In the fourth quarter, Bank of America’s total loans rose by 5.2% year-over-year to $1.21 trillion, with commercial and industrial (C&I) loans leading the way. C&I balances increased 7.8% to $702 billion, reflecting healthy demand from mid-market and large corporate clients, while consumer lending grew a more modest 2.3% to $508 billion. Net interest income advanced 6.4% from a year earlier to $13.8 billion, bolstered by higher average loan yields. Deposit balances contracted 1.1% sequentially to $1.85 trillion as the bank optimized its funding mix, but liquidity remains ample with a LCR (liquidity coverage ratio) of 118%. The strong performance in the commercial portfolio helped offset pressure on credit card and auto loan volumes, which were essentially flat in the period.

Following Q4 results, Bank of America outpaced Truist Financial in key profitability metrics. BAC reported adjusted EPS growth of 11.5% year-over-year to $1.20, compared with Truist’s 7.9% rise to $0.95. Return on average tangible common equity climbed to 15.2% for Bank of America, versus 13.4% at Truist. The dividend was raised by 5% to $0.24 per share, marking the ninth consecutive annual increase, and management authorized an additional $5 billion share repurchase program. Expansion plans include opening 100 new retail centers over the next 12 months and bolstering digital wealth‐management offerings, targeting a 10% increase in advisory assets under management. Analysts highlight BAC’s deeper treasury services franchise and lower reliance on interest-rate–sensitive consumer loans as differentiators in the current cycle.