On Thursday, Oppenheimer analysts increased the price target for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) to $113 from the previous $102, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. Currently trading at $78.27, Citigroup shares are near their 52-week high of $79.25, having delivered an impressive 56.51% return over the past year. The adjustment follows a period of underperformance relative to the industry average.
Oppenheimer’s analysis highlights Citigroup’s journey since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), noting that from 2012 to 2023, Citigroup’s core Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) averaged 9.2%, which is below the large bank average of 13.1%. This assessment excludes reserve builds and releases and other items considered as noise. Citigroup’s ROTCE reached 11.5% in 2020 but then fell to 5.7% in 2023, a stark contrast to the industry average of 14.8%. According to InvestingPro, the bank currently trades at 0.78 times book value, suggesting potential undervaluation despite its recent challenges.
The bank’s performance has been affected by various challenges, including consent decrees, rising expenses, and leadership changes. Citigroup has seen three CEOs take the helm during the evaluated period. The latest CEO transition occurred in 2021, which was a particularly difficult year for the bank as it struggled with operational issues that have remained unresolved for an extended period.
The analyst expressed that it is highly unusual for a bank without credit problems to experience such prolonged operational difficulties. Despite these challenges, the raised price target suggests a positive outlook for Citigroup’s future performance.
Citigroup’s stock performance and financial health are closely monitored by investors, and changes in analyst ratings and price targets can influence market perceptions and investment decisions. The new price target set by Oppenheimer reflects their confidence in the bank’s potential to overcome past obstacles and improve its financial metrics.
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