Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) is among the 11 Newly-Listed NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. Oppenheimer Increased its Price Target on Amrize Ltd (AMRZ) to $70 and Maintains an Outperform Rating On February 19, 2026, Oppenheimer increased its price target on Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) to $70 from $64 and maintained an Outperform rating. The firm noted the shares moved higher after the company reported Q4 2025 EBITDA of $779M and issued 2026 revenue and profitability guidance that came in moderately above Street expectations. ...

Core Viewpoint - Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market, enhancing its visibility and access to capital markets [1][3]. Company Overview - Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Ballston Spa National Bank, which manages approximately $928 million in total assets as of December 31, 2025 [5]. - The bank operates 13 full-service branches across Albany and Saratoga Counties in New York State, providing a range of banking solutions including retail, commercial, residential, and private-wealth services [5]. Market Context - The OTCQX Market is designed to provide a more efficient and cost-effective public market for U.S. regional and community banks, with tailored standards for bank reporting [3]. - To qualify for OTCQX, community banks must meet high financial standards, adhere to best practice corporate governance, and comply with applicable securities laws [3]. Trading Information - Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. began trading on OTCQX under the symbol "BSPA," with financial disclosures and real-time quotes available on the OTC Markets website [2]. - Janney Montgomery Scott LLC served as the corporate broker for Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. during its transition to OTCQX [4].

Group 1 - Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market, enhancing its visibility and access to capital markets [1][2] - The OTCQX Market is designed to provide a more efficient and cost-effective public market for U.S. regional and community banks, emphasizing price transparency and information distribution [3] - To qualify for OTCQX, community banks must meet high financial standards, adhere to best practice corporate governance, and comply with applicable securities laws [3] Group 2 - As of December 31, 2025, Ballston Spa National Bank manages approximately $928 million in total assets and operates 13 full-service branches in Albany and Saratoga Counties, New York [5] - Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of banking solutions, including retail, commercial, residential, and private-wealth banking services [5] - The bank has a legacy of over 185 years, focusing on personal service, local decision-making, and long-term relationships while integrating modern banking conveniences [5] Group 3 - OTC Markets Group Inc. operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, providing critical market infrastructure for broker-dealers [6] - The company’s data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of its public markets, which include OTCQX Best Market, OTCQB Venture Market, OTCID Basic Market, and Pink Limited Market [6]

Core Insights - SouthState Bank has been awarded the second highest number of awards in the U.S. for Middle Market and Small Business Banking by Crisil Coalition Greenwich, with a total of 29 awards, an increase of six from the previous year, indicating strong client relationships and commitment to high-quality financial solutions [1][1][1] Group 1: Awards and Recognition - SouthState Bank received 16 awards in the Middle Market Banking category, which includes businesses with annual revenue between $10-500 million, tying for the highest number of awards in this segment [1][1][1] - The bank's accolades in Middle Market Banking include categories such as Overall Satisfaction, Cash Management Satisfaction, and Customer Service, highlighting its strong performance in client experience [1][1][1] - In the Small Business Banking category, defined as companies with annual revenue between $1-10 million, SouthState earned 13 awards, marking it as a leader in this area as well [1][1][1] Group 2: Company Growth and Strategy - SouthState Bank's expansion into Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee has allowed it to serve more businesses, emphasizing its focus on customer experience while growing its footprint [1][1][1] - Since 2016, SouthState has accumulated a total of 111 Coalition Greenwich awards, showcasing its ongoing commitment to exceptional commercial banking services [1][1][1] Group 3: Evaluation Process - The 2026 awards were determined by evaluating over 500 banks and interviewing thousands of executives from small and middle-market firms, measuring institutions across various qualitative metrics [1][1][1]

Core Insights - A shift in institutional capital is reshaping global equity allocations, with a softening demand for North America-focused hedge fund strategies and increased capital flow towards Europe and Asia [1][2] Hedge Fund Trends - Wealthy investors in the US and Asia are canceling plans to allocate to US hedge funds, driven by concerns over US trade policy uncertainty, dollar volatility, and concentration risk in mega-cap technology stocks [2] - Hedge funds are upgrading their outlook for value-oriented stock selection strategies, with firms like Man Group expressing positive sentiment towards Long-Biased Equity Long/Short and Market Neutral Equity Long/Short strategies [3] Stock Performance and Valuation - Low-valuation shares outperformed higher-multiple peers, with a 15% advance during the last six months of 2025, indicating a persistent value tilt if economic momentum holds [4] - The article highlights affordable, value stocks that institutions are increasingly investing in, suggesting a trend towards value-oriented investments [5] Methodology for Stock Selection - The selection of the 10 Best Affordable Long Term Stocks was based on companies trading at forward price-to-earnings ratios below 15, with five-year revenue and earnings growth rates of at least 15%, and market capitalizations above $2 billion [6] Company Highlights - **Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO)**: - Hedge fund holders: 26, Forward P/E: 8.12 - Positive outlook due to robust gold prices and progress on the Skouries copper-gold project, with a cash balance exceeding $1 billion [8][10] - Anticipated significant production increases and strong cash generation by 2027 [10] - **SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB)**: - Hedge fund holders: 32, Forward P/E: 11.35 - Strong core pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) performance exceeding consensus estimates, driven by net interest income growth [12][13] - Revenue growth of 39.42% over the past twelve months, with analysts raising price targets based on strong quarterly results [14]

Group 1: ClearBridge Investments Overview - ClearBridge Investments released its "ClearBridge Mid Cap Strategy" Q4 2025 investor letter, reporting underperformance compared to the Russell Midcap Index, which returned 0.16% during the period [1] - The underperformance was attributed to narrow market leadership and sentiment-driven trading, with weaknesses in information technology and real estate holdings impacting returns, while gains in select consumer discretionary stocks provided partial support [1] - The firm noted that elevated dispersion and uneven earnings reactions continued to shape mid-cap equity performance during the quarter [1] Group 2: Future Outlook - The portfolio management team expressed cautious optimism, indicating that improving clarity around policy, interest rates, and business investment could create a more favorable backdrop for active stock selection [1] - The widening valuation gaps and strengthening fundamentals across many mid-cap companies were highlighted as positive indicators for future performance [1] Group 3: Casella Waste Systems Inc. Insights - ClearBridge Investments initiated positions in Casella Waste Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST), a residential waste services provider, following a transitory selloff related to minor acquisition integration issues [3] - The company has a high proportion of recurring revenue, which supports durable long-term growth, and limited exposure to near-term AI disruption [3] - Casella Waste Systems Inc. has a market capitalization of approximately $6.501 billion, with shares trading between $82.2 to $121.24 over the last 52 weeks [2] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - Casella Waste Systems Inc. was held by 26 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, an increase from 24 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite the interest, the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with a belief that some AI stocks may offer greater promise for higher returns in a shorter time frame [4]

Core Viewpoint - Hanmi Financial Corporation is actively engaging with institutional investors at the Janney 6 Annual Bank CEO Forum, indicating a focus on investor relations and transparency [1]. Company Overview - Hanmi Financial Corporation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and owns Hanmi Bank, which operates 32 full-service branches and additional loan production offices and centers across multiple states including California, Texas, and New York [3]. - The bank specializes in lending services such as real estate, commercial, SBA, and trade finance, targeting small and middle market businesses [3]. Investor Relations - The company will provide a presentation for institutional investors, which will be accessible in the Investor Relations section of its website [2]. - Key executives, including Bonnie Lee (President and CEO) and Ron Santarosa (CFO), will be hosting meetings with investors during the forum [1]. Contact Information - Investor contacts include Ron Santarosa, Senior Executive Vice President & CFO, and Lisa Fortuna from Financial Profiles, Inc., providing direct lines for investor inquiries [4].

Core Viewpoint - First Horizon Corporation will participate in the Bank of America 2026 Financial Services Conference on February 11, 2026, featuring key executives Bryan Jordan and Hope Dmuchowski [1]. Group 1: Event Participation - The event will be held at 8:50 am ET and will include a live webcast and audio replay available on the First Horizon Investor Relations website [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - First Horizon Corporation, with $83.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, is a prominent regional financial services company headquartered in Memphis, TN, operating in 12 states in the southern U.S. [4]. - The company offers a wide range of services including commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking [4]. - First Horizon 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].

Core Insights - SouthState Bank Corporation reported strong financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, with a 30% increase in earnings per share and an 8% annualized growth in loans and deposits [1][4]. Financial Performance - Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.46, a 32% increase year over year; adjusted diluted EPS of $2.47, up 28% year over year [4]. - Net income reached $247.7 million; adjusted net income was $248.2 million [4]. - Return on average common equity was 10.9%; return on average tangible common equity was 19.1% [4][7]. - Return on average assets (ROAA) was 1.47%; adjusted ROAA was 1.48% [4][7]. - Net interest income totaled $581 million, a decrease of $19 million or 3% compared to the prior quarter [4][5]. - Noninterest income was $105.8 million, an increase of $7 million from the previous quarter [4][5]. Balance Sheet Highlights - Total assets amounted to $67.2 billion, with total loans net of allowance for credit losses at $48.0 billion [9]. - Total deposits increased by $1.1 billion, or 8%, to $55.1 billion [4][9]. - The ending loan-to-deposit ratio was 88% [4]. - Book value per share was $91.38, and tangible book value per share was $56.27, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase [4][7]. Capital Management - The company repurchased 2 million shares during the quarter and authorized a new share repurchase plan of 5.56 million shares [1][4]. - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per share, payable on February 13, 2026 [4][7]. - Strong capital position with tangible common equity ratio of 8.8% and total risk-based capital ratio of 13.8% [4][7]. Operational Efficiency - The efficiency ratio was reported at 50%, indicating effective cost management [4][7]. - Net interest margin (NIM) was 3.85% on a non-tax equivalent basis [4][10]. Future Outlook - The CEO expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory heading into 2026, citing a full pipeline of opportunities [1].

Core Insights - Freedom Financial Holdings, Inc. has appointed Pierre A. Abushacra to the Board of Directors of Freedom Bank of Virginia, effective immediately, bringing extensive operating experience and a commitment to innovation and community engagement [1][3] Company Overview - Freedom Bank of Virginia is a next-generation community bank focused on empowering clients through innovative business, commercial, personal, and mortgage banking solutions, with locations in Chantilly, Fairfax, Manassas, Reston, Tysons, and Vienna [4] Board Composition - Pierre A. Abushacra is the Founder of Kapa Capital, specializing in commercial real estate, and has a background in community banking from his previous board service at Bay Bank [2][3] - The addition of Mr. Abushacra is seen as a complement to the existing board members, enhancing the bank's ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the independent banking sector [3] Leadership and Vision - Mr. Abushacra expressed his honor in joining the board and highlighted his admiration for Freedom Bank's local leadership and commitment to client relationships, indicating a focus on collaboration for future success [4]