Based on key financial metrics such as the price-to-sales ratio, shareholder yield and the price-earnings ratio, the following 5 stocks made the list for top value stocks in the Banks industry. Those looking for value stocks to add to their portfolio may want to use this list as a starting point for further investment research.

Why Focus on Undervalued Banks Stocks?

Value investors seek to buy stocks at a discount to their intrinsic value. Long-term returns show that such strategies are advantageous. Value stocks, as a group, tend to outperform growth stocks over extended periods of time. Typically, value investors perform financial analysis of numerous metrics, don’t follow the herd and are long-term investors.

AAII’s A+ Investor Value Grade is derived from a stock’s Value Score. The Value Score is the percentile rank of the average of the percentile ranks of the price-to-sales ratio, price-earnings ratio, enterprise-value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio, shareholder yield, price-to-book-value ratio and price-to-free-cash-flow ratio. The score is variable, meaning it can consider all six ratios or, should any of the six ratios not be valid, the remaining ratios that are valid. To be assigned a Value Score, stocks must have a valid (non-null) ratio and corresponding ranking for at least two of the six valuation ratios.

What Goes Into AAII’s Value Grade?

Stock evaluation requires access to huge amounts of data as well as the knowledge and time to sift through it all, make sense of financial ratios, read income statements and analyze recent stock movement. AAII created A+ Investor, a robust data suite that condenses data research in an actionable and customizable way suitable for investors of all knowledge levels, to help investors with that task.

AAII’s proprietary stock grades come with A+ Investor. These offer intuitive A–F grades for more than just value. It is possible for a stock to appear cheap based on one valuation metric but appear expensive on another. It is also possible for one valuation ratio to be associated with outperforming stocks during certain periods of time but not others. Some stocks may even have null values for certain metrics like the price-earnings ratio or the price-to-book ratio but not others. An example of this would be a company with losses instead of profits or a negative book value because of heavy borrowing. Negative earnings or book value result in non-meaningful ratios that are left blank or null.

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5 Undervalued Banks Stocks

Of course, there are countless value stocks that are worth mentioning, but this is a concise list of the top 5 undervalued stocks in the Banks industry for Monday, September 29, 2025. Let’s take a closer look at their individual scores to see how they measure up against each other and the Banks industry median.

The Value Grade is assigned based on how each stock’s composite valuation compares to all other stocks.

The process for assigning grades starts with each variable for a given stock. The percentile rankings for all valid ratios that a stock has are calculated. So, for instance, a stock could have a price-to-book ranking in the 43rd percentile, a price-earnings ranking in the 67th percentile, a price-to-sales ranking in the 23rd percentile, etc. Then, those rankings are averaged for each stock. (A minimum of two valid variables are required, though all six will be used if available.)

Once the average of the individual variables is calculated, that average is ranked against all stocks. Put another way, each stock’s composite valuation is compared to all other stocks. These ranks are then sorted into quintiles from the cheapest 20% (a grade of A) to the most expensive 20% (a grade of F).

As always, we recommend that you conduct proper due diligence and research before investing in any security. We also suggest that investors utilize numerous grades, not just value, when it comes to deciding whether a company is a good fit for their allocation needs.

Fifth Third Bancorp’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Fifth Third Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Fifth Third Bank, National Association that engages in the provision of a range of financial products and services in the United States. It operates through three segments: Commercial Banking, Consumer and Small Business Banking, and Wealth and Asset Management. The Commercial Banking segment offers credit intermediation, cash management, and financial services; lending and depository products; and cash management, foreign exchange and international trade finance, derivatives and capital markets services, asset-based lending, real estate finance, public finance, commercial leasing, and syndicated finance for business, government, and professional customers. Its Consumer and Small Banking segment provides a range of deposit and loan products to individuals and small businesses; home equity loans and lines of credit; credit cards; and cash management services. This segment also engages in the residential mortgage that include origination, retention and servicing of residential mortgage loans, sales and securitizations of loans, and hedging activities; indirect lending, including extending loans to consumers through automobile dealers, motorcycle dealers, powersport dealers, recreational vehicle dealers, and marine dealers; and home improvement and solar energy installation loans through contractors and installers. The Wealth & Asset Management segment provides various wealth management services for individuals, companies, and not-for-profit organizations. It also offers retail brokerage services to individual clients; and broker dealer services to the institutional marketplace. This segment also provides wealth planning, investment management, banking, insurance, and trust and estate services; and advisory services for institutional clients comprising middle market businesses, non-profits, states, and municipalities. Fifth Third Bancorp was founded in 1858 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Fifth Third Bancorp has a Value Score of 69, which is considered to be undervalued.

When you look at Fifth Third Bancorp’s price-to-sales ratio at 3.86 compared to the industry median at 3.12, this company has a higher price relative to revenue compared to its peers. This could make Fifth Third Bancorp’s stock less attractive for value investors.

Fifth Third Bancorp’s price-earnings ratio is 14.10 compared to the industry median at 12.40. This means it has a higher share price relative to earnings compared to its peers. This could make Fifth Third Bancorp less attractive for value investors.

Shareholder yield is the sum of a stock’s dividend yield (paid over previous 12 months minus special dividends) and the percentage of net share buybacks over the previous 12 months. Fifth Third Bancorp’s shareholder yield is higher than its industry median ratio of 2.60%. Value investors may look for an attractive shareholder yield because it can be a powerful tool for identifying if the company has a good management team.

As one of the most common value metrics, the price-to-book ratio evaluates a company’s current market price relative to its book value. Fifth Third Bancorp’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its industry median ratio of 1.10. This could make Fifth Third Bancorp less attractive to investors looking for a new addition to their portfolio.

Lastly, let’s take a look at Fifth Third Bancorp’s price-to-free-cash-flow ratio (P/FCF), which can indicate a company’s market value relative to its operating cash flow. Fifth Third Bancorp’s price-to-free-cash-flow ratio is lower than its industry median ratio of 15.60. This could make Fifth Third Bancorp more attractive because the lower P/FCF ratio indicates that Fifth Third Bancorp is undervalued. The P/FCF ratio metric can also be viewed over a long-term time frame to see if the company's cash flow to share price value is generally improving or worsening.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California that provides various banking services to businesses and individuals in the United States. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, time certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. It also provides a range of lending products, such as commercial, commercial and residential real estate, real estate construction, agribusiness, and consumer loans, as well as equipment leases and credit card services; commercial products, including term loans, lines of credit and other working capital financing, and letters of credit; and financing products, such as automobile financing, home improvement, and home equity lines of credit. In addition, the company provides specialized services that include credit card programs for merchants, lockbox and other collection services, account reconciliation, investment sweep, online account access, and electronic funds transfers through domestic and international wire and automated clearinghouse; online banking services; and investment products, such as mutual funds and annuities. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Lodi, California.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has a Value Score of 89, which is considered to be undervalued.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s price-earnings ratio is 8.1 compared to the industry median at 12.4. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Farmers & Merchants Bancorp more attractive for value investors.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its peers. This could make Farmers & Merchants Bancorp more attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.10.

You can read more about Farmers & Merchants Bancorp’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Hills Bancorporation’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Hills Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Hills Bank and Trust Company that provides commercial banking in the state of Iowa. It accepts various deposits, such as demand, savings, and time deposits; and offers products, including real estate loans comprising residential, multi-family, and commercial real estate loans; mortgage and construction loans; commercial and financial loans; agricultural loans; and automobile, installment, and other consumer loans. The company also maintains night and safe deposit facilities; and provides collection, exchange, and other banking services. In addition, it administers estates, personal trusts, and pension plans; offers farm management, investment advisory, and custodial services for individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations; and originates mortgages that are sold in the secondary residential real estate market without mortgage servicing rights being retained. The company operates through its main office and its full-service branches in the Iowa counties of Johnson, Linn, and Washington. It serves to individuals, businesses, governmental units, and institutional customers. Hills Bancorporation was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Hills, Iowa.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Hills Bancorporation has a Value Score of 64, which is considered to be undervalued.

Hills Bancorporation’s price-earnings ratio is 12.7 compared to the industry median at 12.4. This means that it has a higher price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Hills Bancorporation less attractive for value investors.

Hills Bancorporation’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its peers. This could make Hills Bancorporation more attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.10.

You can read more about Hills Bancorporation’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Hawthorn Bank that provides various banking products and services to families and businesses. It offers checking and savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. The company also provides commercial and industrial, single payment personal, mortgage, installment, and commercial and residential real estate loans. In addition, it provides trust, consumer banking, wealth and treasury management, and brokerage services; and safety deposit boxes, debit cards, and internet banking services. The company was formerly known as Exchange National Bancshares, Inc. and changed its name to Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. in 2007. Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. has a Value Score of 73, which is considered to be undervalued.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.’s price-earnings ratio is 10.6 compared to the industry median at 12.4. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. more attractive for value investors.

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its peers. This could make Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. more attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.10.

You can read more about Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.’s Value Grade

Value Grade:

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Southern First Bank that provides commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans to the general public in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The company accepts various deposit products that include checking accounts, commercial checking accounts, and savings accounts, as well as other time deposits, including daily money market accounts and long-term certificates of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans; construction real estate loans; commercial business loans for various lines of businesses, such as the manufacturing, service industry, and professional service areas; consumer real estate and home equity loans; and other consumer loans, including secured and unsecured installment loans and revolving lines of credit. In addition, the company provides other bank services, such as internet banking, cash management, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, automatic drafts, bill payment, and mobile banking services. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.

Stocks with a Value Score from 81 to 100 are considered deep value, those with a score between 61 and 80 are value and so on.

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. has a Value Score of 66, which is considered to be undervalued.

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.’s price-earnings ratio is 16.8 compared to the industry median at 12.4. This means that it has a higher price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Southern First Bancshares, Inc. less attractive for value investors.

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its peers. This could make Southern First Bancshares, Inc. fairly attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.10.

You can read more about Southern First Bancshares, Inc.’s key financial metrics like shareholder yield, price-to-free-cash-flow and EV/EBITDA ratio, or learn more about its Momentum and Growth Grades, by subscribing to A+ Investor.

Other Banks Stock Grades

Value is just one of the five Stock Grades included in our A+ Investor service. AAII members can see the top-graded stocks—those with grades of A or B for value, growth, momentum, earnings estimate revisions and quality—on the A+ Stock Grades Screener.

Also, if you want full access to all of AAII’s premium services, you can subscribe to one convenient bundled plan called AAII Platinum where you can try out A+ Investor, AAII Dividend Investing, the Stock Superstars Report, Growth Investing and VMQ Stocks. With the other premium services, you can dive deep into additional metrics, portfolios, commentary and information about Banks stocks as well as other industrys.

Choosing Which of the 5 Best Banks Stocks Is Right for You

Choosing which value stocks to invest in will ultimately depend on your individual goals and allocation; however, comparing similar value stocks in the same industry can help you analyze which might be better investments for you in the long run. So, let’s take a look at the Value Grade for all of our stocks.

• Fifth Third Bancorp stock has a Value Grade of B.
• Farmers & Merchants Bancorp stock has a Value Grade of A.
• Hills Bancorporation stock has a Value Grade of B.
• Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. stock has a Value Grade of B.
• Southern First Bancshares, Inc. stock has a Value Grade of B.

Now that you have a bit more background about each of the 5 undervalued stocks in the Banks industry as well as their overall grades, it’s time for you to conduct additional research to see if these could fit your portfolio needs based on your goals and risk tolerance. AAII can help you figure out both and identify which investments align with what works best for you.

We do so through a program of education that teaches you to invest for yourself and become an effective manager of your own wealth—no more relying on others for your financial independence. You can rely on AAII for timeless articles on financial planning and stock-picking, unbiased research and actionable analysis that makes you a better investor.

A+ Investor adds to that qualitative teaching by giving you a powerful data suite that helps you whittle down investment decisions to find stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds that meet your needs.

Additional Resources About Banks Stocks

Want to learn more about Banks stocks to see if they could be the right investment for you? Check out some additional resources and articles to help you on your financial journey.

• 5 Undervalued Banks Stocks for Monday, September 29
• 3 Undervalued Banks Stocks for Friday, September 26
• Does First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (FSFG) Have Momentum?
• 4 Undervalued Banks Stocks for Thursday, September 25

AAII Disclaimer

We make no representations or warranties that any investor will, or is likely to, achieve profits similar to those shown, because past, hypothetical or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Before making an investment decision, you should consider your circumstances and whether the information on our content is applicable to your situation. This information was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. The full disclaimer can be read here.