Baird has revised its recommendation on Wells Fargo (ticker: WFC), raising the bank's rating from Underperform to Neutral and designating a price target of $85.00. The stock was quoted at $86.29 at the time of the notice. Reported valuation metrics show a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.68 and a price/earnings-to-growth ratio of 0.79, per available data.
The upgrade follows a notable decline in Wells Fargo shares since January. Baird said that the recent sell-off has rendered the bank's valuation "more reasonable" and that this repricing has helped limit potential further downside from current levels. In addition, separate fair value analysis indicates the shares may be trading below their assessed fair value, implying possible upside should market conditions align with the firm's assumptions.
Despite the upgrade, Baird retained a watchful tone. The research note describes the firm as "optimistic" about Wells Fargo's growth prospects after regulatory capital restrictions were lifted, but it also warns that market expectations appear "somewhat elevated" given the stock is trading at about 11 times Baird's estimated earnings per share for 2026. The firm said it would become more constructive on the shares only if valuation moved below 10 times its estimated 2027 earnings per share, signaling that current prices do not represent an especially attractive entry point for new investors by that yardstick.
On near-term operational outlook, Baird expects Wells Fargo to sustain "healthy" pre-provision net revenue growth. The firm pointed to three primary drivers: ongoing strength in the capital markets business, accelerating loan growth, and a reduction in regulatory-related expenses. Taken together, these factors underpin an anticipated path to a high-teens return on tangible common equity that Baird considers "intact."
Recent company disclosures and board actions were noted alongside the analyst update. Wells Fargo reported net income of $21.3 billion and a 17% increase in diluted earnings per share year over year. Fee-based revenues rose by 5%, reflecting favorable trends across both consumer and commercial business lines. In a separate governance decision, the bank's board approved a $40 million compensation package for Chairman and CEO Charles W. Scharf for the 2025 performance year; the board said its evaluation was influenced by the closure of seven regulatory consent orders and the Federal Reserve's removal of the asset cap.
Other corporate developments cited include a termination of the relationship between Wells Fargo's wealth and investment management division and the proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services. Management commentary also highlighted a focus on loan growth in 2026, with particular emphasis on credit card and auto lending as areas of priority, according to Chief Financial Officer Mike Santomassimo.
Finally, the firm said there was an external personnel movement related to the bank: Aman Malik, who had served as head of strategy and chief administration officer for banking at Wells Fargo, was appointed chief operating officer of Bank of Montreal's capital markets division.
Overall, Baird's action shifts the bank out of an Underperform stance while stopping short of a Buy or Overweight view. The firm cited a narrower near-term downside after the stock's pullback, an improving operational outlook tied to regulatory relief and business momentum, and a valuation that remains above the threshold Baird requires for a more positive posture.