Barclays’ Q4 Net Income Up 23.8%, Launches £1bn Buyback and Raises 2026 Forecast
Barclays Q4 net income rose 23.8% to £1.19bn as credit impairment charges fell 24.7% to £535m and cost-to-income held at 66% on £7.08bn revenues. The bank unveiled a £1bn share buyback and raised 2026 total income guidance to £31bn with RoTE above 12%.
1. Q4 2025 Financial Performance
Barclays delivered net income attributable to equity holders of £1.19bn in Q4 2025, a 23.8% year-on-year increase, on total income of £7.08bn, up 1.6%. Credit impairment charges declined 24.7% to £535m while operating expenses (excluding litigation and conduct) rose 3.1% to £4.61bn, keeping the cost-to-income ratio at 66%.
2. Strong Capital Position
As of December 31, 2025, Barclays held total assets of £1,544.2bn and risk-weighted assets of £356.8bn. The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio improved to 14.3% from 13.6% a year earlier, reflecting robust capital buffers.
3. Share Buyback and 2026 Guidance
Barclays announced a new share buyback program of up to £1bn and raised its 2026 total income guidance to £31bn. Net interest income is expected to exceed £13.5bn, return on tangible equity is projected above 12%, and a CET1 ratio target of 13–14% was reaffirmed.