Based on key financial metrics such as the price-to-sales ratio, shareholder yield and the price-earnings ratio, the following 4 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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4 Undervalued Banks Stocks
Of course, there are countless value stocks that are worth mentioning, but this is a concise list of the top 4 undervalued stocks in the Banks industry for Thursday, March 12, 2026. Let’s take a closer look at their individual scores to see how they measure up against each other and the Banks industry median.
| Company | Ticker | Price/Sales | Price/Earnings | EV/EBITDA | Shareholder Yield | Price/Book Value | Price/Free Cash Flow | Value Grade |
| First BanCorp. | FBP | 3.54 | 9.4 | na | 7.9% | 1.60 | 10.1 | B |
| First Community Bankshares, Inc. | FCBC | 4.31 | 14.9 | na | 5.6% | 1.44 | na | B |
| LCNB Corp. | LCNB | 2.63 | 10.0 | na | 5.3% | 0.88 | 5.0 | A |
| Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | PB | 4.99 | 11.5 | na | 4.9% | 0.80 | 21.2 | B |
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.
First BanCorp.’s Value Grade
Value Grade:
| Metric | Score | FBP | Industry Median |
| Price/Sales | 69 | 3.54 | 3.13 |
| Price/Earnings | 15 | 9.4 | 12.0 |
| EV/EBITDA | na | na | 0.0 |
| Shareholder Yield | 8 | 7.9% | 2.4% |
| Price/Book Value | 44 | 1.60 | 1.12 |
| Price/Free Cash Flow | 24 | 10.1 | 15.4 |
First BanCorp. operates as the bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. It operates through six segments: Mortgage Banking; Consumer (Retail) Banking; Commercial and Corporate Banking; Treasury and Investments; United States Operations; and Virgin Islands Operations. The Mortgage Banking segment engages in the origination, sale, and servicing of various residential mortgage loans; hedging activities; purchase of mortgage loans from branch and mortgage bankers; and origination of residential real estate loans. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment is involved in consumer lending, commercial lending to small businesses, commercial transaction banking, and deposit-taking activities. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment offers lending and other services, including commercial lending and commercial deposit-taking activities. The Treasury and Investments segment manages funding; and obtains funds through brokered deposits, advances from the FHLB, and repurchase agreements involving investment securities, among other funding sources. The United States Operations segment provides checking, savings, and money market accounts; retail CDs; internet banking services; residential mortgages; home equity loans and lines of credit; retail deposits; cash management services; remote data capture; automated clearing house transactions; and traditional commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate products, such as lines of credit, term loans, and construction loans. The Virgin Islands Operations segment focuses on consumer and commercial lending, and deposit-taking activities. The company also offers automobile financing and insurance agency services. First BanCorp. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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.
First BanCorp. has a Value Score of 80, which is considered to be undervalued.
When you look at First BanCorp.’s price-to-sales ratio at 3.54 compared to the industry median at 3.13, this company has a higher price relative to revenue compared to its peers. This could make First BanCorp.’s stock less attractive for value investors.
First BanCorp.’s price-earnings ratio is 9.40 compared to the industry median at 12.00. This means it has a lower share price relative to earnings compared to its peers. This could make First BanCorp. more 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. First BanCorp.’s shareholder yield is higher than its industry median ratio of 2.40%. 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. First BanCorp.’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its industry median ratio of 1.12. This could make First BanCorp. less attractive to investors looking for a new addition to their portfolio.
Lastly, let’s take a look at First BanCorp.’s price-to-free-cash-flow ratio (P/FCF), which can indicate a company’s market value relative to its operating cash flow. First BanCorp.’s price-to-free-cash-flow ratio is lower than its industry median ratio of 15.40. This could make First BanCorp. more attractive because the lower P/FCF ratio indicates that First 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.
First Community Bankshares, Inc.’s Value Grade
Value Grade:
| Metric | Score | FCBC | Industry Median |
| Price/Sales | 75 | 4.31 | 3.13 |
| Price/Earnings | 36 | 14.9 | 12.0 |
| EV/EBITDA | na | na | 0.0 |
| Shareholder Yield | 13 | 5.6% | 2.4% |
| Price/Book Value | 40 | 1.44 | 1.12 |
| Price/Free Cash Flow | na | na | 15.4 |
First Community Bankshares, Inc. operates as the financial holding company for First Community Bank that provides various banking products and services. It offers demand deposit accounts, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement plans; and commercial, consumer real estate, and consumer and other loans. The company also provides trust management, estate administration, and investment advisory services. It serves individuals and businesses across various industries, such as education, government, and health services; retail trade; construction; manufacturing; tourism; coal mining and gas extraction; and transportation. The company operates through branches in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. First Community Bankshares, Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Bluefield, Virginia.
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.
First Community Bankshares, Inc. has a Value Score of 63, which is considered to be undervalued.
First Community Bankshares, Inc.’s price-earnings ratio is 14.9 compared to the industry median at 12.0. This means that it has a higher price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes First Community Bankshares, Inc. less attractive for value investors.
First Community Bankshares, Inc.’s price-to-book ratio is lower than its peers. This could make First Community Bankshares, Inc. more attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.12.
You can read more about First Community Bankshares, 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.
LCNB Corp.’s Value Grade
Value Grade:
| Metric | Score | LCNB | Industry Median |
| Price/Sales | 58 | 2.63 | 3.13 |
| Price/Earnings | 17 | 10.0 | 12.0 |
| EV/EBITDA | na | na | 0.0 |
| Shareholder Yield | 14 | 5.3% | 2.4% |
| Price/Book Value | 20 | 0.88 | 1.12 |
| Price/Free Cash Flow | 11 | 5.0 | 15.4 |
LCNB Corp. operates as the financial holding company for LCNB National Bank that provides banking services in the United States. The company offers checking and savings accounts; interest-bearing demand and money market deposit; and time certificates. It also provides commercial and industrial, commercial and residential real estate, agricultural, construction, various types of consumer, and small business administration loans; residential mortgage loans, such as loans for purchasing or refinancing personal residences, home equity lines of credit, and loans for commercial or consumer purposes secured by residential mortgages; and consumer lending comprising automobile, boat, home improvement, and personal loans. In addition, the company offers trust administration, estate settlement, and fiduciary services; and investment management of trusts, agency accounts, individual retirement accounts, and foundations/endowments. Further, it offers investment services and products, including financial needs analysis, mutual funds, securities trading, annuities, and life insurance; and security brokerage services. Additionally, the company provides safe deposit boxes, night depositories, cashier's checks, bank-by-mail, ATMs, cash and transaction services, debit cards, wire transfers, electronic funds transfer, utility bill collections, notary public service, cash management services, telephone banking, PC Internet banking, mobile banking, and other services for individuals and businesses. LCNB Corp. was founded in 1877 and is headquartered in Lebanon, 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.
LCNB Corp. has a Value Score of 92, which is considered to be undervalued.
LCNB Corp.’s price-earnings ratio is 10.0 compared to the industry median at 12.0. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes LCNB Corp. more attractive for value investors.
LCNB Corp.’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make LCNB Corp. less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.12.
You can read more about LCNB Corp.’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.
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.’s Value Grade
Value Grade:
| Metric | Score | PB | Industry Median |
| Price/Sales | 79 | 4.99 | 3.13 |
| Price/Earnings | 23 | 11.5 | 12.0 |
| EV/EBITDA | na | na | 0.0 |
| Shareholder Yield | 16 | 4.9% | 2.4% |
| Price/Book Value | 18 | 0.80 | 1.12 |
| Price/Free Cash Flow | 55 | 21.2 | 15.4 |
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts; and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, and agricultural and non-real estate agricultural loans; construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides digital banking, internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, and debit and credit cards services. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
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.
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has a Value Score of 68, which is considered to be undervalued.
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.’s price-earnings ratio is 11.5 compared to the industry median at 12.0. This means that it has a lower price relative to its earnings compared to its peers. This makes Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. more attractive for value investors.
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.’s price-to-book ratio is higher than its peers. This could make Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. less attractive for value investors when compared to the industry median at 1.12.
You can read more about Prosperity 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 4 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.
- First BanCorp. stock has a Value Grade of B.
- First Community Bankshares, Inc. stock has a Value Grade of B.
- LCNB Corp. stock has a Value Grade of A.
- Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. stock has a Value Grade of B.
Now that you have a bit more background about each of the 4 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.
- 7 Undervalued Banks Stocks for Thursday, March 12
- Does Community Bancorp (CMTV) Have Momentum?
- Is Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (BBVA) Overvalued?
- Is Banco Santander, S.A. (SAN) Overvalued?
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.
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