Three banks with a deposit base in the Fredericksburg area improved in the Bauer Financial ratings based on first-quarter 2012 financial data.

Capital One Bank and BB&T both received a five-star rating from Bauer, up from four for the quarter ending Dec. 31. Wells Fargo Bank moved from three to three and a half. All other banks with a local presence received the same rating as the quarter before.

The first-quarter ratings, which Bauer released this week, are based on financial data including capital ratios, profitability, delinquent loans, regulatory agreements, liquidity and more.

Here are the ratings:

Five stars ("Superior"): Virginia Partners Bank, Cardinal Bank, Capital One Bank, StellarOne Bank, BB&T, First Citizens Bank & Trust.

Four stars ("Excellent"): Carter Bank & Trust, Fauquier Bank, Woodforest National Bank, Peoples Community Bank, Virginia Commerce Bank, Union First Market Bank.

Three and a half stars ("Good"): M&T Bank, PNC Bank, Wells Fargo Bank.

Three stars ("Adequate"): EVB, SunTrust Bank, Bank of America, Essex Bank.

Two stars ("Problematic"): Virginia Community Bank.

Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com