Low-volatility stocks may offer stability, but that often comes at the cost of slower growth and the upside potential of more dynamic companies. Choosing the wrong investments can cause you to fall behind, which is why we started StockStory - to separate the winners from the losers. That said, here are three low-volatility stocks to steer clear of and a few better alternatives. Crocs (CROX) Rolling One-Year Beta: 0.46 Founded in 2002, Crocs (NASDAQ:CROX) sells casual footwear and is known for its iconi ...

Core Insights - Comfort Systems USA reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025, with net income of $291.6 million, or $8.25 per diluted share, compared to $146.2 million, or $4.09 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2024 [2][3] - Revenue for the third quarter of 2025 was $2.45 billion, up from $1.81 billion in 2024, indicating significant growth [2][3] - The company achieved operating cash flow of $553.3 million in the current quarter, compared to $302.2 million in 2024, reflecting improved cash generation [2][3] Financial Performance - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income was $691.8 million, or $19.52 per diluted share, compared to $376.6 million, or $10.52 per diluted share, in 2024 [4] - Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $6.46 billion, up from $5.16 billion in 2024 [4] - Operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $717.8 million, compared to $638.6 million in 2024 [4] Backlog and Acquisitions - The backlog as of September 30, 2025, was $9.38 billion, an increase from $8.12 billion as of June 30, 2025, and $5.68 billion as of September 30, 2024 [3][4] - The company completed acquisitions of two electrical companies on October 1, 2025, expected to generate over $200 million in incremental annual revenue and $15 to $20 million in incremental annual EBITDA [3][4] Market Outlook - The company expressed optimism for the fourth quarter and 2026, driven by unprecedented demand for its services and a strong backlog [4] - The backlog has increased by $3.4 billion since the beginning of the year, indicating robust growth prospects [4]

Core Insights - SouthState Bank Corporation reported a strong third quarter for 2025, with a 30% year-over-year increase in earnings per share, driven by successful integration of Independent Financial and growth in fee income and balance sheet [2][6] Financial Performance - Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.42 and adjusted diluted EPS of $2.58, with net income of $246.6 million and adjusted net income of $262.7 million [6] - Return on average common equity was 11.0%, while return on average tangible common equity was 19.6%, and adjusted return on average tangible common equity was 20.8% [6][9] - Revenue for the quarter was $699 million, a 5% increase from the previous quarter, with net interest income of $600 million, up 4% [6][12] - Noninterest income reached $99.1 million, primarily due to increases in correspondent banking and capital markets income [6][13] Balance Sheet Highlights - Total assets amounted to $66.05 billion, with loans increasing by $401 million (3%) and deposits rising by $376 million (3%) [10][11] - The ending loan-to-deposit ratio was 88%, with total loan yield at 6.48%, up 0.15% from the prior quarter [6][12] - The company maintained a strong capital position with tangible common equity ratio of 8.8% and total risk-based capital ratio of 14.0% [6][9] Efficiency and Cost Metrics - The efficiency ratio was reported at 50%, with an adjusted efficiency ratio of 47% [6][9] - Total noninterest expense was $372.3 million, reflecting ongoing costs related to merger and consolidation activities [14]

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 Points - First Horizon Corporation will have CFO Hope Dmuchowski and COO Tammy LoCascio participate in the BancAnalysts Association of Boston Conference on November 6, 2025, at 3:50 pm ET [1] - A live webcast and audio replay of the event will be available on the First Horizon Investor Relations website [2] - First Horizon Corporation has $83.2 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, and operates in 12 states in the southern U.S., offering a range of financial services [4]

Group 1 - The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is recognized as one of the 13 Safest Stocks to Invest in, supported by hedge fund interest and a significant return on equity [1] - Evercore ISI downgraded The Allstate Corporation from Outperform to In Line with a price target of $233, citing restricted EPS upside of approximately 2.5% compared to over 4% previously [2] - Analysts believe The Allstate Corporation is overearning in vehicle insurance, with expectations of normalized margins in 2026-2027 and limited opportunities for estimate revisions [3] Group 2 - Evercore cautioned against additional rerating due to weaker earnings growth estimates, despite the stock being relatively cheap compared to historical values and competitors [4] - The Allstate Corporation reported August catastrophe losses of $213 million, or $168 million after taxes [4] - The company offers a range of insurance products, including personal lines, commercial, residential, and car insurance in the United States and Canada [5]

Core Points - Hanmi Financial Corporation will report its third quarter 2025 financial results on October 21, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call will be held on the same day at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss the results [1] - The call can be accessed by dialing 1-877-407-9039 or through the investor relations page on Hanmi's website [2] Company Overview - Hanmi Financial Corporation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and owns Hanmi Bank [3] - Hanmi Bank operates 32 full-service branches, five loan production offices, and three loan centers across several states including California, Colorado, and New York [3] - The bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA, and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses [3]

Company Overview - M&T Bank Corporation (MTB) has a market capitalization of $31.3 billion and operates as a bank holding company for Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, providing a variety of banking products and services across several U.S. states and the District of Columbia [1] Earnings Expectations - M&T Bank is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 2025 results on October 16, with analysts predicting an adjusted EPS of $4.39, representing a 7.6% increase from $4.08 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast an adjusted EPS of $16.50, which is a 10.9% increase from $14.88 in fiscal 2024, and anticipate further growth to $18.75 in fiscal 2026, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 13.6% [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, M&T Bank shares have increased by 12.7%, which is lower than the S&P 500 Index's gain of 16.3% and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund's return of 19.3% [4] Recent Financial Results - In Q2 2025, M&T Bank reported an adjusted EPS of $4.28, exceeding expectations; however, shares fell by 2.4% following the announcement due to a decline in net interest income to $1.72 billion and a drop in deposits to $164.5 billion, alongside rising expenses of $1.34 billion and ongoing margin pressures [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus rating for M&T Bank stock is "Moderate Buy," with 11 out of 22 analysts recommending "Strong Buy," 2 suggesting "Moderate Buy," 8 indicating "Hold," and 1 advising "Strong Sell." The average price target is $221.33, suggesting a potential upside of 12.5% from current levels [6]

Transaction Overview - Artis and RFA will combine through a share exchange to form RFA Financial, creating a scaled financial services platform[19] - Artis unitholders will own 68% of the pro forma company, while RFA shareholders will own the remaining 32%[19] - RFA Financial intends to pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, or $0.44 per share annually[19] Financial Highlights - The combined entity will have approximately $2.7 billion in total assets[24] - RFA Bank has approximately $2.5 billion in total assets[16, 24] - RFA Mortgage Corporation has approximately $2.9 billion in originations[16, 24] - RFA Bank and RFA Mortgage Corporation generated approximately $24 million in total net income on a last twelve months basis as of Q2 2025[24] Growth and Value Creation - RFA Bank's net income Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2021 to Q2 2025 LTM is approximately 32%[43] - RFA Bank's originations CAGR from 2021 to Q2 2025 LTM is approximately 13%[43] - The transaction aims for cumulative asset sales of $1.3 to $1.5 billion to fuel growth within the RFA platform[66]

Core Insights - First Horizon Corporation's CFO, Hope Dmuchowski, has been recognized in the Memphis Business Journal's Super Women in Business Class of 2025, highlighting her significant contributions to the business community [1][2] - Dmuchowski was previously awarded the 2023 CFO of the Year in the public company category, showcasing her exceptional financial leadership within the regional banking sector [2] - The company, with $82.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, operates in 12 states and offers a wide range of financial services [4] Company Overview - First Horizon Corporation is a leading regional financial services company headquartered in Memphis, TN, focusing on helping clients, communities, and associates unlock their full potential [4] - The banking subsidiary, First Horizon Bank, provides services including commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking [4] - The company has received recognition as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and is listed as a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank [4] Leadership and Community Involvement - Hope Dmuchowski has been instrumental in leading strategic financial initiatives at First Horizon since joining in 2021 and actively mentors emerging leaders within the organization [3] - Dmuchowski serves on several non-profit boards, including the National Salvation Army, where she is the treasurer, and the Baptist Memorial Healthcare Foundation [3] - She has been recognized as one of American Banker's Most Powerful Women in Banking in 2024 and was part of the executive team honored as The Most Powerful Women in Banking Top Team 2024 [3]