Bank of America Reports Strong Q1 Earnings

Executives cite revenue growth, improved operating leverage, and stable credit quality

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:06am

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A high-contrast, black-and-white close-up image of heavy banking machinery and equipment, such as vault doors, cash counting machines, and data servers, conveying the scale, power, and security of the modern financial system without using any literal currency or financial symbols.Bank of America's robust Q1 earnings reflect the strength and stability of its institutional banking infrastructure, even as the broader economy faces potential headwinds.Charlotte Today

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) reported first-quarter 2026 results that executives described as 'strong,' citing revenue growth across all major segments, improved operating leverage, and stable-to-improving credit quality. CEO Brian Moynihan said revenue rose 7% year-over-year to $30.3 billion, while earnings per share increased 25% to $1.11. The bank also raised full-year 2026 NII growth guidance to 6-8% and reported positive operating leverage of over 200 basis points.

Why it matters

Bank of America's strong Q1 results demonstrate the company's ability to grow revenue and earnings across its diversified businesses, even in a challenging economic environment. The bank's focus on expense management, credit discipline, and balance sheet optimization have positioned it well to navigate potential headwinds.

The details

Moynihan highlighted that 'every segment grew revenue,' 'every segment grew earnings,' and each segment also posted growth in average deposits and loans. Net interest income was 'materially flat' compared to Q4, but net interest yield increased 8 basis points year-over-year. Non-interest expense rose 4% year-over-year, driven by higher revenue-related incentives and transaction expenses. The bank returned $9.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter.

  • Bank of America reported Q1 2026 results on April 18, 2026.

The players

Brian Moynihan

Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America.

Alastair Borthwick

Chief Financial Officer of Bank of America.

Bank of America Corporation

A multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The bank will provide more details on its full-year 2026 outlook and capital plans during its upcoming Investor Day in May.

The takeaway

Bank of America's strong Q1 performance, driven by revenue growth, expense discipline, and stable credit quality, positions the bank well to navigate potential economic headwinds and continue delivering value to shareholders.