Can BNY Mellon's Stock Recover after Its Stellar 1Q16 Earnings?

(Continued from Prior Part)

Profitability improves despite low interest rates and global weakness

A key element gripping the US banking sector (IYF) (SPY) is the prevalent low interest rate environment that is acting as a drag on bank earnings. In the Fed’s December 2015 meeting, Janet Yellen, governor of the Federal Reserve, decided to hike interest rates by 0.25%.

Global weakness has also impacted trading desks and slowed mergers and acquisitions activity, which could impact the future earnings of custodian banks like Bank of New York Mellon (BK). Custody banks keep records, track performance, and lend securities for institutional investors. BNY Mellon also manages investments for individuals and institutions.

Return ratios for BNY Mellon

Banks’ valuations are derived from the returns they are able to generate on the assets and shareholders’ equity. These are key measures for profitability for banks. During 1Q16, BNY Mellon (BK) posted a return on equity (or ROE) of 9.2% compared to 8.8% during the same period last year. In the previous quarter, its ROE was 7.1%.

BNY Mellon’s peers Northern Trust Corp. (NTRS) and State Street Corp. (STT) plan to declare their quarterly earnings next week.

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Browse this series on Market Realist:

• Part 1 - BNY Mellon’s 1Q16 Earnings Beat Estimates, Stock Gains 2.5%

• Part 2 - Which Segment Drove BNY Mellon’s Earnings In 1Q16?

• Part 4 - BNY Mellon’s Capital Ratios, Liquidity Position Improve in 1Q16