U.S. Bancorp Option Alert: Jul 18 $45 Calls Sweep (4) near the Bid: 10000 vs 3154 OI

U.S. Bancorp Option Alert: Jul 18 $45 Calls Sweep (4) near the Bid: 10000 @ $0.693 vs 3154 OI; Ref=$41.41

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) Bolsa

U.S. Bancorp

With assets of around $680 billion, U.S. Bancorp is one of the largest regional banks in the US with its footprint in 26 states. The bank's branch network is mostly in midwestern and western markets. U.S. Bancorp has a comprehensive product set, with offerings in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, mortgages, payment services, trust, and wealth services.

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iShares Trust iShares USD Bd Factor ETF

USA BANK (NY) by USA Bank (NY)

United States Basketball League Inc

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares, Each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of Series A Non-CumulativePerpetual Pfd Stock

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares repstg 1/1000th Pfd Ser B

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Series K Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/1,000th Interest in a Share of Series L Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares, Each Representing a 1/1,000th Interest in a Share of Series M Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

US Bancorp

U.S. Bancorp Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Series O Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock

19 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $50.45, a high estimate of $59.00, and a low estimate of $43.50. Observing a downward trend, the current average is 7.24% lower than the prior average price target of $54.39. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1749063686_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive U.S. Bancorp. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Vijay Kumar</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>In-Line</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Kotowski</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Winter</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Rose</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott Siefers</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gerard Cassidy</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$57.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Betsy Graseck</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Mayo</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason Goldberg</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John McDonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Konrad</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Betsy Graseck</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John McDonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bill Carcache</td>
<td>Wolfe Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vivek Juneja</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$43.50</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mike Mayo</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$62.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Horowitz</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Richard Ramsden</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ebrahim Poonawala</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to U.S. Bancorp. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of U.S. Bancorp compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for U.S. Bancorp's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into U.S. Bancorp's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USB/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on U.S. Bancorp analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About U.S. Bancorp</h2>
With assets of around $680 billion, U.S. Bancorp is one of the largest regional banks in the US with its footprint in 26 states. The bank's branch network is mostly in midwestern and western markets. U.S. Bancorp has a comprehensive product set, with offerings in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, mortgages, payment services, trust, and wealth services.
<h3>Key Indicators: U.S. Bancorp's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3M period, U.S. Bancorp showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 3.64% as of 31 March, 2025. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Financials sector.
Net Margin: U.S. Bancorp's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 23.14%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): U.S. Bancorp's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.05% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): U.S. Bancorp's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.24%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: U.S. Bancorp's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 1.45, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Demystifying U.S. Bancorp: Insights From 19 Analyst Reviews

Evercore ISI Group analyst Vijay Kumar maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a In-Line and raises the price target from $44 to $49.

News

Price Target

Evercore ISI Group Maintains In-Line on U.S. Bancorp, Raises Price Target to $49

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/fintech" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fintech mortgage lender</a> Beeline Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLNE#NASDAQ">BLNE</a>) announced Wednesday the upcoming launch of a new home equity access product that allows homeowners to convert a portion of their home equity into immediate cash without incurring debt or monthly payments.
Beeline has partnered with a company ("RealCo") co-owned by Beeline's principal shareholder and CEO.
RealCo will issue stablecoins to access capital to purchase equity from homeowners seeking liquidity.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45064810/exclusive-beeline-breaks-1-billion-barrier-bets-big-on-ai-and-short-term-rental-surge" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beeline Breaks $1 Billion Barrier, Bets Big On AI And Short-Term Rental Surge</a>
RealCo is engaging with Beeline, which will source consumers and provide services. Beeline Title will provide title and escrow services.
The company said this product will be funded through a stablecoin-backed model, offering homeowners a fast and flexible alternative to traditional refinancing or HELOCs.
The hard launch is likely for late July, with beta transactions beginning in June.
The coins will be backed by ownership through a fractional deed on the property. RealCo will acquire minority ownership in homes (up to 49%) as a nominee for the funders who will receive the stablecoins. Homeowners selling equity can opt to receive RealCo-issued stablecoins or U.S. dollars.
Unlike conventional lending products, this is not a loan transaction tied to interest rates or a buy-back obligation, allowing Beeline to generate consistent revenue in any rate environment.
The company expects it would drive faster percentage-based revenue growth than traditional mortgage lenders, and with the fees, it expects to be well-positioned to reach operational profitability beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025.
RealCo will initially launch in approximately ten thousand U.S. zip codes and only enter into equity purchases on homes valued at $1 million.
Nick Liuzza, CEO of Beeline Holdings, said that provided there's equity in the home, RealCo will mint coins at closing, which may then be converted into U.S. dollars.
The stablecoin mechanism becomes the catalyst for funding, and it is secured by property recorded in 1:1 in the blockchain and in the public record, he said.
Participating homeowners will receive cash at closing and will not be required to repay the funds until the property is sold. Upon sale, RealCo, as nominee for the token holders, will receive its pro rata percentage of the net proceeds.
Beeline's existing product suite includes conventional mortgage offerings and a range of non-QM loan programs, many of which are optimized for 1099 earners, self-employed borrowers, and younger homeowners. The company emphasized that this new product is an addition, not a pivot, from its core model.
The product will likely benefit individuals who do not qualify for traditional cash-out refinancing or HELOCs but have meaningful equity. Beeline anticipates additional use cases to emerge as the product rolls out to a broader audience in the months ahead.
Key U.S. home equity lending players included Bank of America Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), LendingTree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TREE#NASDAQ">TREE</a>), and US Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>).
Price Action: At the last check on Wednesday, BLNE shares were trading higher by 11.7% at $0.9880 premarket.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45748544/walmart-leverages-automation-and-ai-to-cut-costs-and-grow-paving-the-way-for-other-retailers-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walmart Leverages Automation And AI To Cut Costs And Grow, Paving The Way For Other Retailers: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Fintech news covering the emerging Financial Technology services sector

Fintech

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TREE

EXCLUSIVE: Beeline Launches Stablecoin-Backed Home Equity Product, Targets Profitability By Late 2025

WIIM

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SCHW

SPGI

TROW

Shares of banks and financial services stocks are higher after the US and China agreed to a temporary reduction in most tariffs on each other's goods. A reduction in tariffs could alleviate macro uncertainty in the lending and deal environment.

U.S. Bancorp's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) short percent of float has risen 14.74% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 17.02 million shares sold short, which is 1.09% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.02 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>U.S. Bancorp Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746799226_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for U.S. Bancorp has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing U.S. Bancorp's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, U.S. Bancorp's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 1.13%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About U.S. Bancorp?

Oppenheimer analyst Chris Kotowski maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $57 to $59.

Oppenheimer Maintains Outperform on U.S. Bancorp, Raises Price Target to $59

Forget about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44988897/china-trade-war-4-big-brand-stocks-that-will-suffer-most">trade wars</a> and inflation. One actor of the US economy is doing great, with stocks up 2.5% even before this week&#8217;s <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44988781/wall-street-rally-extends-into-third-day-whats-driving-markets-thursday">rally</a>.
Schwab analysts even issued a collective &#8220;buy&#8221; call on these stocks, citing value and stability in the sector.
&#8220;Some (financial) segments benefited from rising interest rates, which allow banks to lend at higher rates and insurance companies to increase returns on collected policyholder premiums,&#8221; Schwab said in a new research note. &#8220;The economy has proven to be relatively resilient in the face of one of the most aggressive tightening cycles in history.&#8221;
On the risk side, company analysts cite trade wars and reduced consumer spending as issues that could hold back bank stocks. &#8220;If sweeping tariffs kick in and slow growth materially, financials could struggle as consumers pull back on spending, businesses reduce investment, and lending slows,&#8221; Schwab noted.
Other Wall Street watchers agree, adding that some banking sectors are looking better than others at the moment.
&#8220;Bank stocks have been relatively mixed, large-cap U.S. banks have held up better than smaller regional banks, which remain under pressure from credit tightening, CRE (commercial real estate) exposure, and flattened yield curves,&#8221; said Fabio Ruggeri, founder and CEO of MenthorQ, a trading technology company in Miami, Fla. &#8220;While the big banks benefit from scale, trading revenue, and global exposure, the regional banks are still digesting the fallout from last year&#8217;s rate shocks and deposit flight.&#8221;
Short-term Federal Reserve actions, along with significant industry risks that could split the sector, are also in play.
&#8220;If the Fed pivots later in the year and the yield curve begins to normalize, net interest margins could improve,&#8221; Ruggeri said. &#8220;But risks tied to CRE, credit quality, and deposit competition are still in play. Investors should expect continued bifurcation. Stronger names will pull away from the weaker ones.&#8221;
Here are the three best stocks to buy in this outperforming sector.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Bank Stocks to Play Right Now</h2>
With talk of tariffs and trade wars watering down the markets right now and multiple risk factors (and opportunities) on the table, which bank stocks make the most sense right now? Here&#8217;s a sector snapshot.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">US Bancorp&nbsp;</h2>
The fifth-largest bank in the country, US Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>), saw its shares fall in 2025, down 20.1% year-to-date. Yet sector analysts are buzzing over the banking giant&#8217;s Q1 earnings beat, with multiple analysts backing the stock. On April 17, Barclays revised its price target for USB from $56 to $61 and maintained an &#8220;Outperform&#8221; on the stock. Noting that Q1 had beaten expectations, Barclays said USB impressed with more substantial fee income, more robust net interest income, and a better grip on expenses.
&#8220;I do like U.S. Bank right now,&#8221; said David Capablanca, a veteran trader and founder and host of the Friendly Bear Podcast. &#8220;Like many of the major banks have had a pullback, it&#8217;s an opportunity to dip buy. And you don&#8217;t just buy all at once &#8211; plan to scale in over three to six months, average in once a month.&#8221;
Consequently, if the stock is going lower, you&#8217;re averaging in, and if it&#8217;s consolidating and rising higher, you&#8217;re still gradually getting into a good position in USB stock. &#8220;It&#8217;s a very low-risk strategy to average into a safe, big-name bank stock,&#8221; Capablanca added.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Morgan Stanley</h2>
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) is another big bank stock that has been trending downward but appears to be in bounce-back mode.
Like other big banks, Morgan Stanley has been recording significant gains in trading revenue lately. Its trading desk works closely with large institutional investors to manage portfolio risk and look for opportunities before and during this year&#8217;s tariff skirmishes. All in all, Morgan Stanley said its trading revenues were up 45% in Q1.
&#8220;Morgan relies less on traditional banking and focuses more on affluent wealth and investment exposure, which usually leads to diversified earnings,&#8221; Ruggeri said. Toss into the mix a healthy dividend of 3.39% in mid-April, and Morgan Stanley seems like another bank stock loaded with opportunity right now.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JPMorgan Chase</h2>
JPMorgan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) shares are performing better than their sector competitors but are still down 3.2% so far in 2025. However, they are up 27% over the last year and have a strong history of stable management and reliable share performance.
&#8220;JPM is the gold standard of large U.S. banks,&#8221; Ruggeri said. &#8220;It has a strong balance sheet, diversified revenue, and deposit resilience.&#8221;
Other market experts agree.
&#8220;JPMorgan Chase continues to stand out — not just as a big bank, but as a highly disciplined and forward-thinking institution,&#8221; said Christopher Migliaccio, founder at Warren and Migliaccio, LLC, a law firm that handles asset management issues for its clients.
JPM&#8217;s most recent quarterly earnings showed the investment banking behemoth easily beat analyst expectations while boosting guidance on consolidated net interest income by $500 million, a metric that banking industry analysts have historically cited as key to overall future earnings.
USB is on board with JPM, hiking its price target from $277 to $305, citing higher Q1 earnings, larger trading revenues (for the same reasons as Morgan Stanley), and a strong dividend yield (2.41%).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaway On Bank Stocks</h2>
Capablanca offers specific advice for regular investors seeking opportunities in the banking sector.
&#8220;Just don&#8217;t go for the higher-risk banks,&#8221; he advised. &#8220;Stick with the big ones, like Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Schwab, and JPMorgan. The big ones are the safest bets out there.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matt Maley Alerts Inner Circle Before TV Appearances</h2>
While millions watch Matt discuss tariffs on Bloomberg, CNBC, and more — only his Inner Circle members receive his specific trade recommendations. Get Behind the Scenes Access <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/7-day-free-trial-matt-maley-inner-circle/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_adType=SponsorAd&amp;utm_ad=RD0425&amp;utm_campaign=7daytrial">HERE</a>
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Opinion

3 Stocks To Consider In This Outperforming Sector

U.S. Bancorp's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) short percent of float has fallen 33.1% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 14.83 million shares sold short, which is 0.95% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.0 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>U.S. Bancorp Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745434828_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for U.S. Bancorp has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing U.S. Bancorp's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, U.S. Bancorp's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 1.11%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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Shares of financial companies are trading higher amid overall market strength after President Trump said he will not be firing Fed Chair Powell. Additionally, Trump indicated the final tariff rate would be lower than the current one, which may lead to greater business and lending activity for financial institutions.

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Shares of financial companies are trading higher amid Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks about trade de-escalation with China, which may help restore investor confidence towards the sector.

A growing number of cryptocurrency companies are preparing to enter the U.S. banking system, propelled by a policy shift under President Donald Trump aimed at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42644568/institutional-crypto-adoption-for-real-this-time-says-messari">integrating digital assets into mainstream finance</a>.
What Happened: Firms like Circle (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDC</a>) and BitGo are planning to apply for bank charters, The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/crypto-knocks-on-the-door-of-a-banking-world-that-shut-it-out-082b3968">reported</a>, quoting sources.
Coinbase (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) and Paxos are also exploring regulatory approvals to operate with similar authority. 
These developments follow the Trump administration's commitment to establishing the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets, including through new legislation targeting stablecoin oversight.
Recent bills moving through Congress propose a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44516699/u-s-congress-advances-stablecoin-regulation-with-the-introduction-of-the-stable-act">regulatory framework for stablecoins</a>, mandating that issuers secure banking licenses or charters.
These digital tokens, typically pegged to fiat currencies, are used as a bridge between volatile cryptocurrencies and traditional money.
Some crypto firms are aiming for national trust bank or industrial bank charters that are essentially licenses that would allow them to hold customer deposits or issue loans. 
Others are seeking limited permissions specifically for issuing stablecoins.
BitGo, a crypto custody firm and reserve manager for the Trump family's stablecoin project USD1, is nearing the submission of its bank charter application, according to individuals familiar with its plans.
Anchorage Digital, currently the only federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., has invested tens of millions of dollars to meet regulatory standards. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/44867243/binance-advising-nations-on-strategic-bitcoin-reserves-crypto-regulation-report">Binance Advising Nations On Strategic Bitcoin Reserves, Crypto Regulation: Report</a>
CEO Nathan McCauley acknowledged the operational challenges, saying, "It has not been easy," but emphasized the importance of intertwining full regulatory compliance with the crypto sector.
Anchorage recently became a custodian for BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>) and partnered with Cantor Fitzgerald and Copper on a $2 billion bitcoin-backed lending initiative. 
Tether (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>), the world's largest stablecoin by market cap at $145 billion, is a major Cantor client.
This integration marks a reversal from two years ago when the collapses of crypto firms and banks like Silvergate and Signature led to a regulatory clampdown, forcing traditional financial institutions to distance themselves from the crypto sector.
Why It Matters: Trump's return to office has changed the tone.
Regulations that once required banks to seek explicit approval before offering crypto services have been softened, and new federal guidance on bank-crypto relationships is expected later this year.
Legacy financial institutions are adjusting course. 
Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) CEO Brian Moynihan said in February the bank is prepared to issue a stablecoin once legal clarity is established. 
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) has also resumed crypto custody services via a partnership with NYDIG.
International banks are taking note. 
A consortium including Deutsche Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DB#NYSE">DB</a>) and Standard Chartered (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCBFF#OTC">SCBFF</a>) is exploring expansion into the U.S. crypto market. Deutsche Bank declined to comment, and Standard Chartered did not respond.
However, caution persists in some corners. 
KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>) CEO Chris Gorman noted potential competitive threats from crypto and cited regulatory concerns, particularly around transparency and anti-money laundering enforcement. "It's hard to trace," he said.
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Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered Reportedly Looking Into Expanding To US Crypto Market

DA Davidson analyst Peter Winter maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $54 to $49.

DA Davidson Maintains Buy on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $49

US Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) reported upbeat <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44838028/us-bancorp-beats-q1-estimates-on-strength-in-noninterest-income-loan-growth-and-cost-discipline">first-quarter earnings on Wednesday</a>.
Here are some key analyst takeaways.
<ul>
<li>Goldman Sachs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/595e3a7c988ca80001dc7d9c/richard-ramsden">analyst Richard Ramsden</a> maintained a Neutral rating, while reducing the price target from $44 to $42.</li>
<li>DA Davidson <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/59072de6290fa70001f19989/peter-winter">analyst Peter Winter</a> reiterated a Buy rating, while cutting the price target from $54 to $49.</li>
<li>Raymond James <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst/58ca96e4b85e930001f446e0/david-long">analyst David Long</a> reaffirmed an Outperform rating, while reducing the price target from $57 to $51.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst John McDonald maintained a Hold rating and price target of $51.</li>
</ul>
Check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">other analyst stock ratings</a>.
Goldman Sachs: US Bancorp reported first-quarter earnings of $1.03 per share, beating consensus of $1.01 per share. Management guided to second-quarter net interest income of $4.1 billion to $4.2 billion, representing sequential growth, Ramsden said in a note.
The bank expects NII growth to continue through the year, "benefiting from fixed asset repricing, repositioning to higher yield loan categories as well as continued deposit repricing," the analyst wrote. Management reaffirmed their 2025 guidance to reflect total revenue growth of 3%-5%, he further stated.
DA Davidson: US Bancorp delivered a "clean quarter," with an earnings beat that was driven by fee income coming in sequentially flat at $2.836 billion, Winter said. He added that credit quality was strong, leading to provision expenses declining by $23 million to $537 million.
Management's total revenue growth guidance of 3%-5% reflects modest loan and deposit growth, the analyst stated. Gunjan Kedia, who took over as CEO on April 15, is "determined to have USB regain its premium valuation with a real sense of urgency.&#8221;
Raymond James: US Bancorp reported broadly in-line net interest margin, while reiterating its medium-term NIM target of 3.00% by 2027, Long said. The company also mapped out the steps to reach this target, he added.
"Incorporating a +3.0% NIM and +$700 billion balance sheet into 2027 results in at least 10% annual NII growth," the analyst wrote. This was the second consecutive quarter in which the bank achieved positive operating leverage, he further stated.
Truist Securities: US Bancorp&#8217;s earnings call focused on the achievement of medium-term targets under Kedia, McDonald said. There was no change in the bank's overall strategy of prudently managing expenses, growing organically, and transforming its payments businesses.
Management aims to strike a balance between growth and profitability in payments, "with the expectation that it will grow volumes in-line with the U.S. industry, while leaning into areas where it makes sense from a profitability/margin perspective," McDonald wrote.
Price Action: At the time of publication on Wednesday, shares of US Bancorp had risen by 2.14% to $38.61.
Read More: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44806916/citigroup-bank-of-america-and-3-stocks-to-watch-heading-into-tuesday">U.S. Bancorp Shares Drop While Leadership Transition Announced</a> </li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Earnings Beats

Reiteration

US Bancorp Posts Q1 Earnings Beat, New CEO Exhibits 'Sense Of Urgency'

Raymond James analyst Michael Rose reiterates U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $57 to $51.

Raymond James Reiterates Outperform on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $51

Piper Sandler analyst Scott Siefers maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $49 to $48.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $48

RBC Capital analyst Gerard Cassidy maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $57 to $50.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $50

Morgan Stanley analyst Betsy Graseck maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $51 to $50.

Morgan Stanley Maintains Overweight on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $50

Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $56 to $50.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $50

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) reported better-than-expected first-quarter <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USB/earnings">earnings on Wednesday.</a>
The company posted earnings per share of $1.03, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 98 cents. The parent company of U.S. Bank reported quarterly revenues of $6.95 billion. It outpaced the analyst consensus estimate of $6.91 billion.
U.S. Bancorp's average total loans increased 2.1% on a year-over-year basis and 0.9% on a linked quarter basis.
"We managed expenses with discipline and delivered 270 basis points of positive operating leverage on an adjusted basis – our third consecutive quarter of yearover-year growth in revenues outpacing expenses," said U.S. Bancorp CEO Gunjan Kedia.
U.S. Bancorp shares gained 1.6% to trade at $38.40 on Thursday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on U.S. Bancorp following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst David Konrad maintained U.S. Bancorp with a Market Perform rating and lowered the price target from $54 to $49.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst John McDonald maintained the stock with a Hold rating and cut the price target from $51 to $48.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Jason Goldberg maintained U.S. Bancorp with an Overweight rating and lowered the price target from $61 to $56.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying USB stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="598" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17111611/image-26-1024x598.png" alt="" class="wp-image-877017" style="width:531px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17111611/image-26-1024x598.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17111611/image-26-300x175.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17111611/image-26-768x448.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/17111611/image-26.png 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44866413/netflix-earnings-are-imminent-these-most-accurate-analysts-revise-forecasts-ahead-of-earnings-call-3">Netflix Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Earnings

Markets

U.S. Bancorp Analysts Slash Their Forecasts After Q1 Earnings

Barclays analyst Jason Goldberg maintains U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $61 to $56.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on U.S. Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $56

Press Releases

U.S. Bank Introduces All-in-One Business Checking Plus Payments Acceptance to Help Business Owners Save Time and Money

U.S. Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

U.S. Bancorp announces leadership changes in corporate functions

U.S. Bank Announces Leader for Investment Services Division

U.S. Bank: Truck Freight Picks up in Northeast, Drops Sharply in Southwest

U.S. Bank Avvance Added to Pure Finance Group's Home Improvement Lending Platform

Elavon and Jscrambler Partner to Strengthen PCI DSS Compliance for Merchants

Gonzaga University and U.S. Bank Expand Partnership With a New Debit Card Design

U.S. Bank Named Official Banking and Wealth Management Partner of Premier Lacrosse League and Women's Lacrosse League

U.S. Bancorp to speak at the Morgan Stanley US Financials Conference

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