Reality is setting in for three of the largest U.S. banks, according to their second-quarter results. Earnings reports from JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo showcased some comforting truths, but potential challenges remain.
All three banks, which reported earnings before the bell on Friday, experienced growth in profits and revenues compared to both the last quarter and the previous year, meeting or exceeding Wall Street estimates. Despite this, their stock prices fell in morning trading on Friday. Net interest income (NII), a crucial measure of bank earnings from loans, was in the spotlight, with Wells Fargo and JPMorgan reporting disappointing results in this area.
Citigroup, on the other hand, showed lower expenses and stronger-than-expected revenue and profits, signaling the potential success of CEO Jane Fraser’s corporate overhaul.
Citigroup’s second-quarter earnings offered a glimpse into the early outcomes of Fraser’s simplification strategy, completed in early 2024. Despite initial concerns due to layoffs and additional expenses, the bank’s operating expenses fell 2% year-over-year in the three months ending June 30, totaling $13.4 billion. Revenue rose 4% to $20.1 billion, matching Wall Street estimates, and net income was $3.2 billion, or $1.52 per share, surpassing analysts’ expectations.
Fraser noted progress in the bank’s strategy and business model in a statement, but challenges remain in expanding market share and reducing expenses in other areas, according to Moody’s Ratings Financial Institutions Group. Citigroup’s stock saw a slight increase in pre-market trading but slipped more than 3% by morning. Year-to-date, Citigroup’s stock has risen by over 20%.
Wells Fargo reported a 9% drop in NII, causing its stock to plunge over 7% on Friday morning. The bank fell short of analysts’ expectations for NII, reporting $11.92 billion compared to the expected $12.12 billion. Despite this, revenue rose to $20.7 billion from $20.5 billion a year earlier, and net income was $4.91 billion, or $1.33 per share, compared to $4.94 billion the previous year.
JPMorgan’s second-quarter results were mixed, with its stock falling 2% after reporting $22.9 billion in NII, which was a 4% year-over-year increase but below Wall Street estimates. The bank maintained its forecast for around $91 billion in NII, disappointing some investors who had hoped for an increase. Yet, the company posted a record quarterly profit of $18.1 billion, or $6.12 per share, far exceeding analyst projections.
JPMorgan also reported $50.2 billion in revenue, a 22% year-over-year increase driven by investment banking fees and gains from new Visa shares. Despite some areas of concern, the bank showed strong inflows that surpassed expectations, with record profits contributing to a complex but robust quarter.