** Regional bank stocks were outperforming a broader market rally on Wednesday as investors reacted positively to the latest earnings reports

** The S&P 500 was up 0.3% while the S&P 500 regional bank index .SPLRCBNKS was rallying 3.3%; the KBW regional banking index .KRX jumped 3.6% and was on track for its biggest one-day percentage gain since August after hitting its highest level since Dec 2, 2024

** Among the companies reporting was Citizens Financial CFG.N, up 6.4% to $63.67 after hitting a record intraday high of $63.70 as it reported a surge in Q4 profit helped by recovery in capital markets activity that boosted underwriting fees; the stock was on track for its biggest daily pct gain since April 9

** FNB Corp shares were up ~3% after it reported Q4 revenue slightly ahead of expectations, while adj EPS of $0.47 beat the mean expectation for $0.41

** Shares in Zions Bancorp gained 3.4% after its report, which prompted slight price target increases from at least two brokerages, with RBC raising its PT by $1 to $64, JPMorgan upping its PT to $68 from $67

** Shares in Truist Financial TFC.N were up 2.2% after it reported a rise in fourth-quarter profit, helped by higher interest income and fees from its investment banking businesses

** Old National Bancorp shares were up 3.2% at $23.63 after its quarterly report, which helped boost the stock to a 10-1/2 month intraday high of $23.96

** Some smaller banks were also showing strength with Dime Community Bancshares DCOM.O surging 13%, on pace for its biggest daily pct rise since November 2024, and Metropolitan Bank MCB.N up 10.4% after its report, also on track for its biggest one-day jump since November 2024

(Reporting by Sinead Carew)

((sinead.carew@thomsonreuters.com))