Park Avenue Securities LLC lessened its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC – Free Report) by 6.1% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 143,006 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after selling 9,302 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLC’s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $13,328,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.
Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC grew its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 472.4% in the 3rd quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 332 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 274 shares during the period. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Kilter Group LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the third quarter worth $31,000. Institutional investors own 75.90% of the company’s stock.
Key Wells Fargo & Company News
Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Senator Mitch McConnell disclosed a purchase of WFC shares, a symbolic vote of confidence that can support sentiment among retail and political-watch investors. Congress Trade: Senator Mitch McConnell Just Disclosed New Stock Trades
- Positive Sentiment: Recent bullish retail/analysis pieces highlight WFC’s dividend yield and improving earnings (Wells Fargo beat EPS estimates in January), which can attract income-focused investors. Wells Fargo (WFC) Could Be a Great Choice
- Neutral Sentiment: Wells Fargo initiated coverage of SoFi Technologies at Equal Weight; the move influenced SoFi shares but is primarily a research event rather than a corporate catalyst for WFC itself. Wells Fargo starts SoFi Technologies at Equal Weight on valuation, loan sale risk
- Neutral Sentiment: Goldman Sachs moving to rolling, phased layoffs signals industry-wide cost and staffing adjustments as banks adapt to AI and flexibility — a sector context item that could influence competitive dynamics over time. GS’ Rolling Layoffs in 2026: A Strategic Shift in Workforce Management
- Neutral Sentiment: Analyst activity at Wells Fargo (e.g., raising coverage/targets on other companies) shows the firm’s research footprint is active but is an indirect factor for WFC’s share moves. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (RYTM) PT Increased From $136 to $143 at Wells Fargo
- Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: traders bought roughly 108,090 WFC put contracts (about +99% vs. average), signaling increased hedging or bearish bets that can pressure sentiment and raise volatility.
- Negative Sentiment: The Fed held rates and flagged higher inflation, pressuring bank stocks (including WFC) on concerns about margins and economic headwinds; this macro update is a near-term drag on bank valuations. Fed Keeps Rates Steady Amid Rising Inflation: What it Means for Banks
- Negative Sentiment: Truist lowered its expectations for WFC’s stock price, reflecting some analyst skepticism that could weigh on sentiment until clearer earnings/loan trends emerge. Truist Financial Has Lowered Expectations for Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.66 by $0.10. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.90% and a net margin of 17.27%.The business had revenue of $21.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $21.63 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.43 earnings per share. The business’s revenue was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.
Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 6th were paid a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 6th. Wells Fargo & Company’s payout ratio is presently 28.71%.
Insider Transactions at Wells Fargo & Company
In related news, EVP Bridget E. Engle sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.10, for a total transaction of $2,613,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 83,478 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,270,933.80. This represents a 26.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Ellen R. Patterson sold 60,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.40, for a total transaction of $5,244,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 169,496 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $14,813,950.40. This trade represents a 26.14% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 115,000 shares of company stock worth $10,050,000 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.08% of the company’s stock.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
A number of research analysts have weighed in on WFC shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. TD Cowen decreased their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $102.00 to $100.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. CICC Research began coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. They issued a “market perform” rating and a $96.00 target price on the stock. Evercore reaffirmed an “outperform” rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Friday, March 6th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $113.00 price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $96.71.
About Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer.
Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management.
Further Reading
Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
