Atlantic Union (AUB) Gains Ground with Smart Acquisition and Strong Execution

Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NYSE:AUB) is one of the best bank stocks to buy trading under book value. On July 25, Piper Sandler lowered its price target on Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NYSE:AUB) slightly, from $46 to $45, while maintaining an Overweight rating. This still represents a 36.5% upside. This modest adjustment reflects confidence in the company’s ongoing transformation, largely fueled by the acquisition of Sandy Spring Bank. The deal has strengthened Atlantic Union’s footprint, positioning it as a leading regional bank in the lower mid-Atlantic.

Atlantic Union (AUB) Gains Ground with Smart Acquisition and Strong Execution

A local business owner signing a loan agreement with a banker.

The bank’s second-quarter results showed continued momentum, with solid growth in both loans and deposits. Piper Sandler highlighted Atlantic Union’s disciplined approach to managing commercial real estate (CRE) concentration, which helps mitigate risk while supporting expansion. Credit quality remained strong, and the bank achieved a notable net interest margin of 3.83%, indicating effective management of lending and funding costs.

Expense control also played a key role in the quarter’s performance, supporting profitability during this period of integration and growth. Overall, Atlantic Union appears to be successfully balancing growth with prudent risk management. For investors, the bank’s disciplined strategy and enhanced regional presence make it a compelling choice in the regional banking sector, despite the slight pullback in the price target.

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Disclosure: None.