Big-cap stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) and Palantir (PLTR) steal much of the attention. But now investors are scoring massive gains on small caps not in the S&P 500.Seven small stocks in the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), including cancer treatment company The Oncology Institute (TOI), mortgage firm Better Home & Finance (BETR) and used apparel seller ThredUp (TDUP), jumped more than 400% this year, says an Investor's Business Daily analysis of data from S&P Global Market Intelligence and MarketSurge.What's Hap ...

Core Viewpoint - Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. is set to announce its Third Quarter 2025 earnings on October 29, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for 10:30 AM Central Time, highlighting the company's ongoing commitment to transparency and communication with investors [1][2]. Company Overview - Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. is a regional financial holding company based in Houston, Texas, with total assets of $38.417 billion as of June 30, 2025, providing personal banking services and investments primarily in Texas and Oklahoma [3]. - Founded in 1983, the company adheres to a community banking philosophy, offering a range of financial solutions including traditional deposit and loan products, digital banking, credit and debit cards, mortgage services, treasury management, and wealth management services [4]. Operational Footprint - Prosperity operates 283 full-service banking locations across various regions, including 62 in the Houston area, 33 in South Texas, 61 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and additional branches in East, Central, and West Texas, as well as in Oklahoma [5].

Core Viewpoint - Regions Financial Corporation is set to announce its fiscal Q3 earnings for 2025, with expectations of a profit increase, reflecting a strong performance trajectory in recent quarters [1][2]. Financial Performance - Analysts anticipate a profit of $0.60 per share for Q3 2025, representing a 5.3% increase from $0.57 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the current fiscal year ending in December, the expected profit is $2.33 per share, up 9.9% from $2.12 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth projected to $2.54 in fiscal 2026, a 9% year-over-year increase [3]. Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Regions Financial's shares have increased by 16.3%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 15.6% rise but lagging behind the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's 19.6% return [4]. - Following the release of better-than-expected Q2 results, shares soared by 6.1%, with adjusted total revenue rising 7% year-over-year to $1.9 billion, exceeding consensus estimates by 3.2% [5]. Analyst Ratings - The overall sentiment among Wall Street analysts is moderately optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating. Out of 27 analysts, 10 recommend "Strong Buy," 2 suggest "Moderate Buy," 14 indicate "Hold," and 1 advises "Strong Sell" [6]. - The mean price target for Regions Financial is $28.68, indicating a potential upside of 7.7% from current levels [6].

Core Viewpoint - Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida has received all necessary regulatory approvals for its acquisition of Villages Bancorporation, Inc., with the transaction expected to close around October 1, 2025, pending shareholder approval [1][2]. Company Overview - Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida is one of the largest community banks in Florida, with approximately $15.9 billion in assets and $12.5 billion in deposits as of June 30, 2025 [3]. Transaction Details - The acquisition involves the merger of Citizens First Bank into Seacoast Bank, and all required regulatory approvals have been obtained [1][2]. - The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Villages Bancorporation's shareholders [2]. Financial Performance - In the second quarter of 2025, Seacoast reported a net income of $42.7 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, an increase from $31.5 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025 [11].

Market Overview - The U.S. markets started 2025 strong but have faced significant volatility due to tariff pressures and geopolitical uncertainty [1] - Expectations for a September FOMC rate cut have increased amid signs of a cooling labor market and inflationary effects from trade policies [1] Performance of Indices - The S&P 500 has retreated while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has moved higher, indicating volatile performance across indices [2] Investment Opportunities - Dividend-paying stocks are highlighted as a potential source of stability and income during market fluctuations [2] - Companies with resilient business models and a history of profitability can provide steady cash flows through dividends, serving as a defensive anchor for portfolios [2] Bank Stocks to Watch - Chemung Financial Corporation (CHMG), United Community Bank (UCB), and M&T Bank (MTB) have recently announced dividend hikes, enhancing shareholder value [3][9] - These bank stocks have rallied over 10% in the past year [3] Chemung Financial Corporation (CHMG) - As of June 30, 2025, Chemung Financial had $2.9 billion in assets [6] - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of 34 cents per share, a 6.3% increase from the previous payout, payable on October 1, 2025 [6][9] - Chemung Financial has increased its dividend three times in the past five years, with an annualized growth rate of 3.09% [7] - The dividend yield is 2.52% with a payout ratio of 26% [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales indicates a year-over-year rise of 16.4%, while earnings are expected to increase by 18.9% [11] United Community Bank (UCB) - As of June 30, 2025, UCB had $28.1 billion in assets [12] - The bank announced a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share, a 4.2% increase from the prior payout, payable on October 3, 2025 [13][9] - UCB has increased its dividend seven times in the past five years, with an annualized growth rate of 6.51% [13] - The dividend yield is 3.07% with a payout ratio of 39% [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales reflects a rise of 7.4%, while earnings are expected to grow by 14.8% [17] M&T Bank (MTB) - As of June 30, 2025, M&T Bank had $211.6 billion in assets [17] - The bank announced a quarterly cash dividend of $1.50 per share, an 11% increase from the previous payout, payable on September 30, 2025 [18][9] - M&T Bank has increased its dividend four times in the past five years, with an annualized growth rate of 5.36% [18] - The dividend yield is 2.84% with a payout ratio of 34% [18] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales suggests a year-over-year growth of 3.6%, while earnings are expected to increase by 11.1% [21]

Core Viewpoint - Alpine Banks of Colorado reported strong financial performance in the second quarter of 2025, with significant increases in net income and loan portfolio growth compared to previous periods [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net income for the second quarter of 2025 was $17.6 million, up from $14.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 23.1% increase [2][5]. - Year-to-date net income for the first half of 2025 reached $31.9 million, a 43% increase compared to $22.3 million in the first half of 2024 [2]. - Interest income rose by $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter, driven by higher yields and increased loan volume [2]. - Noninterest income increased by $0.7 million in the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to higher service charges and other income [2]. Loan Portfolio - Loans outstanding as of June 30, 2025, totaled $4.2 billion, reflecting a $87.0 million increase, or 2.1%, from the previous quarter [6]. - The growth in the loan portfolio was primarily driven by increases in commercial real estate loans ($81.8 million) and residential real estate loans ($77.0 million) [6]. - Year-over-year, loans outstanding increased by $145.7 million, or 3.6%, compared to $4.1 billion on June 30, 2024 [7]. Deposits - Total deposits decreased by $68.4 million, or 1.2%, to $5.9 billion during the second quarter of 2025, mainly due to declines in demand deposits and certificate of deposit accounts [8]. - However, total deposits increased by $76.6 million, or 1.3%, compared to $5.79 billion on June 30, 2024, driven by growth in money market accounts and demand deposits [9]. Capital and Ratios - The Bank maintained a "well capitalized" designation, with a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 9.90% and a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 15.21% as of June 30, 2025 [12]. - Book value per share increased to $33.97 as of June 30, 2025, up by $1.03 from March 31, 2025 [13]. Dividends - The Company declared cash dividends of $0.21 per Class A and Class B common shares during the second quarter of 2025, payable on July 28, 2025 [14]. Company Overview - Alpine Banks of Colorado is an independent, employee-owned organization with total assets of $6.61 billion as of June 30, 2025, serving approximately 170,000 customers [15].

Financial Performance - Main Street Financial Services Corp. reported a net income of $3.7 million, or $0.47 per common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2025, with core net income at $4.1 million, or $0.52 per common share [2][6] - Net interest income increased by 95% to $12.5 million compared to $6.4 million for the same quarter in 2024, with a net interest margin of 3.68%, up 99 basis points from 2.69% [5][6] - Noninterest income rose to $0.9 million, an increase of 26.5% from the previous year, primarily due to interchange fees and service charges from acquired deposit accounts [8] Merger and Integration - The merger with Wayne Savings Bancshares, Inc. was completed on May 31, 2024, forming a financial holding company with assets of $1.4 billion [3][4] - The merger was accounted for as a reverse merger, with Legacy Wayne deemed the acquirer for financial reporting purposes, affecting the historical financial statements [4] - The combined organization has focused on strong underwriting standards and proactive credit quality monitoring since the merger announcement [14] Asset Quality and Growth - Total assets reached $1.45 billion, with net loan balances of $1.16 billion, reflecting a loan growth of $29.8 million, or 10.5% annualized, during the second quarter of 2025 [11][15] - The allowance for credit losses was $12.4 million, representing 1.06% of total loans, indicating stable asset quality [12][13] - Nonperforming loans decreased to $4.7 million, down from $6.1 million at the end of 2024, with a past due loan ratio of 0.51% [13] Capital and Equity - Total stockholders' equity increased to $116.6 million, up $5.9 million from December 31, 2024, driven by net income and partially offset by dividends [16] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per share on July 11, 2025 [6] Regulatory and Operational Developments - The company received regulatory approval to open a retail branch office in St. Clairsville, Ohio, expected to open in Q3 2025 [6] - The company continued to reduce reliance on wholesale funding, decreasing it by $15 million during the second quarter of 2025 [6][15]

Core Viewpoint - TowneBank reported a record revenue quarter with total revenues of $207.44 million, an increase of 18.56% compared to the same quarter in 2024, driven by organic loan growth and strategic partnerships [2][6][26]. Financial Performance - Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was $38.84 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, down from $42.86 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2024 [1][26]. - Core earnings (non-GAAP) were $61.34 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $42.56 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2024 [1][26]. - Net interest income increased by $28.17 million, driven by higher interest income and lower deposit costs [6][7]. Loan and Deposit Growth - Total loans held for investment reached $12.36 billion, an increase of $0.91 billion, or 7.93%, compared to June 30, 2024 [19][26]. - Total deposits increased by $1.06 billion, or 7.40%, compared to the same quarter in 2024, totaling $15.33 billion [6][19][26]. - Noninterest-bearing deposits increased by 10.47% year-over-year, representing 31.02% of total deposits [6][19]. Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions - The acquisition of Village Bank was completed in April 2025, contributing significantly to earnings momentum [4][6]. - The company is focused on integrating its recent partnership with Old Point Financial Corporation, expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 [4][6]. Asset Quality and Credit Losses - The quarterly provision for credit losses was $6.41 million, compared to a benefit of $177 thousand in the prior year quarter [12][19]. - Nonperforming assets were $9.29 million, or 0.05% of total assets, an increase from $7.16 million, or 0.04%, at June 30, 2024 [19][27]. Capital and Regulatory Ratios - Common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.77%, and total risk-based capital ratio was 14.49% [19][26]. - Book value per common share increased to $29.58 from $27.62 a year ago [26]. Noninterest Income - Total noninterest income rose to $70.23 million, an increase of 6.53% compared to the same quarter in 2024 [12][19]. - Net insurance commissions increased by 6.85% to $25.68 million, driven by organic growth in property and casualty commissions [12][19]. Efficiency and Cost Management - Total noninterest expense increased by 21.52% to $150.67 million, primarily due to acquisition-related expenses and growth in salaries and employee benefits [12][19]. - The efficiency ratio was reported at 70.71%, indicating the proportion of expenses to revenue [26].

Core Viewpoint - United Community Banks, Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, driven by margin expansion, stable credit quality, and disciplined expense control, with net income reaching $78.7 million and diluted earnings per share increasing to $0.63 [1][5]. Financial Performance - The diluted earnings per share on an operating basis was $0.66, reflecting a 14% increase from the same quarter last year, primarily due to higher net interest income and lower provision for credit losses [2][5]. - Net income for the quarter was $78.7 million, with pre-tax, pre-provision income of $112.3 million, both showing improvements from the previous quarter [1][5]. - Total revenue for the quarter was $260 million, an increase of $13 million or 5% from the first quarter [5]. Key Ratios and Metrics - Return on assets was reported at 1.11%, with an operating return on assets of 1.16% [3][8]. - Return on common equity was 8.5%, while return on tangible common equity on an operating basis was 12.3% [3][8]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 56.7% on a GAAP basis and 54.8% on an operating basis [5][8]. Asset Quality - Net charge-offs were $8.2 million, or 0.18% of average loans, which is a decrease of 3 basis points from the first quarter [4][5]. - Nonperforming assets were 30 basis points relative to total assets, improving from 33 basis points in the previous quarter [4][5]. - The provision for credit losses was $11.8 million, down $3.6 million from the first quarter, maintaining an allowance for credit losses steady at 1.21% of loans [5][8]. Growth and Strategic Initiatives - The company successfully completed the acquisition of American National Bank on May 1, contributing to loan growth of $194 million, or 4.2% annualized, excluding loans from the acquisition [4][5]. - Tangible book value per share increased by $0.42 during the quarter [4]. - Customer deposits, excluding those from the acquisition, increased by $64 million or 1.3% annualized, despite a seasonal outflow of public funds [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - FS Bancorp, Inc. has promoted May-Ling Sowell to Chief Compliance Officer, SVP, reflecting the company's commitment to regulatory compliance and internal governance [1]. Company Overview - 1st Security Bank of Washington operates twenty-seven branches across Washington and Oregon, providing loan and deposit services, as well as mortgage services at each branch and lending offices in the Pacific Northwest [5]. Leadership Background - May-Ling Sowell has over three decades of experience in banking, having served as Compliance Officer at 1st Security Bank since November 2006 and previously worked as a private consultant [3][4]. - She obtained her Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager designation in 2012, indicating her expertise in regulatory compliance [3]. Responsibilities in New Role - In her new position, May-Ling Sowell will lead a team focused on the Bank's regulatory compliance system, security, and internal compliance training [4].