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CFFI vs CNOB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? C&F Financial Corporation (CFFI) vs. ConnectOne Bancorp (CNOB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CFFI (C&F Financial Corporation) is showing stronger near-term momentum, trading near 52-week highs on expanding margins and loan growth, while CNOB (ConnectOne Bancorp) has pulled back in recent weeks after a mid-year peak.
- Both are regional bank holding companies, but CFFI is a micro-cap Virginia lender, whereas CNOB is a larger, commercially focused Northeast and South Florida bank.
- CNOB recently completed a transformational merger that expanded its balance sheet, a key driver of its revenue surge and share-count growth.
- Valuation is comparable, but CNOB offers a higher dividend yield while CFFI carries a much lower beta (market sensitivity), indicating lower volatility.
- Relative performance diverged recently: CFFI gained over the past month while CNOB declined, a contrast that shapes the AI verdict below.
Introduction
Regional banks are frequently compared because their fortunes hinge on the same macro forces — interest rates, net interest margin (NIM, the spread between what a bank earns on loans and pays on deposits), deposit costs, and local credit quality — yet their stock performance can diverge sharply based on strategy and execution. CFFI and CNOB illustrate this dynamic. One is a small Virginia community lender riding strong momentum; the other is a larger commercial bank digesting a major merger. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing growth-oriented community banks against scale-driven regional franchises, and for traders assessing which name currently holds the cleaner trend and catalyst profile.
CFFI Overview and Recent Performance
C&F Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Virginia that operates through Citizens and Farmers Bank, with three business segments: Community Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Consumer Finance. The company has been expanding its footprint across Virginia, including new loan production and retail locations in the Roanoke and Lynchburg areas.
Recent market activity has favored CFFI. The stock has climbed roughly 40% year to date and over 48% across the trailing 52 weeks, trading near its all-time high and well above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Fundamentals support the move: community banking loans grew about 8% year over year, consolidated net interest margin expanded to 4.41%, and mortgage originations increased on stronger purchase and refinancing activity. A recent analyst initiation with a Buy rating added to the constructive tone. With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio near 11 and a beta below 0.4, the stock has delivered above-market returns with comparatively low volatility.
CNOB Overview and Recent Performance
ConnectOne Bancorp is a commercial-focused bank holding company serving small and mid-sized businesses across the Northern New Jersey, New York metropolitan, and South Florida markets. Its recent merger with The First of Long Island Corporation substantially enlarged its balance sheet, driving a sharp increase in revenue and a roughly 28% rise in shares outstanding over the past year.
CNOB has delivered solid trailing gains — up roughly 15% to 17% year to date and about 28% over the past year — but its recent trajectory has weakened. After peaking near $34 in July, the stock has pulled back to around $30, now trading below its 50-day moving average with a relative strength index (RSI) in the low 40s, indicating softer momentum. A slight earnings miss and a broker downgrade to Hold during the summer contributed to the cautious tone. Still, the stock trades at a P/E near 10 with a dividend yield above 2.5%, and analyst consensus remains Buy with a notably higher average price target.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two names occupy different niches within regional banking. CFFI is a diversified community lender whose earnings are spread across traditional banking, mortgage banking, and non-prime auto finance; this mix gives it multiple growth levers and a more defensive, low-beta profile. CNOB is more concentrated in commercial and commercial real estate lending, which positions it for higher earnings growth in an expanding economy but also exposes it more to rate and credit cycles.
Momentum currently favors CFFI, which is setting highs, while CNOB is consolidating after a merger-fueled run. On valuation and income, CNOB offers a modestly lower P/E and a higher dividend yield, though its share-count increase from the merger dilutes per-share comparisons. Risk factors differ too: CFFI faces concentration risk in a single-state footprint and consumer credit, whereas CNOB carries integration and commercial real estate exposure. Sector exposure is similar, but scale and geographic diversification clearly tilt toward CNOB.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, relative positioning, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor CFFI at present. The stock's sustained uptrend, position above key moving averages, proximity to highs, expanding margins, and recent analyst support create a cleaner, more stable technical profile than CNOB's post-merger consolidation and below-average recent momentum. That said, the assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: CNOB retains a stronger valuation-and-income case and a larger scale, which could reassert itself if integration momentum and commercial loan growth reaccelerate.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CFFI is a StrongBuy and CNOB is a Buy.
CFFI's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CFFI turned positive on October 21, 2026. Looking at past instances where CFFI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on September 29, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CFFI as a result. In 60 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Following a +3.65% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CFFI advanced for three days, in 182 of 274 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 149 of 247 cases where CFFI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 60%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CFFI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
CFFI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 36 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.284) is normal, around the industry mean (1.269). P/E Ratio (12.233) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.240). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.080) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.263) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 36 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CFFI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly weaker than average sales and a marginally profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
CNOB's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CNOB turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where CNOB's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNOB as a result. In 63 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
CNOB moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CNOB crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +0.92% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNOB advanced for three days, in 183 of 286 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNOB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
CNOB broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for CNOB entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 43 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.081) is normal, around the industry mean (1.269). P/E Ratio (10.052) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.240). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.130) is also within normal values, averaging (1.190). Dividend Yield (0.024) settles around the average of (0.035) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.457) is also within normal values, averaging (3.738).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CNOB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CNOB’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 57, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
CFFI | CNOB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 84 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 36 Fair valued | 43 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 77 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 39 | 18 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 36 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 14 | 94 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CFFI's Valuation (36) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CNOB (43). This means that CFFI’s stock grew similarly to CNOB’s over the last 12 months.
CFFI's Profit vs Risk Rating (21) in the Regional Banks industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CNOB (77). This means that CFFI’s stock grew somewhat faster than CNOB’s over the last 12 months.
CNOB's SMR Rating (18) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CFFI (39). This means that CNOB’s stock grew similarly to CFFI’s over the last 12 months.
CFFI's Price Growth Rating (36) in the Regional Banks industry is in the same range as CNOB (43). This means that CFFI’s stock grew similarly to CNOB’s over the last 12 months.
CFFI's P/E Growth Rating (14) in the Regional Banks industry is significantly better than the same rating for CNOB (94). This means that CFFI’s stock grew significantly faster than CNOB’s over the last 12 months.
| CFFI | CNOB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 70% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 56% | 15 days ago 72% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 65% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 64% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CFFI’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while CNOB’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- CFFI’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- CNOB’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CFFI’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while CNOB’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CFFI’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- CNOB’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CFFI (@Regional Banks) experienced а +3.81% price change this week, while CNOB (@Regional Banks) price change was +5.47% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Regional Banks industry was +0.98%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.72%, and the average quarterly price growth was +7.89%.
Reported Earning Dates
CFFI is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
CNOB is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Regional Banks (+0.98% weekly)Regional banks have a smaller reach than major banks, and cater mostly to one region of a country, such as a state or within a group of states. They offer services often similar – albeit with some limitations/smaller scale – compared to major banks. Taking deposits, making loans, mortgages, leases, credit cards , fund management, insurance and investment banking. SunTrust Banks, State Street Corp., M&T Bank Corp. are some examples of U.S. regional banks.
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CFFI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CFFI has been loosely correlated with FIBK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 64% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CFFI jumps, then FIBK could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CFFI | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFFI | 100% | -0.24% | ||
| FIBK - CFFI | 64% Loosely correlated | +0.40% | ||
| CNOB - CFFI | 61% Loosely correlated | +0.46% | ||
| KRNY - CFFI | 60% Loosely correlated | +0.11% | ||
| FFBC - CFFI | 60% Loosely correlated | -0.40% | ||
| PFBC - CFFI | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.18% | ||
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CNOB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNOB has been closely correlated with PFS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 81% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CNOB jumps, then PFS could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CNOB | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNOB | 100% | +0.46% | ||
| PFS - CNOB | 81% Closely correlated | +0.04% | ||
| BUSE - CNOB | 80% Closely correlated | -0.66% | ||
| BY - CNOB | 80% Closely correlated | +0.73% | ||
| WSBC - CNOB | 79% Closely correlated | -0.79% | ||
| AUB - CNOB | 79% Closely correlated | -0.81% | ||
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