Merrill income falls, headcount flat as dad or mum BofA’s earnings surge

Merrill Wealth Administration had a blended earnings report Tuesday within the wake of longtime president Andy Sieg’s latest departure, regardless of dad or mum Financial institution of America’s sturdy quarter. 

Income and earnings at Merrill and sister unit Financial institution of America Non-public Financial institution have been down each quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year for the primary three months of 2023, though the mixed items added a quarterly report of round 14,500 internet new households. The financial institution attributed the decreases to market declines that have been partially offset by greater internet curiosity revenue, a Merrill assertion mentioned. 

Advisor headcount throughout the financial institution’s traces of enterprise additionally stalled and logged a small decline, regardless of the financial institution hiring over internet new 800 advisors throughout the prior two quarters. 

Merrill canceled its customary quarterly earnings name for reporters, which is often held individually from the dad or mum financial institution’s earnings name on the identical day. Up to now, former president Sieg would subject reporter questions throughout the calls. 

Sieg left Merrill on March 30 for rival Citigroup, the place he’ll develop into the pinnacle of Citi International Wealth. He’s changed by Eric Schimpf and Lindsay Hans, who’re the brand new presidents and co-heads of Merrill Wealth Administration. 

“As we transfer ahead, we’re excited to have Eric Schimpf and Lindsay Hans lead this enterprise,” Financial institution of America chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan mentioned on an earnings name Tuesday. “They’re going to work carefully with Katy Knox [the president of the Private Bank] to drive our world wealth and funding administration enterprise throughout the corporate.” Moynihan added that the three wealth heads anticipated to enhance operational effectivity by investing extra into digital merchandise for advisors and purchasers. 

Guardian firm Financial institution of America had sturdy leads to its first-quarter earnings, with earnings of $8.2 billion displaying a acquire of 15% over the previous quarter and the identical on the year-ago quarter’s $7.1 billion. 

Income firmwide was $26.3 billion for the quarter, up 7% over the previous quarter’s $24.5 billion and up 13% yr over yr. 

Financial institution of America beat Wall Road analysts’ expectations with earnings per share of $0.94, 15% above the consensus of $0.82. 

To see the primary takeaways from Merrill’s first-quarter earnings, scroll down the slideshow. For protection of the agency’s fourth-quarter earnings, click on right here. For a take a look at the outcomes from the third quarter, click on right here.