Wells Fargo Q4 2025 Revenue Misses by $350M, EPS Beats by 10¢

WFCWFC

Q4 2025 revenue was $21.29 billion, up 4% but $350 million below forecasts, and net income was $5.36 billion ($1.76/share), topping the $1.66 consensus. Average loans rose 5% to $956 billion and deposits climbed 4% to $1.38 trillion, yet shares dropped 4.6%.

1. Mixed Fourth-Quarter Performance

Wells Fargo reported total revenue of $21.29 billion for Q4 2025, a 4% increase year-over-year. GAAP net income rose by nearly 6% to $5.36 billion, or $1.76 per share, surpassing the consensus EPS estimate of $1.66. However, the bank fell short of the revenue forecast of $21.64 billion, prompting investors to reprice growth expectations despite the profit beat.

2. Balance Sheet Strength Drives Growth

Average loan balances increased by 5% year-over-year to $956 billion, while average deposits climbed 4% to $1.38 trillion. The removal of the Federal Reserve’s asset cap in June 2025 allowed Wells Fargo to deploy capital more freely, supporting expansion in its core lending businesses. Credit card receivables jumped 20% as spending patterns normalized and new accounts surged, and auto loan balances expanded by 19%, reflecting strong consumer demand.

3. Compelling Dividend Profile

Wells Fargo’s current dividend yield stands at approximately 1.82%, supported by robust cash flow and a payout ratio of roughly 30% of earnings. The bank has maintained a steady quarterly distribution for more than a decade, returning over $10 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in the past year. With a diversified revenue base and disciplined capital management, the payout is well covered even in a modest economic slowdown.

Sources

FZB