Heritage Bank of Commerce Named One of Forbes’ 2026 Best Banks in America
Rhea-AI Summary
Heritage Commerce Corp (NASDAQ: HTBK) announced Heritage Bank of Commerce was named to Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Banks list on Feb 10, 2026, ranking among the top 100 banks and No. 1 in credit quality by percentage of assets classified as nonperforming.
Forbes ranked 200 largest publicly traded banks using credit quality, profitability, and stock performance metrics. The company highlighted recurring industry recognitions and noted a prior Forbes 2024 World’s Best Banks ranking (10th in the U.S.).
Positive
- Named to Forbes 2026 America’s Best Banks top 100
- Ranked No. 1 in credit quality by nonperforming-asset percentage
- Previously 10th in Forbes 2024 World’s Best Banks U.S. ranking
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – HTBK
On the day this news was published, HTBK declined 1.54%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
HTBK slipped 0.22% while several regional peers like EGBN (-0.69%), HIFS (-1.87%), MPB (-1.63%) and UNTY (-1.07%) were also down, but momentum scanners did not flag a coordinated sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22 | Dividend declaration | Positive | -3.7% | Announced regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share for shareholders. |
| Jan 22 | Earnings results | Positive | -3.7% | Reported 4Q25 and FY25 results with adjusted earnings growth and merger news. |
| Oct 23 | Dividend declaration | Positive | -1.5% | Declared regular $0.13 quarterly dividend and highlighted long dividend track record. |
| Oct 23 | Earnings results | Positive | -1.5% | Posted Q3 2025 revenue, EPS and margin gains with improved asset quality metrics. |
| Aug 18 | Board appointment | Positive | -0.2% | Added an experienced financial services executive to expand the board and committees. |
Recent positive updates on earnings, dividends and governance have often been followed by negative one‑day price reactions, indicating a tendency toward downside divergence on good news.
Over the past six months, HTBK has reported solid operating momentum and consistent capital returns. Earnings releases on Oct 23, 2025 and Jan 22, 2026 highlighted net income growth, margin expansion, and balance‑sheet strength, yet shares fell 1.52% and 3.74% the next day. Regular quarterly dividends of $0.13 per share have been maintained with similarly negative immediate reactions. A board expansion with an experienced financial executive on Aug 18, 2025 also saw a small price decline, underscoring a pattern of muted or negative responses to constructive news.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement underscores external validation of Heritage Bank of Commerce’s franchise, with Forbes citing strong credit quality and including the bank among America’s Best Banks. It follows prior recognition in 2024, when the bank ranked 10th among 68 U.S. institutions in Forbes’ World’s Best Banks list. In context with recent earnings growth and steady dividends, the accolade reinforces a quality narrative, while investors may still watch execution on the proposed merger and ongoing asset‑quality trends.
Key Terms
nonperforming financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heritage Commerce Corp (NASDAQ: HTBK), the holding company for Heritage Bank of Commerce (the “Bank”), announced that the Bank has been recognized by Forbes in the publication’s seventeenth annual America’s Best Banks list. Heritage Bank of Commerce is among the top banks in multiple categories and is No. 1 in credit quality as represented by percentage of assets qualified as nonperforming. Forbes established its ranking of the top 100 best banks in America using several metrics measuring credit quality, profitability, and stock performance for the 200 largest publicly traded banks and thrifts in asset size in the nation.
“Being recognized by Forbes once again reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing exceptional client service.” said Clay Jones, President. “We are honored by this recognition and remain focused on supporting the success of our clients and their businesses, helping to elevate the communities where we live and work.”
Heritage Commerce Corp and Heritage Bank of Commerce are consistently acknowledged as top performers in the financial services industry, earning recurring accolades for financial strength and community impact. In 2024, Heritage Bank of Commerce was also named one of Forbes’ World’s Best Banks, ranking 10th out of the 68 banks recognized in the United States, based on consumer survey criteria including trust, customer service and financial advice.
About Heritage Bank of Commerce
Heritage Commerce Corp, a bank holding company established in October 1997, is the parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce, established in 1994 and headquartered in San Jose, CA with full-service branches in Danville, Fremont, Hollister, Livermore, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Oakland, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Rafael, and Walnut Creek. Heritage Bank of Commerce is an SBA Preferred Lender. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is based in San Jose, CA and provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.heritagecommercecorp.com.
Member FDIC
For additional information, contact:
InvestorRelations@herbank.com
FAQ
What recognition did Heritage Bank of Commerce (HTBK) receive from Forbes on Feb 10, 2026?
Why was HTBK ranked No.1 in credit quality by Forbes?
How might the Forbes 2026 recognition affect HTBK shareholders?
Has Heritage Bank of Commerce received similar Forbes recognition previously (HTBK)?
Where can investors find more details about HTBK’s Forbes ranking and the company statement?
