Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the regional banks stocks, including Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ: COLB) and its peers.

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 95 regional banks stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 1.6%.

While some regional banks stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 2.5% since the latest earnings results.

Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ: COLB)

Created through the merger of two Pacific Northwest banking institutions with deep regional roots, Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ: COLB) operates Umpqua Bank, providing commercial, consumer, and wealth management services across eight western states.

Columbia Banking System reported revenues of $717 million, up 45.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 3%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the company with a beat of analysts’ EPS and revenue estimates.

"Our fourth quarter performance marked a strong end to a tremendous year for Columbia, reflecting continued momentum across our businesses and our commitment to consistent, repeatable results," said Clint Stein, President and CEO.

The stock is down 6.5% since reporting and currently trades at $27.74.

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

Best Q4: Merchants Bancorp (NASDAQ: MBIN)

With a strategic focus on low-risk, government-backed lending programs, Merchants Bancorp (NASDAQCM:MBIN) is an Indiana-based bank holding company specializing in multi-family mortgage banking, mortgage warehousing, and traditional banking services.

Merchants Bancorp reported revenues of $185.3 million, down 4.4% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 7.8%. The business had a stunning quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS and net interest income estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 27.3% since reporting. It currently trades at $44.48.

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

Weakest Q4: National Bank Holdings (NYSE: NBHC)

Operating under familiar local brands like Community Banks of Colorado, Bank Midwest, and Bank of Jackson Hole, National Bank Holdings (NYSE: NBHC) operates regional banks across Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Texas, and other western states, offering commercial, business, and consumer banking services.

National Bank Holdings reported revenues of $103.3 million, down 3.6% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 2.1%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ net interest income estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 1.2% since the results and currently trades at $39.58.

Read our full analysis of National Bank Holdings’s results here.

Triumph Financial (NYSE: TFIN)

Originally focused on traditional banking before pivoting to serve the transportation sector, Triumph Financial (NYSE: TFIN) provides specialized financial services to the trucking industry, including payments processing, factoring, banking, and data intelligence solutions.

Triumph Financial reported revenues of $106.7 million, up 3% year on year. This number missed analysts’ expectations by 3.4%. It was a slower quarter as it also recorded a significant miss of analysts’ tangible book value per share estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ revenue estimates.

The stock is down 15% since reporting and currently trades at $59.95.

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

First Financial Bankshares (NASDAQ: FFIN)

With roots dating back to 1890 and a network spanning over 70 locations across the Lone Star State, First Financial Bankshares (NASDAQ: FFIN) is a Texas-focused regional bank providing commercial banking, trust services, and wealth management across numerous communities throughout the state.

First Financial Bankshares reported revenues of $168.4 million, up 12.5% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 0.9%. More broadly, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ tangible book value per share estimates but a slight miss of analysts’ net interest income estimates.

The stock is down 8.5% since reporting and currently trades at $29.98.

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

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

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