Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Bank Stock Roundup: Q2 Earnings Season Unfolds, JPMorgan, BofA & Citi Top Estimates

Read MoreHide Full Article

Most banks that reported second-quarter 2018 results this week managed to record bottom-line improvement on the back of rising rates, lower provisions and improved trading activities. This also led to positive price movement for most bank stocks over the last five trading days.

In addition to the benefits from higher interest rates, banks’ results mirrored a marginal upswing in loans. Moreover, the results display eased margin pressure.

Importantly, unexpected improvement in trading activities, mainly spurred by escalating trade war tensions between the United States and China, boosted trading revenues. Further, continued momentum in investment banking business was recorded, highlighting higher equity underwriting revenues and increased financial advisory revenues.

However, mortgage banking business was disappointing. Also, an overall rise in non-interest expenses owing to high spending on technology and personnel, and other market development initiatives was an undermining factor. Nevertheless, legal expenses remained under control.


 

(Read: Bank Stock Roundup for the Week Ending Jul 13, 2018)

Important Earnings of the Week

1. Despite dismal investment banking performance, loan growth, better-than-expected trading activities and tax cuts drove Bank of America’s (BAC - Free Report) second-quarter 2018 earnings of 63 cents per share, which handily outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents. Also, the figure came in 43% higher than the prior-year quarter. Net interest income growth (driven by higher interest rates and loan growth), higher card income and rise in trading income (up 7%) supported revenues. Operating expenses also recorded a decline. Mortgage banking fees were lower on decrease in loan production. Additionally, provision for credit losses increased during the quarter. (Read more: BofA Beats Q2 Earnings on Loan Growth & Higher Trading)

2. Higher-than-expected trading revenues and rise in demand for loans drove JPMorgan’s (JPM - Free Report) second-quarter 2018 earnings of $2.29 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.22. The figure was up 26% from the prior-year quarter. Unexpected improvement in trading activities, mainly driven by escalating trade war tensions between the United States and China boosted JPMorgan’s market revenues. (Read more: JPMorgan Q2 Earnings Beat on Higher Trading & Loans)

3. Driven by top-line strength, Citigroup (C - Free Report) delivered a positive earnings surprise of 5.2% in second-quarter 2018. Earnings from continuing operations per share of $1.62 for the quarter easily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.54. Also, earnings were up 28% year over year. Overall high revenues were reflected, driven by elevated banking, equity markets and consumer banking revenues, along with loan growth. Moreover, expenses remained stable. However, fixed income market revenues disappointed. (Read more: Citigroup Q2 Earnings Top on High Revenues, Stable Costs)

4. Impacted by lower mortgage banking revenues, Wells Fargo (WFC - Free Report) recorded a negative earnings surprise of 3.6% in the second quarter. Adjusted earnings of $1.08 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.12. Results were in line with the prior-year quarter earnings. Lower provisions and higher net interest income aided results. However, reduced fee income was an undermining factor. Moreover, expenses soared. Further, reduction in loans and deposits acted as headwinds for the quarter. (Read more: Wells Fargo Q2 Earnings Miss, Fee Income Disappoints)

5. Reflecting top-line strength and lower provisions, U.S. Bancorp’s (USB - Free Report) second-quarter 2018 earnings per share of $1.02 outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. Also, results came ahead of the prior-year quarter earnings of 85 cents. Easing margin pressure on rising rates was witnessed in the quarter. Moreover, revenues improved, aided by rise in net interest, as well as fee income. Further, elevated average loans and deposits balances, along with lower provisions, were tailwinds. However, escalating expenses and lower mortgage banking revenues were major drags. (Read more: U.S. Bancorp's Q2 Earnings Beat on Higher Revenues)

6. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB - Free Report) delivered a notable positive earnings surprise of 10.5% in second-quarter 2018. Adjusted earnings per share of 63 cents surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents. However, including certain one-time items, the bottom line came in at 80 cents, surging 78% year over year. Increase in net interest income and lower provisions were positive factors. Moreover, credit quality improved and a strong capital position was depicted. However, lower fee income and escalating expenses were undermining factors. (Read more: Fifth Third Q2 Earnings Top Estimates, Provisions Fall)

Price Performance

Here is how the seven major stocks performed:
 

Company

Last Week

6 months

JPM

3.3%

-1.7%

BAC

3.9%

-5.7%

WFC

1.8%

-11.1%

C

3.0%

-11.1%

COF

0.8%

-7.8%

USB

0.9%

-7.9%

PNC

2.4%

-8.3%



Over the last five trading sessions, BofA and JPMorgan were the major gainers, with their shares increasing 3.9% and 3.3%, respectively. Moreover, shares of Citigroup rallied 3%.

In the past six months, shares of both Citigroup and Wells Fargo have dropped 11.1%. In addition, shares of PNC Financial (PNC - Free Report) have declined 8.3%.

What’s Next?

In the coming week, the focus will solely be on earnings releases. Some banks are scheduled to report second-quarter earnings in the next five trading days. Zions Bancorporation (ZION - Free Report) will be reporting on Jul 23, BankUnited, Inc. (BKU - Free Report) on Jul 24, Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN - Free Report) and Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (PB - Free Report) on Jul 25, while Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR - Free Report) on Jul 26.

Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?

Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.

With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.

It's not the one you think.

See This Ticker Free >>

Published in