Published on October 7th, 2025 by Bob Ciura
When it comes to investing in the financial sector, many investors gravitate towards well-known mega-cap bank stocks like JP Morgan Chase (JPM) and Bank of America (BAC). However, a closer look reveals that smaller financial services companies often boast longer dividend growth streaks than these giants.
Regional banks, in particular, have shown impressive performance, largely due to their solid business models and a cautious approach to lending and trading. This conservative strategy has helped them avoid the pitfalls that plagued larger banks during the 2008 financial crisis. Additionally, many regional banks have robust shareholder return programs, offering attractive dividend yields that make them appealing to dividend growth investors.
To assist investors in identifying promising opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of over 240 financial stocks, complete with essential investing metrics. This database is available for download below:
This article will rank the 10 best regional bank stocks currently available in the Sure Analysis Research Database, based on their expected annual returns over the next five years, from lowest to highest.
Table of Contents
Regional Bank #10: OFG Bancorp (OFG)
- Annual Expected Returns: 12.3%
OFG Bancorp operates Oriental Bank, offering a comprehensive range of banking, mortgage, insurance, and wealth management services. With a focus on a Digital First strategy, OFG has expanded its market share across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Q2 2025, OFG reported a non-GAAP EPS of $1.15, exceeding estimates by $0.10, and total core revenues of $182.2 million.
Regional Bank #9: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (ORRF)
- Annual Expected Returns: 12.3%
Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. serves as the holding company for Orrstown Bank, providing banking and financial advisory services in south-central Pennsylvania and parts of Maryland. In Q2 2025, net interest income surged 89.7% year-over-year to $49.5 million, largely due to the acquisition of Codorus Valley Bancorp.
Regional Bank #8: Eastern Bankshares (EBC)
- Annual Expected Returns: 12.6%
Eastern Bankshares offers commercial banking products primarily to retail and small business customers. With total consolidated assets of $25 billion, the bank reported a net income of $100.2 million for Q2 2025, rebounding from a net loss in the previous quarter.
Regional Bank #7: Columbia Banking System (COLB)
- Annual Expected Returns: 13.0%
Columbia Banking System, the holding company for Umpqua Bank, provides a wide range of banking services. In Q2 2025, the bank reported a non-GAAP EPS of $0.76, beating estimates by $0.10, and revenues of $510.91 million, up 8.2% year-over-year.
Regional Bank #6: ServisFirst Bancshares (SFBS)
- Annual Expected Returns: 13.1%
ServisFirst Bancshares operates as the holding company for ServisFirst Bank, with 34 locations across several states. In Q2 2025, net interest income increased 24.4% year-over-year to $131.7 million, driven by a 31-basis-point expansion in the net interest margin.
Regional Bank #5: WesBanco, Inc. (WSBC)
- Annual Expected Returns: 13.6%
WesBanco offers a variety of financial services, including retail and corporate banking. In Q2 2025, net income surged 197% year-over-year to $87.3 million, with total portfolio loans increasing by 54% due to the acquisition of PFC.
Regional Bank #4: Citizens Financial Group (CFG)
- Annual Expected Returns: 13.6%
Citizens Financial Group operates in two segments: Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. In Q2 2025, adjusted earnings-per-share reached 92 cents, exceeding estimates, while revenue increased by over 4% to $2.04 billion.
Regional Bank #3: Midland States Bancorp (MSBI)
- Annual Expected Returns: 13.8%
Midland States Bancorp, founded in 1881, operates 53 branches and offers a range of banking products. In Q2 2025, net interest margin expanded, although earnings-per-share decreased due to increased provisions for loan losses.
Regional Bank #2: U.S. Bancorp (USB)
- Annual Expected Returns: 14.2%
U.S. Bancorp has evolved into a national powerhouse, offering a variety of financial services. In Q2 2025, adjusted earnings-per-share came to $1.11, while revenue increased slightly year-over-year to $7 billion.
Regional Bank #1: Tompkins Financial (TMP)
- Annual Expected Returns: 14.3%
Tompkins Financial, headquartered in Ithaca, NY, offers a wide range of financial services. In Q2 2025, earnings-per-share reached $1.50, with total deposits showing a nearly 7% year-on-year increase.
The ten regional banks highlighted here may not be on the radar of many investors, but they represent solid opportunities for those seeking reliable dividend growth. These institutions have consistently rewarded their shareholders, and their commitment to dividend increases is likely to continue for years to come.
Additional Reading
For those interested in exploring more about reliable dividend growers, consider checking out the following Sure Dividend databases:
If you’re looking for stocks with unique dividend characteristics, these resources can provide valuable insights.
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