Esquire Financial Holdings Named to KBW's Bank Honor Roll for Second Consecutive Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Esquire Financial Holdings (NASDAQ: ESQ) has been named to KBW's Bank Honor Roll for the second consecutive year, being one of only 16 U.S. banks to achieve this recognition in 2025. The company was one of just two institutions out of 330 to meet all eligibility criteria, which includes having assets over $500 million and delivering top-quintile EPS growth over the past decade.

While over 60% of banks reported declining EPS in 2024, Esquire achieved record financial results: net income increased by $2.6 million (7%) to $43.7 million ($5.14 per diluted share) compared to $41.0 million ($4.91 per diluted share) in 2023. The company demonstrated exceptional performance with a 33% compound annual EPS growth over five years, and superior metrics including 2.6% return on average assets and 20.1% return on equity, significantly outperforming sector averages of 0.9% and 8.8% respectively.

Positive

• Named to KBW's Bank Honor Roll as one of only 16 U.S. banks (top 5% of eligible institutions)
• Net income increased 7% to $43.7 million in 2024
• 33% compound annual EPS growth over past five years
• Superior ROA of 2.6% vs. sector average of 0.9%
• Outstanding ROE of 20.1% vs. sector average of 8.8%

Negative

• None.

Insights

Banking Industry Analyst

Esquire Financial achieves elite banking status with KBW Honor Roll recognition, demonstrating exceptional profitability metrics that dramatically outperform industry averages.

Esquire Financial's second consecutive appearance on KBW's Bank Honor Roll represents a rare achievement in the banking sector. As one of just 16 banks nationwide—representing only 5% of eligible institutions—to earn this distinction, Esquire has demonstrated exceptional consistency in performance. More impressively, Esquire was one of only two institutions out of 330 that satisfied all eligibility criteria for the award.

The performance metrics reveal a bank operating at an elite level compared to peers. In an environment where over 60% of banks experienced year-over-year earnings declines in 2024, Esquire delivered record results with net income rising $2.6 million, or 7%, to $43.7 million. This translates to diluted earnings per share of $5.14, up from $4.91 in 2023.

What truly distinguishes Esquire is its 33% compound annual EPS growth over the past five years—a growth trajectory rarely seen in banking. The profitability metrics further highlight Esquire's outlier status: a 2.6% return on average assets (nearly triple the sector average of 0.9%) and 20.1% return on equity (more than double the industry benchmark of 8.8%).

These figures place Esquire among the most efficient and profitable banking institutions nationwide. While the specific nature of Esquire's "complex and fragmented national verticals" isn't detailed, their focus on a targeted, technology-enabled approach is clearly yielding superior financial performance compared to traditional banking models.

The KBW Bank Honor Roll recognition provides external validation of Esquire's performance excellence, as it's based on objective criteria measuring consistent earnings growth over a decade—particularly meaningful given the cyclical nature of the banking industry and recent macroeconomic challenges.

JERICHO, N.Y., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESQ) (the "Company"), the financial holding company for Esquire Bank, National Association ("Esquire Bank" or the "Bank") (collectively "Esquire"), today announced its inclusion for the second consecutive year on the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods ("KBW") Bank Honor Roll. Esquire is one of just 16 U.S. banks—and among only five percent of eligible institutions—to earn a place on the 2025 list, which recognizes consistent and exceptional performance over the past decade. Of these 16 honoree banks, Esquire had the elite distinction of being one of only two institutions out of 330 to meet all of the eligibility criteria set forth for the award.

To qualify for KBW's Bank Honor Roll, banks must have more than $500 million in total assets and meet one or both of the following criteria: deliver top quintile compounded annual earnings per share (EPS) growth over the past 10 years, and/or report consistent annual EPS growth over the same period. Esquire met all of these benchmarks.

According to KBW's research, more than 60% of banks posted a decline in year-over-year EPS in 2024. Esquire, however, delivered record results, with net income for the full year 2024 increasing $2.6 million, or 7%, to $43.7 million, or $5.14 per diluted share, when compared to $41.0 million, or $4.91 per diluted share, in 2023, resulting in 33% compound annual EPS growth over the past five years. Further, Esquire's return on average assets and equity were 2.6% and 20.1%, respectively, compared to 0.9% and 8.8%, respectively, for the sector in 2024.

"We are proud to be recognized by KBW as one of the top-performing financial institutions in the nation for the second straight year," stated Andrew C. Sagliocca, Vice Chairman, CEO, and President. "Esquire remains focused on building a disruptive, client-centric and tech-powered bank addressing our clients' needs in our two complex and fragmented national verticals. As we look to the future, we will continue to deepen our company's competitive advantage and prioritize capturing opportunities in these underserved markets."

"This recognition is a testament to the leadership team's innovation, execution and delivery of customized solutions while providing industry-leading returns for shareholders," said Tony Coelho, Chairman of the Board.

About Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Jericho, New York, with one branch office in Jericho, New York and an administrative office in Boca Raton, Florida. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Esquire Bank, is a full-service commercial bank dedicated to serving the financial needs of the litigation industry and small businesses nationally, as well as commercial and retail customers in the New York metropolitan area. The Bank offers tailored financial and payment processing solutions to the litigation community and their clients as well as dynamic and flexible payment processing solutions to small business owners. The Company was named to Fortune's 2024 Fastest-Growing Companies list. For more information, visit www.esquirebank.com.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/esquire-financial-holdings-named-to-kbws-bank-honor-roll-for-second-consecutive-year-302445298.html

SOURCE Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is Esquire Financial Holdings' (ESQ) performance in 2024?

In 2024, Esquire Financial Holdings reported net income of $43.7 million ($5.14 per diluted share), a 7% increase from $41.0 million in 2023, with ROA of 2.6% and ROE of 20.1%.

Why was ESQ named to KBW's Bank Honor Roll in 2025?

ESQ was named for consistent and exceptional performance, meeting all eligibility criteria including assets over $500 million and top-quintile EPS growth over the past decade, being one of only two banks out of 330 to achieve this.

How does ESQ's ROE compare to the banking sector average in 2024?

ESQ's return on equity was 20.1% in 2024, significantly outperforming the banking sector average of 8.8%.

What is Esquire Financial Holdings' (ESQ) compound annual EPS growth rate?

ESQ achieved a 33% compound annual EPS growth rate over the past five years.