Comerica Urged to Start Sale Process Amid Analyst Concerns Over Performance and Long-Term Viability

Holdco Asset Management LP has urged Comerica Inc to start a sale process after the company's CEO failed to address concerns over its operating metrics and long-term financial performance. Holdco Asset Management deemed the responses to analysts' questions unacceptable and believes a sale would be a value-maximizing path forward for the company. Comerica Inc previously stated that it welcomes shareholders' input on various topics.

HoldCo Asset Management, L.P. has called for Comerica Inc. to initiate a sale process following concerns over the company's operating metrics and long-term financial performance. The investment firm, which manages approximately $2.6 billion in assets, released a presentation on July 28, 2025, urging the board of directors to consider a sale as a value-maximizing path forward [1][2][3][4].

The presentation, titled "To the Board of Directors of Comerica Inc.: We Echo Mayo – If Not Now, Then When?", was made public on HoldCo's website. In the document, HoldCo expressed dissatisfaction with the responses provided by Comerica's CEO, Curtis Farmer, during an earnings call on July 18, 2025. The firm believes that the company's historical underperformance and potential sale could be beneficial for shareholders [2][3].

HoldCo sees potential buyers for Comerica, including PNC Financial Services (PNC), Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB), and Huntington Bancshares (HBAN). The firm has an economic interest in the bank's share price due to its ownership of common stock [4].

Comerica, in response to HoldCo's presentation, stated that it welcomes shareholders' input and appreciates the opportunity to discuss its strategic plans. The company is focused on driving value for its shareholders and executing its strategic plan to achieve long-term growth [4].

The call for a sale process comes amidst ongoing discussions about consolidation in the banking sector. Recent earnings reports from Comerica have shown mixed results, with growth in loan balances and lower expenses offset by increased deposit costs affecting the net interest margin [3].

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holdco-asset-management-issues-public-presentation-to-the-board-of-directors-of-comerica-inc-detailing-concerns-and-requesting-that-the-company-pursue-an-immediate-sale-process-302514678.html
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/holdco-asset-management-urges-comerica-inc-to-start-a-sale-process-ce7c5fd8d08df220
[3] https://ng.investing.com/news/company-news/holdco-asset-management-urges-comerica-to-consider-sale-in-new-report-93CH-2028388
[4] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4472859-comerica-gains-as-holder-pushes-for-sale-process