Wells Fargo & Co.: The San Francisco...

Wells Fargo & Co.: The San Francisco banking company’s third-quarter earnings advanced 17% from a year ago to $153.7 million. The provision for loan losses was $82 million, up 9%. The results were attributed in part to the solid performance of the state’s economy and its move to bolster its presence in Southern California. During the period, the firm signed definitive agreements to buy Valley National Bank of Glendale, Central Pacific Corp. of Bakersfield and Torrey Pines Group of Solana Beach.