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PNC vs TFC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) vs. Truist Financial (TFC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- PNC is a Pittsburgh-based super-regional bank with roughly $560 billion in assets, while TFC (Truist Financial) is a Charlotte-based regional focused on the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
- PNC has generated stronger recent profitability, with return on average common equity well above Truist's in the most recent reporting periods.
- Truist offers a higher dividend yield and has leaned into larger share repurchases, while PNC is expanding its footprint through the recently closed FirstBank acquisition.
- Both banks maintain solid capital buffers, though their growth drivers and regional exposures differ meaningfully.
- Net interest margins (the spread between what a bank earns on loans and pays on deposits) and credit trends remain the key swing factors for both names.
Introduction
Investors weighing large U.S. regional banks frequently compare PNC and TFC, two institutions of comparable scale but distinct regional footprints and strategic priorities. PNC Financial Services Group spans a coast-to-coast franchise anchored in the Midwest and Northeast, while Truist Financial concentrates on the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. This stock comparison is most relevant to income-oriented and value-focused investors assessing relative performance, market positioning, and balance-sheet quality across the banking sector. By examining recent momentum, profitability, and catalysts side by side, readers can better understand the trade-offs each name presents in the current market environment.
PNC Overview and Recent Performance
PNC Financial Services Group operates a diversified franchise spanning retail and commercial banking, corporate and institutional services, and asset management. In recent quarters, PNC has delivered record revenue and strong earnings growth, driven by higher net interest income (NII), rising fee income, and disciplined expense management. The company closed its acquisition of FirstBank in early 2026, adding branches in Colorado and Arizona and extending its Western expansion.
Recent market activity reflects generally favorable sentiment, with analysts raising price targets following better-than-expected results. PNC has posted a common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio around 10.6%, a net interest margin near 2.84%, and return on average common equity in the low-to-mid teens. Credit quality has remained stable, with declining net loan charge-offs (loans written off as uncollectible). Management has signaled continued share repurchases and guided toward higher NII growth, factors that have supported the stock's relative strength.
TFC Overview and Recent Performance
Truist Financial is a leading Southeastern regional bank formed through the 2019 merger of BB&T and SunTrust. Its business spans consumer and small-business banking, wholesale banking, wealth management, and insurance. In recent quarters, Truist has shown improving loan growth and fee momentum, particularly in consumer lending and wholesale banking, while investing heavily in digital capabilities and its AI-powered customer-assistant tools.
Recent market activity has been more mixed for Truist. Although adjusted earnings beat consensus, revenue and the efficiency ratio fell short of some expectations, and a legal settlement charge weighed on reported results. Truist reported a CET1 ratio around 10.8%, a net interest margin near 3.07%, and return on average common equity in the mid-single digits to high-single digits. Management authorized up to $10 billion in buybacks and reiterated profitability targets, including a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) goal of 15% by 2027. These factors frame Truist as a turnaround-and-efficiency story within the sector.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two banks is profitability versus income and valuation. PNC has posted meaningfully higher return on equity and stronger earnings-per-share growth, reflecting its broader commercial franchise and capital-markets capabilities. Truist, by comparison, trades at a lower earnings multiple and offers a higher dividend yield, appealing to investors prioritizing current income and capital returns.
Growth drivers also differ. PNC's momentum is tied to commercial lending, merger-and-acquisition (M&A) advisory activity, and the FirstBank integration. Truist's trajectory hinges on consumer loan growth, digital adoption, and closing its efficiency gap to reach its ROTCE targets. On risk factors, both face interest-rate sensitivity, but Truist's credit metrics, including a modest uptick in net charge-offs, have drawn somewhat closer scrutiny, while PNC has shown improvement in credit quality. Regional exposure introduces another trade-off: PNC is more diversified nationally, whereas Truist's fortunes are more concentrated in Southeast economic conditions.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor PNC in the current environment. PNC exhibits more consistent trend momentum, stronger and more stable profitability, improving credit quality, and a clearer near-term catalyst in its FirstBank integration and guided NII growth. Truist's higher yield and aggressive buybacks present a legitimate value-and-income case, but its softer efficiency metrics and less uniform earnings momentum introduce greater variability. Accordingly, the AI's probabilistic assessment tilts toward PNC for trend consistency and relative positioning, while recognizing Truist as a viable candidate for income-focused strategies when its efficiency trajectory improves.
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 PNC is a Hold and TFC is a Hold.
PNC in -1.57% downward trend, declining for three consecutive days on October 14, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where PNC declined for three days, in 181 of 285 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on September 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on PNC as a result. In 48 of 77 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The Aroon Indicator for PNC entered a downward trend on October 14, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where PNC's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 21 of 31 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 33 of 50 cases where PNC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PNC just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where PNC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
Following a +0.53% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PNC advanced for three days, in 186 of 332 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
PNC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 4 (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 Valuation Rating of 50 (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 (1.394) is normal, around the industry mean (1.323). P/E Ratio (12.317) is within average values for comparable stocks, (23.509). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.569) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.032) settles around the average of (0.030) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.762) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. PNC’s price grows at a lower 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 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
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.
TFC in -2.29% downward trend, declining for three consecutive days on October 14, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where TFC declined for three days, in 185 of 295 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on September 16, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on TFC as a result. In 48 of 80 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Aroon Indicator for TFC 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where TFC's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 12 of 20 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 43 of 62 cases where TFC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for TFC just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where TFC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
Following a +1.40% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where TFC advanced for three days, in 203 of 323 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
TFC may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 5 (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 Valuation Rating of 18 (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 (0.980) is normal, around the industry mean (1.323). P/E Ratio (10.825) is within average values for comparable stocks, (23.509). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.066) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.044) settles around the average of (0.030) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.954) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. TFC’s price grows at a lower 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 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. TFC’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock 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.
PNC | TFC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 63 | 73 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 50 Fair valued | 18 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 60 | 94 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 4 | 5 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 60 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 54 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 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.
TFC's Valuation (18) in the null industry is in the same range as PNC (50) in the Major Banks industry. This means that TFC’s stock grew similarly to PNC’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's Profit vs Risk Rating (60) in the Major Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for TFC (94) in the null industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew somewhat faster than TFC’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's SMR Rating (4) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as TFC (5) in the null industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to TFC’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's Price Growth Rating (59) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as TFC (60) in the null industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to TFC’s over the last 12 months.
PNC's P/E Growth Rating (51) in the Major Banks industry is in the same range as TFC (54) in the null industry. This means that PNC’s stock grew similarly to TFC’s over the last 12 months.
| PNC | TFC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 60% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 60% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 74% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 25 days ago 56% | 21 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 63% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 72% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 55% |
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).
PNC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while TFC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- PNC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- TFC’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.
PNC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while TFC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- PNC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- TFC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
PNC (@Regional Banks) experienced а +0.03% price change this week, while TFC (@Regional Banks) price change was -0.02% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was -0.94%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.07%, and the average quarterly price growth was +3.51%.
Reported Earning Dates
PNC is expected to report earnings on Oct 15, 2026.
TFC is expected to report earnings on Oct 16, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (-0.94% 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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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 89% 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.
TFC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, TFC has been closely correlated with RF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 88% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if TFC jumps, then RF could also see price increases.