Playing M&A Bingo With BB&T

When an historically acquisitive bank signals that they’re reading to start considering M&A again, I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to start speculating on the sort of target(s) the company might have in mind. In the case of BB&T (BBT), while management has certainly laid out a case for worthwhile organic growth by focusing on its core strengths in business and consumer lending, the company has also laid out a clear set of criteria for future M&A, and I believe management would like to make a significant deal (or two) to vault the company over the $250 billion asset level.

Deal or not, I believe BB&T shares are modestly undervalued today. While there are certainly other options in BB&T’s size range worth considering (including PNC (PNC)), I believe mid-single-digit growth can support an attractive return at today’s price.

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Playing M&A Bingo With BB&T