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Chris McGratty

Research Analyst at KBW

Chris McGratty is the Head of U.S. Bank Research and Managing Director at KBW, focusing on both large-cap and mid-cap U.S. banks with broad coverage across over 100 financial sector stocks. He has achieved a 65% rate of profitable recommendations and an average return per transaction of 11%, and is ranked as a 4.73-star Wall Street analyst on TipRanks. After starting his career as a Financial Controller at Morgan Stanley, McGratty joined KBW in 2004, led the SMID-cap bank research team, and was promoted to Head of U.S. Bank Research in 2020. He holds a BS from Villanova University, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and is a frequent industry commentator in major financial publications.

Chris McGratty's questions to OLD NATIONAL BANCORP /IN/ (ONB) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to OLD NATIONAL BANCORP /IN/ (ONB) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty questioned the company's capital management strategy, specifically the tension between growing CET1 and returning capital, given the 11% CET1 ratio and the potential for significant capital build even with buybacks. He asked if 11% is the 'right number' for CET1, implying it might be higher than peers. He also asked if NII is expected to grow from the Q4 base into 2026, assuming low single-digit loan growth.

Answer

CEO Jim Ryan acknowledged the healthy tension in capital allocation, considering shareholders, ratings agencies, and economic conditions. He suggested there are opportunities for the CET1 ratio to come down over time and for substantially more buybacks in future periods, but the company is not ready to commit to that yet, expecting a slight capital build in the near term for more clarity. CFO John Moran confirmed that NII is expected to grow into 2026, with margins stable-ish, depending on yield curve dynamics, and noted that steepening of the yield curve would be beneficial.

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Chris McGratty's questions to OLD NATIONAL BANCORP /IN/ (ONB) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty questioned Old National Bancorp's capital strategy, specifically regarding the CET1 ratio. He noted the current 11% ratio and the potential to build 50 basis points annually, asking if 11% is the target or if the company might allow it to come down, given that many peers operate at 10.5% or 10%. He also asked CFO John Moran if Net Interest Income (NII) is expected to grow from the fourth-quarter base into 2026, considering the projected rate cuts and loan growth.

Answer

CEO Jim Ryan acknowledged the healthy tension between shareholder expectations, rating agencies, and economic conditions regarding capital. He stated that while there are opportunities to let the CET1 ratio come down over time, they are not ready to make that commitment yet, expecting some capital build as they gain more clarity. He emphasized that returning capital to shareholders is the best use and they could do substantially more in future periods. CFO John Moran confirmed that NII is expected to absolutely grow into 2026, with margins stable-ish, depending on yield curve dynamics, noting that steepening in the yield curve would be beneficial.

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Chris McGratty's questions to ZIONS BANCORPORATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION /UT/ (ZION) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to ZIONS BANCORPORATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION /UT/ (ZION) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked for Harris Simmons' big-picture view on deregulation and its implications for Zions. He also followed up on the non-interest-bearing deposit disclosures, inquiring if the recent changes were primarily a reclassification or something more significant, and what to expect next quarter.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Harris Simmons welcomed the current regulatory attitudes focusing on core financial stability rather than politically motivated or trivial issues, stating it would not materially change how Zions operates but would eliminate distractions. CFO Ryan Richards confirmed that the non-interest-bearing deposit changes were a reclassification of a low-cost consumer interest-bearing product, now rolled out across all affiliates, with enthusiasm for market receptivity and future growth from marketing. President and COO Scott McLean emphasized the stability of non-interest-bearing deposits, which have maintained a peer-leading mix for decades, even through rate cycles.

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Chris McGratty's questions to ZIONS BANCORPORATION, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION /UT/ (ZION) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty from KBW asked for Zions Bancorporation's big-picture perspective on the implications of deregulation. He also followed up on the non-interest-bearing deposit disclosures, inquiring if they represent merely a reclassification with more expected next quarter, or if there are other significant factors at play.

Answer

Chairman and CEO Harris Simmons welcomed the current regulatory attitudes focusing on core financial stability rather than "trivia," stating it would not materially change Zions Bancorporation's operations but would eliminate distractions. CFO Ryan Richards confirmed the non-interest-bearing deposit changes are a reclassification of a low-cost consumer interest-bearing product, slightly beneficial to funding costs, with all affiliates now rolled through. President and COO Scott McLean emphasized the stability of non-interest-bearing deposits and the bank's peer-leading mix over three decades.

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Chris McGratty's questions to HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES INC /MD/ (HBAN) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES INC /MD/ (HBAN) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty questioned Huntington Bancshares' operating leverage comments, specifically the 250 basis points, and how this trend might evolve medium-term given the balance of synergies and investments. He also asked about M&A conversations following the Veritechs deal close.

Answer

CFO Zach Wasserman expressed satisfaction with the 2.5% operating leverage, noting a sustainable approach involving a 1% annual reduction in baseline operating expenses funneled into offensive investments. He anticipates 1-2% operating leverage for 2026. CEO Steve Steinour emphasized the company's primary focus on organic growth, citing three combinations in 15 years and significant investments in organic expansion, including the Veritechs partnership, while not being involved in other recent M&A.

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Chris McGratty's questions to TRUIST FINANCIAL (TFC) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to TRUIST FINANCIAL (TFC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty sought clarification on the increase in non-accrual C&I loans from $520 million to $800 million, specifically the contribution of the First Brands exposure and whether it has been reserved for or charged off. He also asked for confirmation on the 15% ROTCE target being a full-year goal for 2027.

Answer

Chief Risk Officer Brad Bender confirmed that the increase in non-accrual C&I loans reflects a return to recent levels after outsized resolutions in Q2 2025, with First Brands exposure captured within this increase and accounted for in the forward NCO guide. CEO Bill Rogers confirmed that the 15% ROTCE target is for the full year 2027.

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Chris McGratty's questions to M&T BANK (MTB) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to M&T BANK (MTB) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about M&T Bank's operating leverage outlook for 2026 and the medium term, focusing on the drivers of revenue and expense trends. He also sought clarity on the continued improvement in CRE criticized loans and the bank's M&A geographic strategy, specifically regarding 'adjacent markets'.

Answer

Daryl Bible, SEVP and CFO, expressed positivity about operating leverage, expecting revenue growth to outpace expenses, driven by strong fee businesses, NIM expansion, and growing loan portfolios. He confirmed continued improvement in CRE criticized balances across all property types, potentially leading to the removal of the related slide from presentations. Mr. Bible clarified that 'expanded geography' in M&A refers to a target bank having some operations outside M&T's 12-state footprint, while the focus remains on density within existing states.

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Chris McGratty's questions to US BANCORP \DE\ (USB) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to US BANCORP \DE\ (USB) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty of KBW asked about U.S. Bancorp's potential to revisit its medium-term targets, given that the bank is already operating within or achieving many of them, and what specific triggers or conditions would lead to such a revision.

Answer

John Stern, Vice Chair and CFO, stated that while the bank is pleased to be operating within its medium-term targets, there is no formal plan to change them yet, but they do expect to improve over time. He indicated that staying consistently in the range and then hitting the upper end of each range, coupled with an improving operating environment and execution exceeding expectations, would be triggers for revisiting the targets. Gunjan Kedia, CEO, added that consistent performance at the upper end of the ranges would prompt a reevaluation.

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Chris McGratty's questions to US BANCORP \DE\ (USB) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty of KBW asked about U.S. Bancorp's potential to revisit its medium-term targets, given that the bank is already operating within or achieving many of them, and what specific triggers or conditions would lead to such a revision.

Answer

John Stern, Vice Chair and CFO, stated that while the bank is pleased to be operating within its medium-term targets, there is no formal plan to change them yet, but they do expect to improve over time. He indicated that staying consistently in the range and then hitting the upper end of each range, coupled with an improving operating environment and execution exceeding expectations, would be triggers for revisiting the targets. Gunjan Kedia, CEO, added that consistent performance at the upper end of the ranges would prompt a reevaluation.

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Chris McGratty's questions to PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP (PNC) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP (PNC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about the specific drivers behind the $9 billion surge in commercial interest-bearing deposits during the third quarter. He also sought PNC's expectations for the deposit mix and overall deposit growth heading into 2026, considering a lower interest rate environment.

Answer

Rob Reilly, Executive Vice President and CFO, explained that the commercial deposit surge was driven by a combination of new and existing corporate clients, as well as some sweep accounts moving on-balance sheet due to narrowing rate differentials with money markets. He anticipates continued deposit growth into 2026 with a generally stable mix, though a slight increase in non-interest-bearing deposits is possible in Q4.

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Chris McGratty's questions to FIRST HORIZON (FHN) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to FIRST HORIZON (FHN) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty (speaking through Andrew Leischner) from KBW inquired about First Horizon's capital allocation strategy, asking if buybacks would continue to be a function of loan growth or if there would be a greater appetite for them as the company progresses towards its 10.75% CET1 target.

Answer

CFO Hope Dmuchowski confirmed that the first priority for capital deployment is loan growth, with any remaining capital then allocated to share buybacks. This approach considers the forecast for loan growth at the beginning of each quarter.

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Chris McGratty's questions to CITIZENS FINANCIAL GROUP INC/RI (CFG) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to CITIZENS FINANCIAL GROUP INC/RI (CFG) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked how the 'Reimagine the Bank' initiative's benefits connect to Citizens Financial Group's 16%-18% ROTCE target and about the company's near-to-intermediate-term uses of capital.

Answer

CEO Bruce Van Saun stated that Citizens is on track for the 16%-18% ROTCE target independently, and 'Reimagine the Bank' benefits would further enhance these numbers, offering optionality for reinvestment. He prioritized facilitating loan growth and regular dividend increases as primary uses of capital. He also mentioned potential for smaller, strategic M&A in specific verticals or tech, alongside continued share repurchases, believing the stock is undervalued.

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Chris McGratty's questions to BANK OF AMERICA CORP /DE/ (BAC) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to BANK OF AMERICA CORP /DE/ (BAC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked if Bank of America had any credit quality concerns or areas of lending avoidance, given the strong credit results and picking up balance sheet growth.

Answer

Alastair Borthwick (CFO, Bank of America) stated that credit portfolios are performing very well, with consumer and commercial charge-offs declining, and no current changes to risk appetite. Brian Moynihan (Chair and CEO, Bank of America) reinforced that the industry's regulated banks are in strong shape, comparing current credit performance favorably to 2019, a 50-year low for credit losses.

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Chris McGratty's questions to BANK OF AMERICA CORP /DE/ (BAC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about any emerging credit quality concerns, areas of caution, or specific lending segments the company is avoiding despite overall strong credit results.

Answer

CFO Alastair Borthwick stated that there are no immediate changes in credit outlook, with continued strong performance in credit portfolios, and both consumer and commercial charge-offs declining. Chair and CEO Brian Moynihan emphasized the company's responsible growth strategy, which aims for a strong risk appetite and industry-leading loan growth, noting that the industry's credit statistics are robust, comparable to 2019's 50-year low.

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Chris McGratty's questions to CITIGROUP (C) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to CITIGROUP (C) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about the sustainability and sources of improvement in operating leverage across Citi's segments as the firm approaches its 10-11% ROTCE target for the next year.

Answer

CEO Jane Fraser attributed operating leverage improvement to volume growth from new and existing clients, disciplined market strategies (prime, financing, securitizations), and growth in USPB (including the Barclays portfolio and product innovations). She also highlighted synergies across businesses and continued operational efficiency. CFO Mark Mason added that positive operating leverage is targeted for the full firm and most segments in 2026, with potential for strategic investments in some areas.

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Chris McGratty's questions to CITIGROUP (C) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about the sustainability and sources of improvement in operating leverage by segment as Citi approaches its 10-11% ROTC goal for next year.

Answer

CEO Jane Fraser attributed sustained operating leverage to continued volume growth, new client acquisition, disciplined market strategies (e.g., prime, financing), USPB growth (Barclays portfolio, product innovations), and synergies across businesses. CFO Mark Mason added that positive operating leverage is targeted for the full firm and most segments in 2026, with strategic investments potentially impacting specific segments, all driving improved returns beyond 2026.

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Chris McGratty's questions to WELLS FARGO & COMPANY/MN (WFC) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to WELLS FARGO & COMPANY/MN (WFC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about Wells Fargo's deposit growth expectations within the retail segment, specifically identifying which geographies or products are being prioritized and where the largest opportunities for growth lie in the coming years.

Answer

CFO Mike Santomassimo stated that Wells Fargo's primary focus on the consumer side is growing checking accounts and expanding the number of active core primary checking accounts for households over the long term.

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Chris McGratty's questions to WELLS FARGO & COMPANY/MN (WFC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty asked about Wells Fargo's deposit growth expectations within retail, specifically identifying geographies or products being pushed hardest and the biggest opportunities for growth in the coming years.

Answer

CFO Mike Santomassimo stated that the primary focus on the consumer side is growing checking accounts and expanding the number of active core primary checking accounts for households over the long term.

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Chris McGratty's questions to WELLS FARGO & COMPANY/MN (WFC) leadership • Q3 2025

Question

Chris McGratty of KBW asked about Wells Fargo's deposit growth expectations within retail, specifically identifying geographies or products being pushed hardest and where the biggest opportunities for growth lie in the coming years.

Answer

CFO Mike Santomassimo stated that on the consumer side, Wells Fargo is most focused on growing checking accounts and expanding active core primary checking accounts for households over the long term.

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Chris McGratty's questions to FULTON FINANCIAL (FULT) leadership

Chris McGratty's questions to FULTON FINANCIAL (FULT) leadership • Q4 2024

Question

An analyst on behalf of Chris McGratty from KBW inquired about the expected cadence of the net interest margin (NIM) throughout 2025 and whether the company's appetite for share buybacks has increased.

Answer

CFO Rick Kraemer explained that while avoiding specific margin guidance, he anticipates Net Interest Income (NII) will start lower in Q1 due to day count and then gradually increase through 2025. CEO Curtis Myers stated that capital allocation priorities remain unchanged, with share buybacks ranked third, although the company maintains the flexibility of an approved authorization.

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