Option chain shows key data for Regions Finl's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for Regions Finl.

Regions Finl (NYSE:RF) Stock, Option Chain

Regions Finl

Regions Financial is a regional bank headquartered in Alabama, with branches primarily in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Regions primarily provides traditional commercial and retail banking and also offers mortgage services, asset management, wealth management, securities brokerage, and trust services.

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Risk appetite surged on Wall Street at the end of the week, with investors ramping up stock purchases ahead of Monday&#39;s market closure for Martin Luther King Day, which is also when Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president.

Wall Street Roars Ahead Of Trump&#39;s Inauguration, Intel Rallies, Bitcoin Tops $105,000: What&#39;s Driving Markets Friday?

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Regional banks still have room to thrive, says Truist Securities in its note, highlighting three key paths for regional banks to succeed.

Regional Banks Can Thrive Despite Big Bank Dominance: Truist Securities Highlights Three Key Paths For Thriving Regional Banks

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Truist Securities initiated coverage on 24 stocks anticipating earnings and loan growth, steeper yield curve, and ample capital for expansion.

Yield Curve Normalization, Cheap Valuation, EPS Growth To Boost Banks In 2025: Truist Initiates Coverage On These 14 Regional Names

Regions Financial Corporation Common Stock

Regions Financial Corp

RF Acquisition Corp. - Class A Common Stock

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Regions Financial Corporation Depositary Shares, each Representing a 1/40th Interest in a Share of 5.700% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C

Regions Financial Corporation Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/40th Interest in a Share of 4.45% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E

Regions Financial Corporation Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/40th Interest in a Share of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F

Truist Securities analyst Brandon King maintains Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $25 to $26.

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Regions Finl, Raises Price Target to $26

Risk appetite surged on Wall Street at the end of the week, with investors ramping up stock purchases ahead of Monday's market closure for Martin Luther King Day, which is also when Donald Trump will be sworn in as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">the 47th U.S. president.</a>
All major indices posted robust gains in midday trading, setting up for their strongest weekly performance since early November. Broad-based buying lifted every sector into the green, underscoring the strength of the rally.
Adding to the positive mood, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43055426/oil-dips-as-israeli-security-cabinet-approves-gaza-ceasefire-yet-experts-warn-red-sea-risks-persist">in Gaza</a>, leaving final government approval as the last step before the agreement takes effect on Sunday.
Chipmaker Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) soared 8.9%, marking its biggest single-day jump since August 2024. The rally was fueled by rumors that the company could be a takeover target. 
Treasury yields edged higher but remained on track for steep weekly declines, following a softer-than-expected December inflation report that eased concerns over aggressive Federal Reserve policy.
The U.S. dollar rose 0.3% on Friday but is still slightly lower for the week, potentially snapping a six-week winning streak.
Gold prices steadied after Thursday's strong rally, while oil prices extended their decline as ceasefire efforts gained traction.
Cryptocurrency sentiment surged, driven by speculation that the incoming Trump administration could announce the creation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43062518/2025-to-see-dogecoin-etf-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-microstrategy-of-ethereum-predicts-crypto-hedge-fund">a Bitcoin Reserve Fund.</a> Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) was up 5% to over $105,000. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day % chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,483.46</td>
<td>1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,013.18</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>43,641.72</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,279.34</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:45 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose 1.2% to $598.98.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;rose 1.1% to $436.12.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rallied 1.8% to $522.24.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rose 0.7% to $226.01.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) outperformed, up 1.8%; the&nbsp;Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>) lagged, down 0.1%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Truist Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFC#NYSE">TFC</a>) rallied nearly 5% in reaction to stronger-than-expected quarterly results. </li>
<li>Other stocks reacting to earnings included Schlumberger N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLB#NYSE">SLB</a>), up 7.9%; Fastenal Co. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FAST#NASDAQ">FAST</a>), up 0.64%; State Street Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STT#NYSE">STT</a>), down 3%; Huntington Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBAN#NASDAQ">HBAN</a>), up 0.39%; Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>), down 0.86% and Citizens Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>), up 1.8%.</li>
</ul>
Read Now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43062563/imf-lifts-us-growth-outlook-betting-markets-raise-odds-on-trump-led-economic-boom">IMF Lifts US Growth Outlook, Betting Markets Raise Odds On Trump-Led Economic Boom</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Wall Street Roars Ahead Of Trump's Inauguration, Intel Rallies, Bitcoin Tops $105,000: What's Driving Markets Friday?

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>XChange Tec (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XHG#NASDAQ">XHG</a>) shares moved upwards by 23.9% to $1.14 during Friday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $128.3 million. </li>
<li>William Penn (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMPN#NASDAQ">WMPN</a>) stock rose 23.45% to $15.0. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $138.1 million. As per the news, the Q2 earnings report came out 2 days ago. </li>
<li>AtlasClear Holdings (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATCH#AMEX">ATCH</a>) shares moved upwards by 13.83% to $7.57. The company's market cap stands at $2.9 million. </li>
<li>RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBB#NASDAQ">RBB</a>) shares rose 8.17% to $21.7. The company's market cap stands at $383.9 million. </li>
<li>Top KingWin (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAI#NASDAQ">WAI</a>) shares rose 7.91% to $0.36. The company's market cap stands at $64.3 million. </li>
<li>Palmer Square Capital BDC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSBD#NYSE">PSBD</a>) stock moved upwards by 7.87% to $16.99. The company's market cap stands at $554.6 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Powell Max (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PMAX#NASDAQ">PMAX</a>) stock decreased by 8.4% to $0.76 during Friday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $11.1 million. </li>
<li>Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) stock decreased by 5.8% to $23.1. The company's market cap stands at $20.9 billion. As per the news, the Q4 earnings report came out today. </li>
<li>AppTech Payments (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APCX#NASDAQ">APCX</a>) shares fell 5.09% to $0.47. The company's market cap stands at $12.8 million. </li>
<li>Bogota Finl (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BSBK#NASDAQ">BSBK</a>) shares declined by 5.04% to $7.54. The company's market cap stands at $98.5 million. </li>
<li>Katapult Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KPLT#NASDAQ">KPLT</a>) stock decreased by 4.93% to $9.66. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $42.4 million. </li>
<li>Magic Empire Glb (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEGL#NASDAQ">MEGL</a>) shares declined by 4.79% to $0.57. The company's market cap stands at $11.5 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-financial-services-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-financial-services-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-financial-services-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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12 Financials Stocks Moving In Friday's Pre-Market Session

WIIM

Regions Financial shares are trading lower following a Q4 revenue miss.

Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.59 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.55 by 7.27 percent. This is a 13.46 percent increase over earnings of $0.52 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.845 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.855 billion by 0.57 percent. This is a 1.82 percent increase over sales of $1.812 billion the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

Regions Finl Q4 2024 Adj. EPS $0.59 Beats $0.55 Estimate, Sales $1.845B Miss $1.855B Estimate

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
• Schlumberger (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLB#NYSE">SLB</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.90 per share on revenue of $9.18 billion. 
• Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.55 per share on revenue of $1.86 billion. 
• Sify Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIFY#NASDAQ">SIFY</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.00 per share on revenue of $152.30 million. 
• Wipro (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WIT#NYSE">WIT</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.04 per share on revenue of $2.67 billion. 
• Webster Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBS#NYSE">WBS</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.36 per share on revenue of $611.93 million. 
• Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBAN#NASDAQ">HBAN</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.31 per share on revenue of $1.88 billion. 
• State Street (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STT#NYSE">STT</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $2.29 per share on revenue of $3.26 billion. 
• Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.83 per share on revenue of $1.96 billion. 
• Truist Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFC#NYSE">TFC</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.88 per share on revenue of $5.05 billion. 
• Fastenal (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FAST#NASDAQ">FAST</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.48 per share on revenue of $1.84 billion. 
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
• BOK Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BOKF#NASDAQ">BOKF</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $2.00 per share on revenue of $517.46 million. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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Earnings Scheduled For January 17, 2025

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Shares of banking and financial services stocks are trading higher following strong bank earnings.

Regional banks still have room to run and thrive even as it is &#8220;easy to overstate the advantage&#8221; for big banks, says Truist Securities in its latest note, highlighting three key paths for regional banks to succeed.
What Happened: Big banks have clear economies of scale, and they have been re-rated relative to small banks with the top five U.S. banks holding about 47% market share for a decade. According to the Truist Securities note, dated Jan. 6, the big banks are in a better position, but at the same time, individual regionals can position themselves to thrive.
Truist initiated coverage on 14 regional financial companies outlining three key strategies relating to pace, magnitude, and quality for the regional banks to remain competitive.
<ul>
<li>Differentiated Growth: Focus on unique and sustainable growth opportunities via differentiated customer base, a different form of fee Income and a niche business with competitive moat. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Disciplined Capital Allocation: Efficiently deploy capital to support growth and enhance shareholder value.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Adapt to changing market conditions, including interest rates, yield curve shifts, loan and deposit growth, and commercial real estate market dynamics.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Regional Banks</td>
<td>Rating</td>
<td>Price Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITB#NASDAQ">FITB</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBAN#NASDAQ">HBAN</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M&amp;T Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTB#NYSE">MTB</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$233</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wintrust Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTFC#NASDAQ">WTFC</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citizens Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Comerica Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMA#NYSE">CMA</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Citizens BancShares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCNCA#NASDAQ">FCNCA</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$2,303</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Regions Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cards</td>
<td>Rating</td>
<td>Price Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ally Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALLY#NYSE">ALLY</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capital One Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$229</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Discover Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$233</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Synchrony Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYF#NYSE">SYF</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$72</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/01/42867184/yield-curve-normalization-cheap-valuation-eps-growth-to-boost-banks-in-2025-truist-initiates-coverage-on-these-14-regional-names">Yield Curve Normalization, Cheap Valuation, EPS Growth To Boost Banks In 2025: Truist Initiates Coverage On These 14 Regional Names</a>
Why It Matters: The three listed key paths for regional banks and card companies to thrive can be differentiated and linked to the stocks as mentioned by Truist in their research note.
Differentiated Growth Stories
<ul>
<li>Differentiated Customer Base: American Express Co has an exclusive high-end customer base, which would require an investment of over $100 billion to replicate, according to Truist. On the other hand, Fifth Third Bancorp has a unique ability to organically build a strong deposit market share.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Differentiated Form of Fee Income: Capital One Financial Corp has seen an expansion of network revenues following the acquisition of Discover. While, KeyCorp&#8217;s leading regional investment banking franchise will be favored by given the potential for increased deal activity driven by the Federal Reserve&#8217;s interest rate cuts and anticipated political changes.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Niche Business with Competitive Moat: Wintrust Financial Corp secures a dominant position in the highly profitable insurance premium finance market. Whereas, Huntington Bancshares Inc&#8216;s differentiated approach, including its expansion into new lending areas, will support its continued strong performance in loan, deposit, and fee growth across high-quality markets.</li>
</ul>
Disciplined Capital Deployment
<ul>
<li>Another way in which the regional banks could thrive includes a disciplined capital deployment which typically follows organic growth first, followed by dividends and buybacks, and potentially mergers and acquisitions. However, the key lies not in the order itself, but in the flexibility and agility with which banks can adjust their capital allocation strategy in response to evolving company, industry, and macroeconomic conditions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Truist believes some banks are attractively valued for share repurchases. M&amp;T Bank Corp&#8216;s CFO in a recent conference hinted at higher buybacks in 2025.</li>
</ul>
Navigating The Evolving Landscape
<ul>
<li>According to Truist, it&#8217;s not unusual for multiple challenges to arise simultaneously. The current environment has witnessed sluggish loan and deposit growth amidst rapid interest rate hikes. However, it is anticipated that at least some of these headwinds will begin to abate in the coming year, leading to a more favorable environment for the banking sector</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>CRE Valuation: Banks with significant commercial real estate exposure in high-growth, high-income markets, such as Fifth Third and Huntington, are well-positioned for future CRE origination opportunities. M&amp;T and Citizens Financial Group Inc. will also benefit from an eventual improvement in market conditions.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42836744/baby-its-cold-outside-these-5-winter-ready-stocks-have-what-it-takes-to-make-you-feel-warm-and-cozy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baby, It's Cold Outside: These 5 Winter-Ready Stocks Have What It Takes To Make You Feel Warm And Cozy</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Analysts at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/truist-securities">Truist Securities</a> initiated coverage on 24 large-cap, regional, and trust banks, as well as credit card companies. They anticipate strong earnings growth over the next two years, projecting an annual increase of 12-15% fueled by factors like improving loan growth, a steeper yield curve, and ample capital for expansion.
What Happened: Forecasting a favorable environment for banks in 2025 and 2026, the analysts at Truist foresee a less stringent regulatory environment, with more clarity and flexibility for banks regarding mergers and acquisitions, and the deployment of excess capital.
The note highlighted that the banking stocks were de-rated during the first two years of Trump 1.0 because the yield curve was flattened and late-cycle macro concerns surfaced, even as the administration enacted bank-friendly tax reform and regulatory tailoring. However, according to the brokerage, a little Fed easing and a steeper curve are necessary for the stocks to be re-rated and two rate cuts are expected in 2025, as hinted by Fed during their December meeting. 
According to Truist, while bank valuations have increased, they remain relatively attractive compared to historical levels. They currently trade at a price-to-book value (P/TBV) below their post-financial crisis average, and at a significant discount to the broader market. The note adds that given the current market valuations, bank stocks appear undervalued relative to the S&amp;P 500.
However, despite Truist beliefs that the sector offers attractive opportunities, careful stock selection is crucial according to them. &#8220;While we're not at &#8216;close your eyes and buy ‘em levels,&#8217; we still see attractive opportunities across the sector and view stock selection as increasingly important,&#8221; the note said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42836744/baby-its-cold-outside-these-5-winter-ready-stocks-have-what-it-takes-to-make-you-feel-warm-and-cozy">Baby, It&#8217;s Cold Outside: These 5 Winter-Ready Stocks Have What It Takes To Make You Feel Warm And Cozy</a>
Why It Matters: Truist&#8217;s coverage on 24 financial stocks is spread across three subgroups namely, large-cap, regional, and trust banks, which is initiated with a positive outlook.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large-Cap Banks</h3>
The research note examines long-term investment potential of large U.S. banks as these institutions possess significant advantages, including, &#8220;embedded offense&#8221; with the presence of strong existing businesses and customer relationships.
It also anticipates cyclical tailwinds and capital leverage for such banks given a favorable economic environment and the ability to effectively utilize capital for growth.
These factors position large U.S. banks to achieve organic growth by the expansion of core businesses, double-digit earnings growth and an attractive returns on equity.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Large Cap Banks</td>
<td>Rating</td>
<td>Price Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citigroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$85</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wells Fargo (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PNC Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNC#NYSE">PNC</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$215</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>US Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$54</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Regional Banks And Cards</h3>
Truist also initiated coverage on 14 regional financial companies outlining three key strategies for regional banks to remain competitive.
<ul>
<li>Differentiated Growth: Focus on unique and sustainable growth opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Disciplined Capital Allocation: Efficiently deploy capital to support growth and enhance shareholder value.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Navigating the Evolving Landscape: Adapt to changing market conditions, including interest rates, yield curve shifts, loan and deposit growth, and commercial real estate market dynamics.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Regional Banks</td>
<td>Rating</td>
<td>Price Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITB#NASDAQ">FITB</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBAN#NASDAQ">HBAN</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>M&amp;T Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTB#NYSE">MTB</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$233</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wintrust Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTFC#NASDAQ">WTFC</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citizens Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Comerica Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMA#NYSE">CMA</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Citizens BancShares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCNCA#NASDAQ">FCNCA</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$2,303</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Regions Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cards</td>
<td>Rating</td>
<td>Price Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ally Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALLY#NYSE">ALLY</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capital One Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$229</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Discover Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$233</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Synchrony Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYF#NYSE">SYF</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$72</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trust Banks And Capital Markets</h3>
Truist anticipates gradual interest rate decreases, the eventual end of quantitative tightening, and a healthy economy and capital markets providing a competitive landscape to trust banks.
According to the analysts, investors should prioritize stocks with the potential for sustained operating leverage. Which is the ability to increase profitability significantly with relatively small increases in revenue. And stocks with strong capital returns, with high levels of income through dividends and share buybacks.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Trust Banks And Capital Markets</td>
<td>Rating</td>
<td>Price Target</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BK#NYSE">BK</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Schwab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHW#NYSE">SCHW</a>)</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northern Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTRS#NASDAQ">NTRS</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>State Street (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STT#NYSE">STT</a>)</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$106</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Image via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42813271/as-billionaires-load-up-on-energy-stocks-given-trumps-proposed-policies-this-analyst-highlights-charlie-mungers-1962-oil-investment-which-can-outperform-all-the-rest">As Warren Buffett And Other Billionaires Load Up On Energy Stocks, This Analyst Highlights Charlie Munger&#8217;s 1962 Oil Investment Which Can &#8216;Outperform All The Rest&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

A stronger lending environment, stable credit and renewed confidence in valuations could set the stage for a multiyear rally on U.S. regional banks, with some analysts predicting up to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/regional-banks">20% upside in 2025.</a>
Three major investment banks — JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co., Bank of America and Goldman Sachs — released fresh outlooks on regional banks Tuesday, issuing rating changes, top stock picks and sector recommendations for 2025.
Overall, analysts at all three firms are optimistic. Goldman Sachs analyst Ryan Nash, for example, highlighted several factors likely to improve sector fundamentals in 2025:
<ul>
<li>Loan Growth Recovery: While still slow, loan growth is expected to accelerate to 6%-7% by the second half of 2025 as corporations resume borrowing.</li>
<li>Net Interest Income Growth: A steeper yield curve and the repricing of fixed-rate assets are anticipated to boost NII. Nash expects margins to expand from the current 3.03% to 3.31% in 2025.</li>
<li>Fee Income Rebound: Treasury management, payments, and capital markets are set to improve, helping banks diversify revenue streams.</li>
<li>Stable Credit Conditions: Credit losses, measured by net charge-offs, are projected to remain flat or decline, while reserves could decrease as economic clarity improves.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li></li>
</ol>
According to Nash, the stocks of regional banks are trading at approximately 11.5 times estimated 2025 earnings—near their historical averages but with room for valuation expansion. 
The sector could generate returns on tangible common equity of 14%-15%, compared to 16% pre-2023.
This suggests the group could rise as much as 20% next year, according to Goldman Sachs, assuming the market gains confidence in forward earnings.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Goldman Sachs: Upgrades Zions, Downgrades Comerica</h3>
Goldman Sachs upgraded Zions Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZION#NASDAQ">ZION</a>) from Neutral to Buy. The firm predicts a significant upside for the stock, with shares potentially reaching $70 in 2025.
Goldman downgraded Comerica Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMA#NYSE">CMA</a>) from Buy to Neutral, citing challenges in deposit management, fee income pressure, and elevated expense growth. Comerica's margins are expected to improve in 2025. But Nash sees limited upside, with shares already trading near their fair value of $70.
Goldman's top picks for 2025 include Truist Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFC#NYSE">TFC</a>), Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>), KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>) and Citizens Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>).
Analysts remain positive on Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITB#NASDAQ">FITB</a>), Huntington Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBAN#NASDAQ">HBAN</a>) and First Citizens BancShares Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCNCA#NASDAQ">FCNCA</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Case For Valuation Upside</h3>
JPMorgan Chase analysts are similarly bullish, indicating that regional banks are trading at just 1.4x their projected 2025 tangible book value, below the 1.8-2x historical range.
Anthony Elian, a JPMorgan analyst, said regional banks&#8217; valuations appear favorable relative to the broader market.
&#8220;While inflation remains above target, the steeper yield curve coupled with gradual rate cuts should serve as a favorable backdrop for regional banks,&#8221; Elian said. 
He expects the sector to attract more interest from generalist investors in 2025, further supporting valuations.
JPMorgan identified several regional banks with strong upside potential, including First Horizon Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FHN#NYSE">FHN</a>), Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNV#NYSE">SNV</a>) and Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNFP#NASDAQ">PNFP</a>). These names are expected to benefit from rebounding loan demand, robust deposit bases, and favorable capital return dynamics.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improving Regulatory Environment </h3>
Bank of America analyst Ebrahim H. Poonawala also indicated that regional banks are poised to outperform the broader market in 2025, citing stronger earnings growth, discounted valuations, and a more predictable regulatory environment.
While Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>) remains BofA's top pick, the bank also flagged KeyCorp and Huntington Bancshares Inc. as preferred names within regional banks.
The analyst highlighted a favorable backdrop for small- and mid-cap regional banks, particularly those with exposure to rebounding loan demand and capital return opportunities. 
Among these, BofA sees First Horizon Corp. and Synovus as potentially strong performers.
Bank of America highlights that looser regulation is a positive tailwind for the sector.
&#8220;Headlines tied to regulatory&nbsp;changes&nbsp;(once Trump appointees take charge)&nbsp;could kick-in as a positive catalyst&nbsp;for stocks,&#8221; Poonawala said. 
&#8220;We see Fed Vice Chair Michael Barr&#8216;s decision to step down from his position as vice chair of supervision as the opening act.&nbsp;End to Fed&#8217;s QT&nbsp;program&nbsp;could also&nbsp;serve&nbsp;as a positive for deposit growth/pricing,&#8221; he added. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>
The SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>) was 0.4% lower on Tuesday, while the Invesco KBW Bank ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBWB#NASDAQ">KBWB</a>) rose by 0.5%. 
Read Now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42822291/2025-industry-shake-up-goldman-highlights-kkr-raymond-james-hamilton-lane">2025 Industry Shake-Up: Goldman Highlights KKR, Raymond James, Hamilton Lane</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

Upgrades

Downgrades

Reiteration

Federal Reserve

KBWB

PNFP

ZION

Are Regional Banks The Next Big Opportunity? Why Wall Street Analysts Expect Multiyear Rally

Barclays analyst Jason Goldberg maintains Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) with a Underweight and raises the price target from $25 to $26.

Barclays Maintains Underweight on Regions Finl, Raises Price Target to $26

BANR

BBAR

CVBF

EWBC

GGAL

Shares of banking companies are trading lower amid overall market sympathy following the Fed's rate decision to cut rates by 25 basis points.

Overdraft <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36272398/us-bank-slammed-for-illegally-collecting-millions-in-overdraft-fees-forced-to-pay-up-americans-are-f">issuers</a> including American Credit Unions, Consumer Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, and the Mississippi Bankers Association, have jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&#8216;s new decision.
What Happened: The U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-financial-protection-bureau">watchdog agency for consumer finance</a> decided to cap the overdraft fees which can add up to $5 billion in annual fee savings to the consumers, or $225 per household that pays overdraft fees.
&#8220;For far too long, the largest banks have exploited a legal loophole that has drained billions of dollars from Americans&#8217; deposit accounts,&#8221; said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. &#8220;The CFPB is cracking down on these excessive junk fees and requiring big banks to come clean about the interest rate they&#8217;re charging on overdraft loans.&#8221;
However, banking and other lending institutions have opposed this move.
According to Consumer Bankers Association president and CEO Lindsey Johnson, &#8220;The CFPB's rule on overdraft services harms Americans who need it most—including the 26 million Americans who don&#8217;t have access to credit and thus stand to lose the most if overdraft services are restricted.&#8221;
The CBA includes JPMorgan Chase, Citi, TD Bank, BMO Bank, and Santander. American Bankers Association&#8217;s president and CEO Rob Nichols said, &#8220;CFPB's final overdraft rule exceeds the Bureau's statutory authority, ignores thoughtful industry and stakeholder feedback, and will harm the very consumers the CFPB claims to protect.&#8221;
&#8220;Financial hardships have serious consequences on families, and overdraft programs provide an affordable lifeline in these circumstances,&#8221; said America's Credit Unions president and CEO Jim Nussle. &#8220;The association is going to continue to fight through legal action to reverse this grave mistake from Director Chopra,&#8221; he added.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42454495/microsoft-expects-800-million-impairment-charge-due-to-gms-cruise-exit-but-analysts-say-its-a-step-in-the-right-direction-for-automaker">Microsoft Expects $800 Million Impairment Charge Due To GM&#8217;s Cruise Exit, Analyst Says It&#8217;s A &#8216;Step In The Right Direction&#8217; For Automaker</a>
Why It Matters: According to CFPB&#8217;s new rules, lending institutions would have to choose one of the three options when charging for overdrafts.
The first one is to cap their overdraft fee at $5 per instance, while the second option is to cap their fee at an amount that can cover costs and losses. The third option gives freedom to the institution to charge discretionary fees and disclose the terms of their overdraft loan just like other loans.
According to Chopra, &#8220;Consumers have paid an estimated $280 billion in overdraft fees over the past two decades, including roughly $9 billion in 2022.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Many consumers have been hit by multiple fees in a day, because some banks have processed payments to trigger more and more overdraft fees. <a href="https://t.co/ItYPm1ZDnK">https://t.co/ItYPm1ZDnK</a>
&mdash; Rohit Chopra (@chopracfpb) <a href="https://twitter.com/chopracfpb/status/1867258208936472988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Price Action: Several U.S. bank stocks took a hit on Thursday after the CFPB finalized the rule.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stock</td>
<td>Closing price on Dec. 12, 2024</td>
<td>Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>)</td>
<td>$70.80</td>
<td>-1.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>)</td>
<td>$241.53</td>
<td>-0.82%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>)</td>
<td>$71.43</td>
<td>-0.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>)</td>
<td>$591.61</td>
<td>-0.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>)</td>
<td>$127.91</td>
<td>0.25%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>, the SPDR S&amp;P Bank ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBE#NYSE">KBE</a>) fell 1.1%, while the SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>) declined 1.2%.
Regional banks were affected, too.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stock</td>
<td>Closing price on Dec. 12, 2024</td>
<td>Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flagstar Financial Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLG#NYSE">FLG</a>)</td>
<td>$11.05</td>
<td>-2.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Citizens Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>)</td>
<td>$45.54</td>
<td>-1.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>)</td>
<td>$25.05</td>
<td>-1.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Huntington Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBAN#NASDAQ">HBAN</a>)</td>
<td>$17.17</td>
<td>-1.27%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42460199/jpmorgan-reiterates-underweight-rating-on-supermicro-maintains-the-lowest-target-price-among-the-17-tracked-analysts">SMCI Stock Receives Harshest Price Target Among 17 Tracked Analysts As JPMorgan Maintains Underweight Rating On Super Micro: &#8216;No Significant Movement Of Orders&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Regulations

US Lenders File Joint Lawsuit Against Consumer Finance Watchdog For Capping Overdraft Fees: Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Citigroup Stocks In Focus

Morgan Stanley analyst Betsey Graseck is Overweight on big banks following Donald Trump's win and the Republican<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42382786/morgan-stanley-narrows-down-winning-and-losing-bets-in-the-first-100-days-of-trump-administration"> sweep of the 2024 election. </a>
Expert Ideas: On Monday, Graseck listed three main factors for Morgan Stanley's positive outlook on large-cap banks heading into 2025. She sees capital markets rebounding, the end of quantitative tightening and a stabilizing regulatory environment as beneficial to the industry.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42440681/markets-have-the-green-light-to-rally-after-novembers-yawner-inflation-report-experts-say">&#8216;Markets Have The Green Light To Rally&#8217; After November&#8217;s &#8216;Yawner&#8217; Inflation Report, Experts Say</a>
"We're really looking for stabilization in large cap bank regulation, and that's a positive, because elimination of a negative is a good thing," Graseck told CNBC's Squawk Box on Wednesday.&nbsp;
Upgrades: Morgan Stanley upgraded all of the trust banks within its coverage and pointed to the end of quantitative tightening as the driver behind the upgrades. The firm sees deposit growth of between 3% and 7% which would benefit the trust banks as they skew to large institutional asset manager clients.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Graseck upgraded Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BK#NYSE">BK</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target from $82 to $94.</li>
<li>The firm upgraded Northern Trust Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTRS#NASDAQ">NTRS</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and raised its price target from $103 to $127.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley also upgraded State Street Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STT#NYSE">STT</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target from $102 to $139.</li>
</ul>
Downgrades: The analyst sees a more balanced risk-reward for Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) in the coming financial and political environment in which the firm prefers money centers with a higher skew to capital markets. 
<ul>
<li>Morgan Stanley downgraded Bank of America from Overweight to Equal-Weight, but raised its price target from $48 to $55.</li>
<li>Graseck also downgraded Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $28 to $32.</li>
</ul>
Graseck said the firm is reducing its exposure to credit risk amid the possibility of a recession in 2025. Accordingly, Morgan Stanley downgraded Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight due to its outsized exposure to Commercial and Industrial (C&amp;I) lending.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42460609/european-central-bank-lowers-interest-rates-fourth-cut-in-2024">European Central Bank Lowers Interest Rates, Fourth Cut In 2024</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Politics

Big Banks Will Get Bigger Under Trump In 2025: Analyst

Buybacks

Regions Financial Extends $2.5B Stock Repurchase Program Through Q4 2025; $557M In Shares Repurchased To Date Under Existing Plan

Compass Point analyst Scott Valentin maintains Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $25 to $31.

Compass Point Maintains Buy on Regions Finl, Raises Price Target to $31

Morgan Stanley analyst Betsy Graseck downgrades Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $28 to $32.

Morgan Stanley Downgrades Regions Finl to Equal-Weight, Raises Price Target to $32

17 analysts have shared their evaluations of Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $27.47, a high estimate of $33.00, and a low estimate of $24.00. Marking an increase of 10.01%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $24.97. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733256095_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview</h2>
The standing of Regions Finl among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scott Siefers</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Nash</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Horowitz</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Whit Mayo</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Konrad</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Heal</td>
<td>Argus Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt O'Connor</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Winter</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Chiaverini</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon King</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Whit Mayo</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$24.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Goldberg</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Nash</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Pancari</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>In-Line</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$24.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Chiaverini</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon King</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Horowitz</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Regions Finl. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Regions Finl compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Regions Finl's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Regions Finl's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RF/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Regions Finl analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Regions Finl</h2>
Regions Financial is a regional bank headquartered in Alabama, with branches primarily in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Regions primarily provides traditional commercial and retail banking and also offers mortgage services, asset management, wealth management, securities brokerage, and trust services.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Regions Finl's Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Regions Finl faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -3.61% in revenue growth as of 30 September, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Financials sector.
Net Margin: Regions Finl's net margin falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 24.92%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Regions Finl's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.75% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Regions Finl's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 0.29%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Regions Finl's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.44, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

17 Analysts Assess Regions Finl: What You Need To Know

Piper Sandler analyst Scott Siefers maintains Regions Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $25 to $29.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Regions Finl, Raises Price Target to $29

The regional banking sector has spent much of the last two years making headlines for all the wrong reasons. <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/in-brief/2023">Bank failures</a> like Silicon Valley, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank rocked the sector, and the SPDR Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>) dropped more than 40% at the end of 2023.
Investors remained on edge to start 2024 following another pair of failures, but the sector has rebounded following the Federal Reserve's rate-cut strategy and the 2024 U.S. presidential election results.
The incoming Trump administration is expected to replace several top regulators, such as Linda Khan (at the FTC), Rohit Chopra (CFPB), and Gary Gensler (SEC), which could create an atmosphere for more mergers and acquisitions through less stringent regulation.
Regional banks stand to be some of the biggest beneficiaries of this attitude change, and KRE has already jumped 18% in the last month.
Let&#8217;s take a look at five of the most promising regional bank stocks to buy ahead of the new crop of regulators.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How We Narrowed It Down to Six Stocks to Buy</h2>
Looser capital guidelines and diminished regulatory scrutiny will benefit plenty of firms in the finance sector. We trimmed our regional bank stock list down to five based on the following criteria:
<ul>
<li>Beneficiary of Relaxed Deregulation &#8211; Several banking rules involving capital requirements (like Basel III) and liquidity standards could be relaxed during a second Trump admin, in addition to a more friendly M&amp;A environment. Regional banks can't meet these requirements as efficiently as larger national banks, so deregulation often benefits smaller banks.</li>
<li>Valuation Metrics &#8211; The banks on our list have affordable stocks compared to their sector peers based on metrics like Price-to-Earnings (P/E), Price-to-Sales (P/S), and Price-to-Book (P/B) rates.</li>
<li>Dividend Yield &#8211; If you own bank stocks, you want to be compensated with stock price appreciation and dividend income. These regional banks all pay higher dividend yields than the industry average.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Six Regional Banks to Buy</h2>
Based on the above criteria, here are five regional bank stocks to consider adding to your portfolio before a second Trump administration, and its new crop of top regulators, sets up shop in Washington.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">US Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>)</h3>
US Bancorp&#8217;s roots date back to the Civil War when it was awarded the 24th national bank charter of the United States. Today, it&#8217;s one of the largest regional banks in the United States, with a market cap of over $83 billion and 68,000 employees. USB shares have lagged in 2024, with a 23% year-to-date gain compared to 30% from KRE, but looser regulations could be a tailwind as the bank <a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/us-bancorp-completes-acquisition-of-union-bank.html">acquired MUFG Union Bank</a> in 2022 to expand operations into California, Oregon, and Washington. The stock has reasonable fundamental metrics like a 16.5 P/E ratio and 1.97 P/S ratio and pays a 3.73% dividend yield.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="395" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133051/USB-1024x395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670667" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133051/USB-1024x395.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133051/USB-300x116.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133051/USB-768x296.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133051/USB.png 1364w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>)</h3>
KeyCorp has a market cap under $20 billion and less reach than bigger regional banks like US Bancorp, but the stock makes our list thanks to a combination of good value, high dividend yield, and potential growth from deregulation. The bank has two segments: Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking, with the commercial wing focused on small and mid-size business services. KeyBanc Capital Markets is the company's M/A wheelhouse, having negotiated more than 500 clients on mergers in the mid-size business space. KEY stock has the highest P/E ratio of banks on our list at 19.4 but rewards shareholders with a 4.17% dividend yield, and its P/B rate is bottom third in the sector at 1.3.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="395" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133059/KEY-1024x395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670668" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133059/KEY-1024x395.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133059/KEY-300x116.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133059/KEY-768x296.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133059/KEY.png 1364w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Regions Financial Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RF#NYSE">RF</a>)</h3>
Regions Financial doesn't have a hundred-plus-year history like US Bancorp or KeyCorp, but it does offer a variety of banking and wealth management services to clients across the southern region. RF shares have actually outperformed KRE so far in 2024 (42% vs 30%), and its debt/equity level of 0.35 is the lowest of our selections, indicating a well-capitalized bank poised to benefit from more risk-taking. The stock pays a 3.66% dividend yield with a 13.4 P/E ratio and 1.48 P/B ratio.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="395" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133104/RF-1024x395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670669" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133104/RF-1024x395.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133104/RF-300x116.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133104/RF-768x296.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133104/RF.png 1364w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Truist Financial Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFC#NYSE">TFC</a>)</h3>
Formed during the merger of SunTrust Bank and BB&amp;T Corp, Truist Financial is the second-largest regional bank on our list, and one of the reasons is that KRE is up more than 30% this year. TFC shares have matched the regional banking ETF performance almost penny for penny in 2024, but the stock remains well below its 2022 all-time high. Truist has the lowest P/B ratio on our list at 1.08, pays a 4.36% dividend yield, and recently sold off its insurance and asset management subsidiaries to improve its liquidity and capitalization situation. Truist mainly serves states east of the Mississippi River but plans to expand operations in the Sun Belt. These plans could benefit from increased M/A activity and deregulation in the next few years.
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="395" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133110/TFC-1024x395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670670" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133110/TFC-1024x395.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133110/TFC-300x116.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133110/TFC-768x296.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133110/TFC.png 1364w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">M&amp;T Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTB#NYSE">MTB</a>)</h3>
M&amp;T Bank (which stands for Manufacturers and Traders) is one of the nation&#8217;s oldest banks, with predecessors tracing back as far as 1856. MTB has a $36 billion market cap and pays a 2.45% dividend, the lowest on our list but easily sustained by the company's income. The stock has been one of 2024's biggest success stories, posting an astonishing 60% gain in 2024, which doubled the regional banking ETF. Following the bank's strong October earnings report, more gains could be on the horizon, causing many analysts to upgrade their ratings and price targets. M&amp;T Bank has a 16.3 P/E ratio and a 1.4 P/B ratio, and its net profit margin of 18.7 is bested only by Regions Financial.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="395" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133115/MTB-1024x395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670671" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133115/MTB-1024x395.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133115/MTB-300x116.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133115/MTB-768x296.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133115/MTB.png 1364w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discover Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>)&nbsp;</h3>
Discover Financial has been linked with Capital One since the latter announced intentions to purchase the former for $35 billion in February. However, the deal has been in limbo since New York regulators began investigating the acquisition for possible antitrust violations. DFS shares traded in a tight range from July until the week of the election, but both DFS and COF stocks immediately gapped up on the Wednesday following Trump's victory. Investors anticipate the deal going through in a less harsh regulatory environment, so DFS shares could continue to rally in the weeks ahead.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="395" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133121/DFS-1024x395.png" alt="" class="wp-image-670672" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133121/DFS-1024x395.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133121/DFS-300x116.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133121/DFS-768x296.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/29133121/DFS.png 1364w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Keep in mind that campaign promises don't always materialize in reality, and the previous Trump administration was often as much bark as bite. Less regulation and more M&amp;A are expected, but investments based on political overtures are short-term bets by nature. Don't hang on to losing stocks if the regulatory environment we get is different than anticipated.
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