...On Feb. 16, 2006, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised the outlook on its '##-/A-1+' counterparty credit ratings on Wells Fargo & Co. to positive from stable. The outlooks on Wells Fargo's subsidiaries were also revised to positive from stable. The outlook revisions reflect the consistency of strong operating results and the strength of its retail banking franchise that distinguishes Wells Fargo from its large bank peer group. Wells Fargo's core funding base continues to carry the lowest cost among its large bank peer group, and its strong market position in several consumer and commercial retail lending businesses generates steady growth of core profitability. The depth of the banking franchise and the controlled credit and interest rate risk framework generates a high level of profitability and a consistency of operating results regardless of the economic or interest rate cycle. Moreover, Wells Fargo's commitment to investing in the core franchise and maintaining strong capital...
