Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has secured a Virtual Asset Platform Operator License from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the exchange said on Thursday. Bybit becomes the first crypto exchange to obtain this full license from the SCA, the company said in a press statement. A number of crypto firms with operations in Dubai are regulated under the VARA framework. The SCA regulation is wider in scope as it applie ...

The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is one of the 12 Set-It-and-Forget-It Stocks to Buy Now. Following a strong second quarter, the company expands its branch network. Charles Schwab Expands Branch Network Following Strong Earnings and Asset Growth For the quarter ending July 18, 2025, the company reported net income of $2.1 billion, or $1.08 earnings per share. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) has managed to drive the client assets growth by 14% year-over-year to a record $10.76 trilli ...

Core Viewpoint - The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is highlighted as a relatively cheap stock within the S&P 500, with positive commentary from Jim Cramer, who is a strong advocate for the firm [1]. Company Overview - Charles Schwab provides a range of services including wealth management, brokerage, banking, and advisory services, along with trading platforms, investment products, retirement solutions, and custody services [1]. Recent Performance - The company reported a 17% month-over-month increase in net new assets, which Cramer described as an "amazing gain" justifying the stock's 2.3% price movement [1]. Historical Context - Cramer previously advised caution regarding the stock, referencing skepticism about the company's balance sheet and the influence of short sellers on trading [1]. Comparative Analysis - While acknowledging the potential of SCHW as an investment, the article suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [1].

Company Overview - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. is a leading global provider of logistics and third-party logistics (3PL) services, with a market cap of $15.9 billion [1] - The company offers a range of services including freight transportation, brokerage, warehousing, and supply chain consulting across various modes such as truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal rail, air freight, and ocean transport [1] Market Position - C.H. Robinson is classified as a "large-cap stock" due to its market cap exceeding $10 billion, highlighting its size and influence in the integrated freight and logistics industry [2] - The company benefits from a robust carrier network, scale of operations, and a data-driven approach, enabling it to provide cost-efficient, flexible, and reliable logistics services [2] Stock Performance - Currently, C.H. Robinson's shares are trading 2.7% below their 52-week high of $138, reached on September 19 [3] - Over the past three months, shares have rallied 42.9%, significantly outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 15% return during the same period [3] - In the longer term, shares have surged 26.1% over the past 52 weeks, slightly outpacing the Nasdaq's 25.6% increase [4] - Year-to-date, shares are up 29.9%, compared to the Nasdaq's 16.9% rise [4] - The stock has been trading above its 200-day moving average since late July and above its 50-day moving average since mid-May, indicating a bullish trend [4] Financial Performance - On July 30, C.H. Robinson reported its Q2 results, with shares increasing by 18.1% in the following trading session [5] - Revenue for the quarter declined 7.7% year-over-year to $4.1 billion, missing consensus estimates by 1.9% [5] - Despite the revenue decline, adjusted EPS grew 12.2% from the previous year to $1.29, exceeding analyst expectations by 10.3% [5] - Strong growth in margins was attributed to the disciplined execution of the company's strategic initiatives, which supported profitability [5]

Core Insights - First Busey Corporation reported a net income of $47.4 million for the second quarter of 2025, a significant recovery from a net loss of $30.0 million in the first quarter of 2025, and an increase from $27.4 million in the second quarter of 2024 [6][8][48] - The acquisition of CrossFirst Bank has been a transformative event, contributing positively to the financial results and expanding the bank's service offerings [3][6] Financial Performance - Net interest income for the second quarter of 2025 was $153.2 million, up from $103.7 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $82.5 million in the second quarter of 2024 [11][12] - The net interest margin increased to 3.49% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 3.16% in the first quarter of 2025 and 3.03% in the second quarter of 2024 [12][13] - Adjusted net income, excluding non-GAAP adjustments, was $57.4 million, or $0.63 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $39.9 million in the first quarter of 2025 [8][21] Noninterest Income - Total noninterest income increased by 111.4% compared to the first quarter of 2025 and by 33.1% compared to the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to net securities gains and the contribution from the CrossFirst acquisition [15][16] - Adjusted noninterest income, excluding net securities gains and losses, increased by 5.1% to $38.9 million in the second quarter of 2025 [16][17] Noninterest Expense - Total noninterest expense rose by 14.1% compared to the first quarter of 2025 and by 68.4% compared to the second quarter of 2024, largely due to acquisition-related costs and increased operational expenses [21][22] - Adjusted noninterest expense, excluding acquisition and restructuring expenses, was $106.6 million in the second quarter of 2025, a 28.6% increase from the first quarter of 2025 [22] Asset Quality - The allowance for credit losses was $183.3 million as of June 30, 2025, representing 1.33% of total portfolio loans, with a coverage ratio of 3.36 times non-performing loans [43][41] - Non-performing loans were 0.40% of portfolio loans as of June 30, 2025, reflecting a slight increase from the previous quarter [41][42] Balance Sheet Strength - Total assets were $18.92 billion as of June 30, 2025, down from $19.46 billion as of March 31, 2025, but up from $11.97 billion a year earlier [32][26] - Total deposits were $15.80 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $16.46 billion at March 31, 2025, with a deliberate run-off of higher-cost brokered deposits contributing to the decrease [48][49]

Core Points - WesBanco, Inc. will host a conference call on July 30, 2025, to review its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with results expected to be released after market close on July 29, 2025 [1] - The conference call can be accessed via a live webcast on the company's website or by dialing specific numbers for participants [2] - A replay of the conference call will be available starting July 30, 2025, and will last until August 13, 2025, with access codes provided for participants [3] Company Overview - WesBanco, Inc. has over 150 years of experience as a community-focused regional financial services provider, offering a range of banking solutions, trust, brokerage, wealth management, and insurance services [4] - The company is headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, and has total assets of $27.4 billion, with $7.0 billion in assets under management in its Trust and Investment Services [4] - Securities account values, including annuities, amount to $2.4 billion through its broker/dealer as of March 31, 2025 [4]

Core Insights - WesBanco, Inc. has appointed George Petroplus as the Morgantown Market President and Senior Commercial Banker, effective immediately, succeeding Nick Taylor who has been promoted to lead Business Banking [1][2] Company Overview - WesBanco, Inc. is a diversified, multi-state bank holding company with over 150 years of experience in community-focused financial services [5] - The company has total assets of $27.4 billion, with Trust and Investment Services holding $7.0 billion in assets under management and securities account values of $2.4 billion as of March 31, 2025 [5] Leadership and Strategy - George Petroplus will lead the growth strategy for the Morgantown market, focusing on maximizing opportunities to serve client needs and enhancing community engagement [2][4] - Petroplus has been with WesBanco since 2019, previously serving as a Commercial Banker and has experience in Credit Analysis and Portfolio Management [3] Community Engagement - The new Market President emphasizes the importance of community involvement and aims to support local initiatives through his leadership [2][4] - Petroplus is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way Monongalia and Preston Counties and the Mylan Park Foundation [3]

Group 1: Zacks Premium Overview - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence, including daily updates on Zacks Rank and Industry Rank, access to the Zacks 1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens [1] Group 2: Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators designed to help investors select stocks with the highest potential to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [2] - The Style Scores consist of four categories: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] Group 3: Value Score - The Value Score identifies attractive and discounted stocks using ratios such as P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, appealing to value investors [3] Group 4: Growth Score - The Growth Score evaluates stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow, targeting growth investors interested in sustainable long-term growth [4] Group 5: Momentum Score - The Momentum Score assists investors in capitalizing on price trends by analyzing one-week price changes and monthly earnings estimate changes [5] Group 6: VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for investors who utilize multiple investment strategies [6] Group 7: Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7][8] Group 8: Stock Analysis - First Horizon National (FHN) - First Horizon Corporation, based in Memphis, TN, offers diversified financial services through its subsidiary First Horizon Bank, including regional banking, mortgage lending, and wealth management [11] - FHN holds a 3 (Hold) Zacks Rank with a VGM Score of B, and a Momentum Style Score of B, having increased by 11.7% over the past four weeks [12] - Analysts have revised FHN's earnings estimate higher for fiscal 2025, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising by $0.04 to $1.71 per share, and an average earnings surprise of 6.5% [12]

Core Viewpoint - First Busey Corporation successfully closed a public offering of 8,600,000 depositary shares, raising approximately $207.48 million, which will enhance its capital structure and support future growth initiatives [1]. Group 1: Offering Details - The public offering included 8,600,000 depositary shares, with each share representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of 8.25% Fixed Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [1]. - The liquidation preference for each share is $1,000, equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share [1]. - The offering was managed by Piper Sandler & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. as joint bookrunning managers [2]. Group 2: Financial Profile - As of March 31, 2025, First Busey Corporation had total assets of $19.46 billion [4]. - Busey Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary, reported total assets of $11.98 billion [5]. - CrossFirst Bank, another subsidiary, had total assets of $7.45 billion and is set to merge with Busey Bank on June 20, 2025 [6]. Group 3: Wealth Management and Technology Services - Busey Bank's Wealth Management division manages assets totaling $13.68 billion, offering a range of services including asset management and tax preparation [7]. - FirsTech, a subsidiary of Busey Bank, specializes in financial technology solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, providing various payment technology services [8]. Group 4: Recognition and Awards - Busey was ranked 88th among America's Best Banks by Forbes in 2025 and received multiple accolades for being a great workplace [9].