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1 Bank Stock with Exciting Potential and 2 We Ignore

By: StockStory

MTB Cover Image

Banks play a critical role in the financial system, providing everything from commercial loans to wealth management and payment processing services. Still, investors are uneasy as banks face challenges from credit quality concerns and potential regulatory changes. These doubts have caused the industry to lag recently as banking stocks have collectively shed 4.6% over the past six months. This drop is a noticeable divergence from the S&P 500’s 5.4% return.

The elite companies can churn out earnings growth under any circumstance, however, and our mission at StockStory is to help you find them. With that said, here is one bank stock poised to generate sustainable market-beating returns and two we’re swiping left on.

Two Bank Stocks to Sell:

M&T Bank (MTB)

Market Cap: $29.98 billion

Tracing its roots back to 1856 when it was founded as Manufacturers and Traders Bank in Buffalo, New York, M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) is a regional bank holding company that provides retail and commercial banking, trust, wealth management, and investment services to consumers and businesses.

Why Does MTB Worry Us?

  1. Products and services are facing significant end-market challenges during this cycle as sales have declined by 1.8% annually over the last two years
  2. Estimated net interest income growth of 5.5% for the next 12 months implies demand will slow from its five-year trend
  3. 24.3 basis point (100 basis points = 1 percentage point) decline in its net interest margin over the last two years reflects the company’s willingness to accept lower yields to defend its market position

At $187 per share, M&T Bank trades at 1.1x forward P/B. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why MTB doesn’t pass our bar.

PNC Financial Services Group (PNC)

Market Cap: $75.86 billion

Tracing its roots back to 1852 when Pittsburgh's industrial boom demanded stronger financial institutions, PNC (NYSE: PNC) is a diversified financial institution that provides retail banking, corporate banking, and asset management services through a coast-to-coast branch network.

Why Does PNC Fall Short?

  1. Annual net interest income growth of 6.9% over the last five years lagged behind its bank peers as its large revenue base made it difficult to generate incremental demand
  2. Tangible book value per share is projected to decrease by 5.3% over the next 12 months as capital generation weakens
  3. High interest payments compared to its earnings raise concerns about its ability to service its debt consistently

PNC Financial Services Group is trading at $191.55 per share, or 1.4x forward P/B. If you’re considering PNC for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

One Bank Stock to Buy:

German American Bancorp (GABC)

Market Cap: $1.46 billion

Founded in 1910 during a wave of community banking expansion in the Midwest, German American Bancorp (NASDAQ: GABC) is a financial holding company that provides banking, wealth management, and insurance services across southern Indiana and Kentucky.

Why Should You Buy GABC?

  1. Annual net interest income growth of 13.3% over the last five years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
  2. Projected net interest income growth of 26.9% for the next 12 months is above its five-year trend, pointing to accelerating demand
  3. Projected tangible book value per share growth of 16.7% for the next 12 months is above its two-year trend, pointing to accelerating profitability

German American Bancorp’s stock price of $39.41 implies a valuation ratio of 1.3x forward P/B. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Donald Trump’s April 2024 "Liberation Day" tariffs sent markets into a tailspin, but stocks have since rebounded strongly, proving that knee-jerk reactions often create the best buying opportunities.

The smart money is already positioning for the next leg up. Don’t miss out on the recovery - check out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.

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