The fourth largest US bank by assets, Citigroup Inc. (C), which is also widely represented abroad, reported for the fourth quarter of 2021 a decrease in diluted earnings per share by 24% YoY, to $1.46. However, this result was above the consensus at $1.39. The group's net profit decreased by 26% YoY to $3.17 billion, which was due to a zero change in net interest income of $10.82 billion, while operating expenses increased by 18% YoY to $13.53 billion, amid an increase in compensation costs and marketing costs. This offset the increase in non-interest income by 1% YoY, to $17.02 billion.
The disbandment of reserves for possible credit losses in the amount of $465 million did not have a significant impact on the amount of net profit. In addition, this source of income is of a one-time nature. For the whole of 2021, Citigroup's profit increased by 99% YoY, to $21.95 billion, while revenue decreased by 5% YoY, to $71.88 billion.
The bank's net revenue for October-December increased by 1% YoY, to $17.02 billion, which exceeded the consensus forecast of $16.84 billion. The net interest margin for the whole of last year was 1.91%, having decreased by 2.63% YoY. Revenues of the large institutional Clients segment (Institutional Clients Group) increased by 4% YoY, to $9.87 billion. Most noticeably, revenues from investment banking increased by 51% YoY. Income from capital markets transactions (Principal Transactions) for the fourth quarter fell by a significant 25% due to a reduction in the amount of funds received from servicing fixed income instruments (-22% QoQ) and equity transactions (-36% QoQ). The revenues of the consumer lending segment (Global Consumer Banking) decreased by 6% YoY, to $6.94 billion, the most noticeably decreased revenues from retail. The revenue of the corporate segment has been growing throughout the year, but its share in the overall indicator is still small.
The capital adequacy level of Citigroup has increased to 12.2%, which ensures the stability of the business and allows the issuer to resume the share repurchase program in the current quarter and steadily transfer dividends. The company can improve its financial performance by boosting lending due to improved consumer sentiment. An increase in the yield of long-term US Treasury bonds can accelerate the growth of net interest margin.
We expect that in 2022 the bank will continue to optimize costs.
Citigroup sells its retail units in 13 regions of Asia and Eastern Europe. The main goal of the reorganization is to simplify the structure of banking operations and focus on the development of the most marginal areas of activity. Citi will continue to provide services to institutional clients in all countries of its presence, and in terms of retail business will focus on the development of activities in such global centers of private capital management as Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE and the UK. The proceeds from the partial sale of the retail business will allow Citigroup to increase investments in the reorganization. As a result of the transactions, which will be closed within a few years, the bank expects to receive about $7 billion.
Our base target price for Citigroup Inc. (C) stock is $85. We recommend buying paper, because during the economic recovery, the financial sector and "value" stocks are able to show steady growth. With the development of an optimistic scenario, Citi quotes may rise to $101, in case of correction, the stock may fall in price to $60.