Latest News

10/19/2018

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Net Income of $443 Million with Diluted EPS of $0.91 up 34% Year over Year; Underlying Net Income of $450 million and EPS of $0.93, up 37% Year over Year*

Year-over-year revenue growth of 8%

13.3% ROTCE; Underlying ROTCE of 13.5%, up 3.4% year over year*

4.4% year-over-year positive operating leverage, excluding the impact of the Franklin American Mortgage Company Acquisition*

PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CFG or “Citizens”) today reports third quarter net income of $443 million, up 27% from $348 million in third quarter 2017 with earnings per diluted common share of $0.91, up 34% from $0.68 in third quarter 2017. Third quarter 2018 net income increased $18 million, or 4%, from second quarter 2018 and diluted earnings per common share increased $0.03, or 3%. Third quarter 2018 Return on Average Tangible Common Equity* (“ROTCE”) of 13.3% increased 3.2% from third quarter 2017 and increased from 12.9% in second quarter 2018. Third quarter 2018 results reflect the impact of the Franklin American Mortgage Company (“FAMC”) acquisition on August 1, 2018 and include a $7 million after-tax, or $0.02 earnings per share, impact of notable items tied to the FAMC integration.*

Excluding notable items, Underlying* third quarter 2018 net income of $450 million increased $102 million, or 29%, and earnings per diluted common share of $0.93 increased $0.25, or 37%, from third quarter 2017. Third quarter 2018 net income increased $25 million, or 6%, and earnings per diluted common share increased $0.05, or 6%, from second quarter 2018. ROTCE* of 13.5% improved from 10.1% in third quarter 2017 and 12.9% in second quarter 2018.

“We are highly pleased that we continue to execute well and deliver strong top-line growth and positive operating leverage, which has powered underlying year-on-year EPS growth of 37% and ROTCE improvement to 13.5%,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Van Saun. “We are doing a good job with balance sheet management, as we remain highly prudent and selective on where we deploy capital to support loan growth, and we are building new deposit-gathering capabilities, such as Citizens Access. In addition, we continue to invest in broadening and building our fee-based capabilities, highlighted by the closing of the Franklin American Mortgage Company acquisition, and in the development of robust technology offerings, including strong digital and data capabilities.”

Citizens also announced today that its board of directors declared a fourth quarter 2018 cash dividend of $0.27 per common share. The dividend is payable on November 14, 2018 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 31, 2018.

* Please see important information on Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures, as applicable, at the end of this release for an explanation of our use of these metrics and non-GAAP financial measures and their reconciliations to GAAP financial measures. “Underlying” results exclude the impact of notable items. Where there is a reference to Underlying results in a paragraph, all measures that follow these references are on the same basis, when applicable. References to Underlying results excluding FAMC adjust for the impact of the August 1, 2018 FAMC acquisition. Additional information regarding the impact of the FAMC acquisition and notable items may be found in the Discussion of Results portion of this release. Throughout this release, references to consolidated and/or commercial loans and loan growth include leases. Loans held for sale are also referred to as LHFS. Current reporting-period regulatory capital ratios are preliminary. Select totals may not foot due to rounding.

Third Quarter 2018 vs. Second Quarter 2018

Key Highlights

• Third quarter highlights include 2% growth in net interest income, reflecting higher loan yields, and 7% growth in noninterest income, driven by growth in mortgage banking fees, service charges and fees, trust and investment services fees, other income and card fees. Mortgage banking fees increased $22 million, driven by the FAMC acquisition.
• Efficiency ratio of 58.2% remained relatively stable, despite the 1.25% increase tied to the FAMC acquisition. Excluding the impact of FAMC, the Underlying efficiency ratio* improved by 100 basis points to 57.0%, given expense discipline, and positive operating leverage was 1.8%.
• ROTCE improved to 13.3% from 12.9%; 13.5% on an Underlying basis.*
• Tangible book value per common share of $27.66 remained relatively stable. Fully diluted average common shares outstanding decreased 8.5 million shares, or 2%.

Results

• Total revenue of $1.6 billion increased 4%, reflecting strength in net interest income and noninterest income.
  • Net interest income of $1.1 billion increased $27 million, or 2%, driven by higher loan yields, loan growth and the benefit of day count.
  • Net interest margin of 3.19% reflects two basis points of net interest margin expansion, largely tied to higher loan yields, partially offset by a one basis point reduction tied to the FAMC acquisition. Net interest margin, excluding the impact of FAMC,* improved two basis points to 3.20%.
  • Noninterest income of $416 million increased $28 million, or 7%, driven by the $24 million impact of the FAMC acquisition, largely in mortgage banking fees, as well as higher service charges and fees and trust and investment services fees. Noninterest income, excluding the impact of FAMC,* of $392 million increased $4 million, or 1%.
  • Noninterest expense of $910 million increased $35 million, or 4%, driven by the $34 million impact of the FAMC acquisition and notable items.* Underlying* noninterest expense, excluding the impact of FAMC, of $876 million was stable, reflecting continued execution against our efficiency initiatives.
• Provision for credit losses of $78 million decreased $7 million, or 8%, given a decrease in reserves tied to improvements in credit quality in retail real estate-secured products.

Balance Sheet

• Average interest-earning assets increased $1.6 billion, or 1%, which includes a $790 million increase tied to the FAMC acquisition, largely in loans held for sale. Results also reflect loan growth of 1% with particular strength in retail including residential mortgage, unsecured and education as well as growth in selective commercial categories and commercial real estate.
• Average deposits grew $1.9 billion, or 2%, with strength in most categories. Results include a $442 million increase tied to the FAMC acquisition and $551 million tied to Citizens Access^(TM).
• Nonperforming loans and leases (“NPLs”) to total loans and leases ratio of 0.73% decreased from 0.75%, and the allowance coverage of NPL ratio improved to 149% from 148%.
• Net charge-offs increased modestly to 30 basis points from 27 basis points, driven by seasonally higher retail auto net
  charge-offs, as well as a modest increase in commercial.
• Capital strength remains robust, with a common equity tier 1 (“CET1”) risk-based capital ratio of 10.8%, which includes an approximately 18 basis point reduction tied to the FAMC acquisition.
• Repurchased $400 million of common stock at a weighted-average effective price of $39.83, and including common dividends, returned $529 million to stockholders.

Third Quarter 2018 vs. Third Quarter 2017

Key Highlights

• Third quarter results reflect a 28% increase in net income available to common stockholders, driven by 8% revenue growth, with 8% growth in net interest income and 9% growth in noninterest income. Underlying* net income available to common stockholders increased 30%, while revenue, excluding the impact of FAMC,* increased 7%.
• Continued focus on top-line growth and expense management helped deliver 2.2% operating leverage and a 121 basis point improvement in the efficiency ratio to 58.2%. Underlying* operating leverage, excluding the impact of FAMC, was 4.4%, with a 246 basis point improvement in the efficiency ratio to 57.0%.
• ROTCE of 13.3% improved 3.2% from 10.1%. Underlying ROTCE of 13.5% improved 3.4%.*
• Tangible book value per common share improved to $27.66, up 2%. Fully-diluted average common shares outstanding decreased 24.6 million shares, or 5%.

Results

• Total revenue of $1.6 billion increased $121 million, or 8%, driven by strength in net interest income and noninterest income. Total revenue, excluding the impact of FAMC,* of $1.5 billion, increased $95 million, or 7%.
  • Net interest income increased $86 million, or 8%, driven by a 14 basis point improvement in net interest margin and 4% average loan growth. Net interest margin, excluding the impact of FAMC, improved 15 basis points
    to 3.20%.
  • Noninterest income of $416 million increased $35 million, or 9%, driven by strength in mortgage banking and trust and investment services fees. Noninterest income, excluding the impact of FAMC,* of $392 million, increased
    $11 million, or 3%, reflecting higher trust and investment services fees, foreign exchange and interest rate products fees and card fees.
  • Noninterest expense increased $52 million, or 6%, driven by the $34 million impact of the FAMC acquisition and notable items.* Underlying* noninterest expense, excluding the impact of FAMC,* increased $18 million, or 2%, driven by higher salary and employee benefits tied to higher revenue-based compensation and the impact of our strategic-growth initiatives.
• Provision for credit losses of $78 million increased $6 million, or 8%, reflecting higher commercial net charge-offs from third quarter 2017 levels that included higher recoveries in the prior period and higher retail net charge-offs tied to expected seasoning in unsecured products.

Balance Sheet

• Average interest-earning assets increased $4.7 billion, or 3%, driven by 4% loan growth, reflecting a 6% increase in commercial loans and a 2% increase in retail loans, partially offset by a $423 million, or 2% reduction in investments. The FAMC acquisition added $790 million in average interest-earning assets. Interest-earning assets, excluding the impact of FAMC,* increased 3%.
• Average deposits increased $4.1 billion, or 4%, driven by strength in term, demand and savings.
• NPL ratio of 0.73% improved from 0.85%, reflecting improvement in commercial NPLs. Allowance coverage of NPLs of 149% improved from 131%.
• Net charge-offs of 30 basis points increased 6 basis points, given higher net charge-offs in commercial from third quarter 2017 levels that included higher recoveries in the prior period, as well as seasoning in retail growth portfolios.

Year-Over-Year Update on Plan Execution

Consumer Banking segment

• Continued balance sheet momentum, with 3% average loan growth, highlighted by improving mix toward more attractive risk-adjusted return categories and 4% average deposit growth.
• Successful launch of Citizens Access™, a nationwide, digital-deposit platform with approximately $1.0billion raised through third quarter 2018. All key metrics tracking favorable to, or on, plan.
• Closed the previously announced FAMC transaction, which is expected to expand origination capabilities, help drive scale in servicing and generate increased fee income. The FAMC transaction added a $612 million mortgage servicing rights portfolio; conforming mix improved to 74%.
• Continued progress in Wealth with 18% fee growth; managed money revenue up 23%, assets under management up 15% and number of financial advisors up 5%.

Commercial Banking segment

• Continued strong balance sheet performance with average loan growth of 7%, driven by our geographic-expansion strategies and our focus on Industry Verticals as well as by strength in Private Equity and in Commercial Real Estate. Average deposits up 2% with solid growth in savings and demand deposits.
• Continue to benefit from investments to drive fee income, highlighted by a 30% increase in foreign exchange and interest rate products and an 18% increase in Commercial card fees. Capital Markets’ pipeline remains robust.

Efficiency and balance sheet optimization initiatives

• Launched TOP V Program, which includes efficiency and revenue initiatives, targeting pre-tax benefit of approximately $90 — $100 million by end of 2019. TOP IV Program initiatives are largely complete; on track to deliver end of 2018 run-rate pre-tax benefit of approximately $105 — $110 million.
• Continued progress on Balance Sheet Optimization (“BSO”) designed to improve the loan portfolio mix toward
  higher-return categories and help manage deposit costs. BSO delivered approximately 4 basis points of the 14 basis point net interest margin improvement year over year, or 5 basis points excluding the impact of FAMC.*

Discussion of Results:

Third quarter 2018 net income available to common stockholders of $436 million increased $11 million, or 3%, and fully diluted earnings per common share increased $0.03 to $0.91, up 3% compared to second quarter 2018 results, reflecting growth in revenue and expense as well as a reduction in provision expense. Third quarter 2018 results reflect solid revenue growth and higher noninterest expense largely tied to the FAMC acquisition as well as lower provision expense. The FAMC acquisition contributed $2 million of net interest income, $24 million of noninterest income and $25 million of noninterest expense, as well as $790 million of average interest-earning assets and $442 million in average deposits. Additionally, CFG recorded $9 million pre-tax, or $7 million after-tax, of notable items tied to the FAMC integration. Third quarter 2018 EPS reflect an 8.5 million reduction in fully diluted average common shares outstanding compared to second quarter 2018.

Compared with second quarter 2018, third quarter 2018 reported results were highlighted by revenue growth of 4%, with net interest income growth of 2% and net interest margin of 3.19%, given 1% loan growth and one basis point of net interest margin expansion. Results also reflect noninterest income growth of 7% and a 4% increase in noninterest expense, a relatively stable efficiency ratio of 58.2%, and relatively stable operating leverage. Provision for credit losses decreased 8%, given a decrease in reserves tied to improvements in credit quality in retail real estate-secured products. ROTCE improved to 13.3% from 12.9%.*

Compared with third quarter 2017, net income available to common stockholders increased $95 million, or 28%, and fully diluted earnings per share increased $0.23, or 34%. Fully diluted average common shares outstanding were lower by 24.6 million shares given buyback activity. Results were highlighted by revenue growth of 8% with net interest income growth of 8%, given 4% loan growth and 14 basis points of net interest margin to 3.19%. Results also reflect noninterest income growth of 9% and a 6% increase in noninterest expense, 2.2% operating leverage and a 1.2% improvement in the efficiency ratio to 58.2%. Provision for credit losses increased 8%, reflecting higher commercial net charge-offs from third quarter 2017 levels that included higher recoveries in the prior period, and higher retail net charge-offs tied to expected seasoning in unsecured products. ROTCE of 13.3% improved 3.2% from 10.1%.*

On an Underlying basis,* which excludes the impact of notable items, third quarter 2018 net income available to common stockholders of $443 million increased $18 million, or 4%, and fully diluted earnings per common share increased $0.05, or 6%, compared to second quarter 2018.

On an Underlying basis and excluding the impact of the FAMC acquisition,* results were highlighted by 2% revenue growth with a 2% increase in net interest income and two basis points of net interest margin expansion to 3.20%, as well as noninterest income growth of 1%. Results reflect continued strong execution against our efficiency initiatives, with relatively stable noninterest expense, a 1% improvement in the efficiency ratio to 57.0% and operating leverage of 1.8%. ROTCE of 13.4% improved from 12.9%.*

On an Underlying basis,* which excludes the impact of notable items, net income available to common shareholders increased $102 million, or 30%, and fully diluted earnings per common share increased $0.25, or 37%, compared to third quarter 2017. ROTCE improved to 13.5% from 10.1%.

On an Underlying basis and excluding the impact of FAMC,* year-over-year results were highlighted by continued strong top line growth, with revenue growth of 7%, led by net interest income growth of 8% and net interest margin expansion of 15 basis points to 3.20% and noninterest income growth of 3%. Noninterest expense growth of 2% reflects strong expense discipline, as the efficiency ratio improved 246 basis points to 57.0%, with positive operating leverage of 4.4%

Third quarter 2018 net interest income of $1.1 billion increased $27 million, or 2%, from second quarter 2018, given a 1% increase in average loans and loans held for sale and a one basis point improvement in net interest margin to 3.19%. The improvement in net interest margin reflects higher loan yields tied to higher rates, partially offset by increased deposit and funding costs. Net interest margin, excluding the impact of FAMC,* improved two basis points to 3.20%.

Compared with third quarter 2017, net interest income increased $86 million, or 8%, driven by a 14 basis point improvement in net interest margin and 4% average loan growth. The improvement in net interest margin reflects higher interest-earning asset yields given higher rates and continued mix shift towards higher-yielding assets, partially offset by higher deposit and funding costs. Net interest margin, excluding the impact of FAMC,* improved 15 basis points to 3.20%.

Noninterest income of $416 million increased $28 million, or 7%, from second quarter 2018, driven by the $24 million impact of the FAMC acquisition in mortgage banking fees. Noninterest income, excluding the impact of FAMC,* of $392 million increased $4 million, or 1%, largely as seasonally higher service charges and fees and growth in trust and investment services fees, given increased sales volumes and growth in managed money balances were partially offset by a $3 million reduction in foreign exchange and interest rate products fees from record second quarter 2018 levels, reflecting a $3 million adjustment tied to a credit-valuation adjustment methodology change.

Compared to third quarter 2017, noninterest income increased $35 million, or 9%, including a $24 million impact of the FAMC acquisition. Noninterest income, excluding the impact of FAMC,* of $392 million increased $11 million, or 3%, driven by growth in trust and investment services fees, reflecting increased sales volumes and growth in managed money balances, foreign exchange and interest rate products and card fees. These results were partially offset by lower capital markets fees, driven by lower loan syndication fees, in-line with overall market activity.

Noninterest expense of $910 million increased $35 million, or 4%, from second quarter 2018, including a $25 million impact of the FAMC acquisition, and $9 million of pre-tax notable items tied to integration, largely in salaries and employee benefits. Underlying* noninterest expense, excluding the impact of FAMC, remained relatively stable, reflecting continued focus on expense discipline as stable salaries and employee benefits and a reduction in outside services offset an increase in equipment expense.

Compared with third quarter 2017, noninterest expense increased $52 million, or 6%, driven by the impact of the FAMC acquisition and notable items. Noninterest expense, excluding the impact of FAMC,* increased $18 million, or 2%, reflecting a $15 million increase in salaries and employee benefits tied to higher revenue-based compensation and the impact of our strategic growth initiatives. Results also reflected higher equipment expense, outside services, occupancy and amortization of software tied to investments in our strategic-growth initiatives, partially offset by lower other expense, reflecting lower legal and regulatory costs and insurance costs that more than offset higher advertising costs.

The third quarter 2018 effective tax rate of 23.2% increased modestly from second quarter 2018 and decreased from 32.2% in third quarter 2017, reflecting the impact of December 2017 Tax Legislation.

Total assets of $158.6 billion as of September 30, 2018 increased $3.2 billion, or 2%, from June 30, 2018, reflecting a $1.3 billion, or 1%, increase in loans and leases and a $1.7 billion increase tied to the FAMC acquisition, largely $828 million in loans held for sale and the $612 million mortgage servicing rights portfolio in non-interest earning assets. Compared to September 30, 2017, total assets increased $7.2 billion, or 5%, including the increase tied to the FAMC acquisition. Results also include a $4.6 billion, or 4%, increase in loans and leases, a $1.3 billion, or 5%, increase in investments and interest-bearing deposits as well as a $502 million increase in non-interest-earning assets, partially offset by a decrease in other loans held for sale.

Period-end investments and interest-bearing deposits of $28.6 billion as of September 30, 2018 increased 1% from June 30, 2018. Compared with September 30, 2017, period-end investments and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.3 billion, or 5%, driven by an increase in cash positions. As of September 30, 2018, the average effective duration of the securities portfolio increased to 4.7 years compared to 4.5 years as of June 30, 2018, given higher long-term rates that drove an expected decrease in securities pre-payment speeds. As of September 30, 2017, the securities portfolio average effective duration was 3.8 years.

Period-end loans and leases and loans held for sale of $116.1 billion as of September 30, 2018 increased $1.9 billion, or 2%, from $114.1 billion as of June 30, 2018, including an $828 million increase in loans held for sale tied to the FAMC acquisition. Results also reflect a $796 million increase in retail loans and a $517 million increase in commercial loans. Excluding the impact of FAMC,* period-end loans and leases and loans held for sale increased 1% from June 30, 2018.

Compared to September 30, 2017, period-end loans and leases and loans held for sale increased $4.7 billion, or 4%, including the impact of the FAMC acquisition. Results also reflect a $3.0 billion increase in commercial loans and leases as well as a $1.5 billion increase in retail loans. Excluding the impact of FAMC,* period-end loans and leases and loans held for sale increased 3% from September 30, 2017.

Average interest-earning assets of $142.2 billion increased $1.6 billion, or 1%, compared to second quarter 2018, and included a $790 million impact from the August 1, 2018 FAMC acquisition. Results reflect a $1.1 billion increase in loans and leases and a $692 million increase in loans held for sale, driven by the $724 million average impact of the FAMC acquisition. Commercial loan growth largely reflects strength in commercial real estate and selective commercial categories. Retail loan growth was driven by strength in residential mortgage, unsecured and education, partially offset by the planned reduction in auto, as well as lower home equity balances. Excluding the impact of FAMC,* average loan growth was 1%.

Compared to third quarter 2017, average interest-earning assets increased $4.7 billion, or 3%, driven by a $4.5 billion increase in loans and leases and a $620 million increase in loans held for sale, driven by the impact of the FAMC acquisition. These results were partially offset by a $423 million decrease in the investment securities portfolio and interest-bearing deposits, largely reflecting the impact of rising rates on securities valuations and lower cash balances. Average loans increased $4.5 billion, driven by a $3.1 billion increase in commercial loans with strength in Commercial Real Estate and in mid-corporate and middle market given geographic and industry expansion strategies, partially offset by the continued planned reduction in leasing. Results also reflected a $1.4 billion increase in retail loans, driven by strength in residential mortgage, education, unsecured and merchant-finance products, partially offset by a planned reduction in auto and lower home equity balances. Excluding the impact of FAMC,* average loan growth was 4%.

Total period-end deposits of $117.1 billion as of September 30, 2018 were stable with June 30, 2018, as growth in savings and demand deposits was partially offset by reductions in money market accounts and checking with interest. Compared to September 30, 2017, period-end deposits increased $3.8 billion, or 3%, reflecting growth in term deposits, demand deposits, savings and checking with interest, partially offset by lower money market accounts. The increase in demand deposits includes $624 million tied to the FAMC acquisition. Excluding the impact of FAMC,* sequential period-end deposit growth was relatively stable and year-over-year growth was 3%.

Third quarter 2018 average deposits of $117.0 billion increased $1.9 billion, or 2%, from second quarter 2018, reflecting growth in term deposits, demand deposits, savings and money market accounts, partially offset by lower checking with interest. Compared to third quarter 2017, average deposits increased $4.1 billion, or 4%, reflecting growth in term deposits, demand deposits and savings, partially offset by lower money market accounts and checking with interest. The increase in demand deposits includes $442 million tied to the FAMC acquisition. Excluding the impact of FAMC,* sequential average deposit growth was 1% and year-over-year growth was 3%.

Total period-end borrowed funds of $18.0 billion as of September 30, 2018 increased $2.6 billion, or 17%, compared to June 30, 2018, primarily reflecting a $500 million increase in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank “FHLB” borrowings, and a $2.0 billion increase in long-term FHLB borrowings.

Compared to September 30, 2017, total period-end borrowed funds increased $2.7 billion, or 17%, primarily reflecting a $2.7 billion increase in long-term FHLB borrowings and a $501 million increase in other short-term borrowed funds, partially offset by a $344 million decrease in subordinated debt and other debt.

As of September 30, 2018, our Basel III capital ratios remained well in excess of applicable regulatory requirements with a CET1 ratio of 10.8% compared to 11.2% as of June 30, 2018 and 11.1% as of September 30, 2017, and a total capital ratio of 13.4% versus total capital ratios of 13.8% as of June 30, 2018 and 13.8% as of September 30, 2017. Our capital ratios continue to reflect progress towards our objective of aligning our capital profile with that of peer regional banks, while maintaining a strong capital base to continue to drive future performance.

As part of CFG’s 2018 Capital Plan (the “Plan”), during third quarter 2018, the company increased its dividend by 23% and repurchased $400 million of common shares at a weighted-average price of $39.83. Total capital returned to stockholders was $529 million. The Plan also anticipates the potential to raise the quarterly common dividend per share an additional 19% to $0.32 per share beginning in first quarter 2019. Future capital actions are subject to consideration and approval by CFG’s Board of Directors.

Overall credit quality remains strong, reflecting the benefit of continued growth in lower-risk retail loan portfolios and a relatively stable risk profile in commercial. As of September 30, 2018, nonperforming loans and leases (“NPLs”) of $832 million decreased $13 million, or 2%, from June 30, 2018, reflecting a reduction in commercial NPLs, primarily driven by a reduction in non-performing commodities-related credits and a modest increase in retail reflecting the impact of the FAMC acquisition and a seasonal increase in auto. Compared to September 30, 2017, NPLs decreased $100 million, or 11%, reflecting a $67 million decrease in commercial, driven by a reduction in non-performing commodities-related credits, and a $33 million decrease in retail tied to improvement in real estate secured portfolios, partially offset by the impact of FAMC. The non-performing loans and leases to total loans and leases ratio of 0.73% as of September 30, 2018 improved from 0.75% as of June 30, 2018 and improved from 0.85% as of September 30, 2017.

Third quarter 2018 net charge-offs of $86 million increased $10 million, or 13%, from second quarter 2018, largely reflecting a $6 million increase in retail, driven by seasonally higher auto charge-offs and expected seasoning in growth categories, partially offset by seasonally lower education losses, and a $4 million increase in commercial. Compared to third quarter 2017, net charge-offs increased $21 million, or 32%, reflecting a $16 million increase in commercial, driven by lower recoveries, and a $5 million increase in retail, driven by expected seasoning in growth portfolios.

The third quarter 2018 allowance for loan and lease losses of $1.2 billion decreased $11 million compared to second quarter 2018 and increased $18 million compared to third quarter 2017.

The allowance for loan and lease losses to total loans and leases ratio of 1.08% as of September 30, 2018 remained relatively stable with June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 levels. The allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans and leases ratio of 149% as of September 30, 2018 improved from 148% as of June 30, 2018 and 131% as of September 30, 2017.

Corresponding Financial Tables and Information

Investors are encouraged to review the foregoing summary and discussion of Citizens' earnings and financial condition in conjunction with the detailed financial tables and other information available on the Investor Relations portion of the company’s website at www.citizensbank.com/about-us.

Media: Peter Lucht - 781.655.2289

Investors: Ellen A. Taylor - 203.900.6854

Conference Call

CFG management will host a live conference call today with details as follows:

Time: 9:00 am ET

Dial-in: (800) 230-1074, conference ID 443613

Webcast/Presentation: The live webcast will be available at http://investor.citizensbank.com under Events & Presentations.

Replay Information: A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at 11:00 am ET on October 19, 2018 through November 19, 2018. Please dial (800) 475-6701 and enter access code 443613. The webcast replay will be available at http://investor.citizensbank.com under Events & Presentations.

About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $158.6 billion in assets as of September 30, 2018. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a 24/7 customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 2,900 ATMs and approximately 1,150 branches in 11 states in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers corporate, institutional and not-for-profit clients a full range of wholesale banking products and services, including lending and deposits, capital markets, treasury services, foreign exchange and interest rate products and asset finance. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Key Performance Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations

(in millions, except share, per-share and ratio data)

Key Performance Metrics:

Our Management uses certain key performance metrics (KPMs) to gauge our progress against strategic and operational goals, as well as to compare our performance against peers. The KPMs are referred to in our Registration Statements on Form S-1 and our external financial reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The KPMs include:

• Return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE);
• Return on average total tangible assets (ROTA);
• Efficiency ratio;
• Operating leverage; and
• Common equity tier 1 capital ratio.

Established targets for the KPMs are based on Management-reporting results and are referred to by the Company as “Underlying” results. We believe that “Underlying” results, which exclude notable items, as applicable, provide the best representation of our underlying financial progress toward the KPMs as they exclude items that our Management does not consider indicative of our on-going financial performance. We have consistently shown these metrics on this basis to investors since our initial public offering in September of 2014. KPMs that reflect “Underlying” results are considered non-GAAP financial measures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

This document contains non-GAAP financial measures denoted as “Underlying” results. “Underlying” results for any given reporting period exclude certain items that may occur in that period which Management does not consider indicative of the Company’s on-going financial performance. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors because they are used by our Management to evaluate our operating performance and make day-to-day operating decisions. In addition, we believe our “Underlying” results in any given reporting period reflect our on-going financial performance in that period and, accordingly, are useful to consider in addition to our GAAP financial results. We further believe the presentation of “Underlying” results increases comparability of period-to-period results. The following tables present reconciliations of our non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Other companies may use similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures that are calculated differently from the way we calculate such measures. Accordingly, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by such companies. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on such non-GAAP financial measures, but to consider them with the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our results reported under GAAP.