Citizens Financial Group Anticipates 31% Earnings Growth in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 01 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Earnings Growth Outlook: Citizens Financial Group anticipates a significant earnings increase from $3.83 to $5.03 per share in 2026, representing over 31% growth, which is expected to drive stock price appreciation and enhance investor confidence.
- Valuation Expansion Potential: The company's current forward P/E ratio is approximately 12, aligning with the low teens range typical for regional banks, and if earnings growth materializes as projected, it could lead to further valuation expansion.
- Dividend Growth Story: East West Bancorp has seen its dividends grow at an average annual rate of 17% over the past five years, with analysts forecasting a 6.7% earnings increase next year, which may help sustain its high valuation and support stock price increases.
- Aggressive Dividend Policy: Wintrust Financial, despite only a projected 4.3% earnings growth next year, has a quarterly dividend that has grown by an average of 12.3% annually, and with a low payout ratio of 17.4%, there is significant room for further cash payout increases, potentially pushing the stock to new all-time highs.
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Analyst Views on CFG
Wall Street analysts forecast CFG stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for CFG is 66.29 USD with a low forecast of 59.00 USD and a high forecast of 77.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
15 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 62.920
Low
59.00
Averages
66.29
High
77.00
Current: 62.920
Low
59.00
Averages
66.29
High
77.00
About CFG
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. offers a range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. The Company operates through two segments: Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. Consumer Banking segment serves consumer customers and small businesses, with products and services that include deposits, mortgage and home equity lending, credit cards, small business loans, wealth management and investment services largely across its 14-state traditional banking footprint. Consumer Banking segment operates approximately 1,000 branches, including 143 in-store locations, and approximately 3,100 ATMs. Commercial Banking segment primarily serves companies and institutions with financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as syndicated loans, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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