Wells Fargo(US:WFC)2026-01-14 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's net income increased to $21.3 billion, with diluted earnings per share growing 17% year-over-year [4] - In Q4, earnings were $5.4 billion, up 6% from the previous year, with diluted earnings per share at $1.62, a 13% increase year-over-year [18] - Net interest income increased by $381 million, or 3%, from Q3, driven by higher Markets NII [20] - Non-interest income rose by $419 million, or 5%, from a year ago [25] - Non-interest expense declined by $174 million from a year ago [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer Banking and Lending revenue increased by 9% year-over-year, driven by lower deposit pricing and higher loan balances [29] - Credit card revenue grew by 7% year-over-year due to higher loan balances and an increase in card fees [29] - Auto revenue increased by 7% year-over-year, with auto originations more than doubling from a year ago [29] - Commercial banking revenue decreased by 3% year-over-year, while Corporate Investment Banking revenue declined by 4% [30][31] - Wealth and Investment Management revenue increased by 10% year-over-year, driven by growth in asset-based fees [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced broad-based loan growth, with average loans increasing by $49.4 billion, or 5%, from a year ago [21] - Average deposits increased by $23.9 billion from a year ago, with growth in consumer and commercial deposits [24] - The company grew its share in M&A, increasing its announced U.S. M&A ranking to eighth in 2025, up from twelfth in 2024 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The removal of the asset cap by the Federal Reserve was a pivotal moment for the company, allowing for balance sheet growth [8] - The company aims to achieve a medium-term ROTCE target of 17%-18% [16] - Continued focus on efficiency and expense management, with a goal of optimizing capital levels [7][16] - The company is committed to organic growth opportunities and maintaining a disciplined approach to capital management [7][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the economy and customers, while closely monitoring portfolios for signs of weakness [6] - The company expects net interest income to be approximately $50 billion in 2026, with loan and deposit growth anticipated [33] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining expense discipline and realizing benefits from investments to drive stronger revenue growth [16] Other Important Information - The company returned $23 billion of excess capital to shareholders, including a 13% increase in common stock dividends and $18 billion in stock repurchases [7] - The company has reduced headcount by over 25% since Q2 2020, achieving positive operating leverage [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on NII, particularly ex-markets - Management noted that NII growth is expected to be flat due to rate cuts, but loan growth will improve results later in the year [42][43] Question: Increased volume around credit card rate caps - Management acknowledged the focus on affordability and the need for careful consideration of responses to potential regulatory changes [46][47] Question: Balancing growth of lower NIM assets with buyback opportunities - Management indicated that they can support both loan growth and stock buybacks, emphasizing the flexibility provided by the removal of the asset cap [50][55] Question: M&A strategy - Management feels no pressure to pursue M&A, focusing instead on organic growth opportunities, but remains open to strategic acquisitions that enhance value [67] Question: Non-performing assets increase - Management clarified that the increase in non-performing assets is not systemic and is driven by individual borrower issues [76][77]