Wells Fargo to Sell $4.4 Billion Rail Equipment Leasing Business

Core Insights - Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its rail equipment leasing business to a joint venture formed by GATX Corporation and Brookfield Infrastructure, with the deal expected to close by the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals [1][6] - The divestiture includes WFC's entire portfolio of rail operating lease assets valued at approximately $4.4 billion, along with its rail finance lease portfolio, and is not expected to materially impact the company's financial position or earnings [2][6] - This transaction aligns with WFC's strategy to simplify its operations and focus on core financial services, as the company continues to optimize its portfolio and strengthen its core financial operations [3][6] Strategic Focus and Efficiency - WFC is actively engaged in cost-cutting measures, including streamlining its organizational structure, closing branches, and reducing headcount, with management expecting $2.4 billion in gross expense reductions in 2025 [4][6] - The company has previously divested its non-Agency third-party Commercial Mortgage Servicing business to Trimont in March 2025, further reinforcing its focus on lending, advisory, and capital markets capabilities [3] Market Performance - Over the past year, WFC shares have gained 26%, slightly below the industry growth of 27.1% [5]