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BY vs QCRH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Byline Bancorp (BY) vs. QCR Holdings (QCRH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Two Midwest regional banks, two different profiles: BY is a Chicago-focused commercial lender, while QCRH runs a more diversified, multi-bank model spanning commercial banking, wealth management, and affordable-housing lending.
- Profitability momentum favors both: Byline Bancorp posted record net income in its latest quarter, while QCR Holdings delivered near-record earnings per share (EPS, profit divided by shares outstanding) despite a top-line revenue miss.
- Valuation scale differs materially: BY trades near the high-$30s with a roughly $1.8 billion market capitalization, while QCRH trades near $100 with a comparable market cap but a much smaller share count.
- Both face the same $10 billion regulatory threshold — crossing it would raise compliance costs and reshape capital-planning priorities for each franchise.
- Analyst consensus is "Buy" on both names, with average price targets implying double-digit upside from recent levels, though the drivers of that upside are distinct.
Introduction
Investors evaluating small- to mid-cap regional banks often weigh concentrated commercial lenders against more diversified, multi-specialty franchises. This stock comparison examines BY (Byline Bancorp) and QCRH (QCR Holdings), two Illinois-headquartered banks with overlapping geographic footprints but contrasting business models. Both have delivered strong recent results and healthy relative performance against the broader regional-bank group, yet their growth engines, risk exposures, and market positioning diverge. This article is most relevant for traders and investors seeking a balanced, fact-based view of how these two institutions compare in the current environment, including a read on which stock a data-driven AI system might currently favor.
BY Overview and Recent Performance
BY, the parent of Byline Bank, is a full-service commercial bank serving small and medium-sized businesses, commercial real estate sponsors, and consumers, primarily across Chicago and the broader Midwest. It has also built a leading position in Small Business Administration (SBA) lending and operates a small-ticket equipment-leasing arm.
Recent market activity has reflected an earnings cycle that exceeded Wall Street expectations. In its latest reported quarter, Byline posted record net income of roughly $40 million and adjusted EPS above consensus, driven by disciplined expense control and a modest rise in fee-based, non-interest income. Management also raised the quarterly dividend by 16.7% and continued opportunistic share repurchases, signaling confidence in capital levels. Key profitability metrics — including return on average assets (ROA, net income relative to total assets) and a net interest margin (NIM, the spread between interest earned and interest paid) near 4.3% — remained strong, though margin has compressed slightly amid elevated deposit competition. With total assets near $9.9 billion, the bank is approaching the $10 billion regulatory threshold, a transition investors are watching closely for its potential impact on operating costs.
QCRH Overview and Recent Performance
QCRH is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Moline, Illinois, with a more diversified revenue mix than a typical community lender. In addition to traditional commercial banking, it operates a wealth-management and trust business and is a prominent lender in the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) market, which finances affordable-housing projects.
QCR Holdings' recent results have shown a similar pattern of earnings strength paired with uneven top-line performance. In its most recent quarters, the company reported record profitability — including a roughly 31% year-over-year EPS gain in the first quarter — supported by strong loan growth, rebounding capital-markets activity, and 9%-plus growth in assets under management in its wealth segment. That said, revenue has occasionally missed consensus estimates, a reminder that its fee-driven businesses can be lumpy from quarter to quarter. Management has reaffirmed guidance for 10%–15% annualized loan growth, continued share repurchases, and digital-transformation initiatives designed to generate operating leverage. Like Byline, QCRH is navigating a planned crossing of the $10 billion asset threshold, expected in 2027.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both are Illinois-based banks, BY and QCRH differ meaningfully in business model and risk profile. Byline is a more concentrated, relationship-driven commercial lender with a top-tier efficiency ratio and a heavier reliance on net interest income and SBA lending. QCR Holdings, by contrast, layers capital-markets and wealth-management fees and LIHTC lending onto a traditional deposit franchise, creating a more diversified but more variable revenue stream.
On growth drivers, QCRH has articulated bolder expansion plans, guiding to double-digit loan growth and expecting efficiency gains from core-system conversions. BY is growing at a more measured mid-single-digit pace and has emphasized capital returns through dividends and buybacks. On recent momentum, both stocks have outperformed the broader regional-bank group over the past year, though Byline has shown particularly strong share-price gains in recent months. In terms of risk, Byline carries concentrated geographic and commercial real estate exposure, while QCRH's reliance on LIHTC securitizations and fee income introduces execution and timing risk. Valuation also differs: QCRH trades at a modestly higher forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, partly reflecting its faster projected growth.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, catalyst depth, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean slightly toward BY in the current environment. Byline's combination of record profitability, a rising dividend, sustained buybacks, and a best-in-class efficiency ratio points to a steadier, more predictable earnings trajectory, which algorithmic models tend to reward. QCR Holdings offers a potentially faster-growth, more diversified story, but its periodic revenue misses and lumpier fee-based income introduce more variability. That said, both names maintain solid analyst support and constructive momentum. The AI verdict is best read as a probabilistic edge favoring Byline on trend quality and stability rather than a definitive judgment on either company's long-term value.
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 QCRH 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.
QCRH sees its Stochastic Oscillator ascending out of oversold territory
On October 16, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for QCRH moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 60 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 41 of the 60 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 68%.
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 QCRH as a result. In 54 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for QCRH just turned positive on October 20, 2026. Looking at past instances where QCRH's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
QCRH 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 +3.67% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where QCRH advanced for three days, in 192 of 316 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for QCRH 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 16 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 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where QCRH 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 61%.
QCRH 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 QCRH entered a downward trend on October 19, 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 23 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 24 (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 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. QCRH’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 74 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 (1.468) is normal, around the industry mean (1.268). P/E Ratio (12.122) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.372). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.290) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.386) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (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.
BY | QCRH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 18 | 25 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 56 Fair valued | 74 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 24 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 19 | 23 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 44 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 27 | 27 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 90 | 85 |
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.
BY's Valuation (56) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as QCRH (74). This means that BY’s stock grew similarly to QCRH’s over the last 12 months.
QCRH's Profit vs Risk Rating (24) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BY (33). This means that QCRH’s stock grew similarly to BY’s over the last 12 months.
BY's SMR Rating (19) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as QCRH (23). This means that BY’s stock grew similarly to QCRH’s over the last 12 months.
QCRH's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BY (44). This means that QCRH’s stock grew similarly to BY’s over the last 12 months.
QCRH's P/E Growth Rating (27) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as BY (27). This means that QCRH’s stock grew similarly to BY’s over the last 12 months.
| BY | QCRH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 68% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 68% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 56% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 57% | 9 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 67% |
| 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 QCRH’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- BY’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- QCRH’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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 QCRH’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- BY’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 2 bearish.
- QCRH’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
BY (@Regional Banks) experienced а +2.95% price change this week, while QCRH (@Regional Banks) price change was +2.32% 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.
QCRH is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
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.
QCRH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, QCRH has been closely correlated with BY. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if QCRH jumps, then BY could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To QCRH | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QCRH | 100% | +3.59% | ||
| BY - QCRH | 83% Closely correlated | +1.60% | ||
| EFSC - QCRH | 83% Closely correlated | +1.26% | ||
| UBSI - QCRH | 82% Closely correlated | +2.71% | ||
| FMBH - QCRH | 82% Closely correlated | +2.76% | ||
| THFF - QCRH | 82% Closely correlated | +2.13% | ||
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