StockStory favors VRRM, HP in Russell 2000 review, flags CATY as risk

StockStory on May 15, 2026, highlighted Verra Mobility (NASDAQ: VRRM) and Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) as Russell 2000 stocks for long-term investors, while warning that Cathay General Bancorp (NASDAQ: CATY) may lag peers. Cathay General Bancorp, with a market value of $3.82 billion, traded at $57.01, implying a 1.2 times forward price-to-book ratio. StockStory cited caution on the bank but did not provide detailed financial concerns in the excerpt. Verra Mobility, valued at $2.09 billion, traded at $13.79, or 10.1 times forward earnings. Helmerich & Payne, valued at $3.86 billion, traded at $38.65, or 39.6 times forward earnings. The article framed both stocks as potential long-term opportunities within the small-cap index, which can offer higher upside but typically carries greater volatility and economic sensitivity.