Baird noted that Comerica management's statements at the annual meeting show they understand returns need to improve and they are pursuing an efficiency program while also considering other strategic alternatives. Baird believes a takeout could be done at roughly $60 per share and they would be buyers on any pullbacks. Baird maintained its Outperform rating and $46 price target on Comerica shares.

Reports Q1 CET1 capital ratio 12.01%. Reports Q1 net charge-offs .1%. "Today we reported first quarter earnings per share of $0.98," said Curtis Farmer, Comerica chairman and CEO. "Strategic rationalization efforts from 2023 and favorable pipeline trends position us for growth. Deposits outperformed normal seasonal patterns as we added new customers and expanded existing relationships while maintaining pricing discipline. Our liquidity strategy remained a highlight as we normalized our cash position, significantly reduced wholesale funding and successfully executed a record $1.0 billion debt issuance. We experienced ongoing, expected credit normalization, while net charge-offs of 10 basis points continued to be historically low. We are committed to running an efficient organization as we navigate expense pressures and execute on the action plans announced last quarter. Conservative capital management and lower loan balances further enhanced our capital position and drove our estimated CET1 ratio to 11.47, well above our 10% target."