Group 1 - Riverwater Partners' Small Cap Strategy reported solid results for Q3 2025 but lagged behind the benchmark due to the market's preference for lower-quality companies [1] - The strategy focuses on higher-quality companies with strong fundamentals, consistent revenue, and a clear path to profitability, positioning itself well in a challenging market [1] - The fund's top 5 holdings can be reviewed to identify its best investment picks for 2025 [1] Group 2 - Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS) is highlighted as a key stock, with a one-month return of 16.88% and a 52-week gain of 4.26% [2] - As of December 15, 2025, Provident Financial Services, Inc. had a stock price of $21.05 and a market capitalization of $2.75 billion [2] - Provident Financial Services, Inc. operates as a full-service community-oriented bank with over 140 branches and manages approximately $25 billion in assets following its acquisition of Lakeland Bancorp in 2024 [3]

Core Insights - Community Financial System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU) is recognized as one of the 12 Reliable Dividend Stocks for Maximum Income, highlighting its strong dividend performance [1] Company Overview - Community Financial System, Inc. operates as a regional financial holding company with services in banking, employee benefits, insurance, and wealth management across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts [2] Business Strategy - The company's strategy emphasizes a balanced mix of revenue streams, market expansion, and acquisitions to enhance market position and product offerings. Key success factors include stable deposit growth, prudent lending, strong asset quality, effective cost control, and disciplined capital allocation to support consistent dividend growth [3] Dividend Performance - Community Financial System has increased its dividend for 33 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns. Over the last decade, the company has distributed over $750 million in dividends, with a current quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share and a dividend yield of 3.35% as of October 13 [4]