For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – November 24, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) , Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) , AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) and Ohio Valley Banc Corp. (OVBC) . Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:Top Research Reports for JPMorgan Chase, Netflix and AbbVieThe Z ...

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Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo's stock has shown strong performance, rising 9.7% in the past month, outperforming the industry and close peers [1][4]. Group 1: Asset Cap Removal and Growth Opportunities - The Federal Reserve lifted Wells Fargo's $1.95 trillion asset cap in June 2025, allowing the bank to expand its balance sheet and growth potential [5][8]. - The removal of the asset cap enables Wells Fargo to increase deposits, grow its loan portfolio, and broaden securities holdings, leading to a rise in net interest income (NII) [6][8]. - The bank is focusing on expanding fee-generating activities, with trading-related assets increasing by approximately 50% since the end of 2023 and investment banking fees rising by 19% in the first nine months of 2025 [7][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Projections - Management expects Wells Fargo's fourth-quarter 2025 NII to be between $12.4 billion and $12.5 billion, up from $11.8 billion a year ago [11]. - For 2025 and 2026, the company's earnings are projected to rise by 16.8% and 10.8%, respectively, with upward revisions in estimates for both years [23][24]. Group 3: Cost Efficiency Initiatives - Wells Fargo is implementing cost-cutting measures, including streamlining its organizational structure and reducing its branch network, which declined by 2.1% year over year to 4,108 branches [13][14]. - The company aims to achieve $15 billion in gross expense savings by the end of the year through ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and process automation [15]. Group 4: Capital Management and Shareholder Returns - As of September 30, 2025, Wells Fargo's liquidity coverage ratio was 121%, with liquid assets totaling $486.1 billion, supporting robust capital distribution [19][21]. - The bank raised its common stock dividend by 12.5% to 45 cents per share and has a $40 billion share repurchase program in place, enhancing investor confidence [19][21]. Group 5: Valuation and Investment Appeal - Wells Fargo is trading at a forward P/E multiple of 12.58X, below the industry average of 14.86X, indicating it may be undervalued relative to peers [27][29]. - The stock is considered an attractive entry point for investors seeking steady growth and income potential, currently carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [29].

Core Insights - The company reported a strong performance in Q3, indicating resilience in its business operations [2] - The net interest income (NII) guidance has been raised to over EUR 3.7 billion for the year, reflecting a 5% growth in new lending [2] - There is notable strength in personal lending and capital markets, particularly in the U.K. [2] Lending and Risk Management - The lending book remains resilient, with a revised cost of risk guidance for the full year at the lower end of the previously advised range of 20 to 30 basis points [3] - The domestic economic environment is supportive, positioning the company for good momentum entering 2026 in terms of activity and pipeline [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by $500 million to $17.9 billion, with a year-over-year revenue growth of 3% [4][11] - Annualized Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) was 16.4% in Q3 and 17.6% year to date, both excluding notable items [11][31] - Customer deposits grew by $86 billion over the last twelve months, reaching $1.7 trillion [4][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banking Net Interest Income (NII) returned to growth at $11 billion for the quarter, driven by deposit volumes, with full-year guidance raised to $43 billion or better [12][13] - Wealth management saw a 29% growth in fee and other income, totaling $2.7 billion, with net new invested assets of $29 billion [16][17] - Wholesale transaction banking reported strong customer engagement, with trade and payments continuing to grow [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Hong Kong, the composite deposit rate decreased significantly in Q3, but HIBOR is expected to provide a tailwind for NII in Q4 [48][51] - The UK business experienced a 5% year-over-year growth in the lending book, with a focus on mortgages and commercial lending [26][88] - The commercial real estate sector in Hong Kong showed a slight increase in the Stage 3 loan ratio, but impairment charges were lower than the previous quarter [50][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced plans to privatize Hang Seng Bank, viewing it as a compelling growth opportunity in a familiar market [5][7] - The strategy includes exiting non-strategic activities, with 11 exits announced so far this year, allowing for reinvestment in priority growth areas [9][30] - The company aims for a disciplined approach to capital allocation, targeting a 50% dividend payout ratio for 2025 [11][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the outlook for Hong Kong and the overall growth strategy, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiencies and alignment [6][7] - The company remains cautious about the credit cycle but believes in strong organic capital generation [28][60] - Management highlighted the positive momentum in customer deposits and the potential for continued growth in various markets [25][37] Other Important Information - The company is on track to achieve around 3% cost growth in 2025 compared to 2024, with simplification savings ahead of expectations [21][29] - Legal provisions of $1.4 billion were recorded for historical matters, which do not impact ongoing business operations [22][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Banking NII in Q4 - Management confirmed that banking NII is expected to be no less than $10.6 billion in Q4, driven by deposit strength and structural hedges [36][37] Question: Sustainability of Deposit Growth - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of the current 5% underlying deposit growth, particularly in Hong Kong [38] Question: Drivers Behind Wealth Management Revenue Growth - Management noted strong investment distribution and equity volumes as key drivers of wealth management revenue growth, with a medium-term guidance of double-digit growth in fees [73][74] Question: Concerns Regarding Credit Risk - Management reassured that direct exposure to private credit is minimal, with strong credit underwriting principles applied [76][77] Question: Update on Madoff Litigation - Management provided insights on the ongoing litigation, confirming that the provision reflects their best judgment based on legal advice [59][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hilltop reported net income of approximately $46 million or $0.74 per diluted share for the third quarter [4] - Return on average assets for the period was 1.2% and return on average equity was 8.35% [4] - Net interest income increased by $7.4 million or 7% year-over-year, driven by improving deposit costs and growth in new higher yielding commercial loans [18] - Tangible book value per share increased by $0.67 to $31.23 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - PlainsCapital Bank generated $55 million of pretax income on $12.6 billion of average assets, resulting in a return on average assets of 1.34% [5] - PrimeLending reported a pretax loss of $7 million due to subdued mortgage origination volumes [7] - Hilltop Securities produced pretax income of $26.5 million on net revenues of $144.5 million, achieving a pretax margin of 18% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total core deposits at PlainsCapital increased by 6% on a linked quarter basis [6] - Existing home sales across the country reached their lowest level in over thirty years, impacting PrimeLending's performance [8] - Hilltop Securities experienced a 28% year-over-year increase in net revenues in public finance services [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase market share despite elevated competition in Texas [6] - Hilltop Securities continues to invest in core areas of expertise and leverage its national brand [10] - The leadership team at PrimeLending is focused on optimizing costs and productivity to restore profitability [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing challenges in the mortgage market due to higher interest rates and home prices [21] - The company anticipates one additional 25 basis point rate cut in 2025, followed by two more in 2026 [18] - Management remains vigilant in assessing risk and negative credit migration, focusing on early detection and aggressive workout when necessary [26] Other Important Information - The allowance for credit losses declined by $2.8 million to $95 million, resulting in a coverage ratio of 1.16% [15] - The company returned $11 million to stockholders through dividends and repurchased $55 million in shares [11] - A leadership transition is occurring at PlainsCapital Bank with the retirement of the Chief Credit Officer [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII guidance and near-term outlook - Management explained that they remain asset sensitive and did not increase the overall loan growth profile due to expected paydowns and production [30] Question: Stock buybacks and M&A outlook - Management confirmed they are leaning into share repurchases given their excess capital position and discussed opportunities in the Texas market for potential M&A [37][38] Question: Auto portfolio exposure - Management acknowledged subprime exposure in the auto financing sector but emphasized their proactive management and workout efforts [40][46] Question: Broker dealer fee income - Management noted strong performance across all business units in the broker dealer segment but expects some reversion to lower levels in the future [49][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $211 million and EPS of $3.15, an increase of $1 million and $0.06 per share compared to the previous quarter [4] - Net interest income (NII) was $647 million, up $15 million, driven by higher average deposit balances and fixed-rate asset repricing [10] - The effective tax rate decreased to 14.5% from 18.5% in the previous quarter, influenced by a higher proportion of exempt income [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was strong at $502 million for the quarter, with Banco Popular contributing $357 million and Popular Bank contributing $145 million, primarily in commercial and construction lending [10] - Non-interest income increased to $171 million, up $3 million from the previous quarter, driven by robust customer transaction activity [14] - Total operating expenses rose to $495 million, an increase of $3 million, primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico remained low at 5.6%, with consumer spending showing resilience and a 5% increase in combined credit and debit card sales [5] - Mortgage balances at Banco Popular increased by $129 million, indicating strong home purchase activity [5] - The tourism sector benefited from significant events, contributing to increased economic activity [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the number one bank for customers by deepening relationships and enhancing digital solutions [7] - The strategic framework focuses on being simple and efficient, while also aiming for a sustainable 14% return on tangible common equity [8] - Ongoing investments in technology and digital capabilities are expected to drive future growth and improve customer experiences [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic trends in Puerto Rico, citing a backlog of federal disaster recovery funds and ongoing real estate projects [6] - The company remains focused on maintaining expense discipline and achieving sustainable returns above 12% [4][23] - Management noted that credit quality metrics were stable, excluding two isolated commercial loan issues [18][20] Other Important Information - The CET1 ratio was 15.8%, a decrease of 12 basis points due to loan growth [17] - The company declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.75 per share, an increase from the previous quarter [17] - The allowance for credit losses increased to $786 million, driven by two commercial exposures [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: On margin and asset yields - Management indicated that they expect net interest margin (NIM) to continue expanding despite potential rate cuts, supported by fixed asset repricing [30] Question: On loan yields and credit trends - Management noted that while new loan yields are expected to slow, they remain optimistic about consumer credit trends, particularly in Puerto Rico [33] Question: On large commercial loans and reserves - Management clarified that the large commercial loans in question are still current on payments, and the decision to classify them as non-accrual was based on deteriorating conditions [40] Question: On competition and underwriting standards - Management confirmed that they maintain rigorous underwriting standards despite increased competition in the market [78] Question: On future guidance and tax rates - Management provided clarity on the effective tax rate guidance for 2025, indicating it would be a clean number without significant noise from discrete events [71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $211 million and EPS of $3.15, an increase of $1 million and $0.06 per share respectively, driven by higher revenues and expanding net interest margin [2][3][11] - Net interest income increased by $15 million to $647 million, with net interest margin expanding by two basis points on a GAAP basis [11][12] - Total operating expenses were $495 million, an increase of $3 million compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was strong, with an increase of $502 million in total loans, driven by commercial and construction lending across both banks [12][13] - Non-interest income was $171 million, an increase of $3 million compared to Q2, benefiting from robust customer transaction activity [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico remained low at 5.6%, with solid business activity reflected in consumer spending and tourism [4][5] - Combined credit and debit card sales for Banco Popular customers increased by approximately 5% compared to 2024 [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s strategic framework focuses on being the number one bank for customers, simplifying operations, and achieving top performance with a long-term goal of a 14% return on capital [8][9] - Recent initiatives include expanding digital capabilities and modernizing branches to enhance customer engagement [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic trends in Puerto Rico, citing strong consumer spending and a healthy construction sector [5][6] - The company aims to maintain sustainable returns above 12% for the year and is focused on deposit retention and loan generation [26][27] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q3 was 14.5%, down from 18.5% in Q2, influenced by a higher proportion of exempt income [18][19] - The company declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.75 per share, an increase of $0.05 from Q2, and repurchased approximately $119 million in shares during Q3 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin and Asset Yields - Management indicated that they expect net interest margin to continue expanding despite potential rate cuts, supported by fixed asset repricing and loan growth [31][32] Question: Credit Trends - Management remains optimistic about consumer credit trends, noting that delinquency rates are still lower year-over-year [35] Question: Large C&I Loan Reserves - Management clarified that the loans in question are current on payments, and the decision to classify them as non-accrual was due to deteriorating business conditions [38][39] Question: Competition and Underwriting Standards - Management confirmed that there has been no relaxation in underwriting standards despite increased competition, emphasizing a conservative approach [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $211 million and EPS of $3.15, an increase of $1 million and $0.06 per share, respectively, driven by higher revenues and an expanding net interest margin [4][10] - Net interest income increased by $15 million to $647 million, with a net interest margin expansion of two basis points on a gap basis [11][12] - The effective tax rate decreased to 14.5% from 18.5% in the previous quarter, influenced by a higher proportion of exempt income [17][61] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was strong at $502 million, with contributions from both banks, primarily in commercial and construction lending [11][12] - Non-interest income was $171 million, an increase of $3 million compared to the previous quarter, driven by robust customer transaction activity [15] - Total operating expenses increased by $3 million to $495 million, primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico remained low at 5.6%, with consumer spending resilient and healthy [5][6] - Combined credit and debit card sales for Banco Popular customers increased by approximately 5% compared to the third quarter of 2024 [5] - The construction sector showed solid momentum, supported by public and private investments [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company’s strategy focuses on being the number one bank for customers, simplifying operations, and achieving a sustainable 14% return on tangible common equity [7][9] - Recent initiatives include expanding digital capabilities and modernizing branches to enhance customer engagement [9][10] - The company is committed to improving cash management and credit delivery for small and mid-sized businesses [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the economic trends in Puerto Rico, citing a backlog of federal disaster recovery funds and new development projects [6][23] - The company aims to close out 2025 on a high note, focusing on deposit retention and loan generation [23] - Management remains confident in the risk profile of the loan portfolios despite recent credit quality concerns related to two large commercial loans [20][40] Other Important Information - The CET1 ratio decreased to 15.8%, primarily due to loan growth and capital actions [18] - The company declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.75 per share, an increase from the previous quarter [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin and Asset Yields - Management indicated that they expect net interest margin (NIM) to continue expanding despite potential rate cuts, supported by fixed asset repricing and loan growth [26][27] Question: Credit Trends - Management noted that the increase in delinquency rates is within seasonal variations, and they remain optimistic about the consumer credit outlook [30][31] Question: Large CNI Loan Reserves - The company clarified that the large commercial loan remains current on payments, and the decision to classify it as non-accrual was due to deteriorating circumstances [34][35] Question: Competition in Deposits - Management acknowledged increased competition in the market but emphasized their commitment to rational pricing and maintaining strong client relationships [63][64] Question: Future Guidance on ROCI - Management confirmed that the target of a sustainable 14% ROCI is a guiding principle, with ongoing efforts to improve net income performance [57][59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's top line income increased by 11% to £7.2 billion from £6.5 billion in the same quarter last year [3] - Tangible net asset value per share (TNAV) rose to £3.92 compared to £3.84 in the previous quarter [3] - Return on tangible equity (ROTE) for Q3 was 10.6%, with a year-to-date ROTE of 12.3% [3] - The guidance for 2025 ROTE has been upgraded to greater than 11% [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group net interest income (NII) increased by 16% year-on-year to £3.3 billion [9] - The Investment Bank's ROTE improved by 1.3 percentage points year-on-year to 10.1% [6] - The US Consumer Bank's ROTE increased by 2.6 percentage points year-on-year to 13.5% [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - UK lending momentum has strengthened, contributing to the increase in NII [9] - The UK corporate bank saw lending grow by 17% year-on-year, with more than half of this growth from new clients acquired since 2024 [16] - The US Consumer Bank's end net receivables grew by 10% year-on-year, with NIM rising to 11.5% [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on simplifying its businesses and generating higher returns, with plans to announce new targets for 2028 alongside full-year results for 2025 [5] - A £500 million share buyback has been announced, reflecting strong capital generation and disciplined execution of capital priorities [4] - The company aims to achieve a cost-income ratio of circa 61% for 2025, despite additional provisions for motor finance [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational progress and the potential for further improvements in returns [7] - The outlook for stable income is strong, supported by UK lending momentum and operational progress in the US Consumer Bank [4] - Management acknowledged the uncertain environment but emphasized the foundation for future growth and targets [7] Other Important Information - The group achieved £500 million in gross efficiency savings one quarter earlier than planned, with a target of £2 billion by the end of 2026 [6] - The group loan loss rate was 57 basis points, with expectations to remain within the through-the-cycle guidance of 50 to 60 basis points for FY2025 [14] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: On the U.S. Consumer top line and non-interest income - Management confirmed that the strong growth in the U.S. Consumer Bank is sustainable, driven by operational actions and an increase in retail deposits [34][35] Question: On UK mortgages and competitive pressures - Management noted that the UK mortgage market is robust, with strong refinancing activity, but acknowledged potential churn compression due to maturing loans from the stamp duty holiday [38] Question: On competitive conditions in U.S. investment banking - Management indicated confidence in their market position and ability to compete effectively, despite potential changes in capital regulation [42][43] Question: On private credit and risk management - Management emphasized strong credit controls and risk management practices in the private credit space, welcoming regulatory reviews [61][62]