First Citizens BancShares Inc. reports developments for a U.S. super-regional banking company operating through First Citizens Bank, with business banking, branch banking, commercial lending, treasury and liquidity management, wealth-related services, and railcar leasing. News commonly covers earnings, loan and deposit trends, credit quality, capital returns, dividends on common and preferred stock, and debt or equity capital activity.
Company updates also follow First Citizens Bank’s commercial banking expansion, regional leadership appointments, and specialized lending through Silicon Valley Bank, a division serving technology, life science and healthcare, private equity, and venture capital clients. Recurring customer-finance announcements include warehouse credit, energy finance, and sector-focused banking services.
On January 25, 2022, the Board of Directors of First Citizens BancShares declared a quarterly dividend of 47 cents per share on its Class A and Class B common stock, payable on March 15, 2022, to shareholders of record by February 28, 2022. Additionally, dividends for the Series A and Series C preferred stocks, both with non-cumulative rates of 5.375% and 5.625% respectively, were also declared for the same payment date. This announcement follows the company's merger with CIT Group, creating a financial institution with over $100 billion in assets.
First Citizens BancShares reported its fourth quarter and full-year earnings for 2021, revealing a net income of $123.3 million, a 10.7% decline from the previous year. Net income per share fell to $12.09, down from $13.59. The net interest margin dipped to 2.58%, a 44 basis points decrease year-over-year. Total deposits grew by $8.0 billion, an increase of 18.4% since 2020. The merger with CIT Group was finalized on January 3, 2022, enhancing First Citizens' market position as a top 20 U.S. financial institution, with plans for integration underway.
CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank, has arranged a senior secured credit facility for the FPA WhiteHawk III-Plus Master Fund. This funding aims to enhance the Fund's investments by leveraging its existing portfolio and aiding future growth. WhiteHawk Capital, the Fund's sub-investment manager, praised CIT’s expertise in facilitating this credit arrangement. The credit facility is expected to support the Fund's strategy in sourcing asset-based loans for both public and private companies, contributing to their investment goals.
On January 24, 2022, First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) announced its plan to redeem approximately $2.9 billion of senior unsecured debt. This includes various senior notes due between 2022 and 2025, with a total principal amount of $2.9 billion. The redemption, scheduled for February 24, 2022, aims to optimize First Citizens' balance sheet and reduce debt costs using excess cash from deposit growth. The notes will be redeemed at either 100% of their principal or the present value of remaining scheduled payments, plus accrued interest.
CIT, part of First Citizens Bank, announced financing exceeding $5 million for a construction firm to acquire heavy equipment, including articulated dump trucks and excavators. This funding underscores strong demand for infrastructure construction in the Southwest and Midwest. Harold Ray, director of CIT's Equipment Finance-Industrial business, highlighted the importance of speed in execution and anticipates more financing opportunities in 2022. CIT's Equipment Finance focuses on providing solutions to various commercial clients, enhancing their operational capabilities.
CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank, has arranged $50.5 million in financing for the construction of Amp Energy's NY3 community solar project in New York State. This portfolio includes six solar projects with a total generation capacity of 34 megawatts, set to begin operations in Q1 2022. The energy produced is fully contracted for sale to local consumers. CIT's Power and Energy division remains a key player in renewable energy financing, having previously supported Amp with the AMP NY2 project.
CIT, part of First Citizens Bank, has announced financing for seven leased helicopters managed by Thora Capital, facilitating emergency medical transport services through Apollo Medflight. These helicopters are crucial for transporting patients to medical facilities across six states. Thora Capital, recognized for its expertise in helicopter assets, collaborated with CIT to form a tailored financing package. CIT's Aerospace, Defense & Government Services group is dedicated to providing integrated financial solutions in specialized markets. The parent company, First Citizens BancShares (NASDAQ: FCNCA), boasts over $100 billion in assets.
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. will report its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021, on January 26, 2022, before market open. A conference call discussing these results is scheduled for 9 a.m. Eastern time on the same day. The call can be accessed domestically at 833-654-8257 and internationally at 602-585-9869, using conference ID 1049136. Following the call, a replay will be available until February 10, 2022. This announcement comes after the recent merger with CIT Group, positioning First Citizens among the top 20 U.S. financial institutions, with over $100 billion in assets.
According to a recent CIT Bank survey by The Harris Poll, 70% of Americans are saving the same or more compared to last year. However, nearly half of those making resolutions plan to make purchases, indicating potential spending temptations. Health (65%), personal life (59%), and finances (54%) are prioritized among resolutions, with 77% focusing on saving more. Furthermore, 90% of those who made resolutions last year reported tracking their goals. Notably, 88% of savers feel their increased savings provide greater financial flexibility.
On January 4, 2022, First Citizens BancShares (NASDAQ: FCNCA) announced the completion of its merger with CIT Group Inc. This merger positions First Citizens as a top 20 U.S. financial institution with over $100 billion in assets, enhancing its retail and commercial offerings. The integration aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations, with CIT clients benefiting from First Citizens’ stability and expanded services. Key appointments include Ellen R. Alemany as vice chairwoman, ensuring experienced leadership during this transition.