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BY vs FRST
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Byline Bancorp (BY) vs. Primis Financial (FRST) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Byline Bancorp (BY) is a Chicago-focused commercial bank delivering record profitability, while Primis Financial (FRST) is a smaller, technology-forward Mid-Atlantic bank in an earlier stage of its earnings turnaround.
- BY recently posted record quarterly net income and raised its dividend, whereas FRST reported sharply higher year-over-year earnings driven by niche lending platforms.
- The two names differ markedly in scale: BY holds roughly $9.9 billion in assets, versus a sub-$400 million market capitalization for FRST.
- Analysts rate FRST a "Strong Buy" with higher projected upside, while BY carries a "Buy" consensus with more modest implied returns.
- BY offers consistent, banked profitability; FRST presents a higher-beta growth and turnaround narrative with more execution risk.
Introduction
Regional and community banks remain a focal point for investors evaluating the shifting rate environment, credit quality, and the pace of loan growth. This stock comparison examines two differently positioned institutions: Byline Bancorp, Inc. (BY), a commercial lender anchored in the Chicago market, and Primis Financial Corp. (FRST), a diversified community bank operating across Virginia and Maryland. While both are bank holding companies, their scale, business mix, and stage of development differ considerably. Traders focused on relative performance and market positioning, as well as longer-term investors weighing quality against turnaround potential, may find this comparison useful for understanding how these two names stack up in the current environment.
BY Overview and Recent Performance
Byline Bancorp, Inc. (BY) is the holding company for Byline Bank, a commercial bank serving small and mid-sized businesses, commercial real estate sponsors, and consumers. The company has established itself as a leading U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lender in Illinois and continues to build a relationship-focused commercial banking franchise in Chicago and the broader Midwest.
Recent market activity reflects steady execution. In its latest quarter, Byline reported record net income of roughly $40 million, or about $0.90 per diluted share (EPS), alongside a net interest margin (NIM, the spread between interest earned on loans and interest paid on deposits) that has remained stable near 4.3%. The company has improved its efficiency ratio, grown loans and deposits, and maintained return on average assets (ROA) above 1.6%. Management has also increased the quarterly dividend by 16.7% to $0.14 per share and continued share repurchases, signaling confidence in its capital position. A key watchpoint is Byline's approach toward the $10 billion asset threshold, a regulatory milestone that may raise compliance and operating costs.
FRST Overview and Recent Performance
Primis Financial Corp. (FRST), formerly Southern National Bancorp of Virginia, is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Through Primis Bank and its subsidiaries, the company operates community banking branches, a mortgage unit, a mortgage warehouse lending platform, and Panacea Financial, a specialized lender serving healthcare professionals. This diversified, technology-forward model distinguishes it from many similarly sized community banks.
Recent performance reflects a strengthening earnings trajectory. Primis reported second-quarter net income of approximately $9.4 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, up from about $2.4 million, or $0.10 per share, a year earlier. Growth was supported by higher net interest income, an improved NIM, lower deposit costs, and gains from the sale of its Bearing Insurance unit. Mortgage warehouse balances nearly tripled year over year, and Panacea's loan portfolio has continued to expand. The company has also announced a planned conversion to a real-time digital core banking system, an initiative intended to enhance operating leverage. Asset quality has improved, with a meaningful decline in nonperforming assets.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most visible contrast is scale and maturity. Byline Bancorp (BY) is a larger, more established institution with roughly $9.9 billion in assets and a track record of consistent, banked profitability. Primis Financial (FRST) is a much smaller operation whose earnings power is still rebuilding after a period of transformation.
Their growth drivers also differ. Byline's story centers on disciplined commercial lending, SBA franchise strength, and capital returns as it approaches a regulatory size threshold. Primis's narrative leans on higher-yield niche businesses—mortgage warehouse lending and Panacea's healthcare lending—that support stronger margins but expose it to more concentrated, cyclical revenue streams.
On recent momentum, FRST has delivered stronger one-year share gains and carries a "Strong Buy" consensus with higher projected upside, reflecting its lower valuation base and turnaround appeal. BY offers steadier, more predictable earnings but trades with a more modest implied return. Risk profiles differ accordingly: Byline faces concentration in Chicago and the Midwest plus potential cost increases above $10 billion in assets, while Primis carries execution risk around its core conversion and sensitivity to mortgage demand and credit trends.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and catalyst visibility, Tickeron's AI would likely favor BY in the current environment. Byline Bancorp demonstrates a more durable combination of record earnings, a stable net interest margin, improving efficiency, and consistent capital returns—attributes that tend to support steadier, less volatile price behavior. Primis Financial (FRST) offers a compelling growth and turnaround story with higher potential upside, but its smaller scale, concentrated niche exposures, and pending technology conversion introduce greater uncertainty. Consequently, the AI's probabilistic assessment would lean toward Byline for trend consistency and stability, while acknowledging that Primis could outperform if its profitability inflection and core-system transition are executed successfully.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is BY is a Hold and FRST is a Hold.
BY in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 09, 2026
BY may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 28 of 39 cases where BY's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where BY's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 27 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on BY as a result. In 57 of 84 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for BY just turned positive on October 16, 2026. Looking at past instances where BY's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 40 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
BY moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.77% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where BY advanced for three days, in 157 of 280 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where BY declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator for BY entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 33 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. BY’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 56 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.295) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (11.228) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.160) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.712) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
FRST's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FRST turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where FRST's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 42 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FRST as a result. In 44 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
FRST moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.44% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FRST advanced for three days, in 160 of 277 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for FRST crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FRST declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
FRST broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for FRST entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 24 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.911) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (7.380) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.140) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.025) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.270) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FRST’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 55, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 96 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
BY | FRST | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 18 | 24 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 56 Fair valued | 24 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 66 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 19 | 35 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 44 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 27 | 96 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FRST's Valuation (24) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BY (56). This means that FRST’s stock grew similarly to BY’s over the last 12 months.
BY's Profit vs Risk Rating (33) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FRST (66). This means that BY’s stock grew somewhat faster than FRST’s over the last 12 months.
BY's SMR Rating (19) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as FRST (35). This means that BY’s stock grew similarly to FRST’s over the last 12 months.
FRST's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BY (44). This means that FRST’s stock grew similarly to BY’s over the last 12 months.
BY's P/E Growth Rating (27) in the Regional Banks industry is significantly better than the same rating for FRST (96). This means that BY’s stock grew significantly faster than FRST’s over the last 12 months.
| BY | FRST | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 51% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 71% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 56% | 7 days ago 58% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 57% | 16 days ago 60% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 46% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 54% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
BY’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while FRST’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- BY’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- FRST’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
BY’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while FRST’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BY’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 2 bearish.
- FRST’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
BY (@Regional Banks) experienced а +2.95% price change this week, while FRST (@Regional Banks) price change was +2.16% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +2.71%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.05%, and the average quarterly price growth was +9.08%.
Reported Earning Dates
BY is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
FRST is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+2.71% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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BY and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, BY has been closely correlated with HBNC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if BY jumps, then HBNC could also see price increases.
FRST and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FRST has been closely correlated with HBNC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 72% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FRST jumps, then HBNC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FRST | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRST | 100% | +2.31% | ||
| HBNC - FRST | 72% Closely correlated | +1.99% | ||
| BY - FRST | 69% Closely correlated | +1.60% | ||
| FISI - FRST | 68% Closely correlated | +2.11% | ||
| ISTR - FRST | 67% Closely correlated | +1.57% | ||
| BFST - FRST | 66% Closely correlated | +1.85% | ||
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