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Why You Should Hold on to Fifth Third (FITB) Stock Now
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The recent Fed rate hike and the Trump effect have spurred the banking stocks. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB - Free Report) is one such gainer. While it is hard to get too excited about this stock given its elevated expenses and regulatory restrictions, its revenue performance and improving efficiency level through the implementation of various strategies should not disappoint investors.
Fifth Third’s strong fundamentals have contributed to 35.5% gain in share price since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the 19.5% gain for the Zacks categorized Major Regional Banks industry.
However, the company’s earnings estimate has remained stable for the current year, over the last 30 days. As a result, it carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Looking at the fundamentals, Fifth Third has an expansion strategy, which includes de novo branching and acquisitions. Earlier this month, it invested in the startup online lender, ApplePie to seek new avenues in its lending space.
The company’s diverse revenue base is expected to enhance earnings growth. Moreover, following the recent rate hike, it raised its prime lending rate from 3.50% to 3.75%.
Though management had expected net interest margin (NIM) to be stable to down 1 basis point in the fourth-quarter 2016, assuming no rate hike, the recent Fed rate hike should help it beat the expectation.
Further, its focus on various strategic investments is expected to save expenses and result in operational excellence. In Oct 2016, the company announced the consolidation of 32 branches, which is expected to drive incremental cost savings of $12 million annually.
Nonetheless, consistently rising operating expenses remain a major concern for the company. Its ongoing strategic investments in several areas including technology could lead to further rise in costs in the near term.
Regulatory restrictions are additional headwinds for the company. Stricter capital norms and a proposal to increase reserves are likely to limit its flexibility in the medium term.
Comerica has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 9.2% for the current year, over the past 60 days. Its share price has risen 62.3% year to date. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
KeyCorp also sports a Zacks Rank #1. For the current year, over the past 60 days, its Zacks Consensus Estimate has been revised 6.7% upward. Its share price has increased 37.8% year to date.
Bank of America carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). It has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 5.8% for the current year, over the past 60 days. Its share price is up 33.6% year to date.
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Why You Should Hold on to Fifth Third (FITB) Stock Now
The recent Fed rate hike and the Trump effect have spurred the banking stocks. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB - Free Report) is one such gainer. While it is hard to get too excited about this stock given its elevated expenses and regulatory restrictions, its revenue performance and improving efficiency level through the implementation of various strategies should not disappoint investors.
Fifth Third’s strong fundamentals have contributed to 35.5% gain in share price since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the 19.5% gain for the Zacks categorized Major Regional Banks industry.
However, the company’s earnings estimate has remained stable for the current year, over the last 30 days. As a result, it carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Looking at the fundamentals, Fifth Third has an expansion strategy, which includes de novo branching and acquisitions. Earlier this month, it invested in the startup online lender, ApplePie to seek new avenues in its lending space.
The company’s diverse revenue base is expected to enhance earnings growth. Moreover, following the recent rate hike, it raised its prime lending rate from 3.50% to 3.75%.
Though management had expected net interest margin (NIM) to be stable to down 1 basis point in the fourth-quarter 2016, assuming no rate hike, the recent Fed rate hike should help it beat the expectation.
Further, its focus on various strategic investments is expected to save expenses and result in operational excellence. In Oct 2016, the company announced the consolidation of 32 branches, which is expected to drive incremental cost savings of $12 million annually.
Nonetheless, consistently rising operating expenses remain a major concern for the company. Its ongoing strategic investments in several areas including technology could lead to further rise in costs in the near term.
Regulatory restrictions are additional headwinds for the company. Stricter capital norms and a proposal to increase reserves are likely to limit its flexibility in the medium term.
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks in the same space include Comerica Inc. (CMA - Free Report) , KeyCorp (KEY - Free Report) and Bank of America Corp. (BAC - Free Report) .
Comerica has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 9.2% for the current year, over the past 60 days. Its share price has risen 62.3% year to date. It currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
KeyCorp also sports a Zacks Rank #1. For the current year, over the past 60 days, its Zacks Consensus Estimate has been revised 6.7% upward. Its share price has increased 37.8% year to date.
Bank of America carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). It has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 5.8% for the current year, over the past 60 days. Its share price is up 33.6% year to date.
Zacks' Top Investment Ideas for Long-Term Profit
How would you like to see our best recommendations to help you find today’s most promising long-term stocks? Starting now, you can look inside our portfolios featuring stocks under $10, income stocks, value investments and more. These picks, which have double and triple-digit profit potential, are rarely available to the public. But you can see them now. Click here >>.