11 Best Regional Bank Dividend Stocks to Buy

6. M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46

M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB) ranks sixth on our list of the best dividend stocks from the regional banking industry. The New York-based bank holding company offers services in commercial banking, consumer banking, institutional banking, and wealth management. The company has a long-standing track record of solid business performance, even during challenging periods, due to its exceptional risk management and high-quality assets. During the Great Recession following the 2008 financial crisis, the bank remained profitable every quarter—continuing a streak of profitability that dates back to the 1970s. Notably, M&T was the only bank among the dozens in the broader market that maintained its dividend without any reductions throughout the crisis, a period that proved especially difficult for the banking sector.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB) posted a revenue of $2.4 billion, which showed a 3.7% growth from the same period last year. The revenue beat analysts’ estimates by $39.3 million. The company’s capital position has continued to improve, with its CET1 capital ratio rising for the seventh straight quarter, reaching an estimated 11.67% as of December 31, 2024. This marks a 13 basis-point increase from the 11.54% reported on September 30, 2024. In addition, the bank saw a $2.7 billion increase in average investment securities, while the yields on those securities rose by 18 basis points.

M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB) has a strong balance sheet as the company returned $226 million to shareholders in common stock dividends. Its quarterly dividend comes in at $1.35 per share for a dividend yield of 3.31%, as of April 3. The company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past eight consecutive years.