non-core.

Compared with fourth quarter 2016, average loans and leases increased $3.9 billion, or 4%, reflecting a $2.6 billion increase in retail loans and a $1.3 billion increase in commercial loans and leases. Retail loan growth was driven by education, mortgage and other unsecured retail, partially offset by lower home equity and auto balances. Commercial loan and lease growth was driven by strength in Mid-corporate and Private Equity, Commercial Real Estate and Franchise Finance, as well as the impact of our geographic expansion strategies, partially offset by a planned reduction in Asset Finance, lower line of credit utilization and lower non-core balances.

Total period-end deposits of $115.1 billion at December 31, 2017 increased $1.9 billion from September 30, 2017, reflecting an increase in demand deposits, checking with interest, money market accounts and term deposits. Compared with December 31, 2016, period-end total deposits increased $5.3 billion, or 5%, driven by strong growth in term deposits, checking with interest and demand deposits as well as savings, partially offset by a decline in money market accounts.

Fourth quarter 2017 average deposits of $113.8 billion increased $806 million, or 1%, from third quarter 2017, reflecting strong growth in demand and term deposits, partially offset by a decrease in checking with interest. Compared with fourth quarter 2016, average deposits increased $4.6 billion, or 4%, reflecting strong growth in term deposits, checking with interest and savings and modest growth in demand deposits, partially offset by a decline in money market accounts.