Regional bank stocks are closing the gap with bigger competitors. Strategies for investing in the sector.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 26 2025
0mins
Should l Buy FITB?
Source: MarketWatch
Recent Performance of Bank Stocks: Regional-bank stocks have recently outperformed larger bank stocks, marking a shift from earlier trends this year.
Investment Recommendations: KBW analyst Chris McGratty suggests that universal banks may be a better investment choice, while still acknowledging potential opportunities in smaller regional banks.
Revenue Sources for Regional Banks: Regional banks rely more heavily on their loan businesses for revenue, which could benefit from anticipated lower interest rates and improved lending conditions.
Future Outlook: The prospect of favorable economic conditions may enhance the profitability of regional banks, making them an attractive option for investors.
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Analyst Views on FITB
Wall Street analysts forecast FITB stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 54.330
Low
50.00
Averages
54.54
High
61.00
Current: 54.330
Low
50.00
Averages
54.54
High
61.00
About FITB
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company and is the indirect holding company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the Bank). Its Commercial Banking segment offers credit intermediation, cash management and financial services to large and middle-market businesses and government and professional customers. Its Consumer and Small Business Banking segment provides a full range of deposit and loan products to individuals and small businesses through a network of full-service banking centers and relationships with indirect and correspondent loan originators, in addition to providing products designed to meet the specific needs of small businesses, including cash management services. Its Wealth and Asset Management segment provides a full range of wealth management solutions for individuals, companies and not-for-profit organizations, including wealth planning, investment management, banking, insurance, trust and estate services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Fifth Third Expands NIL Program, Welcomes 30 Athletes
- NIL Program Expansion: Fifth Third Bank announces the expansion of its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, ‘Team Fifth Third,’ welcoming 30 student-athletes from nine universities, marking an innovative initiative in the financial sector aimed at elevating the stories and experiences of student-athletes.
- Social Media Collaboration: The newly joined athletes will collaborate with Fifth Third to showcase their efforts on and off the court through a social media series, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of athletes, thereby enhancing the brand's connection with younger audiences.
- Personalized Financial Education: The program goes beyond sponsorship by providing athletes with personalized financial education, including one-on-one coaching from Fifth Third bankers on budgeting, saving, and investing, further enhancing their financial literacy and success.
- Long-term Partnership: Fifth Third's long-standing relationship with college athletics continues, including naming rights for Fifth Third Arena at the University of Cincinnati and Fifth Third Stadium at Kennesaw State University, demonstrating its ongoing support and commitment to collegiate sports.
See More
Wall Street Banks Are Taking Notice of an Activist Investor
Finance Conferences in Florida: Wall Street executives are gathering in southeast Florida for a series of finance industry conferences this week.
Activist Hedge Fund's Role: A small activist hedge fund known for advocating changes at U.S. banks is becoming more assertive during this event.
See More
Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the Week Ending February 6
- Investor Focus: Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index utilizes proprietary data and pattern recognition each week to highlight five undervalued stocks that deserve attention, assisting investors in finding new opportunities amidst information overload.
- Market Dynamics: While retail traders face challenges with numerous methods available, the index aims to reveal overlooked stocks by filtering information, thereby enhancing investors' decision-making capabilities.
- Data Source: Benzinga Pro provides the latest market dynamics and headlines, ensuring investors can access key information that impacts the market, thereby improving the effectiveness of their investment strategies.
- Ongoing Attention: Benzinga encourages investors to stay tuned for next week's report and to follow Benzinga Pro for the latest market-moving stories, ensuring they do not miss potential investment opportunities.
See More
Trump Nominates Warsh as Next Fed Chair, Impacts on Banking Sector Discussed
- Fed Chair Nomination: Trump has nominated former Fed official Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, with Warsh indicating a desire to reshape the Fed's operations, which could significantly impact the banking policy landscape.
- Economic Threat Analysis: Fifth Third Bancorp CEO Tim Spence highlighted that the long-standing structural deficits pose the greatest threat to both the US economy and the banking sector, particularly as AI may enhance productivity, creating a favorable low-rate environment for banks.
- Impact of Cryptocurrency: Spence noted that the rise of cryptocurrency poses a threat to the banking system, especially with the potential passage of the Clarity Act, which could enhance the role of stablecoins as payment rails, necessitating banks to adapt to this new technology.
- Regulatory Fairness: He emphasized that any entity resembling a bank in function should be regulated as such, ensuring a level playing field to protect the interests of the banking industry.
See More
Fifth Third Bancorp Appoints New Board Members
- Board Expansion: Fifth Third Bancorp has appointed Derek J. Kerr, Barbara R. Smith, and Michael G. Van de Ven as new directors, increasing the board size to 16 members, aimed at enhancing corporate governance and strategic decision-making capabilities.
- Kerr's Financial Expertise: Derek J. Kerr brings nearly four decades of financial and corporate governance experience, having served as Vice Chair of American Airlines Group, and his extensive industry background is expected to provide crucial support for the bank's financial management and risk control.
- Smith's Leadership Skills: Barbara R. Smith, former CEO of Commercial Metals Company, possesses strong management and financial expertise, and her addition is anticipated to enhance the bank's decision-making in talent management and compensation, further promoting a positive corporate culture.
- Van de Ven's Operational Background: Michael G. Van de Ven has over 30 years of executive experience at Southwest Airlines, with a deep understanding of operations and risk management, and his involvement is expected to improve the bank's compliance and governance structure, ensuring sustainable business growth.
See More
Fifth Third Bancorp Q4 Strong Performance Leads to $60 Price Target Upgrade
- Price Target Upgrade: Truist raised Fifth Third Bancorp's (FITB) price target from $55 to $60, reflecting the bank's stronger-than-expected Q4 performance, indicating its robust market position.
- Profit Growth: Fifth Third reported a profit increase in Q4, with net interest income rising 6% to $1.53 billion, primarily driven by improved loan demand and economic growth, showcasing its competitiveness in the credit market.
- Fee Income Surge: Wealth and asset management revenue jumped 13% to a record $185 million in Q4, while commercial payments revenue increased by 8%, demonstrating the bank's success in diversifying its income sources.
- EPS Forecast Adjustment: Despite the strong Q4 performance, Truist lowered its FY26 EPS estimate by $0.10 to $4.18, mainly due to the earlier-than-expected closure of the Comerica deal and an increased tax rate, reflecting future uncertainties.
See More
Fifth Third Expands NIL Program, Welcomes 30 Athletes
- NIL Program Expansion: Fifth Third Bank announces the expansion of its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, ‘Team Fifth Third,’ welcoming 30 student-athletes from nine universities, marking an innovative initiative in the financial sector aimed at elevating the stories and experiences of student-athletes.
- Social Media Collaboration: The newly joined athletes will collaborate with Fifth Third to showcase their efforts on and off the court through a social media series, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of athletes, thereby enhancing the brand's connection with younger audiences.
- Personalized Financial Education: The program goes beyond sponsorship by providing athletes with personalized financial education, including one-on-one coaching from Fifth Third bankers on budgeting, saving, and investing, further enhancing their financial literacy and success.
- Long-term Partnership: Fifth Third's long-standing relationship with college athletics continues, including naming rights for Fifth Third Arena at the University of Cincinnati and Fifth Third Stadium at Kennesaw State University, demonstrating its ongoing support and commitment to collegiate sports.
See More
Wall Street Banks Are Taking Notice of an Activist Investor
Finance Conferences in Florida: Wall Street executives are gathering in southeast Florida for a series of finance industry conferences this week.
Activist Hedge Fund's Role: A small activist hedge fund known for advocating changes at U.S. banks is becoming more assertive during this event.
See More
Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the Week Ending February 6
- Investor Focus: Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index utilizes proprietary data and pattern recognition each week to highlight five undervalued stocks that deserve attention, assisting investors in finding new opportunities amidst information overload.
- Market Dynamics: While retail traders face challenges with numerous methods available, the index aims to reveal overlooked stocks by filtering information, thereby enhancing investors' decision-making capabilities.
- Data Source: Benzinga Pro provides the latest market dynamics and headlines, ensuring investors can access key information that impacts the market, thereby improving the effectiveness of their investment strategies.
- Ongoing Attention: Benzinga encourages investors to stay tuned for next week's report and to follow Benzinga Pro for the latest market-moving stories, ensuring they do not miss potential investment opportunities.
See More
Trump Nominates Warsh as Next Fed Chair, Impacts on Banking Sector Discussed
- Fed Chair Nomination: Trump has nominated former Fed official Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, with Warsh indicating a desire to reshape the Fed's operations, which could significantly impact the banking policy landscape.
- Economic Threat Analysis: Fifth Third Bancorp CEO Tim Spence highlighted that the long-standing structural deficits pose the greatest threat to both the US economy and the banking sector, particularly as AI may enhance productivity, creating a favorable low-rate environment for banks.
- Impact of Cryptocurrency: Spence noted that the rise of cryptocurrency poses a threat to the banking system, especially with the potential passage of the Clarity Act, which could enhance the role of stablecoins as payment rails, necessitating banks to adapt to this new technology.
- Regulatory Fairness: He emphasized that any entity resembling a bank in function should be regulated as such, ensuring a level playing field to protect the interests of the banking industry.
See More
Fifth Third Bancorp Appoints New Board Members
- Board Expansion: Fifth Third Bancorp has appointed Derek J. Kerr, Barbara R. Smith, and Michael G. Van de Ven as new directors, increasing the board size to 16 members, aimed at enhancing corporate governance and strategic decision-making capabilities.
- Kerr's Financial Expertise: Derek J. Kerr brings nearly four decades of financial and corporate governance experience, having served as Vice Chair of American Airlines Group, and his extensive industry background is expected to provide crucial support for the bank's financial management and risk control.
- Smith's Leadership Skills: Barbara R. Smith, former CEO of Commercial Metals Company, possesses strong management and financial expertise, and her addition is anticipated to enhance the bank's decision-making in talent management and compensation, further promoting a positive corporate culture.
- Van de Ven's Operational Background: Michael G. Van de Ven has over 30 years of executive experience at Southwest Airlines, with a deep understanding of operations and risk management, and his involvement is expected to improve the bank's compliance and governance structure, ensuring sustainable business growth.
See More
Fifth Third Bancorp Q4 Strong Performance Leads to $60 Price Target Upgrade
- Price Target Upgrade: Truist raised Fifth Third Bancorp's (FITB) price target from $55 to $60, reflecting the bank's stronger-than-expected Q4 performance, indicating its robust market position.
- Profit Growth: Fifth Third reported a profit increase in Q4, with net interest income rising 6% to $1.53 billion, primarily driven by improved loan demand and economic growth, showcasing its competitiveness in the credit market.
- Fee Income Surge: Wealth and asset management revenue jumped 13% to a record $185 million in Q4, while commercial payments revenue increased by 8%, demonstrating the bank's success in diversifying its income sources.
- EPS Forecast Adjustment: Despite the strong Q4 performance, Truist lowered its FY26 EPS estimate by $0.10 to $4.18, mainly due to the earlier-than-expected closure of the Comerica deal and an increased tax rate, reflecting future uncertainties.
See More
