Wells Fargo (WFC) Q1 2026 Earnings: EPS Beat but Revenue Miss Weighs on Shares
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo reported Q1 2026 net income of $5.3 billion, up 7% year-over-year, with diluted EPS of $1.60 beating consensus estimates of $1.58.
- Total revenue reached $21.45 billion, a 6% increase from Q1 2025 but missing expectations of $21.76 billion, driven by 5% net interest income growth and 8% noninterest income rise.
- Average loans grew 11% to $996 billion and deposits rose 7% to $1,415 billion; credit quality stable with net charge-offs at 45 basis points.
- Returned $4 billion to shareholders via 46.3 million share repurchases; CET1 ratio (common equity tier 1 capital, a key measure of bank capital strength) at 10.3%.
- All segments showed revenue growth: Consumer Banking and Lending +7%, Commercial Banking +7%, Wealth and Investment Management +14%.
- Shares fell about 5% post-earnings due to revenue shortfall and higher provision for credit losses of $1.135 billion.
Earnings Context and Why It Matters
I've been keeping a close eye on Wells Fargo (WFC) as it continues to navigate its post-Fed asset cap era. The bank, one of the largest in the U.S. by assets, released its Q1 2026 results for the period ended March 31 on April 14. From what I see, these numbers highlight solid growth in loans and deposits against a backdrop of economic resilience. Investors like us are particularly interested in revenue momentum, credit health, and capital returns, especially with net interest margins under pressure from shifting rates. One metric that stands out is ROTCE, which climbed to 14.5%, pointing to better efficiency. In this competitive landscape, the results offer valuable clues on consumer spending, commercial demand, and how well the bank is putting its excess capital to work.
Reported Results
WFC posted diluted EPS of $1.60, edging out consensus estimates of $1.58 by 1.3%, thanks in part to $135 million ($0.04 per share) in discrete tax benefits from prior period resolutions. Net income increased 7% year-over-year to $5.253 billion from $4.894 billion. Total revenue rose 6% to $21.446 billion, though it fell short of the $21.76 billion forecast, mainly due to net interest income (NII) that was softer than expected despite a 5% year-over-year gain.
The provision for credit losses rose 22% to $1.135 billion, a prudent move given economic uncertainties. The balance sheet remains strong, with average loans up 10% to $996 billion—driven notably by a 23% jump in Corporate and Investment Banking—and deposits increasing 6% to $1,415 billion. Key metrics improved: ROE reached 12.2% from 11.5%, ROTCE hit 14.5% from 13.6%, while CET1 stood at 10.3% down from 11.1%. Noninterest expense increased 3% to $14.33 billion. Momentum was evident across segments, with Wealth and Investment Management revenue up 14% and client assets at $2.2 trillion (+11%), bolstered by credit card fees and auto originations in consumer lending.
I also checked this using Tickeron’s AI Screener to see how the stock stacks up against peers on fundamentals and trends.
Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment
Shares of WFC declined about 5% on April 14 after the release, closing down 5.67% at $81.73 following nearly 5% pre-market drops. The reaction stemmed from the revenue miss—especially NII below $12.3 billion expectations—and elevated credit provisions, which overshadowed the EPS beat and growth. In my view, investors viewed this as a sign of margin pressures in a high-rate setting, even with positive segment performance and capital returns. Sentiment has shifted to cautious, with attention now on NII trajectory and credit developments in choppy markets.
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Forward Outlook and Key Factors to Monitor
Wells Fargo stuck to its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting net interest income around $50 billion (±), with $48 billion from core activities and $2 billion from markets NII. Noninterest expenses are expected at $55.7 billion, aligning with prior plans and showing disciplined cost management alongside business investments.
I’m watching NII closely, as deposit and loan growth provide support but remain vulnerable to rate shifts and rivalry. Credit quality—net charge-offs steady at 45 bps and provisions—will be pivotal, particularly with oil prices potentially pressuring consumers and firms. CEO Charlie Scharf emphasized economic strength while staying alert to volatility. Capital returns persist, with $5.4 billion deployed via 46.3 million share repurchases and dividends in Q1 alone, backed by ample CET1 excess. Key items ahead include a robust investment banking pipeline (with gains in Equity Capital Markets share) and Wealth asset expansion. Regulatory shifts like Basel III, which could trim risk-weighted assets by 7%, may lift returns. Broader factors such as M&A and consumer patterns in cards and auto will influence segments.
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Financial writer and active order flow futures trader with a focus on fundamental analysis, macroeconomic factors, and equity research. I make in-depth blogs on stocks and ETFs, bridging the gap between raw market data and real-world trading decisions.
WFC in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on August 28, 2026
WFC moved above its 50-day moving average on August 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 33 of 41 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on September 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on WFC as a result. In 53 of 78 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WFC just turned positive on September 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where WFC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The 10-day moving average for WFC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on September 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 14 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
The 50-day moving average for WFC moved above the 200-day moving average on August 06, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +3.33% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WFC advanced for three days, in 206 of 331 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
WFC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WFC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 19, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 32 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. WFC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.656) is normal, around the industry mean (1.928). P/E Ratio (13.124) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.436). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.527) is also within normal values, averaging (1.358). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.025) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.261) is also within normal values, averaging (3.980).
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