Citigroup vs Wells Fargo: Which Wins on Dividends, Buybacks, Interest Rate Exposure?

"Its Consumer, Small & Business Banking segment rose 9% to $6.59 billion, while Credit Card climbed 7% to $1.38 billion. CEO Charlie Scharf called the removal of the Federal Reserve asset cap transformational: "Strong financial performance, removal of the asset cap [...] and stronger growth in both our consumer and commercial businesses make me proud of our 2025 results." Net interest income grew 4% year-over-year on higher loan balances and fixed-rate asset repricing."

"Citigroup posted $19.90 billion in revenue and $1.19 EPS, missing both estimates. Net income fell 13.8% to $2.5 billion, weighed down by 6% higher operating expenses tied to compensation, legal, and technology costs. Banking revenues surged 78% and Services rose 15%, but Markets slipped 1%. CEO Jane Fraser's restructuring included 1,000 job cuts in January 2026. The bank's presence in 180+ countries provides diversification but also exposes it to geopolitical volatility."

Wells Fargo reported $21.29 billion in revenue and $1.76 EPS, beating earnings expectations but falling short on revenue. Consumer, Small & Business Banking rose 9% to $6.59 billion and Credit Card revenue increased 7% to $1.38 billion. The Federal Reserve asset cap was removed, enabling deposit and loan growth; net interest income grew 4% year-over-year on higher loan balances and fixed-rate asset repricing. Citigroup posted $19.90 billion in revenue and $1.19 EPS, missing estimates as net income fell 13.8% to $2.5 billion amid higher operating expenses. Citigroup saw strong banking and services growth, weaker markets, and announced restructuring including job cuts. Both stocks sold off on concerns about NII pressure in a higher-for-longer rate backdrop, with differing stock moves reflecting business-model differences.

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