Banks serve as the backbone of the economy, facilitating lending, deposits, and financial services that keep businesses and consumers moving forward. But concerns about loan losses and tightening regulations have tempered enthusiasm, and over the past six months, the banking industry has pulled back by 1.3%. This drop is a stark contrast from the S&P 500’s 9.7% gain.
Only some companies are subject to these dynamics, however, and a handful of high-quality businesses can deliver earnings growth in any environment. Keeping that in mind, here are two bank stocks boasting durable advantages and one we would avoid.
One Bank Stock to Sell:
Fulton Financial (FULT)
Market Cap: $4.27 billion
Tracing its roots back to 1882 in the heart of Pennsylvania, Fulton Financial (NASDAQ:FULT) is a financial holding company that provides banking, lending, and wealth management services to consumers and businesses across five Mid-Atlantic states.
Why Are We Cautious About FULT?
- Sales trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 9.3% annual growth was below the typical banking company
- Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were less profitable, as its 5.2% annual earnings per share growth trailed its revenue gains
- Estimated tangible book value per share growth of 9.9% for the next 12 months implies profitability will slow from its two-year trend
At $22.35 per share, Fulton Financial trades at 1.1x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with FULT, check out our full research report (it’s free).
Two Bank Stocks to Watch:
Stock Yards Bank (SYBT)
Market Cap: $2.38 billion
Founded in 1904 in Louisville and named after the city's historic livestock market district, Stock Yards Bancorp (NASDAQ:SYBT) operates a regional bank providing commercial banking, wealth management, and trust services across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
Why Is SYBT Interesting?
- Annual net interest income growth of 16.6% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle
- Net interest margin jumped by 41.7 basis points (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) over the last two years, giving the firm more resources to pursue growth initiatives
- Annual tangible book value per share growth of 10.4% over the past five years was outstanding, reflecting strong capital accumulation this cycle
Stock Yards Bank’s stock price of $76.65 implies a valuation ratio of 1.8x forward P/B. Is now the right time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP)
Market Cap: $14.2 billion
Founded in 2000 with a focus on delivering big-bank capabilities with community bank personalization, Pinnacle Financial Partners (NASDAQ:PNFP) is a Tennessee-based financial holding company that provides banking, investment, trust, mortgage, and insurance services to businesses and individuals.
Why Are We Positive on PNFP?
- Impressive 21.7% annual net interest income growth over the last five years indicates it’s winning market share this cycle
- Exciting net interest income outlook for the upcoming 12 months calls for 50.7% growth, an acceleration from its five-year trend
- Net interest margin expanded by 29.5 basis points (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) over the last two years, providing additional flexibility for investments
Pinnacle Financial Partners is trading at $94.41 per share, or 1x forward P/B. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free.
Stocks We Like Even More
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