KeyCorp ((KEY)) has held its Q3 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
- Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
KeyCorp’s recent earnings call painted a picture of strong financial performance and strategic growth, despite facing some challenges. The company reported impressive revenue growth and improvements in asset quality, while maintaining a robust capital position. However, challenges in expense management and slower growth in certain segments were also highlighted.
Record Revenues and Growth in Fee Income
KeyCorp achieved a remarkable 17% growth in revenues, adjusting for last year’s securities portfolio repositioning. Fee income also saw a high single-digit increase compared to 2024, both for the quarter and on a year-to-date basis, showcasing the company’s ability to enhance its income streams effectively.
Net Interest Margin and Asset Quality Improvements
The company reached a net interest margin of 2.75% for the quarter, hitting the year-end target ahead of schedule. Asset quality metrics showed significant improvement, with declines in non-performing assets (NPAs) and criticized loans, reflecting prudent risk management.
Strong Capital Position
KeyCorp’s CET1 capital ratio approached 12% at the end of the quarter, providing the company with flexibility and optionality for future initiatives. This strong capital position underscores the bank’s financial health and readiness for strategic opportunities.
Wealth Management and Commercial Growth
Assets under management reached a record $68 billion, with relationship households and commercial clients growing by about 2% this year. This growth highlights KeyCorp’s success in expanding its wealth management and commercial banking segments.
Investment Banking Success
In the third quarter, KeyCorp raised $50 billion in capital for clients, retaining 15% on the balance sheet. The M&A pipeline is significantly up, contributing to a strong outlook for the investment banking division, despite a decline in middle market M&A activity.
Moderate Expense Growth
Non-interest expenses increased by 7% year over year, driven by higher personnel expenses and technology investments. This moderate expense growth reflects the company’s commitment to investing in its workforce and technological capabilities.
Consumer Loan Runoff
KeyCorp planned a runoff of about $600 million in low-yielding consumer loans, impacting overall loan growth. This strategic decision aims to optimize the loan portfolio and focus on more profitable segments.
Decline in Middle Market M&A Activity
Middle market M&A volumes remain tepid, although there is an encouraging pickup in strategic dialogue. This indicates potential future growth in this segment as market conditions improve.
Forward-Looking Guidance
Looking ahead, KeyCorp provided optimistic guidance for the coming periods. The company announced an earnings per share of 41¢ and a return on assets exceeding 1%. They plan to repurchase approximately $100 million of common stock in the fourth quarter and aim for a return on tangible common equity of 15% or better by 2027. Additionally, they expect full-year net interest income growth of about 22% and fee growth between 5-6%.
In conclusion, KeyCorp’s earnings call highlighted strong financial performance and strategic growth, with impressive revenue and fee income increases. The company maintains a robust capital position, allowing for future flexibility. While challenges in expense management and slower growth in certain segments persist, KeyCorp’s forward-looking guidance suggests a positive outlook for the future.