Small Banks Thrive with PE Ratios Below 11 Amid Market Optimism
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 12 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HBAN?
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Banking Resilience: Small and regional banks have demonstrated strong performance after enduring a 500 basis point rate shock, maintaining historical high capital ratios, indicating robust risk resilience and potential for increased profitability in the future.
- PE Ratio Advantage: While money center banks trade at forward PE ratios between 13 and 16, small and regional banks are priced below 11, growing faster, suggesting that investors can achieve higher returns by opting for smaller banks.
- Yield Attractiveness: For instance, Huntington offers a yield three times that of JP Morgan, highlighting the appeal of small banks in terms of yield distribution, which has garnered increased investor interest.
- Rapidly Growing Community Banks: Third Coast Bankshares and South Plains Financial in Texas are among the fastest-growing community banks, priced at or below 11 times forward PE ratios, showcasing their competitive edge and investment potential in the market.
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Analyst Views on HBAN
Wall Street analysts forecast HBAN stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for HBAN is 20.23 USD with a low forecast of 16.00 USD and a high forecast of 23.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
15 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 19.020
Low
16.00
Averages
20.23
High
23.00
Current: 19.020
Low
16.00
Averages
20.23
High
23.00
About HBAN
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is an asset regional bank holding company. The Company, through its bank subsidiary, Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. It operates more than 1,000 branches in 14 states, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Its Consumer & Regional Banking segment offers financial products and services to consumer and business customers, including deposits, lending, payments, mortgage banking, dealer financing, investment management, and other financial products and services. Its Commercial Banking segment provides expertise through banks, capabilities, and digital channels, which include a comprehensive set of product offerings. Its target clients span from mid-market to large corporates across a national footprint.
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.
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- Asset Growth: Post-merger, Huntington's total assets reach approximately $279 billion, with $221 billion in deposits and $187 billion in loans, providing robust support for its expansion into high-growth markets across the South and Texas.
- Branch Network Expansion: The addition of Cadence's 390 branches will expand Huntington's network to nearly 1,400 locations across 21 states, with plans to maintain Cadence's branches and invest in their growth, thereby enhancing customer service capabilities.
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- New Board Members: Huntington's Board of Directors has appointed three new members, including former Cadence Bank Chairman and CEO Dan Rollins, along with two other executives with extensive banking experience, which will bring fresh perspectives and strategic guidance to enhance corporate governance.
- Enhanced Customer Service: The merger will integrate Cadence's 390 branches with Huntington's network, creating nearly 1,400 locations, allowing Cadence customers to continue banking at existing branches, with account system conversions expected by mid-2026, thereby improving customer experience.
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