Equity analysts have raised earnings-per-share forecasts for Citizens Financial Group, factoring in Citizens Auto Finance’s expanding loan book and lower-than-expected default rates in the used car segment. For the third consecutive year, auto dealers indicated they prefer working with national banks over regional banks when it comes to loan financing, per the Citizens Bank doesn't charge application, origination, or disbursement fees, and there's no penalty for paying off your loan early. Citizens Auto Finance maintains a healthy Tier 1 capital ratio through its parent’s balance sheet, giving it flexibility for targeted lending expansion without compromising regulatory metrics.