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Capital One Financial (COF)
NYSE:COF

Capital One Financial (COF) AI Stock Analysis

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COF

Capital One Financial

(NYSE:COF)

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Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$230.00
▲(2.83% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by decent underlying financial performance (growth and cash generation with improved leverage) but is held back by sharp profitability deterioration. Technicals are bearish (below key moving averages with negative MACD), and valuation is a major drag due to the very high P/E with a modest dividend yield. Earnings-call commentary is moderately supportive on long-term strategy and capital return, but near-term credit, expense, NIM, and dilution pressures temper the outlook.
Positive Factors
Strong Free Cash Flow
Sustained 20%+ free cash flow growth indicates durable cash generation capacity independent of accounting EPS. That cash supports continued buybacks, dividend increases, M&A funding (e.g., Brex) and balance-sheet flexibility, enabling strategic investments without excessive leverage.
Robust Liquidity and Capital
Large liquidity buffers and a CET1 ratio above regulatory minima give the bank structural resilience to deposit volatility, credit cycles, and integration costs. This capital headroom supports ongoing repurchases and selective acquisitions while preserving regulatory compliance and funding flexibility.
Scale and Revenue Diversification
Discover integration materially expanded card volume, deposits and consumer banking revenue, improving product scale and cross-sell reach. Broader payment network volume and diversified loan/deposit mix reduce reliance on any single product and support more stable long-term revenue streams.
Negative Factors
Eroding Profitability
A sharp drop in net margin and ROE signals persistent pressure on core profitability. Even with revenue growth, lower margins reduce cash available for reinvestment and returns, making it harder to justify elevated ongoing investment spend without clearer near-term efficiency gains.
Rising Operating Expense Pressure
Sustained higher marketing, tech and integration spending creates upward pressure on the efficiency ratio. If revenue gains from investments take longer to materialize, elevated expense levels will impair structural operating leverage and compress margins over the medium term.
Credit Loss and Provision Risk
Large provisions and elevated card charge-offs point to durable consumer credit stress that can recur across cycles. Persistent higher loss rates increase allowance needs, reduce capital available for growth or returns, and can materially weaken earnings power over multiple quarters.

Capital One Financial (COF) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Capital One Financial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCapital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One Bank (USA), National Association; and Capital One, National Association, which provides various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. The company accepts checking accounts, money market deposits, negotiable order of withdrawals, savings deposits, and time deposits. Its loan products include credit card loans; auto and retail banking loans; and commercial and multifamily real estate, and commercial and industrial loans. The company also offers credit and debit card products; online direct banking services; and treasury management and depository services. It serves consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients through digital channels, branches, cafés, and other distribution channels located in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and California. Capital One Financial Corporation was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
How the Company Makes MoneyCapital One generates revenue primarily through interest income from its various lending products, including credit cards and loans. The company charges interest on outstanding balances on credit cards and loans, which constitutes a significant portion of its revenue. Additionally, Capital One earns non-interest income through fees associated with credit card transactions, annual fees, and late payment fees. The company also benefits from interchange fees collected from merchants when customers use their credit cards. Partnerships with retailers and financial technology firms enhance its offerings and provide additional revenue opportunities. Capital One's investment in digital banking technology has also streamlined operations and reduced costs, further contributing to its profitability.

Capital One Financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Total Assets
Total Assets
Shows the total value of assets owned by the company, providing insight into its financial strength, investment capacity, and potential for generating future income.
Chart InsightsCapital One Financial's total assets have surged significantly in 2025, reaching over $660 billion by Q3. This sharp increase suggests strategic asset expansion, possibly through acquisitions or increased lending activities. The growth trajectory from 2023 to 2025 indicates a robust scaling strategy, positioning Capital One to leverage market opportunities and enhance its competitive edge in the financial sector. However, the absence of earnings call commentary leaves potential risks or strategic details unaddressed.
Data provided by:The Fly

Capital One Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 22, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presents a balanced picture: strong strategic progress (Discover integration, definitive Brex acquisition), substantial YoY top-line growth driven by the Discover transaction, solid liquidity and capital returns (repurchases and higher dividend). Offsetting these positives are notable near-term headwinds — a large Q4 provision for credit losses, higher noninterest expenses and marketing, a QoQ dip in NIM, and near-term EPS dilution and capital impact from the Brex deal. Management emphasizes long-term upside from strategic investments but acknowledges near-term pressure on efficiency and earnings.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Q4 and Full-Year Earnings
Q4 net income $2.1B; EPS $3.26 diluted. Full-year net income $2.5B; EPS $4.30. Adjusted Q4 EPS (net of home loan sale and other items) $3.86; full-year adjusted EPS $19.61.
Strategic Acquisitions — Discover Integration and Brex Deal
Completed Discover-related actions (including $8.8B home loans sale). Announced definitive agreement to acquire Brex for $5.15B (stock + cash), ~3.5% of market cap; management expects no impact to Discover synergies and ability to accelerate growth in business payments and small business banking.
Strong Top-Line Growth Driven by Discover
Domestic card purchase volume +39% YoY (including Discover); excluding Discover +6.2% YoY. Card revenue +58% YoY (including Discover); excluding Discover +6.2% YoY. Consumer banking revenue +36% YoY (full quarter of Discover operations).
Balance Sheet and Liquidity Strength
Total liquidity reserves ~ $144B. Preliminary average Liquidity Coverage Ratio increased to 173%. Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio 14.3% (≈10 bps lower QoQ) with room for shareholder returns.
Capital Return and Dividend
Repurchased $2.5B of stock in the quarter and increased quarterly dividend by 33% to $0.80. Management reiterated flexibility on buybacks and $14B of remaining authorization.
Consumer Loan and Deposit Growth
Consumer banking ending loan balances +9% YoY; average loans +9%. Consumer deposits (ending and average) +33% YoY (largely from Discover). Global payment network transaction volume ~$175B for the quarter.
Credit Metrics Improving YoY
Domestic card charge-off rate down 113 bps YoY; delinquency rate down 54 bps YoY. Auto charge-off rate down 50 bps YoY and auto delinquencies improved 72 bps YoY, with auto losses near pre-pandemic levels.
Negative Updates
Large Provision for Credit Losses in Q4
Provision for credit losses $4.1B in Q4, up about $1.4B vs Q3. Drivers included a $302M allowance build (vs prior quarter release) and a $360M increase in net charge-offs.
Rising Noninterest Expense and Marketing Spend
Total noninterest expense increased 13% sequentially and was up significantly YoY in segments (domestic card noninterest expense +60% YoY; consumer banking noninterest expense +48% YoY). Total company marketing ~$1.9B, up 41% YoY, pressuring efficiency.
Pre-Provision Earnings and NIM Pressure
Pre-provision earnings declined 12% QoQ (10% decline net of adjustments). Net interest margin 8.26%, down 10 bps QoQ; management noted seasonal and cash-related headwinds for Q1 (including two fewer days in quarter ~18 bps headwind and elevated low-yield cash from the home loan sale).
Allowance and Coverage Ratio Dynamics
Total allowance balance $23.4B; total portfolio coverage ratio declined 5 bps to 5.16%. Domestic card coverage ratio declined 11 bps to 7.17%; consumer banking coverage ratio modestly down to 2.23%; commercial banking released $47M of allowance and coverage down to 1.63%.
Sequential Credit Metric Deterioration in Card
Domestic card charge-off rate increased 30 bps QoQ to 4.93%; delinquency rate up 10 bps QoQ to 3.99%. Management described seasonality but noted credit has 'settled out' after a year of improvement.
Brex Acquisition Near-Term Financial Impact
Brex expected to be initially EPS dilutive; management disclosed the transaction will reduce capital by a little more than 40 bps. Questions from investors referenced large goodwill allocation (~80% of purchase price) and transaction/integration costs; management will provide detailed marks post-close.
Integration-Related Growth Headwinds — 'Brownout'
Discover-related 'brownout' on loan originations persists due to prior Discover policy pullbacks and current trimming of higher-balance revolvers, creating near-term growth headwinds until tech integration is complete.
Efficiency Ratio Pressure from Ongoing Investments
Management intends to continue significant, sustained investments (marketing, tech, AI, integration) which will create upward pressure on the efficiency ratio in the near term, even as they emphasize longer-term revenue-driven efficiency gains.
Company Guidance
The company reiterated that it remains on track to deliver the expected Discover integration synergies and that its earnings power on the other side of the Discover deal is unchanged (inclusive of the announced Brex acquisition); Brex will be acquired for $5.15 billion (~3.5% of market cap), will be initially EPS-dilutive, is expected to reduce CET1 by a little more than 40 basis points, and will have no impact on the pace or magnitude of quarterly share repurchases (Q4 repurchases were $2.5 billion, with ~$14 billion remaining authorization); management also noted Q1 seasonality likely pressures NIM (about an ~18 bp headwind from two fewer days plus higher cash from the home-loan sale), and said it will provide purchase accounting marks and amortization schedules after close—all while reporting current metrics such as Q4 earnings of $2.1 billion ($3.26 GAAP EPS; $3.86 adjusted), full-year adjusted EPS $19.61, Q4 NIM 8.26% (-10 bps), liquidity reserves ~ $144 billion (prelim. LCR 173%), allowance $23.4 billion (coverage 5.16%), provision $4.1 billion, and CET1 14.3% (down ~10 bps).

Capital One Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid top-line and free cash flow growth support stability, and leverage looks more conservative. However, profitability has weakened meaningfully (net margin compression and lower ROE), signaling near-term earnings quality and efficiency pressure.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Capital One Financial shows a solid revenue growth rate of 10.31% in the TTM, indicating strong top-line expansion. However, the net profit margin has decreased significantly to 2.24% from 8.81% in the previous year, reflecting pressure on profitability. The gross profit margin remains healthy at 45.74%, but the decline in EBIT and EBITDA margins suggests operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio has improved to 0.45 in the TTM, indicating a more conservative leverage position compared to previous years. However, the return on equity has decreased to 1.62%, showing reduced efficiency in generating profits from shareholders' equity. The equity ratio remains stable, reflecting a solid capital structure.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Capital One Financial exhibits a strong free cash flow growth rate of 20.61% in the TTM, highlighting robust cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is relatively low at 0.05, suggesting potential challenges in converting earnings into cash. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio remains high at 98.41%, indicating efficient cash management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue63.34B53.94B49.48B38.37B32.03B31.64B
Gross Profit28.97B27.40B26.36B28.40B32.38B18.26B
EBITDA6.11B9.15B9.27B12.45B19.29B6.70B
Net Income1.42B4.75B4.89B7.36B12.39B2.71B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets661.88B490.14B478.46B455.25B432.38B421.60B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments59.04B47.08B122.41B107.78B117.01B140.95B
Total Debt51.48B45.55B49.86B48.75B43.09B40.54B
Total Liabilities548.06B429.36B420.38B402.67B371.35B361.40B
Stockholders Equity113.81B60.78B58.09B52.58B61.03B60.20B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow20.84B16.95B19.61B12.88B11.61B15.99B
Operating Cash Flow22.34B18.16B20.57B13.81B12.31B16.70B
Investing Cash Flow-6.88B-26.41B-21.92B-29.74B-31.50B-14.84B
Financing Cash Flow-6.64B8.17B13.84B25.13B474.00M25.16B

Capital One Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price223.68
Price Trends
50DMA
232.63
Negative
100DMA
225.28
Negative
200DMA
214.40
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-5.17
Positive
RSI
43.28
Neutral
STOCH
24.67
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For COF, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 223.68 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 233.57, below the 50-day MA of 232.63, and above the 200-day MA of 214.40, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -5.17 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 43.28 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 24.67 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for COF.

Capital One Financial Risk Analysis

Capital One Financial disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Capital One Financial reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Capital One Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$7.72B11.1221.41%6.07%9.51%29.38%
78
Outperform
$242.59B22.9033.76%0.84%8.14%9.55%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
$28.75B59.875.66%22.40%215.81%
66
Neutral
$26.16B7.8321.18%1.34%-6.38%19.65%
60
Neutral
$139.18B92.851.53%1.05%19.39%-77.61%
60
Neutral
$13.02B17.845.80%2.58%-6.89%-33.20%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
COF
Capital One Financial
223.68
24.55
12.33%
AXP
American Express
352.83
39.63
12.65%
ALLY
Ally Financial
42.16
5.25
14.22%
SYF
Synchrony Financial
73.52
6.92
10.39%
OMF
OneMain Holdings
65.36
14.79
29.24%
SOFI
SoFi
22.08
6.68
43.38%

Capital One Financial Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Capital One Completes $3 Billion Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Feb 2, 2026

On February 2, 2026, Capital One Financial Corporation completed a $3 billion public debt offering, issuing $1.5 billion of 4.722% fixed-to-floating rate senior notes due 2032 and $1.5 billion of 5.399% fixed-to-floating rate senior notes due 2037 under an existing senior indenture structure. The transaction, executed through a syndicate of major underwriting banks, enhances Capital One’s long-term funding profile and provides additional capital flexibility, potentially supporting the company’s balance sheet management and growth initiatives in a competitive financial services market.

The most recent analyst rating on (COF) stock is a Buy with a $265.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Capital One Financial stock, see the COF Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Capital One to Acquire Brex in $5.15 Billion Deal
Positive
Jan 22, 2026

On January 22, 2026, Capital One announced a definitive agreement to acquire Brex Inc., an AI-native corporate card and spend-management platform, in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $5.15 billion, comprising approximately $2.75 billion in cash and about 10.6 million Capital One common shares. The transaction, expected to close in mid-2026 subject to customary regulatory approvals, will bring Brex’s integrated corporate credit cards, expense management software, and banking capabilities under Capital One’s umbrella, with Brex CEO Pedro Franceschi continuing to lead the business; the deal is positioned as a strategic move to accelerate Capital One’s push into business payments and intelligent finance solutions, enhancing its competitive standing in the corporate payments and spend-management market while potentially expanding its reach among U.S. businesses and high-growth companies already using Brex’s platform.

The most recent analyst rating on (COF) stock is a Buy with a $300.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Capital One Financial stock, see the COF Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Capital One Reports Year-End 2025 Credit Quality Metrics
Neutral
Jan 22, 2026

For the month ended December 31, 2025, Capital One Financial reported detailed monthly credit quality metrics across its core lending businesses, highlighting charge-off and delinquency performance in its credit card and consumer auto loan portfolios. Domestic credit card loans held for investment averaged $259.8 billion with period-end balances of $262.4 billion, generating $1.1 billion in net charge-offs at an annualized rate of 5.01% and a 30+ day performing delinquency rate of 3.99%, while auto loans averaged $83.3 billion with a 2.07% net charge-off rate, 5.23% 30+ day performing delinquency rate, and a 0.68% nonperforming loan rate, providing investors with a snapshot of late-cycle consumer credit stress and portfolio risk levels as of year-end 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (COF) stock is a Buy with a $300.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Capital One Financial stock, see the COF Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Capital One to Present at Goldman Sachs Conference
Neutral
Dec 8, 2025

Capital One Financial Corporation announced its participation in the Goldman Sachs 2025 U.S. Financial Services Conference, scheduled for December 9, 2025, in New York. The event will feature a live audio webcast accessible through the company’s website, with the presentation replay available until December 22, 2025, indicating the company’s ongoing engagement with investors and stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (COF) stock is a Buy with a $270.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Capital One Financial stock, see the COF Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Capital One Approves Special Cash Award for Executive
Positive
Nov 7, 2025

On November 3, 2025, Capital One Financial‘s Board of Directors approved a $2,000,000 special cash award for Matthew Cooper, the company’s President, Discover Integration, General Counsel, and Secretary. This award recognizes his expanded role and exceptional performance throughout the year, highlighting his significant contributions to the company’s operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (COF) stock is a Hold with a $242.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Capital One Financial stock, see the COF Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 02, 2026