Bank of America’s loan growth fell short of some of its competitors, while its advisory fees income declined in the third quarter. However, the bank's Q3 profits soared year-over-year on the back of rapid cost reductions.
Bank of America's total loan book grew 0.3 % in Q3 2018, compared to the year-ago period. This was lower than that of JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s 6% and Citigroup Inc.’s 4%.
Bank of America's fees earned from advisory services on mergers declined 26% in the quarter. Revenues from sales and trading fell 5 percent. According to a Reuters report, Chief Financial Officer Paul Donofrio said in a conference call with reporters that Bank of America is working to improve its M&A business after losing market share.
In spite of its headwinds, the bank managed to generate solidly positive year-over-year growth in profits - thanks to its cost cutting strategies. By reducing employee headcount, closing unprofitable branches and obliterating old technology systems, the bank has saved billions of dollars in annual costs. The bank’s Q3 profit surged +34% to $6.7 billion from $5 billion a year earlier.