Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with a buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider on December 17 Group 1: Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited (NTB) - The company provides a range of community, commercial, and private banking services [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.1% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a dividend yield of 3.9%, compared to the industry average of 2.7% [1] Group 2: F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (FG) - The company specializes in fixed annuities and life insurance products [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 15% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a dividend yield of 2.5%, compared to the industry average of 1.6% [2] Group 3: Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (BFH) - The company is a tech-forward financial services provider offering payment and lending solutions [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 22.2% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a dividend yield of 1.2%, compared to the industry average of 0.0% [3]

Core Viewpoint - M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB) is recognized for its stable dividend history and is included among high-yield dividend stocks, appealing to income investors [1][6]. Group 1: Price Target and Ratings - DA Davidson has adjusted its price target for M&T Bank from $224.00 to $222.00 while maintaining a Neutral rating [3]. - The firm anticipates that 2026 will present more favorable conditions for M&T Bank, with potential growth opportunities arising from current challenges in commercial real estate [3]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Outlook - M&T Bank's management expects continued strength in net interest margin expansion and fee income growth, alongside improved credit quality indicated by fewer criticized loans [4]. - The bank has a solid presence across multiple states, providing a variety of community, commercial, and retail banking services [2]. Group 3: M&A Activity - M&T Bank has shown interest in potential merger and acquisition opportunities as market activity increases, although no immediate deals are planned [5]. - This potential M&A activity may act as a short-term drag on the stock, influencing DA Davidson's decision to lower the price target slightly [5]. Group 4: Dividend Information - M&T Bank has a strong dividend history, having increased its payouts for nine consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share [6]. - The stock provides a dividend yield of 3.30% as of October 21 [6].

Core Insights - Viper Networks and Apollo INT'L have successfully completed a pilot deployment of smart city infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the versatility of Viper's Community product line, which includes advanced smart poles and lighting systems [1][3] - The project aims to enable municipalities, mobile operators, and enterprises to achieve cost efficiencies and create new revenue streams through various applications such as security cameras, advertising, and public WiFi systems [2][3] - The pilot in Saudi Arabia is the second of three ongoing pilot projects, following the completion of a similar project in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which involved the deployment of 108 poles and smart lights [4] Company Strategy - The Community product line is a key component of the company's "Everything Wireless: Telecom+Energy" strategy, which integrates mobility, fixed wireless, and smart city technologies into a unified platform for global deployment [5] - The company is committed to expanding its operations, with plans to announce a pilot project in the United States and additional follow-on projects this quarter [6]