Core Viewpoint - Wells Fargo is experiencing positive early results following the removal of the asset cap imposed by the Federal Reserve in 2018, which has allowed the bank to grow its balance sheet and improve its risk and control initiatives, positioning it for stronger growth and returns [2][6]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The bank's assets grew by 11% year-over-year, driven by broad-based loan growth and increased trading assets [3]. - In the consumer business, Wells Fargo reported a 21% increase in new credit card accounts and a 6% rise in credit card balances in 2025, while maintaining credit standards [3]. - The auto business saw a 19% growth in loan balances in 2025 compared to the previous year [4]. Group 2: Customer Growth and Digital Initiatives - Wells Fargo experienced stronger growth in net checking accounts in 2025 compared to 2024, attributed to digital account openings, increased marketing, and branch refurbishments [4]. - In 2025, 50% of consumer checking accounts were opened digitally, and mobile active customers grew by 1.4 million, a 4% increase from the previous year [4]. Group 3: Commercial Banking and Investment Banking - The commercial bank saw early gains with the addition of 185 coverage bankers over the past two years, leading to improvements in new client acquisitions, loans, and deposits [5]. - The investment banking and markets business achieved a 25% growth in fees from commercial banking clients in 2025 [5]. - Wells Fargo improved its U.S. M&A ranking from twelfth in 2024 to eighth in 2025, entering 2026 with a significantly larger deal pipeline than in the past five years [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $5.6 billion for the third quarter, a 9% increase from the previous year, with diluted earnings per share at $1.66 [28] - Revenue increased by 5% year-over-year, driven by growth in both net interest income and fee-based revenue [6][28] - Noninterest income rose by $810 million, or 9%, from a year ago, reflecting strong growth in wealth management and investment banking [32][40] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment banking fees increased by 25% year-over-year, indicating strong performance in this segment [6] - Consumer small and business banking revenue grew by 6% from a year ago, driven by lower deposit costs and higher balances [36] - Wealth and investment management revenue increased by 8% from a year ago, supported by higher asset-based fees and net interest income [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company’s total assets surpassed $2 trillion for the first time, reflecting growth in trading-related assets in corporate and investment banking, which increased by 50% since the end of 2023 [17] - Average loans grew by $18.4 billion year-over-year, with notable increases in commercial and industrial loans, securities-based lending, and credit card loans [31] - Average deposits declined by $1.8 billion from a year ago, primarily due to a reduction in higher-cost corporate treasury deposits [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the top U.S. consumer and small business bank and wealth manager, with aspirations to achieve a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 17% to 18% in the medium term [15][22] - The lifting of the asset cap allows the company to grow its balance sheet and compete more effectively, focusing on domestic growth opportunities [9][16] - The company has simplified its business mix by exiting non-core businesses, targeting investments in areas with higher growth potential [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the U.S. economy and markets, emphasizing the importance of domestic growth [9][10] - The company is optimistic about achieving higher returns due to improved credit performance and strategic investments [23][24] - Management noted that consumer spending remains consistent, with no significant changes in credit quality observed [77][78] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its headcount by 24% since 2020, contributing to improved efficiency [12] - The CET1 ratio was maintained at 11%, with over $30 billion in capital above regulatory minimums, allowing for continued share repurchases [25][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the new ROTCE target - Management indicated that the 17-18% ROTCE target is a medium-term goal, likely taking longer than a year to achieve, depending on various factors [46][48] Question: Insights on fourth quarter net interest income - Management discussed several drivers for expected growth in net interest income, including loan growth and fixed asset repricing [50][53] Question: Opportunities for cost savings and efficiency - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to improve efficiency through headcount reductions and automation, with significant opportunities remaining [56][58] Question: Potential for inorganic growth through M&A - Management acknowledged the possibility of considering M&A opportunities but emphasized a focus on organic growth strategies [60][62] Question: Loan growth momentum and credit card customer acquisition - Management noted strong loan growth momentum, particularly in credit cards, with a mix of new and existing customers contributing to this growth [67][71] Question: Overall health of the consumer and credit quality - Management reported consistent consumer spending and strong credit performance, with no significant concerns in the auto lending sector [77][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $5.6 billion for Q3 2025, a 9% increase from the previous year, with diluted earnings per share at $1.66 [26] - Revenue increased by 5% year-over-year, driven by growth in both net interest income and fee-based revenue [5][26] - Noninterest income rose by $810 million, or 9%, from a year ago, with strong growth in wealth management and investment banking [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment banking fees increased by 25% year-over-year, reflecting strong performance in leveraged finance, equity capital markets, and M&A [5][37] - Consumer small and business banking revenue grew by 6% from a year ago, driven by lower deposit costs and higher deposit and loan balances [34] - Wealth and investment management revenue increased by 8% year-over-year, supported by growth in asset-based fees and net interest income [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen average loans grow by $18.4 billion year-over-year, with notable increases in commercial and industrial loans [28] - Average deposits declined by $1.8 billion from a year ago, primarily due to a reduction in higher-cost corporate treasury deposits [30] - The total assets reached over $2 trillion for the first time in the company's history, with trading-related assets in corporate and investment banking up 50% since the end of 2023 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the top U.S. consumer and small business bank and wealth manager, with aspirations to achieve a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 17% to 18% in the medium term [21][22] - The lifting of the asset cap allows the company to grow its balance sheet and compete more effectively, focusing on domestic growth opportunities [7][13] - The company has simplified its business mix by exiting non-core businesses, targeting investments in areas with higher growth potential [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the U.S. economy and markets, emphasizing the company's focus on domestic growth [7][8] - The management team highlighted the importance of maintaining strong credit discipline and improving efficiency across the organization [26][41] - The company anticipates continued growth in net interest income and fee-based revenue, driven by loan growth and improved market conditions [39] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its headcount by 24% since Q2 2020, contributing to improved efficiency [10] - The CET1 ratio was maintained at 11%, well above regulatory minimums, with plans for continued share repurchases [33][23] - The company has generated over $20 billion in after-tax earnings annually, providing flexibility for growth and capital returns [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the new ROTCE target - Management indicated that the 17-18% ROTCE target is a medium-term goal, likely taking longer than a year to achieve, depending on various factors [44][46] Question: Insights on fourth quarter net interest income ramp - Management discussed several drivers for the expected increase in net interest income, including loan growth and fixed asset repricing [48][50] Question: Opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline operations, including headcount reductions and automation initiatives, to drive improved efficiency [55][57] Question: Potential for inorganic growth through M&A - Management acknowledged the possibility of considering inorganic growth opportunities but emphasized a focus on organic growth strategies [59][60] Question: Loan growth momentum and credit card customer acquisition - Management noted strong loan growth, particularly in consumer loans, and indicated that new customer acquisition is balanced between existing and new customers [66][77] Question: Overall health of the consumer and credit quality - Management reported consistent consumer spending and stable deposits, indicating a strong consumer health without significant concerns [84][88]