Wells Fargo shares rise even as the bank’s profits are cut in half by higher reserves
On Friday, Wells Fargo reported shrinking profits due to a recent settlement and the need to build reserves in light of a deteriorating economy. During Friday’s trading session, the stock erased earlier losses to trade 2% higher. Wells Fargo’s net income tumbled 50% to $2.86 billion, or 67 cents a share, from $5.75 billion, or $1.38 per share, a year ago. The bank said the significant decrease was driven partly by lower mortgage banking on fewer originations. The bank set aside $957 million for credit losses in the latest period after reducing its provisions by $452 million a year ago. The bank said the provision included a $397 million increase in the allowance for credit losses reflecting loan growth and a less favorable economic environment.
The disappointing earnings report came after the bank announced it would retrench from the U.S. mortgage market. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo said it would have a $2.8 billion operating loss tied to legal and regulatory costs. The combined impact of the legal, regulatory, and customer remediation efforts lowered Wells Fargo’s earnings by 70 cents per share. After excluding severance costs and a tax gain, Wells Fargo earned 61 cents a share. As the most mortgage-dependent of the six biggest U.S. banks, Wells Fargo has faced pressure as sales and refinancing activity has fallen steeply amid mortgage rates that have topped 6%. The bank said its home lending revenue was down 57% this quarter. Shares of Wells fell nearly 14% in 2022, faring better than the S&P 500 as the bank’s retail and commercial banking benefited from rising rates. The stock is up about 3.7% year to date.