Barclays' Upcoming Phase Could Involve M&A Developments
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 13 2025
0mins
Should l Buy WFC?
Source: Reuters
Barclays' Performance: Under CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Barclays has improved its return on tangible equity to 12% in 2025 and doubled its valuation multiple since February 2024, setting the stage for new targets to be announced.
M&A Considerations: Following a failed bid for TSB, Venkatakrishnan may pursue mergers and acquisitions to further reduce the investment bank's share of risk-weighted assets, with potential targets like the specialist mortgage lender OSB.
Investment Bank Strategy: Venkat aims to decrease the investment bank's risk-weighted assets to 50% by 2026, but progress has been slow, prompting the need for growth in other areas or through acquisitions.
Potential Foreign Interest: Barclays may attract interest from foreign banks like Wells Fargo and Santander, which could seek to acquire the investment bank to enhance their market position, given Barclays' lower valuation multiple.
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Analyst Views on WFC
Wall Street analysts forecast WFC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WFC is 98.66 USD with a low forecast of 74.00 USD and a high forecast of 113.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
17 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
6 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 92.010
Low
74.00
Averages
98.66
High
113.00
Current: 92.010
Low
74.00
Averages
98.66
High
113.00
About WFC
Wells Fargo & Company is a financial services company. The Company provides a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, to individuals, businesses and institutions. The Company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. The Company provides consumer financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and auto, residential mortgage, and small business lending. In addition, the Company offers financial planning, private banking, investment management, and fiduciary services. It also provides financial solutions to businesses through products and services including traditional commercial loans and lines of credit, letters of credit, asset-based lending and leasing, trade financing, treasury management, and investment banking services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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