The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is one of the 13 Safest Stocks to Invest in Now, supported by hedge fund interest and significant return on equity. Evercore ISI Downgrades The Allstate Corporation (ALL) from Outperform to In Line With a price target of $233, Evercore ISI downgraded The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) from Outperform to In Line on October 1. The investment firm noted restricted EPS upside of roughly 2.5% compared to over 4% earlier, citing a more balanced risk-reward profile as the pr ...

Core Viewpoint - Landmark Bancorp reported a net income of $4.4 million and diluted EPS of $0.75 for Q2 2025, showing strong year-over-year growth but a slight decline from Q1 2025 highs. The bank's loan growth and net interest income remained robust, although deposit trends and asset quality require close monitoring [1][2]. Financial Performance - EPS (GAAP) for Q2 2025 was $0.75, up 44.2% year-over-year from $0.52 in Q2 2024, but down from $0.81 in Q1 2025 [2]. - Net interest income increased to $13.7 million, a 24.7% rise from $10.97 million in Q2 2024 and up from $13.1 million in Q1 2025 [2][5]. - Net earnings were $4.4 million, a 46.1% increase from $3.0 million in Q2 2024, but a slight decrease from $4.7 million in Q1 2025 [2]. - Return on average assets was 1.11%, up 0.33 percentage points year-over-year [2]. Business Overview - Landmark Bancorp operates as a community-oriented bank, providing a range of loan products including residential, commercial real estate, and agricultural loans across Kansas and the Kansas City metro area [3][4]. Loan Portfolio and Growth - The loan portfolio expanded by $42.9 million during the quarter, with significant growth in residential real estate loans ($21.5 million), commercial real estate loans ($10.9 million), and commercial loans ($13.4 million) [6]. - Total gross loans reached $1.12 billion, with strong demand noted in commercial and mortgage segments [6]. Deposit Trends - Deposit balances were $1.27 billion, reflecting a decline of $61.9 million from the previous quarter but an increase of $23.4 million year-over-year [7]. - The loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 86.6%, up from 79.5% in Q1 2025, as total borrowings rose by $105.9 million to support loan growth [7]. Asset Quality - Non-performing loans grew to $17.0 million, or 1.52% of gross loans, up from 1.24% in Q1 2025, although early-stage delinquencies improved [9]. - A provision for credit losses of $1.0 million was recorded, reflecting growth in the loan book and increased reserves for non-accrual loans [9]. Capital Strength - Equity to assets increased to 9.13%, up from 9.04% in the previous quarter, and tangible book value per share improved to $19.66 [10]. - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, up from $0.20 in Q2 2024, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns [10]. Future Outlook - Management did not provide formal financial guidance but emphasized a focus on growing higher-yielding loans, maintaining expense control, and upholding credit discipline [11]. - Ongoing monitoring of deposit trends, asset quality, and competitive landscape in regional markets is expected [12].

Core Viewpoint - Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. has extended its standstill agreement with Pershing Square Capital Management until May 30, 2025, indicating ongoing discussions between the two parties [1][2]. Company Overview - Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. is engaged in owning, managing, and developing commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate across the U.S. [3] - The company boasts a portfolio that includes master planned communities and various operating properties, strategically positioned to meet market demand [3]. - Notable developments include Downtown Columbia in Maryland, The Woodlands, Bridgeland, Summerlin in Las Vegas, Ward Village in Honolulu, and Teravalis in Greater Phoenix [3]. - The company is recognized for its commitment to design excellence and cultural life within its communities [3].