Core Insights - Small-cap stocks offer opportunities for savvy investors due to limited Wall Street coverage, but they also carry increased downside risk compared to larger competitors [1] Group 1: Small-Cap Stocks to Avoid - Dave & Buster's (PLAY) has a market cap of $458.6 million and operates a chain of arcades providing immersive entertainment experiences [3] - The stock is currently trading at $13.45 per share, with a forward P/E ratio of 11.4x, indicating potential caution for investors [5] Group 2: Small-Cap Stocks to Watch - QCR Holdings (QCRH) has a market cap of $1.28 billion and operates four community banks in Iowa and Missouri, offering commercial and consumer banking services [6] - The stock price of QCR Holdings is $76.28, with a forward P/B ratio of 1.1x, suggesting it may be a good time to consider an investment [8] Group 3: Frost Bank Overview - Frost Bank (CFR) has a market cap of $7.91 billion and has faced challenges such as lagging same-store sales and cash-burning tendencies, raising concerns about sustainable shareholder value [9] - The bank's productivity and efficiency ratios are expected to improve next year, with annual earnings per share growth of 14.6% over the last five years, indicating strong profitability [10] - Cullen/Frost Bankers, founded in 1868, provides a range of financial services including commercial and consumer banking, wealth management, and insurance [11]

Core Viewpoint - Synovus Financial Corp. is set to discuss its pending merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners during a fireside chat at the BancAnalysts Association of Boston Conference on November 6, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Synovus Financial Corp. is a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia, with approximately $61 billion in assets [3] - The company offers a range of services including commercial and consumer banking, wealth services, treasury management, mortgage services, premium finance, asset-based lending, structured lending, capital markets, and international banking [3] - Synovus operates branches in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee [3] - The company is recognized as a Great Place to Work-Certified Company [3]