New Street analysts have set a new price target of $73 for Citizens Financial Group, representing an 11.57% upside from its recent trading level. This upgrade reflects confidence in CFG’s ongoing margin expansion and diversified revenue streams, particularly given its strong performance in both consumer and commercial banking operations.

Jefferies retained its “Buy” rating on CFG and increased its price target from $70 to $80, citing a 32.9% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter EPS. The firm highlighted robust growth in net interest income driven by higher loan and deposit balances, as well as a rebound in non-interest income across advisory and wealth management services.

CFG reported earnings of $1.13 per share for Q4, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.11 and up sharply from $0.85 a year earlier. Quarterly revenue totaled $2.157 billion, marginally ahead of the $2.156 billion forecast. Strong fee income in the Capital Markets and Wealth segments underpinned a 5% improvement in positive operating leverage compared to the prior year.

Over the past year, Citizens returned 80% of its capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The Private Bank’s year-end deposits of $14.5 billion delivered a 7% accretion to earnings, and its division achieved a 25% return on equity. Credit costs declined, with provisions, charge-offs and non-accrual loans all trending lower, supporting a GAAP net income of $528 million, up 31.6% year-over-year.