While ModernGraham supports the bottom-up approach to investing, many investors do utilize the top-down method, whereby an industry is selected before the company itself. With that in mind, this article will take a brief look at the best companies of the banking industry, selecting the most promising investment opportunities within the industry, and giving a broad look into the industry as a whole.

Out of the approximately 540 companies reviewed by ModernGraham, 17 were identified as being closely related to the banking industry. Of those, six are suitable for the Defensive Investor, eleven are suitable for the Enterprising Investor, and none are considered speculative at this time. Excluding any extreme outliers, the average company was rated as being priced at 50.45% to its MG Value (estimated intrinsic value), with an average PEmg ratio of 13.7. The industry as a whole, therefore would appear to be undervalued, particularly in comparison to the market (see Mr. Market’s Mental State).

The Elite

The following companies have been rated as undervalued and suitable for either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor:

Bank of America Corp (BAC)

Bank of America Corp is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.01 in 2012 to an estimated $0.92 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 3.02% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Bank of America Corp receives an average overall rating in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a C+. (See the full valuation)

Citigroup Inc (C)

Citigroup Inc is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years, and the poor dividend history. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-2.31 in 2012 to an estimated $4.1 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.16% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Citigroup Inc performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B-.  (See the full valuation)

Comerica Incorporated (CMA)

Comerica Incorporated is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.60 in 2012 to an estimated $2.90 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth does not support the market’s implied estimate of 1.42% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Comerica Incorporated performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB)

Fifth Third Bancorp is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.82 in 2012 to an estimated $1.74 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 0.75% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Fifth Third Bancorp performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN)

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-0.42 in 2012 to an estimated $0.77 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.37% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. In fact, the company meets all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $4.11 in 2012 to an estimated $5.4 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.68% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B+. (See the full valuation)

KeyCorp (KEY)

KeyCorp is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.08 in 2012 to an estimated $1 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.27% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

KeyCorp performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

People’s United Financial, Inc. (PBCT)

People’s United Financial, Inc. qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. In fact, the company meets all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.51 in 2012 to an estimated $0.83 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 4.97% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

People’s United Financial, Inc. performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

PNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)

PNC Financial Services Group Inc qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. In fact, the company meets all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $5.16 in 2012 to an estimated $7.04 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.57% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B+. (See the full valuation)

Regions Financial Corp (RF)

Regions Financial Corp is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-0.69 in 2012 to an estimated $0.77 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.31% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Regions Financial Corp performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

SunTrust Banks, Inc. (STI)

SunTrust Banks, Inc. is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.02 in 2012 to an estimated $3.23 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.08% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

SunTrust Banks, Inc. performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

State Street Corp (STT)

State Street Corp is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.74 in 2012 to an estimated $4.45 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.93% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

State Street Corp performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

U.S. Bancorp (USB)

U.S. Bancorp qualifies for both the Enterprising Investor and the more conservative Defensive Investor. In fact, the company passes all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel comfortable proceeding with further research into the company.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.19 in 2011 to an estimated $3.13 for 2015. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 2.06% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price. (See the full valuation)

Wells Fargo & Co (WFC)

Wells Fargo & Co qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. In fact, the company meets all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.59 in 2012 to an estimated $3.93 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.56% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Wells Fargo & Co performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B+. (See the full valuation)

Zions Bancorp (ZION)

Zions Bancorp is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings stability or growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $-1.45 in 2012 to an estimated $1.46 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 3.8% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

Zions Bancorp receives an average overall rating in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a C+. (See the full valuation)

The Good

The following companies have been rated as fairly valued and suitable for either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor:

BB&T Corporation (BBT)

BB&T Corporation is suitable for the Enterprising Investor but not the more conservative Defensive Investor. The Defensive Investor is concerned with the insufficient earnings growth over the last ten years. The Enterprising Investor has no concerns. As a result, all Enterprising Investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.95 in 2012 to an estimated $2.56 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 2.36% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.

BB&T Corporation fares extremely well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring an A-. (See the full valuation)

M&T Bank Corporation (MTB)

M&T Bank Corporation qualifies for both the Defensive Investor and the Enterprising Investor. In fact, the company meets all of the requirements of both investor types, a rare accomplishment indicative of the company’s strong financial position. The Enterprising Investor has no initial concerns. As a result, all value investors following the ModernGraham approach should feel comfortable proceeding with the analysis.

As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $6.06 in 2012 to an estimated $7.54 for 2016. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 3.34% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.

M&T Bank Corporation performs fairly well in the ModernGraham grading system, scoring a B. (See the full valuation)

The Full List

Clicking on the company name will take you to the company’s latest valuation.

For the investor type, a “D” indicates the company is suitable for the Defensive Investor, an “E” indicates the company is suitable for the Enterprising Investor, and an “S” indicates the company is considered speculative at this time.

Ticker	Name with Link	Investor Type	LatestValuationDate	MG Value	Recent Price	Price as a percent of Value	PEmg Ratio	Div. Yield
BAC	Bank of America Corp	E	7/14/2016	—	$14.40	—	—	1.39%
BBT	BB&T Corporation	E	5/17/2016	—	$37.13	—	—	2.91%
C	Citigroup Inc	E	7/19/2016	—	$43.97	—	—	0.45%
CMC	Comerica Incorporated	E	2/15/2016	—	$44.78	—	—	1.88%
FITB	Fifth Third Bancorp	E	7/2/2016	—	$19.00	—	—	2.74%
HBAN	Huntington Bancshares Incorporated	E	6/27/2016	—	$9.39	—	—	2.77%
JPM	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	D	7/24/2016	—	$64.45	—	—	2.79%
KEY	KeyCorp	E	6/24/2016	—	$11.72	—	—	2.56%
MTB	M&T Bank Corporation	D	7/22/2016	—	$114.41	—	—	2.45%
PBCT	People’s United Financial, Inc.	D	6/20/2016	—	$15.11	—	—	4.43%
PNC	PNC Financial Services Group Inc	D	6/24/2016	—	$84.17	—	—	2.42%
RF	Regions Financial Corp	E	6/27/2016	—	$9.06	—	—	2.65%
STI	SunTrust Banks, Inc.	E	2/17/2016	—	$41.99	—	—	2.29%
STT	State Street Corp	E	6/25/2016	—	$65.64	—	—	2.07%
USB	U.S. Bancorp	D	2/9/2016	—	$42.08	—	—	2.42%
WFC	Wells Fargo & Co	D	6/27/2016	—	$47.74	—	—	3.14%
ZION	Zions Bancorp	E	6/28/2016	—	$27.62	—	—	0.87%