
The Excess Returns model looks at how much value a company can create over and above the minimum return that equity investors require. Instead of focusing on raw earnings, it compares the return on equity with the cost of equity and capitalizes those “extra” returns into an estimated intrinsic value per share.
For Citizens Financial Group, the model uses a Book Value of $56.48 per share and a Stable EPS of $6.04 per share, based on weighted future Return on Equity estimates from 12 analysts. The Average Return on Equity is 9.67%, while the Cost of Equity is calculated at $4.44 per share, implying an Excess Return of $1.60 per share. A Stable Book Value of $62.44 per share, based on estimates from 6 analysts, is also built into the model.
Putting these inputs together, the Excess Returns framework produces an estimated intrinsic value of $107.24 per share. Compared with the recent share price of $64.22, that implies the stock is about 40.1% undervalued on this methodology.
Result: UNDERVALUED
Our Excess Returns analysis suggests Citizens Financial Group is undervalued by 40.1%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio, or discover 51 more high quality undervalued stocks.
For profitable companies like Citizens Financial Group, the P/E ratio is a useful yardstick because it ties the share price directly to the earnings that support it. Investors generally expect higher P/E ratios when they see stronger growth potential or lower perceived risk, and lower P/E ratios when growth looks more modest or risks are higher.
Citizens Financial Group currently trades on a P/E of 14.82x. That sits above the Banks industry average of 11.37x and above the peer average of 12.57x, which on simple comparisons might suggest a richer valuation than many similar bank stocks.
Simply Wall St’s Fair Ratio is an estimate of what P/E you might expect for Citizens Financial Group given its earnings profile, industry, profit margins, market cap and risk factors. For Citizens Financial Group this Fair Ratio is 15.68x, which is more tailored than a basic comparison with peers or the wider industry because it incorporates company specific characteristics rather than treating all banks as alike. Set against the current P/E of 14.82x, the Fair Ratio points to the stock trading below that customized benchmark.
Result: UNDERVALUED
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Earlier it was mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation, so Narratives on Simply Wall St let you attach a clear story to your numbers by linking your view of Citizens Financial Group’s future revenue, earnings and margins to a forecast and then to a fair value. This is all in an easy tool on the Community page that updates as new news or earnings arrive. You can compare your Fair Value with the current price and decide if the stock fits your plan, whether you are closer to an optimistic view that sees a fair value near US$86.72 or a more cautious view closer to US$63.00, both grounded in explicit assumptions rather than guesswork.
Do you think there's more to the story for Citizens Financial Group? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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