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BofA (BAC) Beats on Q3 Earnings & Revenue Estimates

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Have you been eager to see how Bank of America Corporation (BAC - Free Report) performed in Q3 in comparison with the market expectations? Let’s quickly scan through the key facts from this Charlotte-based one of the world's largest financial institutions’ earnings release this morning:

An Earnings Beat

BofA came out with earnings of 41 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents. Also, the figure was up from 38 cents recorded in the prior-year quarter.

Improved revenues were the key reason for the earnings beat.

How Was the Estimate Revision Trend?

You should note that the earnings estimate revisions for BofA depicted a bullish stance prior to the earnings release. The Zacks Consensus Estimate increased by a penny over the last 30 days.

Further, BofA has a decent earnings surprise history. Before posting the earnings beat in Q3, the company delivered positive surprises in three quarters of the prior four quarters.

BANK OF AMER CP Price and EPS Surprise

 

BANK OF AMER CP Price and EPS Surprise | BANK OF AMER CP Quote

Overall, the company has a positive earnings surprise of 3.5% in the trailing four quarters.

Higher-than-expected Revenues

BofA posted net revenues (FTE basis) of $21.9 billion, which was above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.8 billion. Also, it compared favorably with the year-ago number of $21.2 billion.

Key Statistics
 

  • Investment banking fees were $1.5 billion, up 13%
  • Sales and trading revenue (excluding net DVA) up 18%
  • Provision for credit losses up 5% to $850 million
  • Non-interest expense fell 3% to $13.5 billion
  • Returned $2.2 billion to shareholders through repurchases and dividends


What Zacks Rank Says

The estimate revisions that we discussed earlier have driven a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for BofA. However, since the latest earnings performance is yet to be reflected in the estimate revisions, the rank is subject to change. While things apparently look favorable, it all depends on what sense the just-released report makes to the analysts.

(You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.)

How the Market Reacted So Far

Following the earnings release, BofA shares were up nearly 2% in the pre-trading session. This is in line with what the stock witnessed in the prior-day’s session. Clearly, the initial reaction shows that the investors have considered the results in their favor. However, the full-session’s price movement may indicate a different picture.

Check back later for our full write up on this BofA earnings report!

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