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4 Reasons Why BancFirst Corp (BANF) Stock is a Solid Pick

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Improving operating backdrop, rising rate environment and expectations of lesser regulations, along with the strengthening of domestic economy should keep supporting performance of the banking stocks. Keeping this in mind, today we have chosen – BancFirst Corp (BANF - Free Report) – for you to consider.

Based in Oklahoma City, OK, BancFirst Corp offers a profitable investment opportunity, driven by steady earnings growth. The company not only beat estimates in the first quarter, but also has been witnessing upward estimate revisions, reflecting analysts’ optimism about its growth prospects.

Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2017 and 2018 increased 6.9% and 2.7%, respectively. Further, shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock have rallied 6%, over the last six months as against 2.8% decline for the Zacks categorized Southwest Banks industry.



Additionally, BancFirst Corp has a number of other aspects that make it a solid investment option.

Revenue Strength: BancFirst Corp’s revenues increased at a CAGR of 4.8% over the last five years (2012–2016). Further, the top line is expected to grow 6.8% in 2017 and 5.1% for 2018.

Earnings Growth: BancFirst Corp witnessed earnings growth of 12.6% in the last three to five years. This earnings momentum is likely to continue in the near term as reflected by the company’s projected earnings per share (EPS) growth rate (F1/F0) of 11.6%.

Further, the company’s long-term (three to five years) estimated EPS growth rate of 10% promises rewards for investors in the long run.

Strong Leverage: BancFirst Corp’s debt/equity ratio is 0.04 compared with the industry average of 0.74. The relatively strong financial health of the company will help it perform better than its peers under a dynamic business environment.

Superior Return on Equity (ROE): BancFirst Corp has an ROE of 9.87%, better than the industry average of 8.69%. This shows that the company reinvests its cash more efficiently.

Other Stocks Worth A Look

Some other stocks worth considering in the same industry include Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR - Free Report) , First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (FFIN - Free Report) and Southside Bancshares, Inc. (SBSI - Free Report) . All three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Cullen/Frost Bankers has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 4.1% for the current year, over the past 60 days. Also, over the last one year, its share price jumped 38%.

First Financial earnings estimates were revised nearly 1% upward for the current year, in the past 60 days. Also, its share price increased 14.9% over the last one year.

Southside Bancshares recorded an upward earnings estimate revision of 6% for the current year, in the past 60 days. Also, its share price has seen a 10.6% rise over the last one year.

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