KeyCorp (KEY), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is a leading financial services firm with a market cap of $17 billion. Operating primarily through its subsidiary, KeyBank, the company delivers a comprehensive suite of banking and financial solutions tailored for consumers, small businesses, and corporate clients. The company is scheduled to announce its Q4 earnings before the market opens on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Ahead of the event, analysts expect KEY to report a profit of $0.33 per share, up 32% from $0.25 in the year-ago quarter. The company has beaten Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. 

Its adjusted earnings of $0.30 per share for the last quarter surpassed the consensus estimate by 11.1%, thanks to the rise in fees and interest income as well as growth in syndication, debt, and equity underwriting. 

For fiscal 2024, analysts expect KEY to report EPS of $1.09, down 12.1% from $1.24 in fiscal 2023. However, it is likely to rebound in fiscal 2025, with a 43.1% year-over-year rise in its EPS to $1.56. 

KEY stock gained 19% over the past year, underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 23.3% gains and the iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF’s (IAT) 20.4% returns over the same time frame.

On Oct. 17, KEY shares tumbled 2.5% after the company announced its Q3 earnings. Its revenue declined 55.6% year over year to $695 million. The company’s adjusted EPS of $0.30 beat the consensus estimates of $0.27, reflecting a 3.4% rise from the prior-year quarter. 

The consensus opinion on KEY stock is moderately bullish, with an overall “Moderate Buy” rating. Out of 18 analysts covering the stock, seven advise a “Strong Buy” rating, two suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and nine indicate a “Hold.” 

KEY's average analyst price target is $20, indicating a potential upside of 16.7% from the current levels.