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Truist Sees Attractive Risk-Reward in U.S. Bancorp (USB), Upgrades Shares to Buy

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) is included among the 14 Value Stocks to Buy with High Dividend Yields.

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

On February 26, Truist analyst John McDonald upgraded U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) to Buy from Hold. He raised the price target on the stock to $66 from $61. The analyst said the shares offer an attractive risk and reward profile as the company moves into a stronger position. He noted that net interest margin is beginning to improve, while the company now has greater balance sheet and capital flexibility. He also said there is potential for sustainable positive operating leverage over the next few years.

During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, President, CEO, and Director Gunjan Kedia reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.26. This marked an increase of about 18% compared with the prior year. She also said the company generated record net revenue of $7.4 billion for the quarter and $28.7 billion for the full year. Kedia pointed to strong operating performance across the business. She said the company delivered positive operating leverage of 440 basis points on an adjusted basis. She also highlighted disciplined expense management, explaining that four major productivity initiatives helped keep expenses largely stable for nine consecutive quarters. That kind of consistency is not easy to maintain, and it reflects ongoing internal focus on efficiency.

She also announced the completion of the BTIG acquisition. She described it as a strategic step forward following a long-term partnership. Kedia said the acquisition is expected to support the company’s efforts to strengthen and expand its capital markets platform. She also highlighted strong momentum in the Global Fund Services segment. She said net revenue in the business has grown at an 11% compound annual rate since 2021 and increased another 12% in 2025. She added that payment transformation remains a key long-term priority, with improving growth trends and continued focus on expanding the company’s presence in the small business segment.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) operates as a financial services holding company. Its businesses include Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking, Consumer and Business Banking, Payment Services, and Treasury and Corporate Support.

While we acknowledge the potential of USB to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than USB and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 14 Best GARP Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 13 Best Long-Term Dividend Stocks to Invest in Right Now

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