Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight Rating, Raises PT for CFG to $55

Barclays has maintained its "Equal-Weight" rating for Citizens Financial Group (CFG) and raised the price target to $55 from $49. The updated price target reflects the analyst's adjusted outlook on CFG's performance. The "Equal-Weight" rating indicates a neutral stance, and the adjusted price target suggests a revised valuation of CFG aligning with current market conditions.

Barclays has adjusted its price target for Citizens Financial Group (CFG) to $55, up from the previous $49, while maintaining an "Equal-Weight" rating on the stock. This move reflects the analyst's revised outlook on CFG's performance, with the updated target aligning with current market conditions. The "Equal-Weight" rating suggests a neutral stance, indicating that Barclays does not have a strong bullish or bearish view on the stock.

The updated price target comes following Citizens Financial Group's strong second-quarter earnings report. The bank reported net interest income (NII) growth of 3.3% sequentially, driven by margin expansion and interest-earning asset growth. Additionally, net interest margin (NIM) expanded by 5 basis points to 2.95%, and fee growth increased by 10% quarter-over-quarter, with strong performance in wealth, card, and mortgage fees. The bank's earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter stood at $0.92, a 19% improvement over the first quarter.

Citizens Financial Group's strong performance has been supported by positive operating leverage, with the bank achieving an efficiency ratio below 65%. The company also reported net loan growth across its consumer, private bank, and commercial sectors, and executed $200 million in stock buybacks during the quarter. These developments have contributed to a positive outlook on the bank's financial health.

Barclays' updated price target of $55 implies an upside of 13.06% from the current price of $48.65. This adjustment reflects the analyst's expectation that Citizens Financial Group will continue to perform well, with the bank's strong earnings and operational efficiency providing a solid foundation for future growth.

References:
[1] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/barclays-increases-citizens-financial-group-nysecfg-price-target-to-5500-2025-07-18/
[2] https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2986993/barclays-increases-price-target-for-citizens-financial-cfg-cfg-stock-news