Citizens Financial Group (CFG)

(A Top Pick Mar 17/22, Down 10.9%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with CFG has triggered its stop at $44. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time. This results in a net investment loss of 6%, when combined with the previous buy recommendation.

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O’Reilly We once again reiterate CFG, the 14th largest US bank with assets of $188 billion as our TOP PICK. It trades at 10x earnings compared to peers at 14x, is valued right around book value and pays a solid dividend backed by a payout ratio at 30% of cash flow. We maintain the stop loss at $44.00, looking to achieve $61.50 -- upside potential over 22%. Yield 3.1% (Analysts’ price target is $61.16)

(A Top Pick Sep 14/21, Up 20.1%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with CFG has achieved its $52 objective. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering half the position at this time and trailing the stop (from $39) to $44.

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly We reiterate our TOP PICK recommendation for CFG, the regional banking group who manages over 1000 branches through the US mid-Atlantic and Midwest. It trades at 10x earnings compared to peers at 14x, is valued right around book value and pays a great dividend backed by a payout ratio at 65% of cash flow. We maintain the stop loss at $39, looking to achieve $52 -- upside potential over 20%. Yield 3.64% (Analysts’ price target is $51.75)

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly CFG is a US regional bank that operates 1000 branches in 11 states in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. It is estimated to hold $23 billion in cash reserves and growing. It trades at 13x earnings compared to peers at 20x. It trades right at book value and pays a great dividend backed by a 65% payout ratio of cash flow that is projected to become 37% based on expected earnings growth. We would buy this with a stop loss at $39, looking to achieve $52 -- upside over 13%. Yield 3.27% (Analysts’ price target is $51.65)