UPDATE: Citigroup Maintains BB&T Corporation at Buy Ahead of Q4 Results

Citigroup reiterated its Buy rating and $35 price target on BB&T Corporation

as it expects earnings to come ahead of consensus for the fourth quarter. Citigroup commented, "We lower our 4Q EPS estimate 1c to $0.70 from $0.71 (largely due to higher mortgage putback expense given the extension of the lookback period on FRE loans to 2004 and 2005), but still expect 4Q results slightly ahead of consensus ($0.69) mostly on higher net interest income. … We continue to like BBT's above average profitability and growth, strong balance sheet and risk discipline – all of which make for an attractive long-term investment." BB&T Corporation closed at $28.77 on Thursday.