BB&T or SunTrust: Which One is the Better Banking Stock?

BB&T Corporation BBT and SunTrust Banks, Inc. STI, the two major regional banks, have market capitalization of $39.2 billion and $30.7 billion, respectively. Both are part of the same industry, which has a Zacks Industry Rank #60 (top 23%). Our back-testing shows that the top 50% of the Zacks ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.

Both banks are influenced by same economic backdrop as they have almost similar business operations. Further, the improving rate environment is beneficial for them. Also, they are likely to benefit from the industry’s affluence, which is expected in the near term, driven by lower tax rates and expectations of lesser regulations under the Trump administration.

In terms of price performance, BB&T’s shares have gained 5.7% in 2017 while SunTrust’s shares have rallied 17.8%.

As businesses of both the banks are almost similar, let’s dig deeper into to the financials, before deciding which one is the better pick.

BB&T

BB&T has a debt/equity ratio of 0.78, which is below the industry average of 0.88. This reflects that the company has a relatively less debt burden and will be financially stable in adverse economic conditions.

Further, the company’s current-year earnings are projected to grow 7.6% while sales are expected to increase 5.7%. Additionally, BB&T has a dividend yield of 2.65%, above the industry average of 1.92%.

Analysts seem to have a neutral stance about the stock’s financial performance. For 2017, over the past 30 days, the stock has witnessed one upward revision and one downward revision.

Notably, BB&T currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

However, the company looks overvalued with respect to its P/E (F1) ratio of 16.04 compared with the industry average of 15.97. Also, its PEG ratio of 2.29 is above the industry average of 1.98.

SunTrust

SunTrust’s debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50 is below the industry average of 0.88. This reflects that the company will be in an advantageous position in stressed economic conditions.

Further, SunTrust has a dividend yield of 2.48%, which is above the industry average of 1.92%.

Also, its earnings for the current year are projected grow 14.5% while sales growth is estimated to be 5.4%.

Analysts seem optimistic about the stock’s earnings prospects. Over the last 30 days, the stock has witnessed two upward revisions (against one downward revision) for 2017.

SunTrust carries a Zacks Rank #2. Moreover, the stock seems undervalued with respect to its P/E (F1) ratio of 15.89, which is below the industry average of 15.97. The company’s PEG ratio of 1.74 is below the industry average of 1.98.

Our Take

Both BB&T and SunTrust look well positioned in terms of their Zacks Rank and lesser debt burden. Though BB&T has higher sales growth prospects and dividend yield, SunTrust seems to be a better pick given the higher earnings growth rate potential and positive estimate revisions. Also, the SunTrust stock is undervalued.  

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