Citigroup estimates revised after bank flags higher expenses, stock tanks

Kotowski said the outlook for higher expenses prevented raising estimates by more than he did.

Poonawala said the strategy is a "tactical blip" that does not change his target price or buy rating. But he raised the estimates for the efficiency ratio at the bank to 60.3% from a previous estimate of 59.6%. BofA also changed its earnings-per-share estimate for 2026, raising it to $11.09 from $10.79 before the second quarter.

Jefferies' David Chiaverini lowered earnings-per-share estimates for 2026 and 2027 to $10.65 to $12.60 from $10.95 to $12.75. But the analyst also maintained its buy rating.

KBW's Chris McGratty was among the most optimistic, saying the expense pull forward was used as an excuse to take gains with the stock. KBW raised by 1% its EPS estimate for the full year from $11 to $11.15, less than would be possible considering the second-quarter beat.