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FITB vs PNC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) vs. PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) has delivered a roughly 41% one-year total return, driven by strong net interest income growth, expanding margins, and the successful closing of its Comerica acquisition in early 2026.
- PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) posted record full-year 2025 revenue of $23.1 billion with 21% EPS growth, and closed its own transformative acquisition of FirstBank, expanding its national footprint.
- Both banks benefit from elevated interest rates and disciplined expense management, but FITB shows a higher net interest margin (NIM) of 3.13% versus PNC's 2.84%, while PNC offers a larger scale and a higher dividend yield near 3%.
- FITB's integration of Comerica creates a larger combined entity with significant synergy potential, while PNC's FirstBank acquisition adds $26 billion in assets and strengthens its Western U.S. presence.
- Both stocks have faced sector-wide volatility in 2026, with regional bank sentiment swinging on macroeconomic uncertainty, yet each company's underlying fundamentals remain solid with improving credit quality trends.
- Investors comparing these two regional banking leaders are essentially weighing FITB's stronger margin profile and higher relative growth trajectory against PNC's larger scale, broader diversification, and established capital-return track record.
Introduction
Regional banking stocks have been at the center of investor attention as interest rate dynamics, merger activity, and credit quality trends reshape the sector. FITB (Fifth Third Bancorp) and PNC (The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.) represent two of the most prominent super-regional banks in the United States, each with distinct strategic paths and market positioning. Both companies have recently completed major acquisitions that are expected to drive future growth, making this a timely comparison. Whether you are a value-oriented income investor or a growth-focused trader assessing momentum and catalysts, understanding how these two institutions stack up against each other is essential for informed decision-making in the current financial landscape.
FITB Overview and Recent Performance
Fifth Third Bancorp, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates as a diversified financial services company with a strong presence across the Midwest and an expanding footprint in the high-growth Southeast. The company provides retail and commercial banking, wealth and asset management, and payment processing services. In recent weeks, FITB shares have traded near the upper end of their 52-week range, supported by sustained business momentum and the market's reception of the Comerica integration. The bank reported full-year 2025 results highlighted by record net interest income (NII — the difference between interest earned on loans and interest paid on deposits) of $6 billion, representing a 6% year-over-year increase. The net interest margin expanded to 3.13%, a strong figure among regional peers. The Comerica acquisition, which closed on February 1, 2026, is expected to meaningfully expand Fifth Third's scale and geographic reach, with management projecting mid-single-digit loan growth and significant cost synergies. Credit quality has also improved, with net charge-offs declining to 0.40% of average loans. Analysts have maintained generally constructive ratings, though some firms have adjusted price targets to reflect evolving macroeconomic assumptions.
PNC Overview and Recent Performance
PNC Financial Services Group, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest diversified financial institutions in the United States, with a national footprint spanning retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, and asset management. The company has been executing a deliberate national expansion strategy, and its recent closing of the FirstBank acquisition on January 5, 2026, added approximately $26 billion in assets, $16 billion in loans, and 95 branches concentrated in Colorado and Arizona. PNC reported record full-year 2025 revenue of $23.1 billion, a 7% increase year over year, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $16.59, up 21% from 2024. Fourth-quarter revenue reached $6.1 billion, comfortably above consensus estimates. PNC's net interest margin of 2.84% reflects steady improvement, while its efficiency ratio improved to 59%, signaling stronger profitability. The bank returned $1.1 billion to shareholders in the fourth quarter alone through dividends and share repurchases, and management has guided for increased buyback activity in 2026. PNC's CET1 (Common Equity Tier 1) capital ratio — a key measure of a bank's financial strength — stood at 10.6%, providing a solid cushion. Despite sector-wide volatility earlier in 2026, PNC's underlying credit metrics have remained resilient, with net charge-offs declining 35% year over year.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
When comparing FITB and PNC, several dimensions reveal meaningful contrasts. In terms of scale, PNC is the substantially larger institution, with total loans of approximately $332 billion and deposits near $440 billion, compared to FITB's roughly $123 billion in loans and $172 billion in deposits (on a pre-Comerica basis). However, FITB's integration of Comerica is expected to significantly close this gap, transforming the combined entity into a more formidable competitor.
On profitability, FITB holds an edge in net interest margin at 3.13% versus PNC's 2.84%, reflecting Fifth Third's more favorable deposit mix and asset repricing dynamics. FITB also reported a higher adjusted return on tangible common equity (ROTCE — a measure of profitability relative to shareholder capital) of 16.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025. PNC, meanwhile, counters with a more diversified revenue base, generating substantial fee income from capital markets, treasury management, and asset management — areas where its larger scale provides a structural advantage.
From a shareholder return perspective, PNC offers a higher dividend yield near 3%, supported by a long track record of consistent increases. FITB's yield, while slightly lower, is also well covered by earnings. Both companies maintain strong CET1 capital ratios above 10.5%, indicating prudent balance sheet management. The primary risk for both names remains macroeconomic uncertainty — particularly the trajectory of interest rates and commercial real estate exposure — though both banks have actively reduced risk in office-property lending. In terms of recent momentum, FITB has outperformed on a trailing one-year basis, while PNC's broader analyst coverage skews slightly more bullish on forward estimates, reflecting optimism about the FirstBank integration.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, relative momentum, and margin strength, Tickeron's AI-driven analysis would likely lean toward FITB in the current environment. Fifth Third's higher net interest margin, stronger recent price momentum, and the potential for synergy-driven earnings upside from the Comerica integration present a compelling combination. The bank's improving credit quality and robust capital generation further support a favorable risk-reward profile. That said, PNC remains a highly credible contender — its scale, diversified revenue streams, and disciplined capital return program make it a resilient choice, particularly for investors prioritizing income and stability. The AI verdict is probabilistic in nature and reflects current market data; conditions can shift, and neither stock is without risk. As always, investors should weigh these insights alongside their own objectives and broader portfolio considerations.
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 FITB is a Buy and PNC is a StrongBuy.
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 undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FITB’s FA Score shows that 3 FA rating(s) are green whilePNC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- FITB’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
- PNC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
FITB’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PNC’s TA Score has 2 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FITB’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 6 bearish.
- PNC’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
FITB (@Regional Banks) experienced а -0.98% price change this week, while PNC (@Regional Banks) price change was -0.22% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +1.19%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.68%, and the average quarterly price growth was +13.66%.
Reported Earning Dates
FITB is expected to report earnings on Oct 19, 2026.
PNC is expected to report earnings on Oct 15, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+1.19% 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.
| FITB | PNC | FITB / PNC | |
| Capitalization | 51.3B | 99.2B | 52% |
| EBITDA | N/A | N/A | - |
| Gain YTD | 22.851 | 21.955 | 104% |
| P/E Ratio | 19.05 | 13.70 | 139% |
| Revenue | 9.48B | 23.8B | 40% |
| Total Cash | N/A | 5.65B | - |
| Total Debt | 19.5B | 66.7B | 29% |
FITB | PNC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 90 | 85 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 67 Overvalued | 58 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 44 | 49 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 9 | 6 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 27 | 28 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 21 | 45 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
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.
PNC's Valuation (58) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as FITB (67) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to FITB’s over the last 12 months.
FITB's Profit vs Risk Rating (44) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as PNC (49) in the Major Banks industry. This means that FITB’s stock grew similarly to PNC’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's SMR Rating (6) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as FITB (9) in the Regional Banks industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to FITB’s over the last 12 months.
FITB's Price Growth Rating (27) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as PNC (28) in the Major Banks industry. This means that FITB’s stock grew similarly to PNC’s over the last 12 months.
FITB's P/E Growth Rating (21) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as PNC (45) in the Major Banks industry. This means that FITB’s stock grew similarly to PNC’s over the last 12 months.
| FITB | PNC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 61% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 53% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 65% | 10 days ago 58% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 62% | 12 days ago 60% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 65% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 46% |
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FITB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FITB has been closely correlated with RF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 90% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FITB jumps, then RF could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To FITB | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITB | 100% | +0.04% | ||
| RF - FITB | 90% Closely correlated | -0.29% | ||
| HBAN - FITB | 88% Closely correlated | +1.43% | ||
| MTB - FITB | 87% Closely correlated | -1.33% | ||
| CFG - FITB | 87% Closely correlated | +1.24% | ||
| TFC - FITB | 86% Closely correlated | -0.57% | ||
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PNC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PNC has been closely correlated with USB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PNC jumps, then USB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PNC | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNC | 100% | +0.09% | ||
| USB - PNC | 87% Closely correlated | +0.13% | ||
| KEY - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | +1.94% | ||
| MTB - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | -1.33% | ||
| FITB - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | +0.04% | ||
| HBAN - PNC | 85% Closely correlated | +1.43% | ||
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