Market Overview - The stock market reached new highs as Wall Street reacts positively to the start of the second-quarter earnings season, with many companies exceeding lowered estimates due to tariffs [1] - Management commentary on current business trends has been favorable, enhancing earnings expectations for Q3 and beyond [2] - The improving earnings outlook, along with projections of potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, creates a bullish environment extending beyond July [2] Investment Opportunities - Investors are encouraged to consider adding exposure to highly-ranked cheap stocks trading for $10 or less, which are driven by improving earnings outlooks [3] - Stocks priced under $10 are seen as having potential, especially those with strong Zacks Ranks (1 Strong Buys or 2 Buys) [3][9] Penny Stocks - The SEC defines penny stocks as those trading for less than $5, which are often avoided by investors due to their speculative nature [4] - Penny stocks typically trade infrequently and exhibit wide bid/ask spreads, leading to excessive volatility, although some can perform exceptionally well [5] Stocks Under $10 - Stocks in the $5 to $10 range are generally considered less risky than penny stocks, and investors may be more familiar with these companies [6] - A selective approach can yield winning stocks under $10, with specific screening parameters to identify potential investments [7][10] Featured Stock: PaySign, Inc. (PAYS) - PaySign, Inc. specializes in prepaid card programs and is projected to grow its revenue by 24% in 2025 and 11% in the following year, with a historical average sales expansion of 25% over the past four years [13] - The company is expected to see a significant increase in adjusted earnings, projected to grow by 400% in 2025 from $0.07 to $0.35, and further to $0.47 the next year [13] - PaySign's stock has surged 270% in the past three months, currently trading around $8.05, which is 5% below its recent peaks and 55% under its all-time highs from summer 2019 [13][15] - The stock trades at a 15% discount compared to its industry average, indicating potential value [14]

Core Insights - Orange Bank & Trust Company has promoted Elizabeth "Liz" Jones to Executive Vice President, recognizing her significant contributions to the bank's operational efficiency and strategic growth [1][3]. Company Overview - Orange Bank & Trust Company is a leading financial institution in the Hudson Valley, focusing on commercial lending, business banking, payment processing, and wealth management services, with over $2.5 billion in assets [5]. Leadership and Achievements - Liz Jones joined the bank in 2016 and has held various leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer, where she oversaw critical operational projects such as the bank's core conversion [2][4]. - The promotion reflects her exceptional leadership, work ethic, and ability to align the bank's structure and offerings with client needs, contributing to sustained loan and deposit growth [3][4]. Strategic Role - As Chief of Staff to the President and CEO, Jones has played a key role in driving the bank's strategic agenda and delivering on major project milestones [3].