Key Takeaways Here's how to find the best cheap stocks ($10 or less) on Wall Street to buy now and throughout 2026.Buy soaring $9 financial stock ITUB for big upside in 2026 and beyond.The S&P 500 is trading slightly below its all-time highs as it continues chopping around in the early months of 2026. Despite all the noise and a recent wave of selling across software, AI, and beyond, Wall Street is showing resilience as the big money remains focused on massive projected earnings growth in 2026 and more rate ...

Core Viewpoint - Northfield Bancorp, Inc. reported disappointing earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.69, significantly below the estimated EPS of $0.28, despite generating revenue of approximately $41.3 million, which exceeded the estimated revenue of about $39.5 million [1][2][6] Financial Performance - The company experienced a net loss of $27.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, primarily due to a $41 million goodwill impairment charge [2] - The goodwill impairment charge was $1.03 per share, non-cash, and non-tax deductible, leaving Northfield Bancorp with no remaining goodwill [3] - In the previous quarter, the company reported a net income of $10.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share [3] Strategic Developments - Northfield Bancorp announced a merger with Columbia Financial, Inc., which is expected to enhance their market position [4][6] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.13 per share, payable on February 25, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 12, 2026 [4] Financial Metrics - Northfield Bancorp's financial metrics include a price-to-sales ratio of about 2.21, an enterprise value to sales ratio of around 2.16, and an enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio of approximately 12.98 [5]

Core Insights - Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (OSBC) is recognized as a high-growth small-cap stock, ranking ninth on a recent list of profitable high-growth stocks [1] - DA Davidson has raised its price target for OSBC to $23 from $22, maintaining a Neutral rating, highlighting the impact of the Evergreen acquisition on Q4 results [2] - The company reported strong fourth-quarter results with net interest and dividend income reaching $83.1 million, supported by a net interest margin of 5.09% and an adjusted efficiency ratio of 51.28% [3] Financial Performance - OSBC's profitability is among the strongest in the industry, with significant growth in net interest and dividend income [3] - The company's tangible common equity and tangible book value have increased, despite dilution from acquisitions, indicating improved capital strength [3] Risks and Considerations - DA Davidson flagged elevated non-performing assets as a key risk for OSBC, which remains higher compared to peers [2][3] - While OSBC shows potential as an investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [5]

Core Viewpoint - Northrim BanCorp Inc is facing challenges due to an ongoing investigation for potential securities fraud, which has impacted its stock performance and investor confidence [3][5]. Company Overview - Northrim BanCorp Inc operates primarily in Alaska, providing a variety of banking services including loans, deposits, and investment services [1]. Insider Activity - On January 30, 2026, the CFO, Ballard Jed W, purchased 650 shares at $23.20 each, increasing his total holdings to 19,162 shares, which may indicate confidence in the company's future prospects [2][6]. Financial Performance - The company's recent quarterly earnings report showed earnings of $0.54 per share, which fell short of analyst expectations, leading to a significant stock price drop of $4.44, or 14.95%, closing at $25.25 on January 23, 2026 [3]. Stock Performance - Despite the recent decline, Northrim's stock has shown some recovery, currently priced at $23.66, reflecting an increase of 3.41% or $0.78, with fluctuations between $22.80 and $23.71 during the trading day [4][6]. - Over the past year, the stock has experienced volatility, with a high of $30.82 and a low of $16.18 [4]. Market Capitalization - Northrim's market capitalization is approximately $522.67 million, with a trading volume of 104,090 shares on the NASDAQ exchange [5].

Group 1 - Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) is performing well in its core business, which includes banking and financial services such as credit cards, loans, deposit accounts, and commercial banking solutions [2] - The integration of Discover is progressing as planned, although there are concerns about the overall performance and market perception of Capital One [1] - The company is being positioned as a full-service financial institution, aiming to provide comprehensive banking and credit card services to both consumers and businesses [1] Group 2 - There is a recognition that while Capital One has potential as an investment, certain AI stocks may present greater upside potential with less downside risk [3]

Core Viewpoint - Heritage Financial Corporation (HFWA) has demonstrated strong financial performance, with significant earnings and revenue growth, despite minor fluctuations in stock price [3][4][6]. Financial Performance - HFWA reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.66 for the fourth quarter, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.57 by 15.79% [3][6]. - The company's revenue for the quarter ending December 2025 was $66.35 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.99% and showing an increase from $60.96 million in the same quarter the previous year [4][6]. Stock Performance - HFWA's stock price has seen fluctuations, with a 52-week high of $28.35 and a low of $19.84 [5][6]. - The current stock price is $26.35, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.87% or $0.23 from previous levels [2]. - The company's market capitalization is approximately $895 million, with a trading volume of 329,362 shares on the NASDAQ exchange [5][6]. Executive Transactions - On January 26, 2026, Wilson Kelli Ann, the Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, sold 1,900 shares at approximately $26.48 per share, leaving her with 3,778 shares [2].

Group 1: IPO Details - Brazilian digital bank PicPay has launched its initial public offering (IPO), targeting a valuation of $2.5 billion and seeking to raise up to $434.3 million [1] - The offering consists of approximately 22.9 million Class A common shares, priced between $16 and $19 each [2] - Citigroup, BofA Securities, and RBC Capital Markets are the primary coordinators for the IPO, with several other firms acting as bookrunners and co-managers [3] Group 2: Company Overview - PicPay is Brazil's second-largest digital bank by customer base, focusing initially on instant payments and QR code transactions before expanding its services [3][4] - The platform had over 66 million registered users by Q3 2025, with 42 million active users during that period [4] - For the first nine months of 2025, PicPay reported combined revenue and financial income of 7.3 billion reais (approximately $1.37 billion) and a net profit of 313.8 million reais (around $59 million) [5]

Group 1 - Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) is highlighted as a stock to watch, particularly in the context of President Trump's comments regarding a cap on credit card interest rates [1] - The company is a major player in the credit card issuing market and has faced challenges due to the proposed interest rate cap, which could limit consumer access to credit cards [1] - The potential impact of capping interest rates could lead to a reduction in lending, as companies may prefer to halt lending rather than incur losses [1] Group 2 - Capital One provides a range of banking and financial services, including credit cards, loans, deposit accounts, and commercial banking solutions [2] - While there is recognition of Capital One's investment potential, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential with less downside risk [3]

Core Viewpoint - Revolut is applying for a banking license in Peru to establish a full digital bank, aiming to enhance its growth in Latin America and target underbanked users with multi-currency services [1][2]. Group 1: Licensing and Regulatory Process - The company has submitted an application to Peru's SBS for a banking license, which may take months for approval as regulators assess capital, risk, and governance [2]. - Once licensed, Revolut plans to offer banking products such as deposits and loans in Peruvian Soles and foreign currencies [2]. Group 2: Market Expansion Strategy - Peru is the latest addition to Revolut's Latin American expansion, following previous entries into Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina [3]. - The company has not disclosed a specific launch date for its services in Peru, emphasizing that the licensing process could take several months [3]. Group 3: Target Market and Services - Revolut aims to attract nearly 1 million Peruvians who receive remittances from abroad, leveraging its expertise in multi-currency and international transfers to provide lower-cost, app-based solutions [3]. - The company intends to bundle services such as payments, foreign exchange, savings, and cryptocurrency to challenge existing banks and enhance user experience in Peru [6]. Group 4: Global Growth and Valuation - The application for a banking license in Peru is part of Revolut's broader strategy to reach approximately 100 million customers and scale revenues in the coming years [5]. - The fintech is currently valued at $75 billion and is focusing on high-growth markets while securing local regulatory approvals [5].

Core Thesis - Nu Holdings Ltd. is positioned for significant growth in the U.S. market through its recent filing for a national bank charter, which will enable it to expand operations and better serve underserved communities [2][5]. Expansion Strategy - The filing for a U.S. national bank charter is a critical step for Nu, allowing it to operate across all 50 states and target low-income and Latin American communities [2][4]. - Nu's expansion strategy includes offering no-fee accounts, competitive credit cards, high deposit interest, loans, investment products, crypto services, and low-cost remittances, appealing to an estimated 60 million potential customers [4][5]. Competitive Advantage - Nu leverages cloud-based infrastructure, AI, and automation to maintain a structural cost advantage over traditional U.S. banks, enabling scalable and low-cost operations [5]. - The company has a strong balance sheet and regulatory experience across three countries, which enhances its likelihood of receiving approval for the bank charter [3][5]. Market Opportunity - The U.S. market represents a multibillion-dollar opportunity for Nu, with the potential to replicate its successful growth trajectory in Latin America [5]. - Although meaningful profits are projected to be years away, the filing indicates Nu's long-term ambition to establish itself as a dominant low-cost digital bank [5]. Performance Metrics - Nu Holdings Ltd.'s stock was trading at $17.04 as of January 12th, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 33.03 and 21.23 respectively [1]. - The stock has appreciated approximately 29.77% since a previous bullish thesis was published, reflecting continued execution and growth in the region [6].