Barclays reported a 2% rise in fourth quarter total income to £7.1bn (£6.9bn expected).
Profit before tax increased 12% year-on-year to £1.9bn (£1.7bn expected), as income growth was partially offset by a 1% rise in total operating expenses.
Credit impairment charges fell 25% year-on-year to £535mn (£597mn expected), with default rates remaining at expected levels.
Capital levels strengthened with the CET1 ratio improving from 13.6% to 14.3% (14.0% expected), or 14.0% after the £1.0bn buyback announced today. This brings total capital returns for 2025 to £3.7bn.
Guidance for 2026 points to headline income of £31bn. Barclays expects to return more than £15bn to shareholders over 2026-28.
The shares were broadly flat in early trading.
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Barclays key facts
All ratios are sourced from LSEG Datastream, based on previous day’s closing values. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn’t be looked at on their own – it’s important to understand the big picture.
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by LSEG. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment. No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment.


