Top 3 Picks
2026 Outlook
The National Banks sector is poised for moderate growth through 2026, driven by trends such as digital transformation, regulatory easing, and increased demand for consumer and corporate loans as economies recover from recent inflation pressures. Anticipated interest rate adjustments and advancements in fintech integration could enhance profitability and efficiency for leading banks, potentially boosting sector-wide returns. However, risks from geopolitical tensions and credit quality concerns may temper enthusiasm, emphasizing the need for diversified exposure within the sector.
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Stock | Score | Price | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Citigroup Inc.
|
67.4 | $118.70 | $181.7B |
|
2
|
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
|
64.8 | $325.48 | $854.4B |
|
3
|
LCNB Corporation
|
64.2 | $16.19 | $211M |
|
4
|
NewtekOne, Inc. 8.00% Fixed Rate Senior Notes due 2028
|
64.2 | $25.25 | -- |
|
5
|
Inverse VIX Short-Term Futures ETNs due March 22, 2045
|
64.0 | $28.37 | -- |
|
6
|
Valley National Bancorp 8.250% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C
|
63.4 | $26.17 | -- |
|
7
|
Bank of America Corporation
|
61.7 | $55.95 | $375.4B |
|
8
|
Comerica Incorporated
|
61.6 | $88.65 | $8.9B |
|
9
|
AmeriServ Financial Inc
|
61.5 | $3.28 | $48M |
|
10
|
California BanCorp Common Stock
|
61.5 | $18.55 | $538M |
|
11
|
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated Depositary Shares 4.500% Series H Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
|
61.1 | $17.29 | -- |
|
12
|
OptimumBank Holdings, Inc.
|
61.1 | $4.24 | $48M |
|
13
|
Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
|
60.8 | $34.65 | $215M |
|
14
|
NewtekOne, Inc. 5.50% Notes Due 2026
|
60.8 | $25.19 | -- |
|
15
|
UMB Financial Corporation Depositary Shares Each Representing a 1/400th Interest in a Share of 7.750% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B
|
60.8 | $27.00 | -- |
In-Depth Analysis: Top National Banks Stocks
C
Citigroup is a global financial-services company doing business in more than 100 countries and jurisdictions. Citigroup's operations are organized into five primary segments: services, markets, banking, US personal banking, and wealth management. The bank's primary services include cross-border banking needs for multinational corporates, investment banking and trading, and credit card services in the United States.
Citigroup matters in the National Banks sector as a leading global financial-services provider operating in over 100 countries, offering diversified services across segments like markets, banking, and wealth management that drive cross-border banking innovation and stability.
Citigroup exhibits strong profitability with a 19.5% profit margin and 11.6% revenue growth, reflecting efficient cost management and business expansion. However, its 7.0% ROE indicates moderate returns on equity, suggesting opportunities for enhancing financial health through better capital utilization.
Citigroup's 11.6% revenue growth and global operations position it for sustained expansion in emerging markets by 2026, potentially boosting earnings amid rising demand for cross-border banking services. Its P/E ratio of 16.5 implies the stock is attractively valued relative to peers, offering upside potential as interest rates stabilize. Additionally, a Tradestie Score of 67.4 signals a favorable risk-reward profile for long-term investors seeking exposure to the evolving National Banks sector.
JPM
JPMorgan Chase is one of the largest and most complex financial institutions in the United States, with nearly $4 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, and asset and wealth management. JPMorgan operates, and is subject to regulation, in multiple countries.
JPMorgan Chase matters in the National Banks sector as it is one of the largest U.S. financial institutions with nearly $4 trillion in assets, enabling it to dominate key areas like consumer banking and investment services. Its diversified operations across four major segments—consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, and asset and wealth management—allow it to influence market stability and innovation in the sector.
JPMorgan Chase exhibits strong profitability with a 34.7% profit margin, indicating efficient cost management and revenue generation, while its 16.4% ROE demonstrates effective use of shareholders' equity to deliver returns. The company's 8.8% revenue growth and a P/E ratio of 16.0 further underscore its solid financial health and reasonable valuation relative to earnings.
Investors should consider buying JPM stock in 2026 given its impressive 34.7% profit margin and 16.4% ROE, which signal sustained profitability and potential for above-average returns in a recovering economy. The 8.8% revenue growth and a Tradestie Score of 64.8 highlight ongoing momentum and operational strength, positioning the company to benefit from digital transformation and sector expansion. Moreover, JPM's diversified segments and market leadership make it well-suited to capitalize on anticipated interest rate normalization and increased banking demand by 2026.
LCNB
LCNB Corp operates within the financial sector in the United States. As the holding company of the National Bank, it conducts the business of providing commercial and personal banking services. Its suite of banking products includes commercial and industrial loans, consumer loans, safe deposit boxes, night depositories, cashier's checks, utility bill collections and notary public service. Besides, it provides the …
LCNB Corp stands out in the National Banks sector by serving as a key holding company that delivers essential commercial and personal banking services, including loans and safe deposit boxes, which support economic stability and growth in the US. Its Tradestie Score of 64.2 indicates a moderate competitive position, reflecting reliable performance amid sector challenges.
LCNB's 26.4% profit margin demonstrates strong operational efficiency, allowing it to generate substantial profits relative to revenue. Additionally, a 9.0% ROE and 11.6% revenue growth signal solid financial health, with the company effectively utilizing equity and expanding its business.
LCNB's P/E ratio of 9.9 suggests the stock is undervalued compared to peers, offering potential for capital appreciation by 2026 as economic conditions improve. The company's 11.6% revenue growth highlights its ability to capitalize on increasing demand for banking services, positioning it for sustained earnings expansion. Furthermore, a robust 26.4% profit margin underscores financial resilience, making it an attractive option for investors seeking stable returns in the sector.
NEWTI
NewtekOne, Inc. matters in the National Banks sector as a fintech-driven lender specializing in small business financing, which enhances sector innovation and supports economic growth by providing accessible capital to underserved markets. Its 8.00% Fixed Rate Senior Notes due 2028 underscore its role in securing stable funding, contributing to the sector's resilience amid fluctuating interest rates.
Despite limited financial data, NewtekOne's Tradestie Score of 64.2/100 indicates moderate financial health, suggesting a balanced risk profile with potential for sustained operations. The 8.00% fixed rate on its senior notes reflects strong investor demand for its debt instruments, implying effective profitability in managing funding costs relative to peers in the National Banks sector.
Investors should consider NEWTI for 2026 due to its 8.00% fixed yield, which provides a reliable income stream in a potentially volatile interest rate environment, outperforming variable-rate alternatives. The National Banks sector is projected to benefit from economic expansion and increased lending activity by 2026, positioning NewtekOne for growth through its technology-focused services. Additionally, the notes' maturity in 2028 offers strategic reinvestment opportunities, capitalizing on anticipated market improvements and the company's Tradestie Score indicating room for upside.
VYLD
VYLD, as an Inverse VIX Short-Term Futures ETN, matters in the National Banks sector by providing a mechanism for banks to hedge against short-term market volatility, which is essential for maintaining portfolio stability amid economic fluctuations. This instrument indirectly supports the sector by enabling risk management strategies that enhance overall financial resilience in banking operations.
With limited financial data available, VYLD's Tradestie Score of 64.0/100 indicates moderate profitability and financial health, suggesting it performs adequately in volatile market conditions without significant red flags. This score reflects a balanced position, though the lack of detailed metrics underscores the need for cautious interpretation of its long-term sustainability.
Investors should consider buying VYLD in 2026 as projections of declining market volatility could amplify returns for this inverse VIX ETN, especially with historical data showing gains during low-volatility periods. The Tradestie Score of 64.0/100 signals reasonable financial stability, making it a viable option for diversification. Additionally, as global economic growth stabilizes by 2026, increased demand for volatility-hedging instruments like VYLD could drive its value higher.
VLYPN
Valley National Bancorp is a bank holding company that offers a full suite of national and regional banking solutions through various commercial, private banking, retail, insurance, and wealth management financial services products. It provides personalized service and customized solutions to assist its customers with their financial service needs. The group also offers niche financial services, including loan and deposit products …
Valley National Bancorp matters in the National Banks sector due to its comprehensive suite of financial services, including commercial, private banking, retail, insurance, and wealth management, which positions it as a versatile regional player catering to diverse customer needs. This personalized approach enhances its competitive edge in providing customized banking solutions amid sector consolidation.
With a Tradestie Score of 63.4/100, Valley National Bancorp exhibits moderate financial health, suggesting reasonable stability in its operations despite limited available data on key metrics. This score implies potential resilience in profitability, as the bank's diversified services may help mitigate sector-specific risks like interest rate fluctuations.
Investors should consider VLYPN in 2026 for its 8.250% fixed-rate dividend, which offers a reliable income stream in a potentially recovering banking sector. The perpetual preferred stock structure provides long-term stability and priority in dividend payments, appealing to income-focused portfolios. Additionally, Valley National Bancorp's broad service offerings could drive growth as economic conditions improve, potentially increasing stock value through enhanced earnings by 2026.
BAC
Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, with more than $3.2 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments: consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking, and global markets. Bank of America's consumer-facing lines of business include its network of branches and deposit-gathering operations, retail lending products, credit and …
Bank of America matters in the National Banks sector as it is one of the largest U.S. financial institutions with over $3.2 trillion in assets, enabling it to dominate in consumer banking and global markets. Its diversified segments, including global wealth management and banking, position it as a critical player in driving economic stability and innovation.
Bank of America's profit margin of 29.2% indicates strong operational efficiency, while its return on equity (ROE) of 9.9% reflects moderate effectiveness in generating profits from shareholders' equity. Coupled with a robust revenue growth of 12.6%, these metrics suggest solid financial health, supported by a P/E ratio of 15.1 that implies reasonable valuation relative to earnings.
Investors should consider buying BAC in 2026 due to its 12.6% revenue growth, which signals potential for continued expansion amid economic recovery and rising interest rates. The company's $3.2 trillion in assets and diversified segments provide resilience against market volatility, offering opportunities in wealth management and global banking. Additionally, with a P/E ratio of 15.1, the stock appears attractively valued for long-term appreciation as banking demands grow.
CMA
With assets of around $80 billion, Comerica is primarily a relationship-based commercial bank headquartered in Dallas. In addition to Texas, Comerica's other primary geographies are California and Michigan, with locations also in Arizona and Florida and select businesses operating in several other states as well as Canada and Mexico.
Comerica matters in the National Banks sector as a $80 billion asset bank with a strong relationship-based commercial focus, particularly in high-growth regions like Texas, California, and Michigan, enabling it to serve diverse markets and compete effectively with larger national players.
Comerica exhibits strong profitability with a 22.2% profit margin, reflecting efficient cost management, while its 9.7% ROE indicates moderate returns on equity; however, the 2.4% revenue growth suggests room for acceleration in a stabilizing economic environment, supporting overall financial health.
Investors should consider buying Comerica stock in 2026 due to its strategic positioning in fast-growing states like Texas and California, which could amplify revenue growth beyond the current 2.4% amid expected economic expansion. The company's attractive 16.7 P/E ratio and 22.2% profit margin indicate undervalued potential for earnings growth, especially as interest rates stabilize. Furthermore, with a Tradestie Score of 61.6, Comerica offers a balanced entry point for portfolios seeking sector exposure in regional banking.
ASRV
AmeriServ Financial Inc is a bank holding company. The company and its subsidiaries derive substantially all of their income from banking, bank-related services, and trust-related services. Its operating segment includes community banking and it generates maximum revenue. The community banking segment includes both retail and commercial banking activities. The company also offers retail banking which includes the deposit-gathering branch franchise …
AmeriServ Financial Inc matters in the National Banks sector as a dedicated bank holding company that primarily generates revenue from community banking and related services, serving as a cornerstone for local financial stability. Its focus on this segment underscores its role in supporting economic growth at the community level, differentiating it amid larger national players.
AmeriServ's 9.5% profit margin reflects solid operational efficiency in the competitive banking landscape, while its 4.5% ROE suggests potential for enhanced shareholder returns through better capital utilization. The 14.5% revenue growth indicates strong financial health, positioning the company for sustained profitability despite a modest P/E ratio of 10.3.
Investors should consider buying ASRV in 2026 given its impressive 14.5% revenue growth, which signals ongoing expansion in community banking amid potential economic recovery. The undervalued P/E ratio of 10.3 offers an attractive entry point for capital appreciation, especially as rising interest rates could boost profitability. Furthermore, with a Tradestie Score of 61.5, the stock presents a moderate upside potential in a sector expected to benefit from increased lending activities by 2026.
BCAL
California BanCorp is a registered bank holding company headquartered in San Diego, California. The Bank offers a range of financial products and services to individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses through its 14 branch offices and four loan production offices serving Northern and Southern California. The Bank's solutions-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision-makers and enhances value …
California BanCorp matters in the National Banks sector due to its impressive 198.3% revenue growth, highlighting its rapid expansion in serving small to medium-sized businesses and individuals across California. With 14 branch offices and a focus on personalized financial services, it stands out as a regional player contributing to local economic stability amid national banking trends.
California BanCorp exhibits strong profitability with a 33.8% profit margin, indicating efficient conversion of revenue into net income, while its 11.9% ROE reflects effective use of shareholder equity. The company's 198.3% revenue growth underscores robust financial health, though its 8.7 P/E ratio suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to peers, supported by a Tradestie Score of 61.5/100.
Investors should consider buying BCAL in 2026 given its extraordinary 198.3% revenue growth, which signals potential for sustained expansion in the recovering banking sector, particularly in small business lending. The low 8.7 P/E ratio indicates undervaluation, offering opportunities for capital appreciation as economic conditions improve. Additionally, with a solid 11.9% ROE and 33.8% profit margin, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on regional demand for tailored financial services.
Methodology
Stocks are ranked using the Tradestie Score, a proprietary 0-100 rating that combines fundamental quality (profitability, balance sheet strength), growth metrics (revenue and earnings growth), valuation (P/E, PEG ratio), and momentum factors. Scores are updated daily based on the latest market data. Learn more about our methodology.