Insights into Top-Performing U.S. Banks from Recent Study

Annual Study Reveals Top U.S. Banks' Performance

A detailed analysis ranks the 300 largest public banks.

Bank Director, a leading information source for financial institution directors, has released a unique study focusing on the operational performance of public banks. The RankingBanking study aims to discern the reasons behind the success of certain banks while highlighting those that lag behind. Notable insights from Jackie Stewart, the Executive Editor at Bank Director, have spotlighted essential patterns among top-ranking banks, particularly their ability to tap into niche markets and excel in mergers and acquisitions.

How RankingBanking Assesses Bank Performance

The study employs four significant metrics to evaluate the performance of the largest publicly traded commercial and savings banks. These metrics include:

• Core return on average assets.
• Core return on average equity.
• Tangible common equity to tangible assets.
• Nonperforming assets in relation to loans and real estate owned.

Each bank receives a ranking based on these factors, and the total of the rankings determines their final score, where a lower score indicates superior performance.

Key Insights from Banking Experts

Kara Baldwin, a partner at Crowe who leads the financial services audit group, discusses the significance of a clearly defined strategic vision for banks. She emphasizes, "A well-defined strategy that aligns with your bank's unique objectives is a driving force behind high performance. Being unique within the market allows a bank to thrive."

Overview of the Top-Ranked Banks

According to the latest findings, here are the 25 banks that stood out as the top performers:

1. Westamerica Bancorp. (WABC)
2. Northeast Community Bancorp (NECB)
3. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMCB)
4. West Coast Community Bancorp (WCCB)
5. Commerce Bancshares (CBSH)
6. River City Bank (RCBC)
7. HBT Financial (HBT)
8. Central Bancompany (CBCY.B)
9. MetroCity BankShares (MCBS)
10. First National Bank Alaska (FBAK)
11. Bank First Corp. (BFC)
12. East West Bancorp (EWBC)
13. Five Star Bancorp (FSBC)
14. City Holding Co. (CHCO)
15. Unity Bancorp (UNTY)
16. Mercantile Bank Corp. (MBWM)
17. Bank OZK (OZK)
18. Cashmere Valley Bank (CSHX)
19. 1st Source Corp. (SRCE)
20. ACNB Corp. (ACNB)
21. ServisFirst Bancshares (SFBS)
22. Northeast Bank (NBN)
23. Preferred Bank (PFBC)
24. Community Trust Bancorp (CTBI)
25. Republic Bancorp (RBCA.A)

Highlights and Trends from the Study

Some vital trends and observations highlighted within the RankingBanking study include:

• A significant presence of California-based banks in the top rankings, with seven banks from the state among the top 25.
• Active acquisition strategies characterize several high-ranking institutions.
• Columbia Banking System's commendable ranking as the second-best bank in the category for institutions with assets exceeding $50 billion.
• East West Bancorp, recognized as the leading bank in its asset class, stands out, being the only bank above the $50 billion asset mark to feature in the top 25 overall.
• Nicolet Bankshares made a notable leap, climbing to 17th place in the $5 billion to $50 billion asset category, having previously ranked much lower in prior years.

Further Exploration of Rankings and Data

The complete ranking and in-depth details about top-performing banks categorized by asset size are accessible through additional resources. This comprehensive analysis paints a clear picture of what differentiates the leaders within the banking sector.

About Bank Director

Bank Director connects leaders in the banking industry to critical research and insights. Established in 1991, the organization offers valuable resources for board members and executives. It provides targeted information via Bank Director Magazine, along with board training services and highly regarded events.

About Crowe LLP

Crowe LLP stands out as a respected public accounting and consulting firm known for delivering innovative audit, tax, and consulting services to a broad range of clients. Recognized among the best workplaces, Crowe serves clients globally and is part of one of the largest global accounting networks.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to Bank Director's Marketing Associate, Emma McMillan-Zapf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RankingBanking study?

The RankingBanking study evaluates and ranks the largest public banks based on various performance metrics.

How many banks are listed in the RankingBanking report?

The report features the 300 largest publicly traded banks as part of its analysis.

What performance metrics are used in the study?

The study uses measures like return on assets, equity, tangible common equity, and nonperforming assets.

Where can I find the full ranking results?

The complete rankings and analysis can be accessed via Bank Director’s platforms.

Who compiles the RankingBanking report?

The report is compiled by Bank Director with support from Crowe LLP, a prominent accounting and consulting firm.

About The Author

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