Quarterly earnings results are a good time to check in on a company’s progress, especially compared to its peers in the same sector. Today we are looking at Banc of California (NYSE: BANC) and the best and worst performers in the regional banks industry.

Regional banks, financial institutions operating within specific geographic areas, serve as intermediaries between local depositors and borrowers. They benefit from rising interest rates that improve net interest margins (the difference between loan yields and deposit costs), digital transformation reducing operational expenses, and local economic growth driving loan demand. However, these banks face headwinds from fintech competition, deposit outflows to higher-yielding alternatives, credit deterioration (increasing loan defaults) during economic slowdowns, and regulatory compliance costs. Recent concerns about regional bank stability following high-profile failures and significant commercial real estate exposure present additional challenges.

The 98 regional banks stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q2. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

While some regional banks stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 1.3% since the latest earnings results.

Banc of California (NYSE: BANC)

Originally established in 1941 and now operating with a tech-forward approach that includes its SmartStreet platform for homeowner associations, Banc of California (NYSE: BANC) is a California-based bank holding company that provides banking services to small and middle-market businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals.

Banc of California reported revenues of $272.8 million, up 5.2% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 1.2%. Overall, it was a softer quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates and a slight miss of analysts’ net interest income estimates.

Jared Wolff, President & CEO of Banc of California, commented, “Our second quarter results reflect the strength of our core earnings engine and our disciplined execution. We delivered double digit growth in adjusted earnings per share, our third consecutive quarter of strong loan growth, expanded net interest income, and grew pre-tax pre-provision profitability, all while proactively managing credit risk. The decisive actions we took to reposition a portion of our balance sheet—through the opportunistic sale of select CRE loans—have enhanced our credit profile and strengthened our balance sheet, positioning us to continue generating consistent and high quality earnings. We have increased tangible book value per share for five straight quarters. With a healthy capital base, improving credit metrics, and a robust pipeline of high-quality loan originations, we are confident in our ability to drive long-term value for our shareholders.”

Interestingly, the stock is up 1.1% since reporting and currently trades at $15.45.

Read our full report on Banc of California here, it’s free.

Best Q2: UMB Financial (NASDAQ: UMBF)

With roots dating back to 1913 and a name derived from "United Missouri Bank," UMB Financial (NASDAQ: UMBF) is a financial holding company that provides banking, asset management, and fund services to commercial, institutional, and individual customers.

UMB Financial reported revenues of $689.2 million, up 76.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 8.6%. The business had a stunning quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ tangible book value per share estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 5.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $116.19.

Is now the time to buy UMB Financial? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q2: Coastal Financial (NASDAQ: CCB)

Pioneering the intersection of traditional banking and financial technology in the Pacific Northwest, Coastal Financial (NASDAQ: CCB) operates as a bank holding company that provides traditional banking services and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions to consumers and businesses.

Coastal Financial reported revenues of $119.4 million, down 11.7% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 21.5%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ net interest income estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 4.5% since the results and currently trades at $106.

Read our full analysis of Coastal Financial’s results here.

Dime Community Bancshares (NASDAQ: DCOM)

With roots dating back to 1910 and a name that evokes the historic "dime savings banks" of America's past, Dime Community Bancshares (NASDAQ: DCOM) is a New York-based bank holding company that provides commercial banking and financial services to businesses and consumers throughout Greater Long Island.

Dime Community Bancshares reported revenues of $109.7 million, up 25.6% year on year. This number topped analysts’ expectations by 2.6%. Aside from that, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also logged a narrow beat of analysts’ net interest income estimates but a narrow beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

The stock is flat since reporting and currently trades at $28.67.

Read our full, actionable report on Dime Community Bancshares here, it’s free.

Webster Financial (NYSE: WBS)

Founded during the Great Depression in 1935 and evolving into a major Northeastern financial institution, Webster Financial (NYSE: WBS) is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, consumer banking, and employee benefits solutions through its Webster Bank and HSA Bank division.

Webster Financial reported revenues of $715.8 million, up 16.5% year on year. This print was in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a satisfactory quarter as it also put up a narrow beat of analysts’ tangible book value per share estimates.

The stock is flat since reporting and currently trades at $58.22.

Read our full, actionable report on Webster Financial here, it’s free.

Market Update

In response to the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has been gradually trending down from its post-pandemic peak, trending closer to the Fed’s 2% target. Despite higher borrowing costs, the economy has avoided flashing recessionary signals. This is the much-desired soft landing that many investors hoped for. The recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November 2024) have bolstered the stock market, making 2024 a strong year for equities. Donald Trump’s presidential win in November sparked additional market gains, sending indices to record highs in the days following his victory. However, debates continue over possible tariffs and corporate tax adjustments, raising questions about economic stability in 2025.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Hidden Gem Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.