Neutral on U.S. Bancorp - Analyst Blog
March 08 2013 - 9:00AM
Zacks
On Mar 6, 2013, we reiterated our long-term recommendation on
U.S. Bancorp (USB) at Neutral based on its
attractive core franchisee, diverse revenue stream and strong
performance over the past years. Moreover, the company's solid
capital position, improving credit quality and increase in lending
activities augur well. However, regulatory issues along with the
expectation of a continued low-interest rate environment remain
concerns.
Why Neutral?
U.S. Bancorp has yet again delivered encouraging fourth quarter
2012 results. Aided by growth in revenue as well as positive
operating leverage, the company reported earnings per share of 75
cents, inching past the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.
Notably, including a previously disclosed $80 million expense
accrual for a mortgage foreclosure-related regulatory settlement,
net income attributable to U.S. Bancorp stood at $1.4 billion or 72
cents per share.
Credit metrics improved at U.S. Bancorp during 2012. Net
charge-offs, provision for credit losses and nonperforming assets
declined on a year-over-year basis as economic conditions continued
to improve slowly. With the recovery of the economy, though at a
sluggish pace, we expect this trend to continue in the upcoming
quarters.
However, U.S. Bancorp's non-interest income moved down 4.2% year
over year to $2.3 billion. A sluggish economy that adversely
affected consumer and business spending has impacted a number of
fee-based categories over the last several quarters. Though we
expect the fee-based category to recover over time with an
improvement in the economy, we think that the progress will be
tardy with the economy recuperating at a slow pace.
Following fourth-quarter 2012 results, the Zacks Consensus Estimate
for 2013 has remained stable at $3.17, over the last 60 days. With
the Zacks Consensus Estimate remaining constant, the company
retains a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Other Major Banks to Consider
Among peers, BankUnited Inc. (BKU) holds a Zacks
Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Fifth Third Bancorp
(FITB) and State Street Corporation (STT) retain a
Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
BANKUNITED INC (BKU): Free Stock Analysis Report
FIFTH THIRD BK (FITB): Free Stock Analysis Report
STATE ST CORP (STT): Free Stock Analysis Report
US BANCORP (USB): Free Stock Analysis Report
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