Blog
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Tiwai Peninsula vegetation fire update #2
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are back on Tiwai Peninsula in Invercargill today, where the large vegetation fire has not grown further overnight.The fire grew to 1,200 hectares yesterday in hot, windy conditions but was contained by the end of the day.Incident Controller Hamish Angus says there will be 35 firefighters on site today, with support from five helicopters, the Department of Conservation and local forestry companies.“Our focus today is on knocking out those remaining hotspots,” he says.“We’re expecting winds to pick up over the next few days, so we want to make sure there’s nothing left here that could get the fire under way again.“It’s too early to say what caused the fire, but we will have fire investigators here today looking into that.” -
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Fire restrictions eased in parts of Mid-South Canterbury
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has revoked the restrictions on lighting outdoor fires in the lower-lying areas of Mid-South Canterbury from 8am on Friday 31 January.Mid-South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands says that as fire danger has eased in these areas after recent rainfall, they are now back in an open fire season until further notice.In a restricted fire season, people need a permit from Fire and Emergency to light an outdoor fire.In an open season, permits are not needed, but people are asked to take reasonable precautions when lighting fires.“As well as the rain we’ve now had, the outlook for the next few weeks is cooler and damper, which means there’s less chance of a wildfire starting and spreading through vegetation,” Rob Hands says.The areas in Mid-South Canterbury which have moved to an open fire season include Cattle Creek, Waihaorunga, Waimate Coastal, Waimate, Timaru Coastal, Albury, Cannington, Clayton, Geraldine Plains, Mt Somers, Ashburton Plains, and Ashburton Coastal.The Mackenzie Basin and high country – including Rangitata and Rakaia Gorges, and Ashburton Lakes – remain in a restricted fire season, as those areas continue to be affected by hot, dry conditions.Rob Hands says people should not become careless with fires, just because the season has changed.“While rain has reduced the fire risk in the low-lying areas, people must take care to prevent unwanted fires getting started,” he says.“Even if you are in an open season, you should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to see if it’s safe to have an outdoor fire at your location.” -
MIL-OSI: Spartan Capital Securities Serves as Sole Placement Agent in Virpax Pharmaceuticals’ $6 Million Follow-On Offering
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Capital Securities, LLC, a leading full-service investment banking and financial advisory firm, is proud to announce its role as sole placement agent for Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) in the successful close of its $6 million follow-on offering.
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) is a preclinical-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel drug delivery systems for pain management and central nervous system disorders. The proceeds from the offering will enable Virpax to support the ongoing clinical trial development of Probudur, fund marketing and advertising efforts, for general corporate purposes, and to provide working capital.
“We are pleased to support Virpax Pharmaceuticals in this offering and look forward to seeing the continued progress of their innovative drug delivery technologies,” said John Lowry, CEO of Spartan Capital Securities. “Spartan Capital remains committed to helping emerging biotech and pharmaceutical companies access the capital they need to advance groundbreaking solutions that address unmet medical needs.”
Legal counsel for Virpax Pharmaceuticals was provided by Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP, with representation by Ross Carmel and Benjamin Sklar. Spartan Capital Securities was represented by Lucosky Brookman LLP, with Scott Linsky, Raymond Ressy, and Xiafan Cheng serving as counsel.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws.
About Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) is a preclinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel and proprietary drug delivery systems to address various pain indications and enhance compliance. The company’s innovative pipeline aims to advance non-opioid and non-addictive treatments for pain and central nervous system disorders, improving the quality of life for patients worldwide.
About Spartan Capital Securities, LLC
Spartan Capital Securities, LLC is a premier full-service investment banking firm offering a comprehensive range of advisory services to institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals. Known for its expertise in capital raising, strategic advisory, and asset management, Spartan Capital delivers tailored solutions to meet clients’ financial goals. For more information about Spartan Capital Securities, visit www.spartancapital.com.
Contact:
Spartan Capital Securities, LLC
45 Broadway, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10006
investmentbanking@spartancapital.com -
MIL-OSI: Riverview Bancorp Reports Net Income of $1.2 Million in Third Fiscal Quarter 2025; Results Highlighted by Net Interest Margin Expansion
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq GSM: RVSB) (“Riverview” or the “Company”) today reported earnings of $1.2 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.6 million, or $0.07 per diluted share in the second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, and $1.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the third fiscal quarter a year ago.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net income was $3.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2024.
“Riverview’s operating performance during the third fiscal quarter reflected steady improvements, with net interest margin expansion as a result of stabilizing funding costs and higher loan yields,” stated Nicole Sherman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While loan payoffs impacted net loan growth during the third quarter, loan production outperformed the previous three quarters and newly funded loans are being boarded at higher rates than the legacy portfolio. Although we still have work to do, we remain focused on managing our balance sheet and improving our performance metrics and profitability in the remainder of fiscal year 2025.”
Third Quarter Highlights (at or for the period ended December 31, 2024)
- Net interest income increased to $9.4 million for the quarter, compared to $8.9 million in the preceding quarter and $9.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago.
- Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.60% for the quarter, a 14 basis point improvement compared to the preceding quarter and a 11 basis point improvement compared to the year ago quarter.
- Riverview Trust Company assets under management increased to $872.6 million at December 31, 2024. Asset management fees continue to improve and increased to $1.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
- Asset quality remained strong, with non-performing assets at $469,000, or 0.03% of total assets at December 31, 2024.
- Riverview recorded no provision for credit losses during the current quarter, compared to a $100,000 provision in the preceding quarter and no provision in the year ago quarter.
- Total loans were $1.05 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.06 billion at September 30, 2024, and $1.02 billion at December 31, 2023.
- Total deposits were $1.22 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.24 billion at September 30, 2024 and $1.22 billion at December 31, 2023.
- Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $6.20 at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.33 at September 30, 2024, and $6.21 at December 31, 2023.
Income Statement Review
Riverview’s net interest income was $9.4 million in the current quarter, compared to $8.9 million in the preceding quarter, and $9.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. The increase compared to the preceding quarter was driven by higher interest earning asset yields due to higher origination rates on new loan growth as well as loan repricing in addition to the recognition of a loan prepayment fee and related loan fees totaling $318,000. In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net interest income was $27.2 million, compared to $29.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024. Investment income decreased compared to the nine month period a year ago due to the strategic investment restructuring that was executed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.Riverview’s NIM was 2.60% for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, a 14 basis point increase compared to 2.46% in the preceding quarter and a 11 basis-point increase compared to 2.49% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. “As anticipated, NIM improved during the quarter, as higher yields in interest earning assets offset the modest increase in deposit costs,” said David Lam, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. “With the recent Fed rate reductions, we anticipate deposit costs to further stabilize in future quarters. Additionally, the rate cuts reduced the interest expense on borrowings, which also benefitted NIM during the current quarter.” In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, the net interest margin was 2.51% compared to 2.64% in the same period a year earlier.
Investment securities decreased $17.8 million during the quarter to $337.2 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $354.9 million at September 30, 2024, and decreased $92.0 million compared to $429.1 million at December 31, 2023. The average securities balances for the quarters ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, were $364.2 million, $378.4 million, and $458.0 million, respectively. The weighted average yields on securities balances for those same periods were 1.82%, 2.05%, and 2.01%, respectively. The duration of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2024 was approximately 5.3 years. The anticipated investment cashflows over the next twelve months is approximately $42.8 million. There were no investment purchases during the third fiscal quarter of 2025.
Riverview’s yield on loans improved to 4.97% during the third fiscal quarter, compared to 4.80% in the preceding quarter, and 4.56% in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. “Loan yields improved during the current quarter as a result of higher rates on new loan originations and higher rates on existing loans that have come up for repricing, when compared to the existing loan portfolio. We continue to explore opportunities to enhance our loan yield by expanding our commercial business portfolio offerings to include more variable rate loan structures,” said Mike Sventek, EVP and Chief Lending Officer. Deposit costs increased to 1.32% during the third fiscal quarter compared to 1.26% in the preceding quarter, and 0.68% in the third fiscal quarter a year ago due to clients seeking higher deposit yields. The increase from clients seeking higher deposit yields was less impactful quarter over quarter compared to the increase from the third fiscal quarter a year ago given the relative change in the interest rate environment during those respective periods.
Non-interest income was $3.3 million during the third fiscal quarter of 2025 compared to $3.8 million in the preceding quarter and $3.1 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2024. The preceding quarter included approximately $525,000 in income related to a legal expense recovery from the prior year. In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, non-interest income increased to $10.5 million compared to $9.7 million in the same period a year ago.
Asset management fees were $1.4 million during the third fiscal quarter and the second fiscal quarter, and $1.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Asset management fees increased compared to the year ago quarter due to new client relationships and the continued positive market performance in the equity markets during the third quarter. Riverview Trust Company’s assets under management were $872.6 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $871.6 million at September 30, 2024, and $942.4 million at December 31, 2023.
Non-interest expense was $11.2 million during the third fiscal quarter, compared to $10.7 million in the preceding quarter and $10.6 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Salary and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, remained flat during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter. Professional fees increased during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter due to higher consulting costs. Additionally, non-interest expense for preceding quarter included a fraud loss recovery. The efficiency ratio was 87.6% for the third fiscal quarter, compared to 83.7% for the previous quarter and 85.2% in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Year-to-date, non-interest expense was $32.8 million compared to $30.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024.
Riverview’s effective tax rate for the third fiscal quarter of 2025 was 21.8%, compared to 21.4% for the preceding quarter and 20.6% for the year ago quarter.
Balance Sheet Review
While loan production increased during the third quarter, total loans decreased primarily due to two large loan payoffs. Total loans decreased $15.9 million during the quarter to $1.05 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.06 billion three months earlier and increased $26.9 million compared to $1.02 billion a year earlier. Riverview’s loan pipeline was $49.1 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $43.5 million at the end of the preceding quarter. New loan originations during the quarter were $31.1 million, compared to $25.6 million in the preceding quarter and $51.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Since December 31, 2024, the loan pipeline has increased to $64.2 million.Undisbursed construction loans totaled $19.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $34.1 million at September 30, 2024, with the majority of the undisbursed construction loans expected to be funded over the next several quarters. The decrease was due to one large construction project being completed during the quarter and moving out of the construction category to a permanent loan category, before being paid off. Undisbursed homeowner association loans for the purpose of common area maintenance and repairs totaled $14.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $11.1 million at September 30, 2024. Revolving commercial business loan commitments totaled $46.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $48.4 million at September 30, 2024. Utilization on these loans totaled 17.60% at December 31, 2024, compared to 23.88% at September 30, 2024. The weighted average rate on loan originations during the quarter was 7.04% compared to 7.65% in the preceding quarter.
The office building loan portfolio totaled $113.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $112.4 million at September 30, 2024. The average loan balance of the office building loan portfolio was $1.5 million with an average loan-to-value ratio of 53.8% and an average debt service coverage ratio of 1.99x. Office building loans within the Portland core consists of three loans totaling $20.6 million which is approximately 18.2% of the total office building loan portfolio or 2.0% of total loans.
Non-interest checking and interest checking accounts, as a percentage of total deposits, totaled 46.8% at December 31, 2024, compared to 49.2% at September 30, 2024, and 51.1% at December 31, 2023. The decrease in non-interest checking account balances during the quarter was in part due to seasonal client calendar year-end activity for payments and distributions. As in prior quarters, money market balances and CDs increased during the quarter as we are still seeing a subset of clients still looking for higher yields. Total deposits decreased $18.5 million during the quarter to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.24 billion at September 30, 2024, and were unchanged compared to a year ago. Riverview Bank had moved customer deposits to Riverview Trust as a higher yielding deposit alternative and those assets were all retained within the Company during the period of increasing interest rates and the Company has the ability to move or reciprocate these deposits back to the Bank if the need arises.
FHLB advances decreased $18.1 million during the quarter to $84.2 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $102.3 million at September 30, 2024. FHLB advances decreased during the quarter as a result of the decrease in investment securities and loans receivable balances with the proceeds from both used to pay down borrowings.
Shareholders’ equity was $158.3 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $160.8 million three months earlier and $158.5 million one year earlier. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $6.20 at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.33 at September 30, 2024, and $6.21 at December 31, 2023. Riverview paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share on January 14, 2025, to shareholders of record on January 2, 2025.
Credit Quality
“Asset quality metrics continue to remain very stable, as we continue to diligently monitor our loan portfolio closely for any signs of stress,” said Robert Benke, EVP and Chief Credit Officer. Non-performing loans, excluding SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans (“government guaranteed loans”) (non-GAAP) totaled $168,000 or 0.02% of total loans as of December 31, 2024, compared to $149,000, or 0.01% of total loans at September 30, 2024, and $186,000, or 0.02% of total loans at December 31, 2023. There was one non-performing government guaranteed loan totaling $301,000 at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. At December 31, 2024, including government guaranteed loans, non-performing assets were $469,000, or 0.03% of total assets.Riverview recorded $114,000 in net loan charge-offs for the current quarter. This compared to $2,000 in net loan recoveries for the preceding quarter. Riverview recorded no provision for credit losses for the current quarter, compared to $100,000 in provision for credit losses for the preceding quarter.
Classified assets were $225,000 at December 31, 2024, compared to $326,000 at September 30, 2024, and $215,000 at December 31, 2023. The classified assets to total capital ratio was 0.1% at December 31, 2024, compared to 0.2% at September 30, 2024, and 0.1% a year earlier. Criticized assets were $50.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $50.7 million at September 30, 2024, and $37.2 million at December 31, 2023. Criticized assets remained stable during the current quarter compared to the prior quarter. The increase compared to a year ago was primarily due to one relationship that was moved to the criticized asset category during the preceding quarter as the loans goes through probate. The Company does not anticipate any loss from this relationship.
The allowance for credit losses was $15.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $15.5 million at September 30, 2024, and $15.4 million at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses represented 1.47% of total loans at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.46% at September 30, 2024, and 1.51% a year earlier. The allowance for credit losses to loans, net of government guaranteed loans (non-GAAP), was 1.54% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.53% at September 30, 2024, and 1.59% a year earlier.
Capital/Liquidity
Riverview continues to maintain capital levels well in excess of the regulatory requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized” with a total risk-based capital ratio of 16.47% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 10.86% at December 31, 2024. Tangible common equity to average tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) was 8.84% at December 31, 2024.Riverview has approximately $450.1 million in available liquidity at December 31, 2024, including $164.4 million of borrowing capacity from the FHLB and $285.7 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”). At December 31, 2024, the Bank had $84.2 million in outstanding FHLB borrowings.
At December 31, 2024, the uninsured deposit ratio was 23.8%. Available liquidity under the FRB borrowing line would cover nearly 100% of the estimated uninsured deposits and available liquidity under both the FHLB and FRB borrowing lines would cover 155% of the estimated uninsured deposits.
On September 25, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program. Under this repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to $2.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions. Once the repurchase program is effective, the repurchase program will continue until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or 12 months after the effective date, depending upon market conditions. During the third quarter, the Company repurchased 200,073 shares of common stock at an average price of $5.43.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Riverview’s core operations reflected in the current quarter’s results and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below.Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share: (Dollars in thousands) December 31,
2024September 30,
2024December 31,
2023March 31,
2024Shareholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 158,270 $ 160,774 $ 158,472 $ 155,588 Exclude: Goodwill (27,076 ) (27,076 ) (27,076 ) (27,076 ) Exclude: Core deposit intangible, net (196 ) (221 ) (298 ) (271 ) Tangible shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 130,998 $ 133,477 $ 131,098 $ 128,241 Total assets (GAAP) $ 1,508,609 $ 1,548,397 $ 1,590,623 $ 1,521,529 Exclude: Goodwill (27,076 ) (27,076 ) (27,076 ) (27,076 ) Exclude: Core deposit intangible, net (196 ) (221 ) (298 ) (271 ) Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 1,481,337 $ 1,521,100 $ 1,563,249 $ 1,494,182 Shareholders’ equity to total assets (GAAP) 10.49 % 10.38 % 9.96 % 10.23 % Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) 8.84 % 8.78 % 8.39 % 8.58 % Shares outstanding 21,134,758 21,096,968 21,111,043 21,111,043 Book value per share (GAAP) $ 7.49 $ 7.62 $ 7.51 $ 7.37 Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 6.20 $ 6.33 $ 6.21 $ 6.07 Pre-tax, pre-provision income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31,
2024September 30,
2024December 31,
2023December 31,
2024December 31,
2023Net income (GAAP) $ 1,232 $ 1,557 $ 1,452 $ 3,755 $ 6,767 Include: Provision for income taxes 343 425 377 1,021 1,897 Include: Provision for credit losses – 100 – 100 – Pre-tax, pre-provision income (non-GAAP) $ 1,575 $ 2,082 $ 1,829 $ 4,876 $ 8,664 Allowance for credit losses reconciliation, excluding Government Guaranteed loans (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 Allowance for credit losses $ 15,352 $ 15,466 $ 15,361 $ 15,364 Loans receivable (GAAP) $ 1,045,109 $ 1,060,977 $ 1,018,199 $ 1,024,013 Exclude: Government Guaranteed loans (49,024 ) (49,983 ) (51,809 ) (51,013 ) Loans receivable excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP) $ 996,085 $ 1,010,994 $ 966,390 $ 973,000 Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable (GAAP) 1.47 % 1.46 % 1.51 % 1.50 % Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP) 1.54 % 1.53 % 1.59 % 1.58 % Non-performing loans reconciliation, excluding Government Guaranteed Loans Three Months Ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Non-performing loans (GAAP) $ 469 $ 450 $ 186 Less: Non-performing Government Guaranteed loans (301 ) (301 ) – Adjusted non-performing loans excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP) $ 168 $ 149 $ 186 Non-performing loans to total loans (GAAP) 0.04 % 0.04 % 0.02 % Non-performing loans, excluding Government Guaranteed loans to total loans (non-GAAP) 0.02 % 0.01 % 0.02 % Non-performing loans to total assets (GAAP) 0.03 % 0.03 % 0.01 % Non-performing loans, excluding Government Guaranteed loans to total assets (non-GAAP) 0.01 % 0.01 % 0.01 %
About Riverview
Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (www.riverviewbank.com) is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland, Oregon, on the I-5 corridor. With assets of $1.51 billion at December 31, 2024, it is the parent company of Riverview Bank, as well as Riverview Trust Company. The Bank offers true community banking services, focusing on providing the highest quality service and financial products to commercial, business and retail clients through 17 branches, including 13 in the Portland-Vancouver area, and 3 lending centers. For the past 11 years, Riverview has been named Best Bank by the readers of The Vancouver Business Journal and The Columbian.“Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements which include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions, future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession, the failure of the U.S. Congress to increase the debt ceiling, or slowed economic growth caused by increasing political instability from acts of war including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as supply chain disruptions, recent bank failures and any governmental or societal responses thereto; the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in the Company’s allowance for credit losses and provision for credit losses that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long-term interest rates, deposit interest rates, the Company’s net interest margin and funding sources; the transition away from London Interbank Offered Rate toward new interest rate benchmarks; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes, land and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in the Company’s market areas; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to originate loans for sale and sell loans in the secondary market; results of examinations of the Bank by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks, and of the Company by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require the Company to increase its allowance for credit losses, write-down assets, reclassify its assets, change the Bank’s regulatory capital position or affect the Company’s ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business including changes in banking, securities and tax law, and in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits; the unexpected outflow of uninsured deposits that may require us to sell investment securities at a loss; the Company’s ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of the Company’s assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risks associated with the loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect the Company’s workforce and potential associated charges; disruptions, security breaches or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in or attacks on our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; the Company’s ability to retain key members of its senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel it may acquire into its operations and the Company’s ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames; future goodwill impairment due to changes in Riverview’s business, changes in market conditions, or other factors; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock; the quality and composition of our securities portfolio and the impact of and adverse changes in the securities markets, including market liquidity; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting standards; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, products and services, and the other risks described from time to time in our reports filed with and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to the Company. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements included in this report or the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for fiscal 2025 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations as well as its stock price performance.
RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 ASSETS Cash (including interest-earning accounts of $12,573, $12,453, $23,717 and $12,164) $ 25,348 $ 30,960 $ 37,553 $ 23,642 Investment securities: Available for sale, at estimated fair value 124,874 132,953 196,461 143,196 Held to maturity, at amortized cost 212,295 221,991 232,659 229,510 Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $15,352, $15,466, $15,361, and $15,364) 1,029,757 1,045,511 1,002,838 1,008,649 Prepaid expenses and other assets 12,945 13,585 14,486 14,469 Accrued interest receivable 4,639 4,570 5,248 4,415 Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost 4,742 5,557 8,026 4,927 Premises and equipment, net 22,731 22,956 22,270 21,718 Financing lease right-of-use assets 1,144 1,163 1,221 1,202 Deferred income taxes, net 9,471 8,688 10,033 9,778 Goodwill 27,076 27,076 27,076 27,076 Core deposit intangible, net 196 221 298 271 Bank owned life insurance 33,391 33,166 32,454 32,676 TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,508,609 $ 1,548,397 $ 1,590,623 $ 1,521,529 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY LIABILITIES: Deposits $ 1,219,002 $ 1,237,499 $ 1,218,892 $ 1,231,679 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 17,634 17,789 26,740 16,205 Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance 317 848 299 581 Junior subordinated debentures 27,069 27,048 26,982 27,004 Federal Home Loan Bank advances 84,200 102,304 157,054 88,304 Finance lease liability 2,117 2,135 2,184 2,168 Total liabilities 1,350,339 1,387,623 1,432,151 1,365,941 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Serial preferred stock, $.01 par value; 250,000 authorized, issued and outstanding, none – – – – Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 authorized, December 31, 2024 – 21,134,758 issued and outstanding; September 30, 2024 – 21,096,968 issued and outstanding; 209 211 211 211 December 31, 2023 – 21,111,043 issued and outstanding; March 31, 2024 – 21,111,043 issued and outstanding; Additional paid-in capital 54,227 55,057 54,982 55,005 Retained earnings 118,988 118,179 120,734 116,499 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (15,154 ) (12,673 ) (17,455 ) (16,127 ) Total shareholders’ equity 158,270 160,774 158,472 155,588 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,508,609 $ 1,548,397 $ 1,590,623 $ 1,521,529 RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY Consolidated Statements of Income Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 INTEREST INCOME: Interest and fees on loans receivable $ 13,201 $ 12,683 $ 11,645 $ 37,936 $ 34,288 Interest on investment securities – taxable 1,589 1,874 2,231 5,435 6,826 Interest on investment securities – nontaxable 65 65 65 195 196 Other interest and dividends 272 320 331 902 954 Total interest and dividend income 15,127 14,942 14,272 44,468 42,264 INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest on deposits 4,101 3,855 2,059 11,403 5,264 Interest on borrowings 1,638 2,145 2,889 5,914 7,466 Total interest expense 5,739 6,000 4,948 17,317 12,730 Net interest income 9,388 8,942 9,324 27,151 29,534 Provision for credit losses – 100 – 100 – Net interest income after provision for credit losses 9,388 8,842 9,324 27,051 29,534 NON-INTEREST INCOME: Fees and service charges 1,492 1,524 1,533 4,556 4,871 Asset management fees 1,443 1,433 1,266 4,434 3,920 Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) 225 279 211 715 669 Other, net 181 605 46 844 288 Total non-interest income, net 3,341 3,841 3,056 10,549 9,748 NON-INTEREST EXPENSE: Salaries and employee benefits 6,471 6,477 6,091 19,336 17,979 Occupancy and depreciation 1,871 1,921 1,698 5,687 4,930 Data processing 743 695 712 2,202 2,096 Amortization of core deposit intangible 25 25 27 75 81 Advertising and marketing 317 367 282 994 950 FDIC insurance premium 174 166 178 518 530 State and local taxes 327 234 355 777 814 Telecommunications 54 52 56 153 161 Professional fees 429 304 353 1,223 961 Other 743 460 799 1,859 2,116 Total non-interest expense 11,154 10,701 10,551 32,824 30,618 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,575 1,982 1,829 4,776 8,664 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 343 425 377 1,021 1,897 NET INCOME $ 1,232 $ 1,557 $ 1,452 $ 3,755 $ 6,767 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 Diluted $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 21,037,246 21,097,580 21,113,464 21,081,851 21,146,888 Diluted 21,037,246 21,097,580 21,113,464 21,081,851 21,148,679 (Dollars in thousands) At or for the three months ended At or for the nine months ended Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 AVERAGE BALANCES Average interest–earning assets $ 1,436,130 $ 1,446,098 $ 1,494,341 $ 1,439,834 $ 1,494,443 Average interest-bearing liabilities 1,019,265 1,011,688 1,028,817 1,010,419 1,021,532 Net average earning assets 416,865 434,410 465,524 429,415 472,911 Average loans 1,053,342 1,048,536 1,015,741 1,043,274 1,008,429 Average deposits 1,232,450 1,216,769 1,209,524 1,220,443 1,235,032 Average equity 160,532 158,428 153,901 158,179 155,264 Average tangible equity (non-GAAP) 133,245 131,116 126,511 130,867 127,847 ASSET QUALITY Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Non-performing loans $ 469 $ 450 $ 186 Non-performing loans excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP) 168 149 186 Non-performing loans to total loans 0.04 % 0.04 % 0.02 % Non-performing loans to total loans excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP) 0.02 % 0.01 % 0.02 % Real estate/repossessed assets owned $ – $ – $ – Non-performing assets $ 469 $ 450 $ 186 Non-performing assets excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP) 168 149 186 Non-performing assets to total assets 0.03 % 0.03 % 0.01 % Non-performing assets to total assets excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP) 0.01 % 0.01 % 0.01 % Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) in the quarter $ 114 $ (2 ) $ (15 ) Net charge-offs (recoveries) in the quarter/average net loans 0.04 % 0.00 % (0.01 )% Allowance for credit losses $ 15,352 $ 15,466 $ 15,361 Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 140.90 % 142.94 % 145.25 % Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans 3273.35 % 3436.89 % 8258.60 % Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.47 % 1.46 % 1.51 % Shareholders’ equity to assets 10.49 % 10.38 % 9.96 % CAPITAL RATIOS Total capital (to risk weighted assets) 16.47 % 16.14 % 16.67 % Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) 15.21 % 14.88 % 15.42 % Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets) 15.21 % 14.88 % 15.42 % Tier 1 capital (to average tangible assets) 10.86 % 10.72 % 10.53 % Tangible common equity (to average tangible assets) (non-GAAP) 8.84 % 8.78 % 8.39 % DEPOSIT MIX Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 Interest checking $ 257,975 $ 267,254 $ 272,019 $ 289,824 Regular savings 169,181 172,454 199,911 192,638 Money market deposit accounts 236,912 227,505 225,727 209,164 Non-interest checking 312,839 341,116 350,744 349,081 Certificates of deposit 242,095 229,170 170,491 190,972 Total deposits $ 1,219,002 $ 1,237,499 $ 1,218,892 $ 1,231,679 COMPOSITION OF COMMERCIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LOANS Other Commercial Commercial Real Estate Real Estate & Construction Business Mortgage Construction Total December 31, 2024 (Dollars in thousands) Commercial business $ 224,506 $ – $ – $ 224,506 Commercial construction – – 32,442 32,442 Office buildings – 113,350 – 113,350 Warehouse/industrial – 108,356 – 108,356 Retail/shopping centers/strip malls – 89,871 – 89,871 Assisted living facilities – 363 – 363 Single purpose facilities – 262,556 – 262,556 Land – 4,062 – 4,062 Multi-family – 78,822 – 78,822 One-to-four family construction – – 17,514 17,514 Total $ 224,506 $ 657,380 $ 49,956 $ 931,842 March 31, 2024 Commercial business $ 229,404 $ – $ – $ 229,404 Commercial construction – – 20,388 20,388 Office buildings – 114,714 – 114,714 Warehouse/industrial – 106,649 – 106,649 Retail/shopping centers/strip malls – 89,448 – 89,448 Assisted living facilities – 378 – 378 Single purpose facilities – 272,312 – 272,312 Land – 5,693 – 5,693 Multi-family – 70,771 – 70,771 One-to-four family construction – – 16,150 16,150 Total $ 229,404 $ 659,965 $ 36,538 $ 925,907 LOAN MIX Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 Commercial and construction (Dollars in thousands) Commercial business $ 224,506 $ 236,895 $ 229,249 $ 229,404 Other real estate mortgage 657,380 659,439 648,782 659,965 Real estate construction 49,956 51,498 42,167 36,538 Total commercial and construction 931,842 947,832 920,198 925,907 Consumer Real estate one-to-four family 97,760 96,911 96,266 96,366 Other installment 15,507 16,234 1,735 1,740 Total consumer 113,267 113,145 98,001 98,106 Total loans 1,045,109 1,060,977 1,018,199 1,024,013 Less: Allowance for credit losses 15,352 15,466 15,361 15,364 Loans receivable, net $ 1,029,757 $ 1,045,511 $ 1,002,838 $ 1,008,649 DETAIL OF NON-PERFORMING ASSETS Southwest Washington Other Total December 31, 2024 (Dollars in thousands) Commercial business $ 43 $ – $ 43 Commercial real estate 93 – 93 Consumer 32 – 32 Government Guaranteed Loans – 301 301 Total non-performing assets $ 168 $ 301 $ 469 At or for the three months ended At or for the nine months ended SELECTED OPERATING DATA Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Efficiency ratio (4) 87.63 % 83.71 % 85.23 % 87.07 % 77.94 % Coverage ratio (6) 84.17 % 83.56 % 88.37 % 82.72 % 96.46 % Return on average assets (1) 0.32 % 0.40 % 0.37 % 0.33 % 0.57 % Return on average equity (1) 3.04 % 3.90 % 3.75 % 3.15 % 5.80 % Return on average tangible equity (1) (non-GAAP) 3.67 % 4.71 % 4.57 % 3.81 % 7.04 % NET INTEREST SPREAD Yield on loans 4.97 % 4.80 % 4.56 % 4.83 % 4.53 % Yield on investment securities 1.82 % 2.05 % 2.01 % 2.00 % 2.02 % Total yield on interest-earning assets 4.18 % 4.11 % 3.81 % 4.10 % 3.77 % Cost of interest-bearing deposits 1.81 % 1.76 % 0.98 % 1.73 % 0.82 % Cost of FHLB advances and other borrowings 5.43 % 5.92 % 5.83 % 5.83 % 5.77 % Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities 2.23 % 2.35 % 1.91 % 2.27 % 1.66 % Spread (7) 1.95 % 1.76 % 1.90 % 1.83 % 2.11 % Net interest margin 2.60 % 2.46 % 2.49 % 2.51 % 2.64 % PER SHARE DATA Basic earnings per share (2) $ 0.06 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 Diluted earnings per share (3) 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.18 0.32 Book value per share (5) 7.49 7.62 7.51 7.49 7.51 Tangible book value per share (5) (non-GAAP) 6.20 6.33 6.21 6.20 6.21 Market price per share: High for the period $ 5.88 $ 4.72 $ 6.48 $ 5.88 $ 6.48 Low for the period 4.59 3.79 5.35 3.64 4.17 Close for period end 5.74 4.71 6.40 5.74 6.40 Cash dividends declared per share 0.0200 0.0200 0.0600 0.0600 0.1800 Average number of shares outstanding: Basic (2) 21,037,246 21,097,580 21,113,464 21,081,851 21,146,888 Diluted (3) 21,037,246 21,097,580 21,113,464 21,081,851 21,148,679 (1) Amounts for the periods shown are annualized.
(2) Amounts exclude ESOP shares not committed to be released.
(3) Amounts exclude ESOP shares not committed to be released and include common stock equivalents.
(4) Non-interest expense divided by net interest income and non-interest income.
(5) Amounts calculated based on shareholders’ equity and include ESOP shares not committed to be released.
(6) Net interest income divided by non-interest expense.
(7) Yield on interest-earning assets less cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.Contact: Nicole Sherman, President & CEO
David Lam, CFO
Dan Cox, COO
360-693-6650 -
MIL-OSI: Evolution Petroleum Schedules Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EPM) (“Evolution” or the “Company”) today announced that it plans to release its fiscal second quarter 2025 financial and operating results on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after the market closes. Additionally, Kelly Loyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Stash, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, and Mark Bunch, Chief Operating Officer, will review the results on a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Conference Call and Webcast Details
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. Central Time
Dial-In: (844) 481-2813
International Dial-In: (412) 317-0677
Note: Dial-in participants should ask to join the Evolution Petroleum Corporation call.
Webcast: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=HS7VesBTA webcast replay will be available through February 12, 2026, via the webcast link above and on Evolution’s website at www.ir.evolutionpetroleum.com.
About Evolution Petroleum
Evolution Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company focused on maximizing total shareholder returns through the ownership of and investment in onshore oil and natural gas properties in the U.S. The Company aims to build and maintain a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties through acquisitions, selective development opportunities, production enhancements, and other exploitation efforts. Properties include non-operated interests in the following areas: the SCOOP/STACK plays of the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma; the Chaveroo Oilfield located in Chaves and Roosevelt Counties, New Mexico; the Jonah Field in Sublette County, Wyoming; the Williston Basin in North Dakota; the Barnett Shale located in North Texas; the Hamilton Dome Field located in Hot Springs County, Wyoming; the Delhi Holt-Bryant Unit in the Delhi Field in Northeast Louisiana; as well as small overriding royalty interests in four onshore Texas wells. Visit www.evolutionpetroleum.com for more information.
Contact
Investor Relations
(713) 935-0122
ir@evolutionpetroleum.comThis press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.
-
MIL-OSI: BayFirst Financial Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BayFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BAFN) (“BayFirst” or the “Company”), parent company of BayFirst National Bank (the “Bank”) today reported net income of $9.8 million, or $2.27 per common share, or $2.11 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 759.8% compared to $1.1 million, or $0.18 per common share and diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2024. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $12.6 million, or $2.68 per common share, or $2.62 per diluted common share, compared to $5.7 million, or $1.16 per common share, or $1.12 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2023.
“We reported strong fourth quarter 2024 results, highlighted by quarterly net interest margin expansion and improved operating efficiencies,” stated Thomas G. Zernick, Chief Executive Officer. “Net income increased substantially compared to the preceding quarter, led by increases in net interest income, higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans, and a gain on sale of two branch office properties, which was part of a sale-leaseback transaction. It’s worth noting that we continue to lease these two branch offices, resulting in no impact to our existing branch network. As a result of this transaction, we recorded an after-tax gain on sale of the properties of $8.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2024.”
“The strength of our community bank business model, which includes serving individuals, families, and small businesses, coupled with results from our government guaranteed banking division, continues to fuel our operating results,” Zernick continued. “Our government guaranteed banking team had a solid quarter, producing $107.8 million in new government guaranteed loans, which was an improvement compared to the third quarter of 2024. Our lenders remain focused on meeting loan origination targets, while also adhering to prudently conservative credit quality metrics.
“One of the highlights of the full year 2024 was the $1.1 million reduction in noninterest expenses compared to 2023. When we completed our near-term branch expansion plans in early 2024, we focused on reducing operating expenses by leveraging technology investments to better manage headcount and related incentive compensation, while at the same time growing the franchise. As we look to the new year, we will continue initiatives that are designed to further increase our efficiency, lower costs, and maximize the investments we’ve already made in technology and in our banking centers. While we are pleased with the progress during the fourth quarter and the year, we are excited to continue our forward momentum and further boost our results in 2025,” said Zernick.
“Additionally, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program on January 28, 2025. We believe our stock offers an attractive investment and repurchasing stock is a means for building long-term shareholder value,” said Zernick. “We are confident about the growth of our Company, and we believe that when our shares are undervalued, repurchases represent a value-enhancing deployment of capital.”
Fourth Quarter 2024 Performance Review
- In December 2024, the Company entered into a sale-leaseback agreement for two branch office properties for an aggregate cash purchase price of $15.0 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of the properties of $11.6 million.
- The Company’s government guaranteed loan team originated $107.8 million in new loans during the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from $94.4 million of loans produced in the previous quarter, and a decrease from $144.9 million of loans produced during the fourth quarter of 2023. Since the launch in 2022 of the Company’s Bolt loan program, an SBA 7(a) loan product designed to expeditiously provide working capital loans of $150 thousand or less, the Company has originated 5,726 Bolt loans totaling $741.5 million, of which 495 Bolt loans totaling $64.8 million were originated during the fourth quarter. No newly originated government guaranteed loans were measured at fair value during the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $34 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Loans held for investment increased by $24.1 million, or 2.3%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.07 billion and increased $150.8 million, or 16.5%, over the past year. During the quarter, the Company originated $158.7 million of loans and sold $94.5 million of government guaranteed loan balances.
- Deposits increased $31.0 million, or 2.8%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and increased $158.1 million, or 16.0%, over the past year to $1.14 billion.
- Book value and tangible book value at December 31, 2024 were $22.95 per common share, an increase from $20.86 at September 30, 2024.
- Net interest margin increased by 26 basis points to 3.60% in the fourth quarter of 2024, from 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024 and 12 basis points from 3.48%in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Results of Operations
Net Income
Net income was $9.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 from the preceding quarter was primarily the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, which was part of a sale-leaseback transaction. Also contributing to higher earnings was an increase in net interest income of $1.2 million, an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $2.3 million, and a decrease in noninterest expense of $1.7 million, partially offset by an increase in provision for credit losses of $1.4 million, a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $3.5 million, and an increase in income tax expense on continuing operations of $2.9 million. The decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans was the result of not measuring any newly originated government guaranteed loans at fair value in the fourth quarter. The increase in net income from the fourth quarter of 2023 was due to the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, an increase in net interest income of $1.8 million, an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $1.4 million, and lower noninterest expense of $3.1 million. This was partially offset by an increase in provision for credit losses of $1.8 million, a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $4.8 million, and an increase in income tax expense on continuing operations of $2.6 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net income was $12.6 million, an increase from $5.7 million from the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, an increase in net interest income of $1.6 million, higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $3.7 million, and lower noninterest expense of $0.9 million, partially offset by higher provision for credit losses of $4.3 million, a decrease in government guaranteed fair value gains of $5.9 million and higher income tax expense on continuing operations of $2.2 million.
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income from continuing operations was $10.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from $9.4 million during the third quarter of 2024, and an increase from $8.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The net interest margin increased by 26 basis points to 3.60% in the fourth quarter of 2024, from 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024 and 12 basis points from 3.48%in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The increase in net interest income from continuing operations during the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2024, was mainly due to a decrease in interest cost on deposits of $1.0 million.
The increase in net interest income from continuing operations during the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the year ago quarter, was mainly due to an increase in loan interest income, including fees, of $3.0 million, partially offset by higher interest expense on deposits of $0.9 million.
Net interest income from continuing operations was $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase from $36.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to an increase in loan interest income, including fees, of $15.6 million, partially offset by an increase in interest expense on deposits of $12.1 million.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income from continuing operations was $22.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which was an increase from $12.3 million in the third quarter of 2024 and an increase from $14.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2024, was primarily the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, which was part of a sale-leaseback transaction, and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $2.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $3.5 million. The decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans was the result of not measuring any newly originated government guaranteed loans at fair value in the fourth quarter. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, was the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $1.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans of $4.8 million.
Noninterest income from continuing operations was $60.5 million for the year ended 2024, which was an increase from $49.8 million for the year ended 2023. The increase was primarily the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $3.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans of $5.9 million.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense from continuing operations was $15.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $18.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the prior quarter, was primarily due to a decrease in compensation expense of $0.6 million and a decrease in loan origination and collection expense of $1.2 million. The decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, was primarily due to lower compensation expense of $1.2 million and lower loan origination and collection expenses of $2.0 million.
Noninterest expense from continuing operations was $66.8 million for the year ended 2024 compared to $67.7 million for the year ended 2023. The decrease was the result of decreases in compensation expenses of $1.2 million, loan origination and collection expense of $1.0 million, and marketing and business development expenses of $1.3 million. The decreases were partially offset by increases in data processing expenses of $1.1 million, regulatory assessments of $0.4 million, and other noninterest expenses of $0.8 million.
Balance Sheet
Assets
Total assets increased $43.2 million, or 3.5%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.29 billion, mainly due to increases in loans held for investment of $24.1 million, cash and cash equivalents of $13.4 million, and right-of-use operating lease assets of $13.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in premises and equipment of $5.5 million. The increase in the right-of-use operating lease asset and decrease in premises and equipment was primarily the result of the fourth quarter 2024 sale-leaseback transaction. Compared to the end of the fourth quarter last year, total assets increased $170.5 million, or 15.3%, driven by growth of loans held for investment of $150.8 million, higher cash and cash equivalents of $19.4 million, and an increase in right-of-use operating lease asset of $13.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in premises and equipment of $5.6 million.
Loans
Loans held for investment increased $24.1 million, or 2.3%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and $150.8 million, or 16.5%, over the past year to $1.07 billion, due to originations in both conventional community bank loans and government guaranteed loans, partially offset by government guaranteed loan sales.
Deposits
Deposits increased $31.0 million, or 2.8%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and increased $158.1 million, or 16.0%, from the fourth quarter of 2023, ending December 31, 2024 at $1.14 billion. During the fourth quarter, there were increases in noninterest-bearing deposit account balances of $5.7 million, interest-bearing transaction account balances of $8.9 million, and savings and money market deposit account balances of $19.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in time deposit balances of $2.7 million. The majority of the deposits are generated through the community bank in the Tampa Bay/Sarasota area. At December 31, 2024, approximately 74% of total deposits were insured by the FDIC. At times, the Bank has brokered time deposit and non-maturity deposit relationships available to diversify its funding sources. At December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company had $112.1 million, $76.7 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, of brokered deposits.
Asset Quality
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of $4.5 million, compared to provisions of $3.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $2.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2023.
The ratio of ACL to total loans held for investment at amortized cost was 1.54% at December 31, 2024, 1.48% as of September 30, 2024, and 1.64% as of December 31, 2023. The ratio of ACL to total loans held for investment at amortized cost, excluding government guaranteed loan balances, was 1.79% at December 31, 2024, 1.70% as of September 30, 2024, and 2.03% as of December 31, 2023. To date, we have not learned of a material loss to the Company as a result of the recent hurricanes. Therefore, additional loss reserves have not been deemed necessary.
Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $3.4 million, which was an increase from $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans held for investment at amortized cost were 1.34% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 1.16% in the third quarter of 2024 and 1.27% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Nonperforming assets to total assets were 1.50% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.38% as of September 30, 2024, and 0.92% as of December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets, excluding government guaranteed loan balances, to total assets were 1.06% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 0.88% as of September 30, 2024, and 0.74% as of December 31, 2023. As we discussed in previous quarters, the Bank developed an express modification program for SBA 7(a) borrowers to help those borrowers who are challenged with larger payments in the higher interest rate environment compared to interest rates at the time the loans were originated. To date, 496 SBA 7(a) borrowers have been offered loan modification options. These efforts have helped and are expected to continue to help reduce the risk of loss.
Capital
The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.82% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 8.41% as of September 30, 2024, and 9.38% as of December 31, 2023. The CET 1 and Tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets were 10.89% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 10.14% as of September 30, 2024, and 11.77% as of December 31, 2023. The total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 12.14% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 11.39% as of September 30, 2024, and 13.03% as of December 31, 2023.
Liquidity
The Bank’s overall liquidity position remains strong and stable with liquidity in excess of internal minimums as stated by policy and monitored by management and the Board. The on-balance sheet liquidity ratio at December 31, 2024 was 9.17%, as compared to 9.33% at December 31, 2023. The Bank has robust liquidity resources which include secured borrowings available from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Reserve, and lines of credit with other financial institutions. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank had no borrowings from the FHLB, the FRB or other financial institutions. This compares to $10.0 million of borrowings from the FHLB and no borrowings from the FRB or other financial institutions at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Recent Events
Share Repurchase Program
The Company announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a share repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to $2.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares, over a period beginning on January 28, 2025, and continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase, or December 31, 2025, or termination of the program by the Board of Directors.
First Quarter Common Stock Dividend. On January 28, 2025, BayFirst’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2025 cash dividend of $0.08 per common share. The dividend will be payable March 15, 2025 to common shareholders of record as of March 1, 2025. The Company has continuously paid quarterly common stock cash dividends since 2016.
Conference Call
BayFirst’s management team will host a conference call on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its fourth quarter results. Interested investors may listen to the call live under the Investor Relations tab at www.bayfirstfinancial.com. Investment professionals are invited to dial (800) 549-8228 to participate in the call using Conference ID 71006. A replay of the call will be available for one year at www.bayfirstfinancial.com.
About BayFirst Financial Corp.
BayFirst Financial Corp. is a registered bank holding company based in St. Petersburg, Florida which commenced operations on September 1, 2000. Its primary source of income is derived from its wholly owned subsidiary, BayFirst National Bank, a national banking association which commenced business operations on February 12, 1999. The Bank currently operates twelve full-service banking offices throughout the Tampa Bay-Sarasota region and offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services to businesses and individuals. It was named the best bank in Florida in 2024, according to Forbes and was the 9th largest SBA 7(a) lender by number of units originated and 16th largest by dollar volume nationwide through the SBA’s quarter ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, BayFirst Financial Corp. had $1.29 billion in total assets.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to the historical information contained herein, this presentation includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the effects of health crises, global military hostilities, weather events, or climate change, including their effects on the economic environment, our customers and our operations, as well as any changes to federal, state or local government laws, regulations or orders in connection with them; the ability of the Company to implement its strategy and expand its banking operations; changes in interest rates and other general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in business plans as circumstances warrant; risks related to mergers and acquisitions; changes in benchmark interest rates used to price loans and deposits, changes in tax laws, regulations and guidance; and other risks detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with the SEC, including, but not limited to those “Risk Factors” described in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included herein are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.
Contacts: Thomas G. Zernick Scott J. McKim Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer 727.399.5680 727.521.7085 BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)At or for the three months ended (Dollars in thousands, except for share data) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/2024 3/31/2024 12/31/2023 Balance sheet data: Average loans held for investment at amortized cost $ 1,003,867 $ 948,528 $ 902,417 $ 855,040 $ 825,196 Average total assets 1,273,296 1,228,040 1,178,501 1,126,315 1,108,550 Average common shareholders’ equity 87,961 86,381 84,948 85,385 82,574 Total loans held for investment 1,066,559 1,042,445 1,008,314 934,868 915,726 Total loans held for investment, excl gov’t gtd loan balances 917,075 885,444 844,659 776,302 698,106 Allowance for credit losses 15,512 14,186 13,843 13,906 13,497 Total assets 1,288,297 1,245,099 1,217,869 1,144,194 1,117,766 Common shareholders’ equity 94,869 86,242 84,911 84,578 84,656 Share data: Basic earnings per common share $ 2.27 $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.32 Diluted earnings per common share 2.11 0.18 0.12 0.11 0.32 Dividends per common share 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 Book value per common share 22.95 20.86 20.54 20.45 20.60 Tangible book value per common share (1) 22.95 20.86 20.54 20.45 20.60 Performance and capital ratios: Return on average assets(2) 3.07 % 0.37 % 0.29 % 0.29 % 0.60 % Return on average common equity(2) 42.71 % 3.48 % 2.26 % 2.06 % 6.37 % Net interest margin(2) 3.60 % 3.34 % 3.43 % 3.42 % 3.48 % Dividend payout ratio 3.52 % 43.98 % 68.91 % 75.27 % 25.03 % Asset quality ratios: Net charge-offs $ 3,369 $ 2,757 $ 3,261 $ 3,652 $ 2,612 Net charge-offs/avg loans held for investment at amortized cost(2) 1.34 % 1.16 % 1.45 % 1.71 % 1.27 % Nonperforming loans(3) $ 17,607 $ 15,489 $ 12,312 $ 9,877 $ 9,688 Nonperforming loans (excluding gov’t gtd balance)(3) $ 13,570 $ 10,992 $ 8,054 $ 7,568 $ 8,264 Nonperforming loans/total loans held for investment(3) 1.75 % 1.62 % 1.34 % 1.15 % 1.18 % Nonperforming loans (excl gov’t gtd balance)/total loans held for investment(3) 1.35 % 1.15 % 0.87 % 0.88 % 1.00 % ACL/Total loans held for investment at amortized cost 1.54 % 1.48 % 1.50 % 1.62 % 1.64 % ACL/Total loans held for investment at amortized cost, excl government guaranteed loans 1.79 % 1.70 % 1.73 % 1.88 % 2.03 % Other Data: Full-time equivalent employees 299 295 302 313 305 Banking center offices 12 12 12 12 11 (1) See section entitled “GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a reconciliation to most comparable GAAP equivalent. (2) Annualized (3) Excludes loans measured at fair value GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Some of the financial measures included in this report are not measures of financial condition or performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include tangible common shareholders’ equity and tangible book value per common share. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of our performance, and we believe that providing this information to financial analysts and investors allows them to evaluate capital adequacy.
The following presents these non-GAAP financial measures along with their most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP:
Tangible Common Shareholders’ Equity and Tangible Book Value Per Common Share (Unaudited) As of (Dollars in thousands, except for share data) December
31, 2024September
30, 2024June
30, 2024March
31, 2024December
31, 2023Total shareholders’ equity $ 110,920 $ 102,293 $ 100,962 $ 100,629 $ 100,707 Less: Preferred stock liquidation preference (16,051 ) (16,051 ) (16,051 ) (16,051 ) (16,051 ) Total equity available to common shareholders 94,869 86,242 84,911 84,578 84,656 Less: Goodwill — — — — — Tangible common shareholders’ equity $ 94,869 $ 86,242 $ 84,911 $ 84,578 $ 84,656 Common shares outstanding 4,132,986 4,134,059 4,134,219 4,134,914 4,110,470 Tangible book value per common share $ 22.95 $ 20.86 $ 20.54 $ 20.45 $ 20.60 BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 12/31/2023 Assets (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Cash and due from banks $ 4,499 $ 4,708 $ 4,099 Interest-bearing deposits in banks 73,289 59,675 54,286 Cash and cash equivalents 77,788 64,383 58,385 Time deposits in banks 2,270 2,264 4,646 Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $40,279, $41,104, and $43,597 at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively) 36,291 37,984 39,575 Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses of $12, $13, and $17 (fair value: $2,346, $2,321, and $2,263 at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively) 2,488 2,487 2,484 Nonmarketable equity securities 4,526 4,997 4,770 Government guaranteed loans held for sale — 595 — Government guaranteed loans held for investment, at fair value 60,833 86,441 91,508 Loans held for investment, at amortized cost 1,005,726 956,004 824,218 Allowance for credit losses on loans (15,512 ) (14,186 ) (13,497 ) Net Loans held for investment, at amortized cost 990,214 941,818 810,721 Accrued interest receivable 9,155 8,537 7,130 Premises and equipment, net 33,249 38,736 38,874 Loan servicing rights 16,534 15,966 14,959 Right-of-use operating lease assets 15,814 2,018 2,416 Bank owned life insurance 26,513 26,330 25,800 Other real estate owned 132 — — Other assets 12,490 12,543 16,150 Assets from discontinued operations — — 348 Total assets $ 1,288,297 $ 1,245,099 $ 1,117,766 Liabilities: Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 101,743 $ 95,995 $ 93,708 Interest-bearing transaction accounts 256,793 247,923 259,422 Savings and money market deposits 474,425 455,297 373,000 Time deposits 310,268 312,981 259,008 Total deposits 1,143,229 1,112,196 985,138 FHLB borrowings — 10,000 10,000 Subordinated debentures 5,956 5,954 5,949 Notes payable 1,934 2,048 2,389 Accrued interest payable 1,036 1,114 882 Operating lease liabilities 14,510 2,271 2,619 Deferred income tax liabilities 301 1,488 482 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 10,411 7,735 8,980 Liabilities from discontinued operations — — 620 Total liabilities 1,177,377 1,142,806 1,017,059 Shareholders’ equity: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Preferred stock, Series A; no par value, 10,000 shares authorized, 6,395 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; aggregate liquidation preference of $6,395 each period 6,161 6,161 6,161 Preferred stock, Series B; no par value, 20,000 shares authorized, 3,210 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; aggregate liquidation preference of $3,210 each period 3,123 3,123 3,123 Preferred stock, Series C; no par value, 10,000 shares authorized, 6,446 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; aggregate liquidation preference of $6,446 at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023 6,446 6,446 6,446 Common stock and additional paid-in capital; no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 4,132,986, 4,134,059, and 4,110,470 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively 54,764 54,780 54,521 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (2,956 ) (2,312 ) (2,981 ) Unearned compensation (752 ) (978 ) (958 ) Retained earnings 44,134 35,073 34,395 Total shareholders’ equity 110,920 102,293 100,707 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,288,297 $ 1,245,099 $ 1,117,766 BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Quarter Ended Year-to-Date (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 12/31/2023 12/31/2024 12/31/2023 Interest income: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Loans, including fees $ 20,747 $ 20,442 $ 17,714 $ 78,831 $ 63,189 Interest-bearing deposits in banks and other 1,007 1,000 1,140 3,979 5,328 Total interest income 21,754 21,442 18,854 82,810 68,517 Interest expense: Deposits 10,600 11,609 9,719 42,872 30,795 Other 501 384 258 1,912 1,291 Total interest expense 11,101 11,993 9,977 44,784 32,086 Net interest income 10,653 9,449 8,877 38,026 36,431 Provision for credit losses 4,546 3,122 2,737 14,726 10,445 Net interest income after provision for credit losses 6,107 6,327 6,140 23,300 25,986 Noninterest income: Loan servicing income, net 582 918 677 3,100 2,826 Gain on sale of government guaranteed loans, net 8,425 6,143 6,977 28,252 24,553 Service charges and fees 451 447 555 1,794 1,721 Government guaranteed loans fair value gain, net (80 ) 3,416 4,697 9,843 15,718 Government guaranteed loan packaging fees 773 903 1,588 4,105 3,664 Gain on sale of premises and equipment 11,649 — — 11,649 — Other noninterest income 476 445 197 1,726 1,273 Total noninterest income 22,276 12,272 14,691 60,469 49,755 Noninterest Expense: Salaries and benefits 7,351 7,878 7,446 31,063 30,973 Bonus, commissions, and incentives 1,074 1,141 2,211 4,445 5,726 Occupancy and equipment 1,217 1,248 1,150 4,848 4,758 Data processing 1,749 1,789 1,422 6,745 5,611 Marketing and business development 390 532 640 2,050 3,336 Professional services 803 853 1,070 3,882 3,657 Loan origination and collection 758 1,956 2,728 6,391 7,425 Employee recruiting and development 445 595 510 2,186 2,177 Regulatory assessments 379 309 266 1,249 881 Other noninterest expense 1,169 763 1,023 3,923 3,163 Total noninterest expense 15,335 17,064 18,466 66,782 67,707 Income before taxes from continuing operations 13,048 1,535 2,365 16,987 8,034 Income tax expense from continuing operations 3,272 398 704 4,315 2,119 Net income from continuing operations 9,776 1,137 1,661 12,672 5,915 Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes — — (8 ) (92 ) (283 ) Income tax benefit from discontinued operations — — (2 ) (23 ) (70 ) Net loss from discontinued operations — — (6 ) (69 ) (213 ) Net income 9,776 1,137 1,655 12,603 5,702 Preferred dividends 385 385 341 1,541 965 Net income available to common shareholders $ 9,391 $ 752 $ 1,314 $ 11,062 $ 4,737 Basic earnings (loss) per common share: (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Continuing operations $ 2.27 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 2.69 $ 1.21 Discontinued operations — — — (0.01 ) (0.05 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 2.27 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 2.68 $ 1.16 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Continuing operations $ 2.11 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 2.64 $ 1.17 Discontinued operations — — — (0.02 ) (0.05 ) Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.11 $ 0.18 $ 0.32 $ 2.62 $ 1.12 Loan Composition
(Dollars in thousands) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/2024 3/31/2024 12/31/2023 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Real estate: Residential $ 330,870 $ 321,740 $ 304,234 $ 285,214 $ 264,126 Commercial 305,721 292,026 288,185 273,227 293,595 Construction and land 32,914 33,784 35,759 36,764 26,272 Commercial and industrial 226,522 200,212 192,140 182,264 177,566 Commercial and industrial – PPP 941 1,656 2,324 2,965 3,202 Consumer and other 93,826 92,546 85,789 63,854 47,287 Loans held for investment, at amortized cost, gross 990,794 941,964 908,431 844,288 812,048 Deferred loan costs, net 19,499 18,060 17,299 16,233 14,707 Discount on government guaranteed loans (8,306 ) (7,880 ) (7,731 ) (7,674 ) (7,040 ) Premium on loans purchased, net 3,739 3,860 4,173 4,252 4,503 Loans held for investment, at amortized cost, net 1,005,726 956,004 922,172 857,099 824,218 Government guaranteed loans held for investment, at fair value 60,833 86,441 86,142 77,769 91,508 Total loans held for investment, net $ 1,066,559 $ 1,042,445 $ 1,008,314 $ 934,868 $ 915,726 Nonperforming Assets (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/2024 3/31/2024 12/31/2023 Nonperforming loans (government guaranteed balances), at amortized cost, gross $ 4,037 $ 4,497 $ 4,258 $ 2,309 $ 1,424 Nonperforming loans (unguaranteed balances), at amortized cost, gross 13,570 10,992 8,054 7,568 8,264 Total nonperforming loans, at amortized cost, gross 17,607 15,489 12,312 9,877 9,688 Nonperforming loans (government guaranteed balances), at fair value — 24 341 94 — Nonperforming loans (unguaranteed balances), at fair value 1,490 1,535 1,284 729 648 Total nonperforming loans, at fair value 1,490 1,559 1,625 823 648 OREO 132 — 1,633 404 — Repossessed assets 36 94 — — — Total nonperforming assets, gross $ 19,265 $ 17,142 $ 15,570 $ 11,104 $ 10,336 Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans held for investment(1) 1.75 % 1.62 % 1.34 % 1.15 % 1.18 % Nonperforming loans (excluding government guaranteed balances) to total loans held for investment(1) 1.35 % 1.15 % 0.87 % 0.88 % 1.00 % Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets 1.50 % 1.38 % 1.28 % 0.97 % 0.92 % Nonperforming assets (excluding government guaranteed balances) to total assets 1.06 % 0.88 % 0.82 % 0.70 % 0.74 % ACL to nonperforming loans(1) 88.10 % 91.59 % 112.44 % 140.79 % 139.32 % ACL to nonperforming loans (excluding government guaranteed balances)(1) 114.31 % 129.06 % 171.88 % 183.75 % 163.32 % (1) Excludes loans measured at fair value
Note: Transmitted on Globe Newswire on January 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
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MIL-OSI: Credit Acceptance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Southfield, Michigan, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq: CACC) (referred to as the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) today announced consolidated net income of $151.9 million, or $12.26 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to consolidated net income of $93.6 million, or $7.29 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $126.0 million, or $10.17 per diluted share, compared to $129.1 million, or $10.06 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. The following table summarizes our financial results:
(In millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 GAAP net income $ 151.9 $ 78.8 $ 93.6 $ 247.9 $ 286.1 GAAP net income per diluted share $ 12.26 $ 6.35 $ 7.29 $ 19.88 $ 21.99 Adjusted net income $ 126.0 $ 109.1 $ 129.1 $ 478.9 $ 535.6 Adjusted net income per diluted share $ 10.17 $ 8.79 $ 10.06 $ 38.41 $ 41.17 Our results for the fourth quarter of 2024 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2023 included:
- A smaller decline in forecasted collection rates
A decline in forecasted collection rates decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $31.1 million, or 0.3%, compared to a decrease in forecasted collection rates during the fourth quarter of 2023 that decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $57.0 million, or 0.6%.
- A decrease in forecasted profitability for Consumer Loans assigned in 2021 through 2024
Forecasted profitability was lower than our estimates at December 31, 2023, due to both a decline in forecasted collection rates and slower forecasted net cash flow timing since the fourth quarter of 2023. The slower forecasted net cash flow timing was primarily a result of a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages.
- Slower growth in Consumer Loan assignment unit volume and an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio
Unit volume growth slowed significantly year-over-year, growing 0.3% as compared to 26.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023. The average balance of our loan portfolio, which is our largest-ever, increased 14.0% and 16.5% on a GAAP and adjusted basis, respectively, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
- An increase in the initial spread on Consumer Loan assignments
The initial spread increased to 22.4% compared to 21.7% on Consumer Loans assigned in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- An increase in our average cost of debt
Our average cost of debt increased from 6.3% to 7.2%, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
- A decrease in common shares outstanding due to stock repurchases
Since the fourth quarter of 2023, we have repurchased approximately 590,000 shares, or 4.7% of the shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
Our results for the fourth quarter of 2024 in comparison to the third quarter of 2024 included:
- A smaller decline in forecasted collection rates
A decline in forecasted collection rates decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $31.1 million, or 0.3%, compared to a decrease in forecasted collection rates during the third quarter of 2024 that decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $62.8 million, or 0.6%.
- A decrease in forecasted profitability for Consumer Loans assigned in 2022
Forecasted profitability was lower than our estimates at September 30, 2024, due to the decline in forecasted collection rates.
- Slower growth in Consumer Loan assignment unit volume and an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio
Unit volume growth slowed significantly year-over-year, growing 0.3% as compared to 17.7% in the third quarter of 2024. The average balance of our loan portfolio, which is our largest-ever, increased 1.8% and 1.6% on a GAAP and adjusted basis, respectively, as compared to the third quarter of 2024.
- An increase in the initial spread on Consumer Loan assignments
The initial spread increased to 22.4% compared to 21.9% on Consumer Loans assigned in the third quarter of 2024.
Consumer Loan Metrics
Dealers assign retail installment contracts (referred to as “Consumer Loans”) to Credit Acceptance. At the time a Consumer Loan is submitted to us for assignment, we forecast future expected cash flows from the Consumer Loan. Based on the amount and timing of these forecasts and expected expense levels, an advance or one-time purchase payment is made to the related dealer at a price designed to maximize economic profit, a non-GAAP financial measure that considers our return on capital, our cost of capital, and the amount of capital invested.
We use a statistical model to estimate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan at the time of assignment. We continue to evaluate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan subsequent to assignment. Our evaluation becomes more accurate as the Consumer Loans age, as we use actual performance data in our forecast. By comparing our current expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan with the rate we projected at the time of assignment, we are able to assess the accuracy of our initial forecast. The following table compares our aggregated forecast of Consumer Loan collection rates as of December 31, 2024, with the aggregated forecasts as of September 30, 2024, as of December 31, 2023, and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:
Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1) Current Forecast Variance from Consumer Loan Assignment Year December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Initial
ForecastSeptember 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Initial
Forecast2015 65.3 % 65.3 % 65.2 % 67.7 % 0.0 % 0.1 % -2.4 % 2016 63.9 % 63.9 % 63.8 % 65.4 % 0.0 % 0.1 % -1.5 % 2017 64.7 % 64.7 % 64.7 % 64.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.7 % 2018 65.5 % 65.5 % 65.5 % 63.6 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 1.9 % 2019 67.2 % 67.2 % 66.9 % 64.0 % 0.0 % 0.3 % 3.2 % 2020 67.7 % 67.6 % 67.6 % 63.4 % 0.1 % 0.1 % 4.3 % 2021 63.8 % 63.8 % 64.5 % 66.3 % 0.0 % -0.7 % -2.5 % 2022 60.2 % 60.6 % 62.7 % 67.5 % -0.4 % -2.5 % -7.3 % 2023 64.3 % 64.3 % 67.4 % 67.5 % 0.0 % -3.1 % -3.2 % 2024 (2) 66.5 % 66.6 % — 67.2 % -0.1 % — -0.7 % (1) Represents the total forecasted collections we expect to collect on the Consumer Loans as a percentage of the repayments that we were contractually owed on the Consumer Loans at the time of assignment. Contractual repayments include both principal and interest. Forecasted collection rates are negatively impacted by canceled Consumer Loans as the contractual amount owed is not removed from the denominator for purposes of computing forecasted collection rates.
(2) The forecasted collection rate for 2024 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2024 includes both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2024 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides forecasted collection rates for each of these segments:Forecasted Collection Percentage as of Current Forecast Variance from 2024 Consumer Loan Assignment Period December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 Initial
ForecastSeptember 30, 2024 Initial
ForecastJanuary 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 66.4 % 66.6 % 67.3 % -0.2 % -0.9 % October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 66.8 % — 66.9 % — -0.1 % Consumer Loans assigned in 2018 through 2020 have yielded forecasted collection results significantly better than our initial estimates, while Consumer Loans assigned in 2015, 2016, and 2021 through 2023 have yielded forecasted collection results significantly worse than our initial estimates. For all other assignment years presented, actual results have been close to our initial estimates. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, forecasted collection rates declined for Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 and 2024 and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented. For the year ended December 31, 2024, forecasted collection rates improved for Consumer Loans assigned in 2019, declined for Consumer Loans assigned in 2021 through 2024, and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented.
The changes in forecasted collection rates for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 impacted forecasted net cash flows (forecasted collections less forecasted dealer holdback payments) as follows:
(Dollars in millions) For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31, Increase (Decrease) in Forecasted Net Cash Flows 2024 2023 2024 2023 Dealer loans $ (31.6) $ (36.0) $ (204.6) $ (125.3) Purchased loans 0.5 (21.0) (109.4) (81.0) Total $ (31.1) $ (57.0) $ (314.0) $ (206.3) % change from forecast at beginning of period -0.3 % -0.6 % -3.1 % -2.3 % During the second quarter of 2024, we applied an adjustment to our methodology for forecasting the amount of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio, which reduced the forecasted collection rates for Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 through 2024. Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 had continued to underperform our expectations for several quarters. Consumer Loans assigned in 2023 had also begun exhibiting similar trends of underperformance, although not as severe as Consumer Loans assigned in 2022. During the second quarter of 2024, we determined that we had sufficient Consumer Loan performance experience to estimate the magnitude by which we expected Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 through 2024 would likely underperform our historical collection rates on Consumer Loans with similar characteristics. Accordingly, we applied an adjustment to Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 through 2024 to reduce forecasted collection rates to what we believed the ultimate collection rates would be based on these trends. Changes in the amount and timing of forecasted net cash flows are recognized in the period of change as a provision for credit losses. The implementation of this forecast adjustment during the second quarter of 2024 reduced forecasted net cash flows by $147.2 million, or 1.4%, and increased provision for credit losses by $127.5 million.
During the second quarter of 2023, we adjusted our methodology for forecasting the amount and timing of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio through the utilization of more recent Consumer Loan performance and Consumer Loan prepayment data. We had experienced a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments to below-average levels and as a result, slowed our forecasted net cash flow timing. Historically, Consumer Loan prepayments have been lower in periods with less availability of consumer credit. Changes in the amount and timing of forecasted net cash flows are recognized in the period of change as a provision for credit losses. The implementation of the adjustment to our forecasting methodology during the second quarter of 2023 reduced forecasted net cash flows by $44.5 million, or 0.5%, and increased provision for credit losses by $71.3 million.
We have experienced increased levels of uncertainty associated with our estimate of the amount and timing of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio since the beginning of 2020, with realized collections underperforming our expectations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, outperforming our expectations following the distribution of federal stimulus payments and enhanced unemployment benefits, and underperforming our expectations during the current economic environment. The quarterly changes to our forecast of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024 are shown in the following table:
(Dollars in millions) Increase (Decrease) in Forecasted Net Cash Flows Three Months Ended Total Loans % Change from Forecast at Beginning of Period March 31, 2020 $ (206.5) -2.3 % June 30, 2020 24.4 0.3 % September 30, 2020 138.5 1.5 % December 31, 2020 (2.7) 0.0 % March 31, 2021 107.4 1.1 % June 30, 2021 104.5 1.1 % September 30, 2021 82.3 0.9 % December 31, 2021 31.9 0.3 % March 31, 2022 110.2 1.2 % June 30, 2022 (43.4) -0.5 % September 30, 2022 (85.4) -0.9 % December 31, 2022 (41.1) -0.5 % March 31, 2023 9.4 0.1 % June 30, 2023 (89.3) -0.9 % September 30, 2023 (69.4) -0.7 % December 31, 2023 (57.0) -0.6 % March 31, 2024 (30.8) -0.3 % June 30, 2024 (189.3) -1.7 % September 30, 2024 (62.8) -0.6 % December 31, 2024 (31.1) -0.3 % The following table presents information on Consumer Loan assignments for each of the last 10 years:
Average Total Assignment Volume Consumer Loan
Assignment YearConsumer Loan (1) Advance (2) Initial Loan Term (in months) Unit Volume Dollar Volume (2)
(in millions)2015 $ 16,354 $ 7,272 50 298,288 $ 2,167.0 2016 18,218 7,976 53 330,710 2,635.5 2017 20,230 8,746 55 328,507 2,873.1 2018 22,158 9,635 57 373,329 3,595.8 2019 23,139 10,174 57 369,805 3,772.2 2020 24,262 10,656 59 341,967 3,641.2 2021 25,632 11,790 59 268,730 3,167.8 2022 27,242 12,924 60 280,467 3,625.3 2023 27,025 12,475 61 332,499 4,147.8 2024 (3) 26,497 11,961 61 386,126 4,618.4 (1) Represents the repayments that we were contractually owed on Consumer Loans at the time of assignment, which include both principal and interest.
(2) Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
(3) The averages for 2024 Consumer Loans include both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2024 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides averages for each of these segments:Average 2024 Consumer Loan Assignment Period Consumer Loan Advance Initial Loan Term (in months) January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 $ 26,564 $ 12,018 61 October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 26,236 11,739 61 The profitability of our loans is primarily driven by the amount and timing of the net cash flows we receive from the spread between the forecasted collection rate and the advance rate, less operating expenses and the cost of capital. Forecasting collection rates accurately at loan inception is difficult. With this in mind, we establish advance rates that are intended to allow us to achieve acceptable levels of profitability across our portfolio, even if collection rates are less than we initially forecast.
The following table presents aggregate forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, and spreads (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate), and the percentage of the forecasted collections that had been realized as of December 31, 2024, as well as forecasted collection rates and spreads at the time of assignment. All amounts, unless otherwise noted, are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest). The table includes both dealer loans and purchased loans.
Forecasted Collection % as of Spread % as of Consumer Loan Assignment Year December 31, 2024 Initial Forecast Advance % (1) December 31, 2024 Initial Forecast % of Forecast
Realized (2)2015 65.3 % 67.7 % 44.5 % 20.8 % 23.2 % 99.7 % 2016 63.9 % 65.4 % 43.8 % 20.1 % 21.6 % 99.5 % 2017 64.7 % 64.0 % 43.2 % 21.5 % 20.8 % 99.2 % 2018 65.5 % 63.6 % 43.5 % 22.0 % 20.1 % 98.6 % 2019 67.2 % 64.0 % 44.0 % 23.2 % 20.0 % 96.9 % 2020 67.7 % 63.4 % 43.9 % 23.8 % 19.5 % 92.4 % 2021 63.8 % 66.3 % 46.0 % 17.8 % 20.3 % 83.6 % 2022 60.2 % 67.5 % 47.4 % 12.8 % 20.1 % 66.0 % 2023 64.3 % 67.5 % 46.2 % 18.1 % 21.3 % 43.1 % 2024 (3) 66.5 % 67.2 % 45.1 % 21.4 % 22.1 % 15.1 % (1) Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loans. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
(2) Presented as a percentage of total forecasted collections.
(3) The forecasted collection rate, advance rate and spread for 2024 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2024 include both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2024 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides forecasted collection rates, advance rates, and spreads for each of these segments:Forecasted Collection % as of Spread % as of 2024 Consumer Loan Assignment Period December 31, 2024 Initial Forecast Advance % December 31, 2024 Initial Forecast January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 66.4 % 67.3 % 45.3 % 21.1 % 22.0 % October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 66.8 % 66.9 % 44.5 % 22.3 % 22.4 % The risk of a material change in our forecasted collection rate declines as the Consumer Loans age. For 2020 and prior Consumer Loan assignments, the risk of a material forecast variance is modest, as we have currently realized in excess of 90% of the expected collections. Conversely, the forecasted collection rates for more recent Consumer Loan assignments are less certain as a significant portion of our forecast has not been realized.
The spread between the forecasted collection rate as of December 31, 2024 and the advance rate ranges from 12.8% to 23.8%, on an annual basis, for Consumer Loans assigned over the last 10 years. The spreads with respect to 2019 and 2020 Consumer Loans have been positively impacted by Consumer Loan performance, which has exceeded our initial estimates by a greater margin than the other years presented. The spread with respect to 2022 Consumer Loans has been negatively impacted by Consumer Loan performance, which has been lower than our initial estimates by a greater margin than the other years presented. The higher spread for 2024 Consumer Loans relative to 2023 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2024 was primarily a result of Consumer Loan performance, as the performance of 2023 Consumer Loans has been lower than our initial estimates by a greater margin than 2024 Consumer Loans. Additionally, 2024 Consumer Loans had a higher initial spread, which was primarily due to a decrease in the advance rate.
The following table compares our forecast of aggregate Consumer Loan collection rates as of December 31, 2024 with the forecasts at the time of assignment, for dealer loans and purchased loans separately:
Dealer Loans Purchased Loans Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1) Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1) Consumer Loan Assignment Year December 31,
2024Initial
ForecastVariance December 31,
2024Initial
ForecastVariance 2015 64.6 % 67.5 % -2.9 % 69.0 % 68.5 % 0.5 % 2016 63.1 % 65.1 % -2.0 % 66.1 % 66.5 % -0.4 % 2017 64.1 % 63.8 % 0.3 % 66.3 % 64.6 % 1.7 % 2018 64.9 % 63.6 % 1.3 % 66.8 % 63.5 % 3.3 % 2019 66.8 % 63.9 % 2.9 % 67.9 % 64.2 % 3.7 % 2020 67.5 % 63.3 % 4.2 % 67.9 % 63.6 % 4.3 % 2021 63.5 % 66.3 % -2.8 % 64.3 % 66.3 % -2.0 % 2022 59.5 % 67.3 % -7.8 % 62.1 % 68.0 % -5.9 % 2023 63.1 % 66.8 % -3.7 % 67.7 % 69.4 % -1.7 % 2024 65.4 % 66.3 % -0.9 % 70.7 % 70.7 % 0.0 % (1) The forecasted collection rates presented for dealer loans and purchased loans reflect the Consumer Loan classification at the time of assignment. The forecasted collection rates represent the total forecasted collections we expect to collect on the Consumer Loans as a percentage of the repayments that we were contractually owed on the Consumer Loans at the time of assignment. Contractual repayments include both principal and interest. Forecasted collection rates are negatively impacted by canceled Consumer Loans as the contractual amount owed is not removed from the denominator for purposes of computing forecasted collection rates.
The following table presents aggregate forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, and spreads (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate) as of December 31, 2024 for dealer loans and purchased loans separately. All amounts are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest).
Dealer Loans Purchased Loans Consumer Loan Assignment Year Forecasted Collection % (1) Advance % (1)(2) Spread % Forecasted Collection % (1) Advance % (1)(2) Spread % 2015 64.6 % 43.4 % 21.2 % 69.0 % 50.2 % 18.8 % 2016 63.1 % 42.1 % 21.0 % 66.1 % 48.6 % 17.5 % 2017 64.1 % 42.1 % 22.0 % 66.3 % 45.8 % 20.5 % 2018 64.9 % 42.7 % 22.2 % 66.8 % 45.2 % 21.6 % 2019 66.8 % 43.1 % 23.7 % 67.9 % 45.6 % 22.3 % 2020 67.5 % 43.0 % 24.5 % 67.9 % 45.5 % 22.4 % 2021 63.5 % 45.1 % 18.4 % 64.3 % 47.7 % 16.6 % 2022 59.5 % 46.4 % 13.1 % 62.1 % 50.1 % 12.0 % 2023 63.1 % 44.8 % 18.3 % 67.7 % 49.8 % 17.9 % 2024 65.4 % 44.1 % 21.3 % 70.7 % 48.9 % 21.8 % (1) The forecasted collection rates and advance rates presented for dealer loans and purchased loans reflect the Consumer Loan classification at the time of assignment.
(2) Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loans. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.Although the advance rate on purchased loans is higher as compared to the advance rate on dealer loans, purchased loans do not require us to pay dealer holdback.
The spread as of December 31, 2024 on 2024 dealer loans was 21.3%, as compared to a spread of 18.3% on 2023 dealer loans. The increase was primarily due to Consumer Loan performance, as the performance of 2023 dealer loans has been lower than our initial estimates by a greater margin than 2024 dealer loans.
The spread as of December 31, 2024 on 2024 purchased loans was 21.8%, as compared to a spread of 17.9% on 2023 purchased loans. The increase was primarily a result of a higher initial spread on 2024 purchased loans, due to a higher initial forecast and lower advance rate. Additionally, the performance of 2023 purchased loans has been lower than our initial estimates.
Consumer Loan Volume
The following table summarizes changes in Consumer Loan assignment volume in each of the last eight quarters as compared to the same period in the previous year:
Year over Year Percent Change Three Months Ended Unit Volume Dollar Volume (1) March 31, 2023 22.8 % 18.6 % June 30, 2023 12.8 % 8.3 % September 30, 2023 13.0 % 10.5 % December 31, 2023 26.7 % 21.3 % March 31, 2024 24.1 % 20.2 % June 30, 2024 20.9 % 16.3 % September 30, 2024 17.7 % 12.2 % December 31, 2024 0.3 % -4.9 % (1) Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
Consumer Loan assignment volumes depend on a number of factors including (1) the overall demand for our financing programs, (2) the amount of capital available to fund new loans, and (3) our assessment of the volume that our infrastructure can support. Our pricing strategy is intended to maximize the amount of economic profit we generate, within the confines of capital and infrastructure constraints.
Unit volumes grew 0.3% while dollar volume declined 4.9% during the fourth quarter of 2024 as the number of active dealers grew 4.7% and the average unit volume per active dealer declined 3.7%. Dollar volume declined while unit volume grew modestly during the fourth quarter of 2024 due to a decrease in the average advance paid, resulting from decreases in the average size of Consumer Loans assigned and the average advance rate. Unit volume for the 28-day period ended January 28, 2025 decreased 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024.
The following table summarizes the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active dealers:
For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended
December 31,2024 2023 % Change 2024 2023 % Change Consumer Loan unit volume 78,911 78,652 0.3 % 386,126 332,499 16.1 % Active dealers (1) 10,149 9,693 4.7 % 15,463 14,174 9.1 % Average volume per active dealer 7.8 8.1 -3.7 % 25.0 23.5 6.4 % Consumer Loan unit volume from dealers active both periods 61,222 64,393 -4.9 % 339,361 304,779 11.3 % Dealers active both periods 6,294 6,294 — 10,637 10,637 — Average volume per dealer active both periods 9.7 10.2 -4.9 % 31.9 28.7 11.3 % Consumer loan unit volume from dealers not active both periods 17,689 14,259 24.1 % 46,765 27,720 68.7 % Dealers not active both periods 3,855 3,399 13.4 % 4,826 3,537 36.4 % Average volume per dealer not active both periods 4.6 4.2 9.5 % 9.7 7.8 24.4 % (1) Active dealers are dealers who have received funding for at least one Consumer Loan during the period.
The following table provides additional information on the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active dealers:
For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended
December 31,2024 2023 % Change 2024 2023 % Change Consumer Loan unit volume from new active dealers 2,733 3,307 -17.4 % 43,985 46,741 -5.9 % New active dealers (1) 902 975 -7.5 % 4,330 4,070 6.4 % Average volume per new active dealer 3.0 3.4 -11.8 % 10.2 11.5 -11.3 % Attrition (2) -18.1 % -17.4 % -8.3 % -7.3 % (1) New active dealers are dealers who enrolled in our program and have received funding for their first dealer loan or purchased loan from us during the period.
(2) Attrition is measured according to the following formula: decrease in Consumer Loan unit volume from dealers who have received funding for at least one dealer loan or purchased loan during the comparable period of the prior year but did not receive funding for any dealer loans or purchased loans during the current period divided by prior year comparable period Consumer Loan unit volume.The following table shows the percentage of Consumer Loans assigned to us as dealer loans and purchased loans for each of the last eight quarters:
Unit Volume Dollar Volume (1) Three Months Ended Dealer Loans Purchased Loans Dealer Loans Purchased Loans March 31, 2023 72.1 % 27.9 % 68.1 % 31.9 % June 30, 2023 72.4 % 27.6 % 68.6 % 31.4 % September 30, 2023 74.8 % 25.2 % 71.7 % 28.3 % December 31, 2023 77.2 % 22.8 % 75.0 % 25.0 % March 31, 2024 78.2 % 21.8 % 76.6 % 23.4 % June 30, 2024 78.5 % 21.5 % 77.3 % 22.7 % September 30, 2024 79.5 % 20.5 % 78.4 % 21.6 % December 31, 2024 78.7 % 21.3 % 77.7 % 22.3 % (1) Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the net dealer loans receivable balance was 72.3% and 67.7%, respectively, of the total net loans receivable balance.
Financial Results
(Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 % Change 2024 2023 % Change GAAP average debt $ 6,202.5 $ 4,986.3 24.4 % $ 5,849.7 $ 4,785.7 22.2 % GAAP average shareholders’ equity 1,712.3 1,734.3 -1.3 % 1,652.1 1,722.9 -4.1 % Average capital $ 7,914.8 $ 6,720.6 17.8 % $ 7,501.8 $ 6,508.6 15.3 % GAAP net income $ 151.9 $ 93.6 62.3 % $ 247.9 $ 286.1 -13.4 % Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 12,388,072 12,837,181 -3.5 % 12,469,283 13,010,735 -4.2 % GAAP net income per diluted share $ 12.26 $ 7.29 68.2 % $ 19.88 $ 21.99 -9.6 % The increase in GAAP net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:
- An increase in finance charges of 14.7% ($66.6 million), primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.
- A decrease in provision for credit losses of 24.6% ($40.3 million), due to:
- A decrease in provision for credit losses on forecast changes of $31.4 million, due to a smaller decline in Consumer Loan performance.
- A decrease in provision for credit losses on new Consumer Loan assignments of $8.9 million, primarily due a 13.1% decrease in the average provision per Consumer Loan assignment. The decrease in average provision per new Consumer Loan assignment was primarily due to a decrease in the average advance rate for 2024 Consumer Loans.
- The following table summarizes each component of provision for credit losses:
(In millions) For the Three Months Ended December 31, Provision for Credit Losses 2024 2023 Change Forecast changes $ 62.9 $ 94.3 $ (31.4) New Consumer Loan assignments 60.5 69.4 (8.9) Total $ 123.4 $ 163.7 $ (40.3) - An increase in premiums earned of 14.8% ($3.2 million), primarily due to growth in the size of our reinsurance portfolio, which resulted from growth in new Consumer Loan assignments and an increase in the average premium written per reinsured vehicle service contract in recent periods.
- An increase in operating expenses of 6.4% ($7.3 million), primarily due to:
- An increase in salaries and wages expense of 17.4% ($11.5 million), primarily due to increases in (i) the number of team members as we are investing in our business with the goal of increasing the speed at which we enhance our product for dealers and consumers, (ii) stock-based compensation expense, primarily due to equity awards granted to our executive officers and senior leaders, and (iii) fringe benefits, primarily due to higher medical claims.
- A decrease in general and administrative expenses of 19.7% ($5.4 million), primarily due to a decrease in legal expenses.
- An increase in provision for income taxes of 75.4% ($17.2 million), primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income.
- An increase in interest expense of 41.2% ($32.5 million), due to:
- An increase in our average outstanding debt balance, which increased interest expense by $19.0 million, primarily due to borrowings used to fund the growth of our loan portfolio and stock repurchases.
- An increase in our average cost of debt, which increased interest expense by $13.5 million, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
The decrease in GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:
- An increase in interest expense of 57.4% ($153.0 million), due to:
- An increase in our average cost of debt, which increased interest expense by $93.7 million, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
- An increase in our average outstanding debt balance, which increased interest expense by $59.3 million, primarily due to borrowings used to fund the growth of our loan portfolio and stock repurchases.
- An increase in provision for credit losses of 10.7% ($78.5 million), primarily due to an increase in provision for credit losses on forecast changes of $80.1 million, due to a greater decline in Consumer Loan performance and slower net cash flow timing during 2024 compared to 2023.
During 2024, we decreased our estimate of future net cash flows by $314.0 million, or 3.1%, to reflect a decline in forecasted collection rates during the period, and slowed our forecasted net cash flow timing to reflect a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages. Historically, Consumer Loan prepayments have been lower in periods with less availability of consumer credit. The $314.0 million decrease in forecasted net cash flows for 2024 was composed of an ordinary decrease in forecasted net cash flows of $166.8 million, or 1.7%, and an adjustment applied to our forecasting methodology during the second quarter of 2024, which upon implementation, reduced forecasted net cash flows by $147.2 million, or 1.4%, and increased our provision for credit losses by $127.5 million.
During 2023, we decreased our estimate of future net cash flows by $206.3 million, or 2.3%, to reflect a decline in forecasted collection rates during the period and slowed our forecasted net cash flow timing to reflect a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments. The $206.3 million decrease in forecasted net cash flows for 2023 was composed of an ordinary decrease in forecasted net cash flows of $161.8 million, or 1.8%, and an adjustment to our forecasting methodology during the second quarter of 2023, which upon implementation, decreased our estimate of future net cash flows by $44.5 million, or 0.5%, and increased our provision for credit losses by $71.3 million.
The following table summarizes each component of provision for credit losses:
(In millions) For the Years Ended December 31, Provision for Credit Losses 2024 2023 Change Forecast changes $ 493.8 $ 413.7 $ 80.1 New Consumer Loan assignments 320.9 322.5 (1.6) Total $ 814.7 $ 736.2 $ 78.5 - An increase in operating expenses of 9.2% ($42.4 million), primarily due to:
- An increase in salaries and wages expense of 10.3% ($29.0 million), primarily due to increases in (i) the number of team members as we are investing in our business with the goal of increasing the speed at which we enhance our product for dealers and consumers, (ii) fringe benefits, primarily due to higher medical claims, and (iii) stock-based compensation expense, primarily due to equity awards granted to our executive officers and senior leaders.
- An increase in general and administrative expense of 12.3% ($10.7 million), primarily due to increases in legal and technology systems expenses.
- A loss on sale of building of $23.7 million related to the sale of one of our two office buildings. The building was sold to reduce excess office space and eliminate the associated annual operating costs of approximately $2.1 million.
- An increase in premiums earned of 20.7% ($16.5 million), primarily due to growth in the size of our reinsurance portfolio, which resulted from growth in new Consumer Loan assignments and an increase in the average premium written per reinsured vehicle service contract in recent periods.
- An increase in finance charges of 13.5% ($237.3 million), primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.
Adjusted financial results are provided to help shareholders understand our financial performance. The financial data below is non-GAAP, unless labeled otherwise. We use adjusted financial information internally to measure financial performance and to determine certain incentive compensation. We also use economic profit as a framework to evaluate business decisions and strategies, with the objective to maximize economic profit over the long term. In addition, certain debt facilities utilize adjusted financial information for the determination of loan collateral values and to measure financial covenants. The table below shows our results following adjustments to reflect non-GAAP accounting methods. Material adjustments are explained in the table footnotes and the subsequent “Floating Yield Adjustment” and “Senior Notes Adjustment” sections. Measures such as adjusted average capital, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted interest expense (after-tax), adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax), adjusted return on capital, adjusted revenue, operating expenses, adjusted loans receivable, economic profit, and economic profit per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023, include the following:
(Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended
December 31,2024 2023 % Change 2024 2023 % Change Adjusted average capital $ 8,633.3 $ 7,234.3 19.3 % $ 8,140.5 $ 6,909.8 17.8 % Adjusted net income $ 126.0 $ 129.1 -2.4 % $ 478.9 $ 535.6 -10.6 % Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $ 85.7 $ 63.4 35.2 % $ 323.0 $ 209.5 54.2 % Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $ 211.7 $ 192.5 10.0 % $ 801.9 $ 745.1 7.6 % Adjusted return on capital 9.8 % 10.6 % -7.5 % 9.9 % 10.8 % -8.3 % Cost of capital 7.4 % 7.6 % -2.6 % 7.4 % 7.0 % 5.7 % Economic profit $ 51.3 $ 55.9 -8.2 % $ 200.3 $ 260.5 -23.1 % Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 12,388,072 12,837,181 -3.5 % 12,469,283 13,010,735 -4.2 % Adjusted net income per diluted share $ 10.17 $ 10.06 1.1 % $ 38.41 $ 41.17 -6.7 % Economic profit per diluted share $ 4.14 $ 4.35 -4.8 % $ 16.06 $ 20.02 -19.8 % Economic profit decreased 8.2% and 23.1% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same periods in 2023. Economic profit is a function of the return on capital in excess of the cost of capital and the amount of capital invested in the business. The following table summarizes the impact each of these components had on the changes in economic profit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same periods in 2023:
(In millions) Year over Year Change in Economic Profit For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 Decrease in adjusted return on capital $ (17.9) $ (76.0) Decrease (increase) in cost of capital 2.5 (30.5) Increase in adjusted average capital 10.8 46.3 Decrease in economic profit $ (4.6) $ (60.2) The decrease in economic profit for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:
- A decrease in our adjusted return on capital of 80 basis points, primarily due to:
- A decrease in the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charges on our loan portfolio decreased our adjusted return on capital by 150 basis points, primarily due to both a decline in forecasted collection rates and slower forecasted net cash flow timing since the third quarter of 2023. The slower forecasted net cash flow timing was primarily a result of a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages.
- Slower growth in operating expenses increased our adjusted return on capital by 50 basis points as operating expenses grew by 6.4% while adjusted average capital grew by 19.3%.
- An increase in adjusted average capital of 19.3%, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.
The decrease in economic profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:
- A decrease in our adjusted return on capital of 90 basis points, primarily due to:
- A decrease in the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charges on our loan portfolio decreased our adjusted return on capital by 140 basis points, primarily due to both a decline in forecasted collection rates and slower forecasted net cash flow timing since the first quarter of 2023. The slower forecasted net cash flow timing was primarily a result of a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages.
- Slower growth in operating expenses increased our adjusted return on capital by 40 basis points as operating expenses grew by 9.2% while adjusted average capital grew by 17.8%.
- An increase in our cost of capital, primarily due to an increase in our cost of debt, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
- An increase in adjusted average capital of 17.8%, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.
The following table shows adjusted revenue and operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital, the adjusted return on capital, and the percentage change in adjusted average capital for each of the last eight quarters, compared to the same period in the prior year:
For the Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Jun. 30, 2024 Mar. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Sept. 30, 2023 Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital (1) 18.4 % 18.2 % 19.6 % 19.8 % 20.2 % 20.7 % 21.2 % 20.6 % Operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital (1) 5.6 % 6.2 % 6.2 % 6.7 % 6.3 % 6.3 % 6.9 % 7.2 % Adjusted return on capital (1) 9.8 % 9.3 % 10.3 % 10.1 % 10.6 % 11.1 % 11.1 % 10.3 % Percentage change in adjusted average capital compared to the same period in the prior year 19.3 % 19.4 % 17.6 % 14.6 % 11.5 % 8.8 % 6.2 % 1.0 % (1) Annualized.
The increase in adjusted return on capital for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024, was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses, which increased adjusted return on capital by 40 basis points, as operating expenses declined by 6.0% while adjusted average capital grew by 2.9%. The $7.8 million decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to a decrease in legal expenses.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures. Certain amounts do not recalculate due to rounding.
(Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Jun. 30, 2024 Mar. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Sept. 30, 2023 Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Adjusted net income GAAP net income (loss) $ 151.9 $ 78.8 $ (47.1) $ 64.3 $ 93.6 $ 70.8 $ 22.2 $ 99.5 Floating yield adjustment (after-tax) (116.8) (115.1) (96.1) (92.4) (83.9) (76.4) (73.9) (75.9) GAAP provision for credit losses (after-tax) 95.0 142.2 246.9 143.2 126.1 142.1 192.9 105.8 Loss on sale of building (after-tax) (1) — — 18.3 — — — — — Senior notes adjustment (after-tax) — — — — (2.6) (0.5) (0.6) (0.5) Income tax adjustment (2) (4.1) 3.2 4.4 2.3 (4.1) 3.5 (0.6) (1.9) Adjusted net income $ 126.0 $ 109.1 $ 126.4 $ 117.4 $ 129.1 $ 139.5 $ 140.0 $ 127.0 Adjusted net income per diluted share (3) $ 10.17 $ 8.79 $ 10.29 $ 9.28 $ 10.06 $ 10.70 $ 10.69 $ 9.71 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 12,388,072 12,415,143 12,282,174 12,646,529 12,837,181 13,039,638 13,099,961 13,073,316 Adjusted revenue GAAP total revenue $ 565.9 $ 550.3 $ 538.2 $ 508.0 $ 491.6 $ 478.6 $ 477.9 $ 453.8 Floating yield adjustment (151.8) (149.4) (124.8) (120.0) (108.9) (99.3) (96.1) (98.4) GAAP provision for claims (17.7) (18.5) (20.3) (17.0) (16.6) (16.5) (19.7) (17.9) Adjusted revenue $ 396.4 $ 382.4 $ 393.1 $ 371.0 $ 366.1 $ 362.8 $ 362.1 $ 337.5 Adjusted average capital GAAP average debt $ 6,202.5 $ 6,071.1 $ 5,818.2 $ 5,306.8 $ 4,986.3 $ 4,831.4 $ 4,730.3 $ 4,594.7 Deferred debt issuance adjustment — — — — 20.9 24.5 24.0 21.2 Senior notes debt adjustment — — — — 2.8 3.4 3.4 3.4 Adjusted average debt 6,202.5 6,071.1 5,818.2 5,306.8 5,010.0 4,859.3 4,757.7 4,619.3 GAAP average shareholders’ equity 1,712.3 1,594.2 1,623.5 1,678.5 1,734.3 1,731.3 1,752.6 1,673.3 Senior notes equity adjustment — — — — 2.0 2.9 3.4 4.0 Income tax adjustment (4) (118.5) (118.5) (118.5) (118.5) (118.5) (118.5) (118.5) (118.5) Floating yield adjustment 837.0 840.8 710.1 641.0 606.5 548.9 433.9 373.7 Adjusted average equity 2,430.8 2,316.5 2,215.1 2,201.0 2,224.3 2,164.6 2,071.4 1,932.5 Adjusted average capital $ 8,633.3 $ 8,387.6 $ 8,033.3 $ 7,507.8 $ 7,234.3 $ 7,023.9 $ 6,829.1 $ 6,551.8 Adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital (5) 18.4 % 18.2 % 19.6 % 19.8 % 20.2 % 20.7 % 21.2 % 20.6 % Adjusted loans receivable GAAP loans receivable, net $ 7,850.3 $ 7,781.5 $ 7,547.7 $ 7,345.6 $ 6,955.3 $ 6,780.5 $ 6,610.3 $ 6,500.3 Floating yield adjustment 1,072.4 1,100.8 1,065.6 869.7 803.8 748.9 663.7 509.2 Adjusted loans receivable $ 8,922.7 $ 8,882.3 $ 8,613.3 $ 8,215.3 $ 7,759.1 $ 7,529.4 $ 7,274.0 $ 7,009.5 Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) GAAP interest expense $ 111.3 $ 111.2 $ 104.5 $ 92.5 $ 78.8 $ 70.5 $ 62.8 $ 54.4 Senior notes adjustment — — — — 3.5 0.7 0.7 0.7 Adjusted interest expense (pre-tax) 111.3 111.2 104.5 92.5 82.3 71.2 63.5 55.1 Adjustment to record tax effect (2) (25.6) (25.6) (24.0) (21.3) (18.9) (16.4) (14.6) (12.7) Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $ 85.7 $ 85.6 $ 80.5 $ 71.2 $ 63.4 $ 54.8 $ 48.9 $ 42.4 (1) The sale of one of our two office buildings in June 2024 resulted in a loss on the sale of the asset. As this transaction is both unusual and infrequent in nature, we applied this adjustment to remove the impact of the loss on sale of building from our adjusted net income.
(2) Adjustment to record taxes at our estimated long-term effective income tax rate of 23%.
(3) Net income per diluted share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly net income per diluted share information may not equal year-to-date net income per diluted share.
(4) The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 resulted in the reversal of $118.5 million of provision for income taxes to reflect the new federal statutory income tax rate. This adjustment removes the impact of this reversal from adjusted average capital. We believe the income tax adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business as we are recognizing provision for income taxes at the applicable long-term effective tax rate for the period.
(5) Annualized.(Dollars in millions) For the Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Jun. 30, 2024 Mar. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Sept. 30, 2023 Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Adjusted return on capital (1) Adjusted net income $ 126.0 $ 109.1 $ 126.4 $ 117.4 $ 129.1 $ 139.5 $ 140.0 $ 127.0 Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 85.7 85.6 80.5 71.2 63.4 54.8 48.9 42.4 Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $ 211.7 $ 194.7 $ 206.9 $ 188.6 $ 192.5 $ 194.3 $ 188.9 $ 169.4 Reconciliation of GAAP return on equity to adjusted return on capital (4) GAAP return on equity (2) 35.5 % 19.8 % -11.6 % 15.3 % 21.6 % 16.4 % 5.1 % 23.8 % Non-GAAP adjustments -25.7 % -10.5 % 21.9 % -5.2 % -11.0 % -5.3 % 6.0 % -13.5 % Adjusted return on capital (1) 9.8 % 9.3 % 10.3 % 10.1 % 10.6 % 11.1 % 11.1 % 10.3 % Economic profit Adjusted return on capital 9.8 % 9.3 % 10.3 % 10.1 % 10.6 % 11.1 % 11.1 % 10.3 % Cost of capital (3) (4) 7.4 % 7.3 % 7.5 % 7.3 % 7.6 % 7.1 % 6.7 % 6.6 % Adjusted return on capital in excess of cost of capital 2.4 % 2.0 % 2.8 % 2.8 % 3.0 % 4.0 % 4.4 % 3.7 % Adjusted average capital $ 8,633.3 $ 8,387.6 $ 8,033.3 $ 7,507.8 $ 7,234.3 $ 7,023.9 $ 6,829.1 $ 6,551.8 Economic profit $ 51.3 $ 41.4 $ 56.2 $ 51.4 $ 55.9 $ 69.1 $ 74.1 $ 61.4 Reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to economic profit GAAP net income (loss) $ 151.9 $ 78.8 $ (47.1) $ 64.3 $ 93.6 $ 70.8 $ 22.2 $ 99.5 Non-GAAP adjustments (25.9) 30.3 173.5 53.1 35.5 68.7 117.8 27.5 Adjusted net income 126.0 109.1 126.4 117.4 129.1 139.5 140.0 127.0 Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 85.7 85.6 80.5 71.2 63.4 54.8 48.9 42.4 Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 211.7 194.7 206.9 188.6 192.5 194.3 188.9 169.4 Less: cost of capital 160.4 153.3 150.7 137.2 136.6 125.2 114.8 108.0 Economic profit $ 51.3 $ 41.4 $ 56.2 $ 51.4 $ 55.9 $ 69.1 $ 74.1 $ 61.4 Economic profit per diluted share (5) $ 4.14 $ 3.33 $ 4.58 $ 4.06 $ 4.35 $ 5.30 $ 5.66 $ 4.70 Operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital (4) 5.6 % 6.2 % 6.2 % 6.7 % 6.3 % 6.3 % 6.9 % 7.2 % Percentage change in adjusted average capital compared to the same period in the prior year 19.3 % 19.4 % 17.6 % 14.6 % 11.5 % 8.8 % 6.2 % 1.0 % (1) Adjusted return on capital is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) divided by adjusted average capital.
(2) Calculated by dividing GAAP net income (loss) by GAAP average shareholders’ equity.
(3) The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt. The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated with our use of debt. The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 – tax rate) x (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5% – pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)]. For the periods presented, the average 30-year Treasury rate and the adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt were as follows:For the Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Jun. 30, 2024 Mar. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023 Sept. 30, 2023 Jun. 30, 2023 Mar. 31, 2023 Average 30-year Treasury rate 4.4 % 4.3 % 4.6 % 4.3 % 4.7 % 4.2 % 3.8 % 3.8 % Pre-tax average cost of debt (4) 7.2 % 7.3 % 7.2 % 7.0 % 6.3 % 5.9 % 5.3 % 4.8 % (4) Annualized.
(5) Economic profit per diluted share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly economic profit per diluted share information may not equal year-to-date economic profit per diluted share.(In millions, except share and per share data) For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Adjusted net income GAAP net income $ 247.9 $ 286.1 Floating yield adjustment (after-tax) (420.4) (310.1) GAAP provision for credit losses (after-tax) 627.3 566.9 Loss on sale of building (after-tax) (1) 18.3 — Senior notes adjustment (after-tax) — (4.2) Income tax adjustment (2) 5.8 (3.1) Adjusted net income $ 478.9 $ 535.6 Adjusted net income per diluted share $ 38.41 $ 41.17 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 12,469,283 13,010,735 Adjusted average capital GAAP average debt $ 5,849.7 $ 4,785.7 Deferred debt issuance adjustment — 22.7 Senior notes debt adjustment — 3.2 Adjusted average debt 5,849.7 4,811.6 GAAP average shareholders’ equity 1,652.1 1,722.9 Senior notes equity adjustment — 3.1 Income tax adjustment (3) (118.5) (118.5) Floating yield adjustment 757.2 490.7 Adjusted average equity 2,290.8 2,098.2 Adjusted average capital $ 8,140.5 $ 6,909.8 Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) GAAP interest expense $ 419.5 $ 266.5 Senior notes adjustment — 5.6 Adjusted interest expense (pre-tax) 419.5 272.1 Adjustment to record tax effect (2) (96.5) (62.6) Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $ 323.0 $ 209.5 Adjusted return on capital (5) Adjusted net income $ 478.9 $ 535.6 Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 323.0 209.5 Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $ 801.9 $ 745.1 Reconciliation of GAAP return on equity to adjusted return on capital GAAP return on equity (4) 15.0 % 16.6 % Non-GAAP adjustments -5.1 % -5.8 % Adjusted return on capital (5) 9.9 % 10.8 % Economic profit Adjusted return on capital 9.9 % 10.8 % Cost of capital (6) 7.4 % 7.0 % Adjusted return on capital in excess of cost of capital 2.5 % 3.8 % Adjusted average capital $ 8,140.5 $ 6,909.8 Economic profit $ 200.3 $ 260.5 Reconciliation of GAAP net income to economic profit GAAP net income $ 247.9 $ 286.1 Non-GAAP adjustments 231.0 249.5 Adjusted net income 478.9 535.6 Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 323.0 209.5 Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 801.9 745.1 Less: cost of capital 601.6 484.6 Economic profit $ 200.3 $ 260.5 Economic profit per diluted share (7) $ 16.06 $ 20.02 (1) The sale of one of our two office buildings in June 2024 resulted in a loss on the sale of the asset. As this transaction is both unusual and infrequent in nature, we applied this adjustment to remove the impact of the loss on sale of building from our adjusted net income.
(2) Adjustment to record taxes at our estimated long-term effective income tax rate of 23%.
(3) The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 resulted in the reversal of $118.5 million of provision for income taxes to reflect the new federal statutory income tax rate. This adjustment removes the impact of this reversal from adjusted average capital. We believe the income tax adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business as we are recognizing provision for income taxes at the applicable long-term effective tax rate for the period.
(4) Calculated by dividing GAAP net income by GAAP average shareholders’ equity.
(5) Adjusted return on capital is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense after-tax divided by adjusted average capital.
(6) The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt. The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated with our use of debt. The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 – tax rate) x (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5% – pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)]. For the periods presented, the average 30-year Treasury rate and the adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt were as follows:For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Average 30-year Treasury rate 4.4 % 4.1 % Pre-tax average cost of debt 7.2 % 5.5 % (7) Economic profit per diluted share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly economic profit per diluted share information may not equal year-to-date economic profit per diluted share.
Floating Yield Adjustment
The net loan income (finance charge revenue less provision for credit losses expense) that we recognize over the life of a loan equals the cash we collect from the underlying Consumer Loan less the cash we pay to the dealer. We believe the economics of our business are best exhibited by recognizing loan revenue on a level-yield basis over the life of the loan based on expected future net cash flows. The purpose of this non-GAAP adjustment is to provide insight into our business by showing this level yield measure of income. Under GAAP, contractual amounts due in excess of the loan receivable balance at the time of assignment will be reflected as interest income, while contractual amounts due that are not expected to be collected are reflected in the provision for credit losses. Our non-GAAP floating yield adjustment recognizes the net effects of contractual interest income and expected credit losses in a single measure of finance charge revenue, consistent with how we manage our business. The floating yield adjustment recognizes revenue on a level-yield basis based upon expected future net cash flows, with any changes in expected future net cash flows, which are recognized immediately under GAAP as provision for credit losses, recognized over the remaining forecast period (up to 120 months after the origination date of the underlying Consumer Loans) for each individual dealer loan and purchased loan. The floating yield adjustment does not accelerate revenue recognition. Rather, it reduces revenue by taking amounts that are reported under GAAP as provision for credit losses and instead treating them as reductions of revenue over time.
Under the GAAP methodology we employ, which is known as the current expected credit loss model, or CECL, we are required to recognize:
- a significant provision for credit losses expense at the time of the loan’s assignment to us for contractual net cash flows we do not expect to realize; and
- finance charge revenue in subsequent periods that is significantly in excess of our expected yield.
Due to the GAAP treatment of contractual net cash flows we do not expect to realize at the time of loan assignment (i.e. significant expense at the time of loan assignment, which is offset by higher revenue in subsequent periods), we do not believe the GAAP methodology we employ provides sufficient transparency into the economics of our business, including our results of operations, financial condition, and financial leverage. Our floating yield adjustment enables us to provide measures of income that are not impacted by GAAP’s treatment of contractual net cash flows we do not expect to realize at the time of loan assignment. We believe the floating yield adjustment is presented in a manner which reflects both the economic reality of our business and how the business is managed and provides valuable supplemental information to help investors better understand our business, executive compensation, liquidity, and capital resources.
Senior Notes Adjustment (applied in periods prior to December 31, 2023)
This non-GAAP adjustment modifies our GAAP financial results to treat the issuance of certain senior notes as a refinancing of certain previously issued senior notes. Our historical adjusted financial information reflects application of the senior notes adjustment as described below in connection with (i) the issuance by us in 2014 of $300.0 million principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 senior notes”) and the related retirement of our 9.125% senior notes due 2017 (the “2017 senior notes”) and (ii) the issuance by us in 2019 of $400.0 million principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due 2024 (the “2024 senior notes”) and the related retirement of the 2021 senior notes and our 7.375% senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 senior notes”).
We issued the 2024 senior notes on December 18, 2019. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the 2024 senior notes to repurchase or redeem all of the $300.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2021 senior notes, of which $148.2 million was repurchased on December 18, 2019 and the remaining $151.8 million was redeemed on January 17, 2020. We used the remaining net proceeds from the 2024 senior notes, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, to redeem in full the $250.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2023 senior notes on March 15, 2020. Under GAAP, the fourth quarter of 2019 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.8 million related to the repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020 and (ii) additional interest expense of $0.3 million on $160.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2024 senior notes and repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 to the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020. Under GAAP, the first quarter of 2020 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $7.4 million related to the redemption of 2023 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020 and (ii) additional interest expense of $0.4 million on $160.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2024 senior notes and repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 to the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020.
We issued the 2021 senior notes on January 22, 2014. On February 21, 2014, we used the net proceeds from the 2021 senior notes, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, to redeem in full the $350.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2017 senior notes. Under GAAP, the first quarter of 2014 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $21.8 million related to the redemption of the 2017 senior notes in the first quarter of 2014 and (ii) additional interest expense of $1.4 million on $276.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2021 senior notes to the redemption of the 2017 senior notes.
Under our non-GAAP approach, the loss on extinguishment of debt and additional interest expense that were recognized for GAAP purposes were in each case deferred as debt issuance costs to be recognized ratably as interest expense over the term of the newly issued notes. In addition, for adjusted average capital purposes, the impact of additional outstanding debt related to the lag from the issuance of the new notes to the redemption of the previously issued notes was in each case deferred to be recognized ratably over the term of the newly issued notes. Upon the issuance of the 2024 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019, the outstanding unamortized balances of the non-GAAP adjustments related to the 2021 senior notes were deferred and were recognized ratably over the term of the 2024 senior notes, until the repurchase and redemption of the 2024 senior notes in December 2023.
We believe the application of the senior notes adjustment as described above provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business, since we were recognizing the costs incurred with these transactions in a manner consistent with how we recognize the costs incurred when we periodically refinance our other debt facilities. We have determined not to apply the senior notes adjustment in connection with the issuance by us in December 2023 of our 9.250% senior notes due 2028 and the related retirement of the 2024 senior notes, because the adjustment would not be material.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. Statements in this release that are not historical facts, such as those using terms like “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” or similar expressions, and those regarding our future results, plans, and objectives, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this release. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements since the statements are based on our current expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 12, 2024, and other risk factors discussed herein or listed from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC and the following:
Industry, Operational, and Macroeconomic Risks
- Our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on results of operations.
- Due to competition from traditional financing sources and non-traditional lenders, we may not be able to compete successfully.
- Adverse changes in economic conditions, the automobile or finance industries, or the non-prime consumer market could adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations, the ability of key vendors that we depend on to supply us with services, and our ability to enter into future financing transactions.
- Reliance on third parties to administer our ancillary product offerings could adversely affect our business and financial results.
- We are dependent on our senior management and the loss of any of these individuals or an inability to hire additional team members could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.
- Our reputation is a key asset to our business, and our business may be affected by how we are perceived in the marketplace.
- An outbreak of contagious disease or other public health emergency could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.
- The concentration in several states of automobile dealers who participate in our programs could adversely affect us.
- Reliance on our outsourced business functions could adversely affect our business.
- Our ability to hire and retain foreign engineering personnel could be hindered by immigration restrictions.
- We may be unable to execute our business strategy due to current economic conditions.
- Natural disasters, climate change, military conflicts, acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats, or the escalation of military activity in response to terrorist attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
- Governmental or market responses to climate change and related environmental issues could have a material adverse effect on our business.
- A small number of our shareholders have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval and such shareholders have interests which may conflict with the interests of our other security holders.
Capital and Liquidity Risks
- We may be unable to continue to access or renew funding sources and obtain capital needed to maintain and grow our business.
- The terms of our debt limit how we conduct our business.
- A violation of the terms of our asset-backed secured financings or revolving secured warehouse facilities could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
- Our substantial debt could negatively impact our business, prevent us from satisfying our debt obligations, and adversely affect our financial condition.
- We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding debt and fund operations and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such debt.
- Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect our borrowing costs, profitability, and liquidity.
- Reduction in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding from, and restrict our access to, the capital markets and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations.
- We may incur substantially more debt and other liabilities. This could exacerbate further the risks associated with our current debt levels.
- The conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets may adversely affect lenders with which we have relationships, causing us to incur additional costs and reducing our sources of liquidity, which may adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations.
Technology and Cybersecurity Risks
- Our dependence on technology could have a material adverse effect on our business.
- We depend on secure information technology, and a breach of our systems or those of our third-party service providers could result in our experiencing significant financial, legal, and reputational exposure and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
- Our use of electronic contracts could impact our ability to perfect our ownership or security interest in Consumer Loans.
- Failure to properly safeguard our proprietary business information or confidential consumer and team member personal information could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability, and damage our reputation.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
- Litigation we are involved in from time to time may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
- Changes in tax laws and the resolution of uncertain income tax matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows from operations.
- The regulations to which we are or may become subject could result in a material adverse effect on our business.
Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter our statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Webcast Details
We will host a webcast on January 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss our fourth quarter and full year results. The webcast can be accessed live by visiting the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com or by telephone as described below. Only persons accessing the webcast by telephone will be able to pose questions to the presenters during the webcast. A replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived in the “Investor Relations” section of our website.
To participate in the webcast by telephone, you must pre-register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BIa9a65d89cd7e4a4192d3cecb8f0d2b67, or through the link posted on the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com. Upon registration you will be provided with the dial-in number and a unique PIN to access the webcast by telephone.
Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation
We make vehicle ownership possible by providing innovative financing solutions that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers regardless of their credit history. Our financing programs are offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our financing programs, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.
Without our financing programs, consumers are often unable to purchase vehicles or they purchase unreliable ones. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our programs is that we provide consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.
CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue: Finance charges $ 518.2 $ 451.6 $ 1,992.7 $ 1,755.4 Premiums earned 24.8 21.6 96.1 79.6 Other income 22.9 18.4 73.6 66.9 Total revenue 565.9 491.6 2,162.4 1,901.9 Costs and expenses: Salaries and wages 77.6 66.1 309.2 280.2 General and administrative 22.0 27.4 97.9 87.2 Sales and marketing 22.0 20.8 94.4 91.7 Total operating expenses 121.6 114.3 501.5 459.1 Provision for credit losses on forecast changes 62.9 94.3 493.8 413.7 Provision for credit losses on new Consumer Loan assignments 60.5 69.4 320.9 322.5 Total provision for credit losses 123.4 163.7 814.7 736.2 Interest 111.3 78.8 419.5 266.5 Provision for claims 17.7 16.6 73.5 70.7 Loss on sale of building — — 23.7 — Loss on extinguishment of debt — 1.8 — 1.8 Total costs and expenses 374.0 375.2 1,832.9 1,534.3 Income before provision for income taxes 191.9 116.4 329.5 367.6 Provision for income taxes 40.0 22.8 81.6 81.5 Net income $ 151.9 $ 93.6 $ 247.9 $ 286.1 Net income per share: Basic $ 12.39 $ 7.33 $ 20.12 $ 22.09 Diluted $ 12.26 $ 7.29 $ 19.88 $ 21.99 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 12,256,198 12,775,616 12,323,261 12,953,424 Diluted 12,388,072 12,837,181 12,469,283 13,010,735 CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)(Dollars in millions, except per share data) As of December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 343.7 $ 13.2 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 501.3 457.7 Restricted securities available for sale 106.4 93.2 Loans receivable 11,289.1 10,020.1 Allowance for credit losses (3,438.8) (3,064.8) Loans receivable, net 7,850.3 6,955.3 Property and equipment, net 14.7 46.5 Income taxes receivable 4.2 4.3 Other assets 34.0 40.0 Total assets $ 8,854.6 $ 7,610.2 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 315.8 $ 318.8 Revolving secured lines of credit 0.1 79.2 Secured financing 5,361.5 3,990.9 Senior notes 991.3 989.0 Mortgage note — 8.4 Deferred income taxes, net 319.1 389.2 Income taxes payable 117.2 81.0 Total liabilities 7,105.0 5,856.5 Shareholders’ Equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued — — Common stock, $.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 12,048,151 and 12,522,397 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 0.1 0.1 Paid-in capital 335.1 279.0 Retained earnings 1,414.7 1,475.6 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (0.3) (1.0) Total shareholders’ equity 1,749.6 1,753.7 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 8,854.6 $ 7,610.2 - A smaller decline in forecasted collection rates
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MIL-OSI: Medallion Bank Reports 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results and Declares Series F Preferred Stock Dividend
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medallion Bank (Nasdaq: MBNKP, the “Bank”), an FDIC-insured bank specializing in consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, as well as loan products and services offered through fintech strategic partners, today announced its results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).
2024 Fourth Quarter Highlights
- Net income of $15.6 million, compared to $21.9 million in the prior year quarter.
- Net interest income of $53.1 million, compared to $48.9 million in the prior year quarter.
- Net interest margin of 8.28%, compared to 8.62% in the prior year quarter.
- Total provision for credit losses was $20.5 million, compared to $9.7 million in the prior year quarter. Total provision for credit losses included $0.9 million of net taxi medallion recoveries, compared to $12.0 million of net taxi medallion recoveries in the prior year quarter.
- Annualized net charge-offs were 3.28% of average loans outstanding, compared to 1.04% in the prior year quarter.
- In December 2024, the Bank signed a letter of intent to sell up to $121 million of recreation loans at a premium to par value.
2024 Full-Year Highlights
- Net income of $60.6 million, compared to net income of $79.9 million in 2023.
- Net interest income of $204.7 million, compared to $188.9 million in 2023.
- Net interest margin of 8.48%, compared to 8.84% in 2023.
- Total provision for credit losses was $75.8 million, compared to $36.5 million in 2023. Total provision for credit losses included $4.9 million of net taxi medallion recoveries, compared to $18.1 million of net taxi medallion recoveries in 2023.
- Total net charge-offs were 2.82% of average loans outstanding, compared to 1.52% in 2023.
- Return on assets and return on equity were 2.52% and 16.62%, respectively, compared to 3.74% and 24.57% in 2023.
- Total loan portfolio grew 13% to $2.4 billion.
- Total assets were $2.5 billion, total capital was $382.4 million, and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 15.68% as of December 31, 2024.
Donald Poulton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medallion Bank, stated, “We finished 2024 on a solid note, with quarterly earnings of $15.6 million and net interest income above $53 million. Volumes in our strategic partnership business tripled to $124 million from $40 million in the third quarter. As anticipated, recreation and home improvement loan volumes slowed with the winter season, and loan delinquency and net charge-offs rose in the quarter as is expected. With record recreation loan originations of more than $526 million in 2024, we initiated another loan sale — our fifth since 2016 — in preparation for the projected demand from our customers in 2025. We view loan sales as an efficient method to recycle capital that can also generate earnings when demand exceeds our capacity. Reclassifying these recreation loans as held for sale resulted in a release of $3.9 million in related allowance for credit losses. As we look ahead, our priorities remain constant: loan originations of predictable credit quality and managed growth that continues to deliver increasing net interest income while maintaining or growing our market position.”
Recreation Lending Segment
- The Bank’s recreation loan portfolio grew 15% to $1.543 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $1.336 billion at December 31, 2023. Loan originations were $72.2 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $62.7 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, loan originations were $526.6 million, compared to $447.0 million in 2023.
- Net interest income was $39.4 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $36.2 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, net interest income was $153.1 million, compared to $140.3 million in 2023.
- Recreation loans were 65% of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, compared to 64% at December 31, 2023.
- Annualized net charge-offs were 4.35% of average recreation loans outstanding in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to 4.23% in the prior year quarter. For the year, total net charge-offs were 3.72% of average recreation loans outstanding, compared to 3.04% in 2023.
- The provision for recreation credit losses was $17.7 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $14.8 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, the provision for recreation credit losses was $68.0 million, compared to $44.6 million in 2023. The provisions for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 included $3.9 million of allowance for credit losses released as $121 million of recreation loans were reclassified as held for sale.
- The recreation allowance for credit losses was 5.00% of the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2024, compared to 4.31% of the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2023. The Bank does not record an allowance for loans held for sale, so the allowance as of December 31, 2024 relates only to the remaining recreation loans held for investment.
Home Improvement Lending Segment
- The Bank’s home improvement loan portfolio grew 9% to $827.2 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $760.6 million at December 31, 2023. Loan originations were $82.5 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $66.0 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, loan originations were $298.7 million, compared to $357.4 million in 2023.
- Net interest income was $13.1 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $12.2 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, net interest income was $50.2 million, compared to $46.6 million in 2023.
- Home improvement loans were 35% of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, compared to 36% at December 31, 2023.
- Annualized net charge-offs were 1.75% of average home improvement loans outstanding in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to 1.67% in the prior year quarter. For the year, total net charge-offs were 1.78% of average home improvement loans outstanding, compared to 1.33% in 2023.
- The provision for home improvement credit losses was $4.4 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $6.9 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, the provision for home improvement credit losses was $13.5 million, compared to $17.6 million in 2023.
- The home improvement allowance for credit losses was 2.48% of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2024, compared to 2.76% of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2023.
Series F Preferred Stock Dividend
On January 23, 2025, the Bank’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share on the Bank’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, which trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “MBNKP.” The dividend is payable on April 1, 2025, to holders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2025.
About Medallion Bank
Medallion Bank specializes in providing consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, along with loan origination services to fintech strategic partners. The Bank works directly with thousands of dealers, contractors and financial service providers serving their customers throughout the United States. Medallion Bank is a Utah-chartered, FDIC-insured industrial bank headquartered in Salt Lake City and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).
For more information, visit www.medallionbank.com
Please note that this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to business performance, cash flow, costs, sales (including loan sales), net investment income, earnings, returns and growth. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “remains,” “anticipated,” “continue,” “may,” “maintain” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These statements may relate to our future earnings, returns, capital levels, sources of funding, growth prospects, asset quality and pursuit and execution of our strategy. Medallion Bank’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. For a description of certain risks to which Medallion Bank is or may be subject, please refer to the factors discussed under the captions “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included in Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the FDIC. Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and other FDIC filings are available in the Investor Relations section of Medallion Bank’s website. Medallion Bank’s financial results for any period are not necessarily indicative of Medallion Financial Corp.’s results for the same period.
Company Contact:
Investor Relations
212-328-2176
InvestorRelations@medallion.comMEDALLION BANK
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 Interest income Loan interest including fees $ 71,577 $ 61,668 $ 268,914 $ 231,496 Investments 1,564 1,585 6,306 5,171 Total interest income 73,141 63,253 275,220 236,667 Interest expense 20,039 14,401 70,509 47,785 Net interest income 53,102 48,852 204,711 188,882 Provision for credit losses 20,500 9,717 75,845 36,457 Net interest income after provision for credit losses 32,602 39,135 128,866 152,425 Other non-interest income 16 839 2,134 2,102 Non-interest expense Salaries and benefits 5,014 4,997 19,985 19,001 Loan servicing 3,173 2,903 12,248 11,626 Collection costs 1,517 1,492 6,095 5,965 Regulatory fees 969 692 3,795 3,176 Professional fees 508 631 1,694 2,243 Information technology 329 281 1,186 1,031 Occupancy and equipment 541 206 1,167 830 Other 938 818 3,624 3,524 Total non-interest expense 12,989 12,020 49,794 47,396 Income before income taxes 19,629 27,954 81,206 107,131 Provision for income taxes 4,040 6,011 20,624 27,279 Net income $ 15,589 $ 21,943 $ 60,582 $ 79,852 Less: Preferred stock dividends 1,512 1,512 6,047 6,047 Net income attributable to common shareholder $ 14,077 $ 20,431 $ 54,535 $ 73,805 MEDALLION BANK BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands) December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023 Assets Cash and federal funds sold $ 126,196 $ 110,043 Investment securities, available-for-sale 54,805 54,282 Loans held for sale, at the lower of amortized cost or fair value 128,226 — Loan receivables, inclusive of net deferred loan acquisition cost and fees 2,249,613 2,100,338 Allowance for credit losses (91,638 ) (79,283 ) Loans, net 2,157,975 2,021,055 Loan collateral in process of foreclosure 3,326 4,165 Fixed assets and right-of-use lease assets, net 9,126 8,140 Deferred tax assets 14,036 12,761 Accrued interest receivable 15,083 13,439 Other assets 40,326 38,171 Total assets $ 2,549,099 $ 2,262,056 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities Deposits and other funds borrowed $ 2,125,071 $ 1,866,657 Accrued interest payable 5,586 4,029 Income tax payable 17,951 21,219 Other liabilities 17,204 17,509 Due to affiliates 910 849 Total liabilities 2,166,722 1,910,263 Shareholder’s Equity Series E Preferred stock 26,303 26,303 Series F Preferred stock 42,485 42,485 Common stock 1,000 1,000 Additional paid in capital 77,500 77,500 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (4,480 ) (4,529 ) Retained earnings 239,569 209,034 Total shareholders’ equity 382,377 351,793 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,549,099 $ 2,262,056 -
MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Inc. Announces Drop Down Transaction
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Viper Energy, Inc. (“Viper”), a subsidiary of Diamondback, to sell certain mineral and royalty interests from subsidiaries of Diamondback for $1 billion in cash and approximately 69.6 million units of Viper’s operating subsidiary (“OpCo”, and such units the “OpCo Units”) in a drop down transaction (“Drop Down”). The tax advantaged OpCo units, which will be issued together with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock of Viper, are exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock of Viper.
Based on the volume weighted average sales price of Viper’s common stock for the 30-trading day period ending on January 24, 2025 of $49.55, the transaction is valued at a total of $4.45 billion. Viper expects to fund the cash portion of this transaction through a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under Viper’s credit facility, and proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions, subject to market conditions and other factors.
“This Drop Down transaction with Viper is a major milestone in the continued synergy capture and execution of corporate development objectives related to the Endeavor transaction,” stated Travis Stice, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diamondback. “Additionally, the Drop Down will accelerate debt reduction and increase Diamondback’s exposure to Viper’s differentiated growth profile and market-leading minerals position.”
Timing and Approvals
Diamondback expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and approval of the transaction by Viper’s stockholders.
Advisors
RBC Capital Markets is serving as financial advisor to Diamondback. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal advisor to Diamondback.
Evercore is acting as financial advisor to the Audit Committee of Viper’s Board of Directors. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is acting as legal advisor to Viper’s Audit Committee.
About Diamondback
Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Diamondback’s: future performance; business strategy; future operations (including drilling plans and capital plans); estimates and projections of revenues, losses, costs, expenses, returns, cash flow, and financial position; reserve estimates and its ability to replace or increase reserves; anticipated benefits or other effects of strategic transactions (including the recently completed Endeavor merger, the Drop Down transaction and other acquisitions or divestitures); and plans and objectives of management (including plans for future cash flow from operations) are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions (including the negative of such terms) as they relate to Diamondback are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Although Diamondback believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond Diamondback’s control. Accordingly, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and Diamondback’s actual outcomes could differ materially from what Diamondback has expressed in its forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities; the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases and any related company or government policies or actions; actions taken by the members of OPEC and Russia affecting the production and pricing of oil, as well as other domestic and global political, economic, or diplomatic developments, including any impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war on the global energy markets and geopolitical stability; instability in the financial markets; inflationary pressures; higher interest rates and their impact on the cost of capital; regional supply and demand factors, including delays, curtailment delays or interruptions of production, or governmental orders, rules or regulations that impose production limits; federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations; physical and transition risks relating to climate change; those risks described in Item 1A of Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and those risks disclosed in its subsequent filings on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.
In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Diamondback’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Diamondback operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Diamondback cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this letter or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Diamondback does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.
Additional Information about the Drop Down and Where to Find It
In connection with the Drop Down, Viper expects to file relevant materials with the SEC including a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Viper will mail the definitive proxy statement to each Viper stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the Drop Down. This document is not a substitute for the proxy statement or for any other document that Viper may file with the SEC and send to its stockholders in connection with the Pending Drop Down. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS IN VIPER ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE VIPER PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DROP DOWN THAT VIPER WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement, the preliminary proxy statement, and other relevant materials in connection with the Drop Down (when they become available) and any other documents filed by Viper with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Viper will be available free of charge on Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investors.
Participants in the Solicitation
Viper and its directors and executive officers, and Diamondback as its parent and major stockholder, may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Viper’s stockholders in connection with the Drop Down. Information about the directors and executive officers of Viper and, as applicable, about Diamondback, is set forth in (i) in Viper’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting, including under the headings “Proposal 1—Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Stock Ownership” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000119312524113976/d796418ddef14a.htm, (ii) Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”, “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000160206524000010/vnom-20231231.htm and (iii) subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC.
Additional information about Diamondback may be found in Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Diamondback with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.
Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed by Viper with the SEC when they become available. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investors.
No Offer or Solicitation
This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Diamondback Investor Contact:
Adam Lawlis
+1 432.221.7467
alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com -
MIL-OSI: Viper Energy, Inc., A Subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc., Announces Drop Down Transaction and Operations Update
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viper Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM) (“Viper” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) (“Diamondback”), today provided an update on Q4 2024 financial and operating results.
FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Q4 2024 average daily production of 29,859 bo/d (56,109 boe/d)
- Q4 2024 average unhedged realized prices of $69.91 per barrel of oil, $0.84 per Mcf of natural gas, and $22.15 per barrel of natural gas liquids
- During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recorded total operating income of $228.7 million
- Declared Q4 2024 combined base-plus-variable dividend of $0.65 per Class A common share; payable on March 13, 2025 to Class A shareholders of record at the close of business on March 6, 2025
Additionally, the Company announced today it and its operating subsidiary Viper Energy Partners LLC (“OpCo”) have entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of certain mineral and royalty-interest owning subsidiaries of Diamondback in exchange for $1.0 billion of cash and approximately 69.6 million OpCo units (along with an accompanying equal amount of Class B common stock of the Company), subject to customary adjustments (the “Drop Down”). The transaction was negotiated for the Company by the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent directors and is appointed by the Board of Directors to oversee all related party transactions. The cash portion of this transaction is expected to be funded through a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under the Company’s credit facility, and proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions, subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the transaction by a majority of the Company’s stockholders not affiliated with Diamondback.
The Company today also announced it and OpCo have entered into a separate definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire certain mineral and royalty interests from Morita Ranches Minerals LLC in exchange for approximately $211 million of cash and approximately 2.4 million OpCo units (along with an accompanying equal amount of Class B common stock of the Company), subject to customary adjustments (the “Quinn Ranch Acquisition” and together with the Drop Down, the “Pending Acquisitions”). The cash portion of this transaction is expected to be funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The Company expects the transaction to close during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
PENDING ACQUISITIONS COMBINED HIGHLIGHTS
- Approximately 23,100 net royalty acres (“NRAs”) in the Midland Basin; additional acreage in the Delaware and Williston Basins (approximately 1,700 NRAs combined)
- Diamondback operates >70% of the Midland Basin NRAs with an approximately 5.0% average net revenue interest (“NRI”) across high-quality and largely undeveloped acreage
- Expected average daily oil production for full year 2025 of approximately 18,000 bo/d (32,000 boe/d); includes contribution from Diamondback’s expected development plan (11.0-12.0 net 100% royalty interest wells) and 6.7 net existing DUCs and permits operated by third party operators
- Viper currently expects Diamondback to complete roughly 300-325 gross locations on the acquired properties in 2026 with an estimated average ~6.0% NRI; expected to drive an increase in Diamondback-operated production from an average of approximately of 11,000 bo/d in 2025 to approximately 14,000 bo/d in 2026
- Third party operated acreage located primarily in Martin, Midland, and Reagan counties; ExxonMobil (~35% of third party operated acreage) is the largest operator with diversified exposure to other leading well-capitalized operators in the Midland Basin
- Substantial near and long-term financial accretion; expected to be >10% accretive to cash available for distribution per Class A share immediately upon closing
- Each of the Pending Acquisitions has an effective date of January 1, 2025
PRO FORMA VIPER HIGHLIGHTS
- Giving effect to only the assumed closing of the Quinn Ranch Acquisition during Q1 2025, initiating average daily production guidance for Q1 2025 of 30,000 to 31,000 bo/d (54,000 to 56,000 boe/d)
- Upon the assumed closing of the Drop Down during Q2 2025, expect average daily production for the balance of 2025 in the range of 47,000 to 49,000 bo/d (85,000 to 88,000 boe/d); the midpoint is approximately 61% higher than standalone Viper’s Q4 2024 average daily oil production
- Based on Diamondback’s expected development plans, Viper expects its Diamondback-operated production to increase to approximately 31,000 bo/d in 2026, up from approximately 27,000 bo/d on a pro forma basis in 2025
- Viper expects to own an interest in approximately 75% of the total amount of gross wells that Diamondback would plan to develop over the next five years at today’s activity levels; expect to own an estimated ~6.0% NRI in these wells
- Total inventory of Diamondback-operated locations with a greater than 10% IRR at $50 WTI of approximately 334 net locations
- Approximately 60,200 NRAs in the Permian Basin, approximately 36,300 of which are operated by Diamondback; represents increases of approximately 70% and 90%, respectively
- Maintaining return of capital commitment of at least 75% of cash available for distribution
- Conservative leverage of <1.0x expected at year-end 2025 based on current commodity prices
“We are excited to announce today the highly anticipated, transformative Drop Down transaction between Viper and Diamondback. This transaction, combined with the Quinn Ranch Acquisition, furthers Viper’s alignment with Diamondback’s expected development plan and positions Viper to continue to deliver organic growth driven by the Diamondback drillbit for multiple years ahead. The pro forma size and scale provided to Viper, and the continued support of our parent company, meaningfully enhances the unmatched advantage Viper has in the minerals and royalty market,” stated Travis Stice, Chief Executive Officer of Viper.
Mr. Stice continued, “In addition to being immediately accretive to all relevant financial metrics, this conservatively financed transaction also reduces Viper’s pro forma leverage to below 1.0x. Looking ahead, Viper’s leading scale and fortress balance sheet will enable the Company to continue to opportunistically consolidate the highly fragmented minerals market through a disciplined and focused approach.”
Advisors
Evercore is serving as financial advisor to the Audit Committee of Viper’s Board of Directors and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is serving as the Audit Committee’s legal advisor for the Drop Down.
RBC Capital Markets is serving as financial advisor to Diamondback and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as its legal advisor for the Drop Down.
For the Quinn Ranch Acquisition, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is serving as Viper’s legal advisor and Vinson & Elkins LLP is serving as legal advisor for Morita Ranches Minerals LLC.
About Viper Energy, Inc.
Viper is a corporation formed by Diamondback to own, acquire and exploit oil and natural gas properties in North America, with a focus on owning and acquiring mineral and royalty interests in oil-weighted basins, primarily the Permian Basin. For more information, please visit www.viperenergy.com.
About Diamondback Energy, Inc.
Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the results to differ materially from those expected by the management of Viper. All statements, other than historical facts, that address activities that Viper assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events, including specifically the statements regarding the pending acquisitions discussed in this news release and any potential capital markets transactions and other funding sources for the pending acquisitions, as well as statements regarding the pro forma results for the pending acquisitions and Viper’s operating and financial expectations following those acquisitions, including existing and future production on the mineral and royalty acreage subject to the pending acquisitions and Diamondback’s plans with respect to such Diamondback-operated acreage.
Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: the completion of the pending acquisitions on anticipated terms and timing or at all, including obtaining the requisite regulatory and stockholder approvals for the Pending Drop Down, the satisfaction of other conditions to the pending acquisitions, uncertainties as to whether the pending acquisitions, if consummated, will achieve their anticipated benefits within the expected time periods or at all, and those risks described in Item 1A of Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings Viper makes with the SEC, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investor-overview, as well as those risks that will be more fully described in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A that is intended to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Pending Drop Down.
In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Viper’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Viper conducts its business in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Viper cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Viper does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.
Additional Information about the Pending Drop Down and Where to Find It
In connection with the Pending Drop Down, Viper expects to file relevant materials with the SEC including a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Viper will mail the definitive proxy statement to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the Pending Drop Down. This news release is not a substitute for the proxy statement or for any other document that Viper may file with the SEC and send to its stockholders in connection with the Pending Drop Down. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PENDING DROP DOWN THAT VIPER WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement, the preliminary proxy statement, and other relevant materials in connection with the Pending Drop Down (when they become available) and any other documents filed by Viper with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Viper will be available free of charge on Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investor-overview.
Participants in the Solicitation
Viper and its directors and executive officers, and Diamondback as its parent and major stockholder, may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Viper’s stockholders in connection with the Pending Drop Down. Information about the directors and executive officers of Viper and, as applicable, about Diamondback, is set forth in (i) in Viper’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting, including under the headings “Proposal 1—Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Stock Ownership” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000119312524113976/d796418ddef14a.htm, (ii) Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”, “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000160206524000010/vnom-20231231.htm and (iii) subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC.
Additional information about Diamondback may be found in Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Diamondback with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.
Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investor-overview.
No Offer or Solicitation
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Investor Contact:
Austen Gilfillian
+1 432.221.7420
agilfillian@diamondbackenergy.comSource: Viper Energy, Inc.; Diamondback Energy, Inc.
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MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Nomination of Representative Elise Stefanik to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to United Nations
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 30, 2025
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement in support of the nomination of U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations shortly after he voted for her nomination at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee markup.
“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Representative Elise Stefanik on her nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. I intend to support her nomination and wish her all the best in this important role representing the United States.
“I would like, however, to outline a few fundamental policy disagreements I maintain with Representative Stefanik, with the hope that a closer examination of these issues will lead to the adoption of more prudent policies.
“Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Representative Stefanik issued a statement urging NATO to immediately admit Ukraine into the alliance. That course of action risks leading to World War III, with the United States getting pulled into a direct conflict with Russia—a country that maintains the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. It is imperative that diplomats avoid kneejerk reactions and maintain composure when confronted with serious geopolitical crises.
“Unfortunately, Representative Stefanik’s statement neglected the principal driver of Moscow’s antipathy toward Ukraine. Fearing a western bulwark on its doorstep, the main driver of Russia’s decision to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and invade the country was, and remains, a desire to prevent the potential threat that would emanate from Ukraine should it join NATO. One must not agree with Moscow’s perspective, however it is imperative that our diplomats and policymakers strive to understand it to avoid miscalculation and effectively negotiate a lasting peace.
“I am encouraged by Representative Stefanik’s recent vote against an additional $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, citing concerns over excessive spending and a need to address the situation at our southern border. President Trump vowed to end the needless slaughter in Ukraine, and I expect Representative Stefanik will use her position at the UN to work toward the realization of that objective.
“The second fundamental disagreement I maintain with Representative Stefanik is her vocal support of a national ban of the popular app, TikTok. Representative Stefanik and other proponents of the ban claim that it is necessary to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from accessing Americans’ user data and prevent the spread of CCP propaganda. But in addition to a lack of evidence that TikTok poses any tangible national security threat to the United States, a ban also fundamentally infringes on the most sacred of our constitutionally protected rights—the right of free speech and expression. The United States is not better off by emulating the tactics of the CCP, which bans speech it does not like.
“Diplomacy requires give and take. It requires hard work building relationships based on mutual respect. Rather than reprimand our adversaries at every turn, we should strive to maintain productive dialogue. President Trump understands the importance of diplomacy as a means to avoid and end conflicts. As Ambassador to the United Nations, I hope Representative Stefanik will advance President Trump’s diplomatic agenda.
“While I may disagree with Representative Stefanik’s general foreign policy disposition, I do not doubt her steadfastness and devotion to our country. It is my sincere hope that President Trump’s second administration will continue to elevate diplomacy over conflict to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a prosperous and peaceful world. I wish Representative Stefanik all the best and stand ready to offer my assistance as she prepares to represent the United States on the global stage.” -
MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Lee Zeldin Wrong Person To Lead EPA
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
Published: 01.29.2025WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after voting against Lee Zeldin’s nomination to be Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“In just the last week, Donald Trump banned wind energy and stopped federal funding for clean energy projects – actions that will create an energy shortage and raise people’s energy bills. Republicans aren’t trying to cut costs for people – they’re focused on helping their Big Oil friends make money. And the person who will be leading these efforts for the Trump Administration, including to roll back critical environmental protections, is Lee Zeldin. Climate change is happening, and it’s costing billions and billions of dollars, and more importantly, it’s costing lives. We need an EPA Administrator who is for climate action, not Lee Zeldin.” -
MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy backs bill to crack down on fentanyl, help law enforcement tackle opioid crisis
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in introducing the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which would permanently list fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.
“Americans know the carnage of fentanyl all too well. The HALT Fentanyl Act would save lives in Louisiana and across the country by empowering law enforcement to seek justice against dealers who work with cartels to profit off feeding poison to Americans,” said Kennedy.
Fentanyl is a scheduled substance, but Mexican drug cartels make small chemical tweaks to fentanyl to produce drugs—fentanyl-related substances—with similar dangerous effects that are not controlled.
In response to this crisis, the DEA exercised its authority to temporarily classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. That temporary scheduling order will expire on March 31, 2025 if Congress does not act.
Under the HALT Fentanyl Act, fentanyl-related substances would remain Schedule I. In addition, the bill clarifies that the mandatory minimum penalties that apply to fentanyl also apply to the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances.
“Today, roughly 150 Americans will die from fentanyl poisoning. Cartels fuel this crisis by marketing their poison as legitimate prescription pills. They also avoid regulation by chemically altering the drugs to create powerful fentanyl knock-offs. Congress closed that loophole by temporarily classifying fentanyl related substances under Schedule 1. The HALT Fentanyl Act would make permanent fentanyl related substances’ Schedule 1 classification and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to combat these deadly drugs,” said Grassley.
“The Biden administration’s open border was an invitation to drug cartels smuggling Chinese fentanyl into the U.S., fueling the U.S. overdose epidemic. Law enforcement must have the tools necessary to combat this trend. We cannot let this Schedule I classification lapse,” said Cassidy.
“We’re losing more than 100,000 Americans each year to illicit fentanyl overdoses. I refuse to accept this reality, and that’s why I’m working to deliver tools law enforcement personnel need to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets and out of our communities. Permanently scheduling fentanyl and its analogues will help federal and local law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases. Our HALT Fentanyl Act will help stop the flow of these deadly drugs into our communities and save lives,” said Heinrich.
Background:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in 2023 there were 81,083 overdose deaths in the U.S. that involved opioids.
- In March 2023, Kennedy introduced the Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act, which would have made sure fentanyl-trafficking sentences reflected the deadliness of the substance. Senate Democrats blocked the bill in May 2023.
- In 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 21,889 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill more than 4.9 billion people (assuming a lethal dose of two milligrams)—or enough to wipe out the entire U.S. population more than 14 times over.
Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) cosponsored the legislation.
The full bill text is available here.
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MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Kash Patel at Nomination Hearing to be Director of the FBI
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced Kash Patel at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Watch the introduction here.
Read Senator Tillis’ statement below:
Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin and my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, it’s my honor to introduce Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be FBI Director. I’ve completed due diligence on his life and career, and I’m convinced Kash possesses significant expertise and an ironclad commitment to justice. I have concluded he’s an outstanding choice to lead the FBI.
Kash’s parents are Indian immigrants of Gujarati ancestry. The Gujarat state is a melting pot of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, with temples, mosques, and other religious sites scattered across the state. His father was raised in Uganda, but his family fled the country to escape repression under Idi Amin. His mother was born and raised in Tanzania. They met and married in India and ultimately made their way to New York City by way of Canada, where his parents along with 7 brothers and sisters, their spouses, and at least a half dozen kids lived under the same roof. His parents raised Kash in the Hindu faith, and they instilled in him the values of hard work and education. Kash is a devout Hindu, and consistent with his faith, he has shown respect to people of all faiths.
Kash attended the University of Richmond, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history. He went to Pace University School of Law, where he earned his JD and an International Law Certificate from the University College of London, Faculty of Laws.
Kash began his career as a public defender in Florida where he led or co-led more than 60 jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts. Kash has clearly demonstrated devotion to upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of individuals.
Kash led the defense of Jose Buitrago in United States v. Buitrago, a high-profile drug case in Florida in 2015. Buitrago was one of the Colombian nationals arrested in a major drug bust involving Operation BACRIM. Kash and his co-counsel successfully argued that key evidence was withheld by the prosecution, leading to Buitrago’s release. I suspect some of Kash’s disdain for prosecutorial misconduct stems from this firsthand experience.
Kash was hired as senior counsel on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2017. He told me he distinctly remembers my friend Trey Gowdy’s comment shortly after they were introduced. He said, “Kash, Congress is where righteous investigations go to die, I hope you’re ready.” Kash wasready and he went on to establish a solid reputation for pursuing the facts. From there, he held senior posts at the NSC, DoD, and DNI.
Since leaving the administration after 2020, Kash has written articles and books on national security, law, and governance. Through his work as an author, Kash continues to advocate for justice and transparency and to be ever vigilant in defending our great democracy and the rule of law.
Colleagues, I’ve created a Kash BINGO that is available to any of my colleagues who would like on the other side of the aisle. Some may view this as an unserious caricature and not appropriate for this committee, but sadly I consider it a serious caricature of what I expect to be witnessed today. I think we will have words like “enemies list” and “deep state”, but the fact of the matter is some people will be here to substantiate a false narrative. At worst, they may just be going through an unfounded litany of quote and half quote and half-truths, some that have already been dispelled in the Chairman’s opening statement.
In my 10 years in the Senate, I hope I have established a reputation for being fair, doing my homework, and taking tough positions that have been met with harsh criticism. Heck, I’ve been censured by my party for taking tough positions, and I stand by those positions today and my position to support Kash Patel.
When President Trump announced his intent to nominate Kash, I contacted Trey Gowdy and others who’ve worked with Kash, and they gave glowing recommendations. So, I called Kash on December 2nd and offered to help with his nomination. Since then, we’ve spent hours together in person and on the phone.
I’ve asked him difficult questions and I’ve urged him to reach out to members across the aisle. He’s met with 60 members of the U.S. Senate, including several members of this committee.
Chair Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, friends, and colleagues on the committee. I’ve completed my due diligence on Kash Patel, and I am honored to provide my strongest recommendation for his confirmation.
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MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Lankford introduce bill to incentivize charitable giving through tax code
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) reintroduced the Charitable Act to reward Americans who give to charity and incentivize more people to donate to worthy causes. Under this new bill, Americans who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations, and other nonprofits of their choice would be able to deduct that donation from their federal taxes, even if they take the standard, non-itemized deduction.
A similar provision was first enacted in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which passed in 2020. As a result of that legislation, 90 million taxpayers benefitted from the deduction, and households making between $30,000 and $100,000 increased their charitable giving the most. Charitable organizations received $30 billion in increased donations.
“Delawareans have always risen to the occasion in support of our communities,” said Senator Coons. “Last year, Americans demonstrated our generosity by donating a collective $557 billion to charities, houses of worship, and nonprofits. I am proud to reintroduce the Charitable Act with Senator Lankford to help the federal government encourage even more Americans to embrace the civic virtue of giving to those in need.”
“America’s first safety net should never be the government—government is the least efficient caregiver by far. Our families, churches, and other nonprofits do incredible work to lift up those who need it most. Updating the tax law to incentivize giving empowers Americans to make an even bigger impact for the homeless, hurting, and hungry,” said Senator Lankford.
This bill is supported by numerous organizations, including The National Council of Nonprofits (25,000 member organizations), Charitable Giving Coalition (175 member organizations), the Nonprofit Alliance, Faith & Giving Coalition, Leadership 18, Independent Sector, YMCA, Council on Foundations, American Endowment Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, United Philanthropy Forum, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Association of Art Museum Directors, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Americans for the Arts, American Heart Association, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Maryland Nonprofits, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.
In addition to Senators Coons and Lankford, the Charitable Act is supported by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).
“Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, addressing critical needs and enhancing the quality of life for all. The Charitable Act is a vital step in restoring a proven incentive that encourages generosity and empowers nonprofits to meet growing demands, even in challenging times. We applaud Senators Lankford and Coons for their leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector, ensuring we can continue to deliver essential services and drive positive change,” said Sheila Bravo, President and CEO, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement.
“Bravo to Senators Lankford and Coons on this much-needed support for America’s nonprofits. They both understand from personal experience the key role the nonprofit sector plays both as a provider of critical services to millions of Americans and as a major employer in Oklahoma and nationwide. In this era of historic inflation and ever-rising costs, the need for nonprofit services has not declined—in fact, we are needed more than ever. The Charitable Act will help recreate an environment of years past where charitable givers at every level can feel incentivized and appreciated—after all, we are all in this together,” said Marnie Taylor, President & CEO, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
“Faith & Giving heartily thanks and commends Senators James Lankford and Chris Coons for reintroducing the Charitable Act to restore a charitable deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize. Giving by individuals is the financial lifeblood of many thousands of American faith communities and faith-based organizations. Yet since 2017 individual giving to religion has fallen billions of dollars short of keeping pace with inflation. No single policy is more important for restoring the health of individual giving and faith-based charities than a non-itemizer charitable deduction like the one Congress created to stimulate giving in 2020 and 2021,” Brian Walsh, Executive Director, Faith & Giving.
“Nonprofits need tools like the nonitemizer deduction proposed by the Charitable Act to meet growing and changing community needs,” said YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick. “We saw this policy unlock more giving when it was enacted temporarily during the pandemic, and we know that making it permanent will help YMCAs serve and support more neighbors every day. Senators Lankford and Coons recognize the important role nonprofits play in communities and understand that the universal charitable deduction helps nonprofits like the Y make their communities stronger. I’m grateful for their leadership.”
“The temporary non-itemizer charitable deduction implemented in 2020 and 2021 led to an additional $18 billion in donations to nonprofits. As nonprofits are faced with higher demand for services, increased costs, workforce challenges, and declining donations, the Charitable Act presents an opportunity to reinstate that incentive and provide nonprofits with more resources to carry out their mission. The networks of the National Council of Nonprofits enthusiastically endorse this vital legislation and appreciate leaders like Senator Lankford and Senator Coons who continue to be stalwart champions for these efforts and the nonprofit sector,” said Diane Yentel, President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits.
“Generosity is a core American value that should be incentivized to help meet the evolving needs of communities,” said Kathleen Enright, Council on Foundations President and CEO. “The temporary non-itemizer deduction in the CARES Act successfully sparked more people to give. We hope Congress will cement this effective policy into law and inspire many more generous Americans to give charitably to support one another and the causes they value. We thank the House and Senate sponsors of the Charitable Act for their leadership on this issue.”
For quotes from other organizations and non-profit leaders, please click here.
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MIL-OSI USA: Under questioning from Senator Coons, FBI Director nominee Patel refuses to assert FBI’s independence or demonstrate willingness to resign over illegal directives
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, where he pressed him on whether his allegiance to President Trump would mean the end of the Bureau’s independence and whether he’d resign if asked by the White House to do something illegal.
Senator Coons pressed Patel on several issues at the hearing today. Under questioning, Patel stated that, as FBI Director, he would answer to the President. In contrast, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi said that, if confirmed, she would answer directly to the Constitution and the American people.
Senator Coons also asked Patel, as he asked FBI Directors Chris Wray and James Comey during their own confirmations, about whether Patel would resign rather than carry out an illegal order from Trump, as Wray and Comey committed to doing. Patel repeatedly refused to make the same commitment.
A video and full transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.
WATCH HERE.
Sen. Coons: We had a constructive conversation last week, I appreciate your taking the time. In particular, a conversation about the prosecution of the World Cup bombing in Uganda that took the life of a Delawarean whose family I knew, I found moving. But the role you have been nominated for is central – central to our security as a nation, central to the protection of our constitutional rights, and I voted to confirm Trump’s previous FBI director, Chris Wray. I believe he’s lived up to the bureau’s motto of serving with fidelity, bravery and integrity, and I also think my vote for him and for many of Trump’s cabinet in the first term shows I take my constitutional advice and consent rule seriously and do not reflexively vote against his nominees.
I look at three factors when I assess a nominee. Qualifications and experience; policy views and whether they are in the best interest of the American people; and character and capacity to do the job independently where called for. My colleagues have referenced quotes from Attorney General Barr, National Security Advisor Bolton.
The FBI is enormous: 38,000 agents, $9 billion budget. I am troubled by your lack of senior law enforcement leadership. We disagree on some important policy views. But the thing that bothers me the most is a whole series of statements you have made in a variety of settings that suggest you would struggle to be independent from White House direction or control, as has long been the modern history of the FBI.
Who does the director of the FBI work for, Mr. Patel?
Mr. Patel: Senator, thank you for that question. The immediate report for the Director of the FBI is into the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Then, that report is taken into the Office of the Attorney General and ultimately the White House in the chain of command there.
Sen. Coons: So the FBI works for the White House?
Mr. Patel: No, the FBI is a member of the Department of Justice, and has been the long-standing application—
Sen Coons: And who does the Department of Justice work for?
Mr. Patel: They are in the executive branch, as all members do at the White House.
Sen. Coons: Attorney General Bondi gave a different answer when I asked her the same question— that they work for the Constitution and the American people. President Trump has made clear in public statements he wants to use the FBI to persecute political adversaries. He has publicly said that folks ranging from Liz Cheney, to Adam Kinzinger, to former Vice President Harris should be investigated and criminally prosecuted. If President Trump were to order you to open an investigation into any of these individuals, let’s say, Vice President Harris, would you?
Mr. Patel: Senator, this question speaks directly to my ability to leave political bias and allow independent behavior to be the only guiding light. As a public defender, I learned that in the harshest of arenas. And any law enforcement investigation, if I’m confirmed at the FBI, will only be launched on the following qualification: a factual, articulatable, legal basis to do so. The president has said publicly that he will allow the FBI to remain independent, and I have said as much as well.
Sen. Coons: So, if FBI agents brought to you a factual legal basis, a predication, and you are about to refer it to a prosecutor, and you get a call from the White House saying, “don’t proceed, this is a major donor, this is someone close to the president, this is inappropriate.” What would you do?
Mr. Patel: Simple. You – I think you answered it partially in your, in your question. The line agents, the brick agents who are trained to bring investigations on behalf of the FBI will make that decision-making process, and they will only have my full support so long as it upholds absolutely every value of the Constitution, and that’s it.
Sen. Coons: So your predecessor – I went back and looked, and I asked the same questions of Director Comey and Director Wray. Director Wray, quoting former Attorney General Bell, said you should be willing to resign if necessary over conduct if you are pressed to engage in it that’s unethical, illegal or unconstitutional. If pressed by the president, would you resign?
Mr. Patel: Senator, my answer simply is I would never do anything unconstitutional or unlawful, and I never have in my 16 years of government service.
Sen. Coons: Would you be willing to resign the post of FBI Director if pressed and given no choice but to obey the order or resign?
Mr. Patel: Senator, I will always obey the law.
Sen. Coons: Does obeying the law require you to – as Attorney General Bell said, as FBI Director Wray said – refuse the order or resign?
Mr. Patel: I don’t – I’m not familiar with the extent of the law you are referring to, but my answer is simple in my 16 years of government service. We will simply follow the law, and I have done that in Obama Justice Department [sic], Republican Justice Departments, in the Obama military, in Republican civilian capacity. I have never once wavered from my constitutional oath of office.
Sen. Coons: Mr. Patel, your predecessors in this role have been clear that they would be willing to resign if forced or directed to do something unethical or illegal. I’ll proceed.
One of your past statements that is concerning me – it’s both a post on Truth Social and something you said in a podcast, The Sean Morgan Report: that your predecessor, Chris Wray, has broken the law. We need to prosecute him. The FBI should go after people like him. And the month before this, in July 2023, you said there should be a criminal referral for FBI Director Wray. If confirmed, are you going to follow through on these previous statements that Director Wray needs to be prosecuted?
Mr. Patel: Senator, this reminds me of the conversation you and I had, which I greatly appreciated. There is enough violent crime in this country, and enough national security threats to this country, that the FBI is going to be busy going forward preventing 100,000 overdoses, 100,000 rapes, and 17,000 homicides.
Sen. Coons: We agree that prosecuting violent crimes should be the principal focus of the FBI. What I’m trying to get to, Mr. Patel, is a whole series of very troubling – to me and many others – statements you’ve made about instead using it to pursue those who might be viewed as political opponents.
Mr. Patel: And as I told you in your office, I have no interest, no desire, and will not if confirmed, go backwards. There will be no politicization at the FBI, there will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI, should I be confirmed as the FBI director. I told you that in your office, and I will tell you that again today.
Sen. Coons: Thank you for that statement. As the Co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus with Senator Cornyn, one of the things I’ve worked hard on and I hope to continue to being able to work hard on with this administration is partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement to pursue violent crime. You did say, as my colleague asked, and I’d look for a longer answer, that you want to close the FBI’s bureau headquarters on day one.
How would shutting down the FBI headquarters impact its ability to prosecute violent crime and drug traffickers? How is that possibly a serious proposal, Mr. Patel?
Mr. Patel: Thank you for bringing that up and allowing me to answer. It was to highlight the significantly greater point that I was actually making in that interview, which is well documented over and over again. 38,000 FBI employees – 7,500 FBI employees work in the Washington field office and Hoover Building alone. If you increase the aperture just slightly to encompass the National Capital Region, that is 11,000 FBI employees working in the National Capital Region. A third of the workforce for the FBI works in Washington, D.C. I am fully committed to having that workforce go out into the interior of the country where I live, west of the Mississippi, and work with sheriff’s departments and local officers and having one agent prevent one homicide and having one agent in Washington prevent one rape, and I will do that over and over and over again, because the American people deserve the resources not in Washington D.C., but in the rest of the country.
Sen. Coons: And Mr. Patel, frankly, if that had been your statement, that would be something that would be defensible. It’s the rest of it, saying you’re going to turn it into a Museum of the Deep State, that causes repeated questions and concerns from people like myself. Thank you, Mr. Patel.
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MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Wyden, Finance Democrats Press RFK Jr. to Reject Big Pharma Pause on Medicare Negotiation
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Following Noncommittal Answer in Committee and Statement by CMS, Finance Democrats Press for Commitment to Continuing Medicare Drug Price Negotiation on Schedule
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and all Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Finance sent a letter to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pressing him to answer nearly a dozen questions regarding his views on Medicare drug price negotiation and confirm he will not pause negotiations, as CEOs representing the largest pharmaceutical companies have requested.
“As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed without a single Republican vote, Medicare drug price negotiation is a powerful tool available right now to President Trump to make good on his long-standing promise to stand up to Big Pharma,” the Senators wrote. “On behalf of the tens of millions of Americans who count on Medicare, Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee want to know whether the Trump Administration will follow through on negotiating with Big Pharma to deliver the lower costs promised to the American people.”
The letter, sent to Kennedy in his capacity as the nominee to be secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asks whether he will follow the Inflation Reduction Act’s statutory requirements related to Medicare drug price negotiation, whether the Trump administration will continue to defend the law in court against attacks by Big Pharma, and other questions. Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a concerning statement that appeared to open the door to Big Pharma’s requests.
“Contrary to what you suggested in today’s hearing, the Trump Administration’s statement is far from an embrace of drug price negotiation and appears to be opening the door to changes that could undermine Medicare’s ability to get the best price possible on drugs,” the Senators continued.
The full letter can be found here.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Hospitals overwhelmed, food running out: Goma faces ‘devastation’
Source: United Nations 4
Peace and SecurityAfter days of intense fighting, the humanitarian situation in Goma, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has reached alarming levels – with humanitarian needs now massive and response capacities severely strained.
The World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Thursday that food supplies are running dangerously low, as water and electricity outages exacerbate the crisis.
The seizure and closure of Goma’s airport by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has further interfered with aid delivery, while the blocking of roads and lake transport restrictions have left thousands stranded.
The rebel group has taken control of most of Goma since entering the city on Monday in the biggest escalation of a decades-long conflict springing from the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis, and a continuing struggle for control of rich mineral resources in the region among a plethora of armed groups.
Fleeing by boat
Families attempting to flee the violence across Lake Kivu are resorting to unsafe makeshift boats, putting their lives at risk.
At the same time, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reports that humanitarian workers have been unable to leave their shelters in Goma for over 24 hours due to the insecurity, severely affecting emergency response efforts.
Tom Fletcher, the emergency relief chief, has allocated $17 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to support lifesaving assistance – yet access to those in need remains uncertain.
Hospitals overwhelmed
Medical facilities in Goma – and second city Bukavu to the south – are overwhelmed, with over 2,000 injuries reported since the beginning of January, including many from gunshot wounds. Hospitals lack adequate medical supplies, fuel and staff to manage the growing influx of patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are urgently working to bolster healthcare services, but with supply chains disrupted and facilities at capacity, response efforts are severely strained.
Additionally, health authorities warn of an increasing risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles and mpox, due to mass displacement, unsafe water sources and inadequate sanitation.
Escalating insecurity in North Kivu
In the village of Kiziba, on the outskirts of Goma, civilians are reporting armed men in military uniforms carrying out widespread looting, extortion and sexual violence, according to Radio Okapi, the station run by UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, MONUSCO.
Meanwhile, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General Spokesperson reported that other armed groups in the east, including Zaïre and the CODECO militias, have increased attacks against the population in Djugu territory in the past month, robbing civilians.
At least six people have been killed since last weekend and as a result, many have stopped using roads in the area, which also prevents them from going to their fields or to markets.
Reports indicate that some roads have reopened, but mass displacement continues, with at least 700,000 people now internally displaced within North Kivu and South Kivu.
MONUSCO/Aubin Mukoni
Military uniforms and personal possessions litter the streets of Goma in the eastern DR Congo following an attack by a rebel armed group.
Peacekeepers’ response
Peacekeepers with (MONUSCO) have launched the second phase of an operation called Horizon of Peace in Djugu territory, aiming to contain an escalation of violence by armed groups, according to Mr. Dujarric.
MONUSCO peacekeepers have stepped up patrols on several roads in the territory to support the free movement of people and goods.
Calls for international action
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for DR Congo, has issued a strong plea for immediate international support. “I call on the international community to step up its support in the face of a worsening humanitarian crisis,” he stated.
Emergency food agency WFP has reiterated its readiness to resume food distributions as soon as security conditions permit, but without immediate access, thousands remain at risk of starvation and disease.
MONUSCO/Aubin Mukoni
UN peacekeepers return to base after patrolling the streets of Goma.
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MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Educational Opportunities for American Families
Source: The White House
DEFENDING PARENTAL RIGHTS AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order expanding educational freedom and opportunity for families. It recognizes that parents, not the government, play a fundamental role in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children.- It directs the Department of Education to issue guidance on how the States can use federal funding formulas to support their K-12 scholarship programs.
- It directs the Secretary of Education to prioritize school choice programs in the Department’s discretionary grant programs.
- The Order requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on how states receiving block grants for children and families can use those funds to support educational alternatives, including private and faith-based options.
- It directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan to the President for how military families can use Department of Defense funds to send their children to the school of their choice.
- The Order also directs the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan to the President for how families with students attending Bureau of Indian Education schools can use federal funds to send their children to the school of their choice.
EMPOWERING PARENTS AND STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOOL CHOICE: Every child deserves the best education available, regardless of their zip code. However, for generations, our government-assigned education system has failed millions of parents, students, and teachers. This Executive Order begins to rectify that wrong by opening up opportunities for students to attend the school that best fits their needs.
- According to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 70% of 8th graders were below proficient in reading and 72% were below proficient in math. 40% of 4th graders did not even meet the basic reading levels.
- Standardized test scores have essentially been flat for over 30 years, despite hundreds of billions of dollars spent on government-run education.
- A dozen states have universal or near universal school choice programs and 33 states have some form of school choice program.
- School choice programs have a strong record of improving students’ academic performance.
- School choice has proven to be cost effective and saves taxpayer dollars.
- Parents report higher levels of school safety for their children who participate in school choice programs.
- Support for school choice is overwhelming, with 70% of Democrats, 73% of Black Americans, and 69% of Hispanic Americans in favor of it.
- President Trump is dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to receive a world-class education.
FULFILLING THE PROMISE TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATION THROUGH FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY: President Trump promised to bring school choice to every family in the Nation. Today’s historic executive order is a critical step in delivering on that promise, and builds on the long list of accomplishments from the first Trump Administration, including:
- Calling on Congress to pass the School Choice Now Act and the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act.
- Providing in-person learning options for low-income parents forced to send their children to virtual school during the pandemic.
- Re-authorizing the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program twice.
- Investing nearly $1.5 billion in the development of public charter schools, helping this innovative sector grow to 7,500 charter schools serving more than 3 million students.
- Allowing parents across the nation to withdraw up to $10,000 tax-free per year from 529 education savings plans to cover public, private, or religious K-12 schooling costs, thanks to the President’s historic tax cuts.
Parents can be confident that under his Administration, President Trump will provide every available opportunity for parents to enrich the education of their children through individual choice.
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MIL-OSI USA: 25+ Years of National Recognition for Diabetes Education
Source: US State of Connecticut
The American Diabetes Association recognizes UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for offering high-quality education for patient self-care and support services.
Luriza Glynn, nurse practitioner and UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program cooridnator (right), speaks with a patient about her insulin pump. (2019 file photo by Chris DeFrancesco) The recertification under ADA’s Education Recognition Program is in recognition of the educational services at UConn Health meeting the ADA’s national standards for diabetes self-management education programs.
“This recognition is a testimony of the dedication to clinical excellence and in patient-centered delivery of care,” says Dr. Francisco Celi, endocrinologist and chair of the UConn School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine. “Our diabetes educators provide an invaluable contribution to the care of our patients, enabling to develop a truly personalized holistic care plan which include lifestyle modifications, dietary education, and effective use of the medications. Very often our diabetes educators uncover unrecognized barriers which prevent the optimal management of diabetes. By addressing these challenges we can be more effective in treating patients living with diabetes.”
Dr. Parvathy Madhavan, one of UConn Health’s endocrinologists who specializes in diabetes, meets with a patient. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo) ADA-recognized programs provide evidence-based and outcome-driven intervention and ensure a staff of knowledgeable health professionals will teach participants self-care skills that will promote better management of their diabetes treatment regimen, covering the following topics:
- Diabetes disease process
- Nutritional management
- Physical activity
- Medications
- Monitoring
- Preventing, detecting, and treating acute complications
- Preventing, detecting, and treating chronic complications through risk reduction
- Goal setting and problem solving
- Psychological adjustment
- Preconception care, management during pregnancy, and gestational management
Dr. Pooja Luthra specializes in diabetes and metabolism, endocrine neoplasia, endocrinology, and osteoporosis at UConn Health. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo) “Empowering lives, one step at a time,” says Dr. Pooja Luthra, endocrinologist and physician lead of UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program. “We are proud to be recognized by the American Diabetes Association for our commitment to excellence in diabetes education. Together, we make a difference.”
UConn Health’s program has earned this distinction continuously since its first ADA recognition in 2000.
“For 25 years, UConn Health’s ADA-recognized diabetes education program has been a cornerstone of support, guidance, and empowerment for individuals managing diabetes,” says Luriza Glynn, nurse practitioner and program coordinator. “This milestone reflects UConn Health’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based education that improves lives. As we celebrate this achievement, we honor the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our patients, and the continued innovation that drives us forward. Here’s to 25 years of impact and many more to come!”
Many of those who care for people with diabetes at UConn Health during Diabetes Awareness Month November 2023 (Photo provided by Luriza Glynn) Barbara Eichorst, the ADA’s vice president of health programs, says, “Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an essential part of managing diabetes and is as effective as diabetes medication. Therefore, all people with diabetes benefit from it. We applaud UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes, and patient experience.”
“This is a major accomplishment and the standards required by the American Diabetes Association are high,” says Anne Horbatuck, chief operating officer of the UConn Medical Group and vice president for ambulatory operations. “This honor demonstrates the quality, dedication, and hard work by the leaders, Dr. Pooja Luthra and Luriza Glynn, APRN, diabetes education coordinator, and the whole team. This program has had huge success improving patient outcomes and providing education to our patients to better manage their diabetes and improve their overall health.”
Learn more about diabetes care at UConn Health.
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MIL-OSI USA: UConn Cancer Center Provides Free Screenings at UConn Huskies Coaches vs. Cancer Game
Source: US State of Connecticut
Imagine discovering cancer early—potentially saving your life—simply because you attended a basketball game where cancer screenings were offered.
That would be an incredible story a powerful reminder of how important outreach events can be. Early cancer detection dramatically improves survival rates, and offering screenings in unexpected but accessible places, like a sports arena, breaks down barriers for people who might not otherwise seek care.
Lauren Rondinone, Dr. John Birk, Stephanie McGinn, Allison Rinaldi, Jillian Fal from gastroenterology. On Wednesday, January 29, as thousands of UConn Huskies fans filed into the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut to watch the men’s basketball team take on DePaul, they probably weren’t thinking about cancer. However, as the official healthcare provider of UConn Athletics, UConn Health teamed up for the annual Coaches for Cancer game to provide fans with free education and access to cancer screenings.
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide initiative that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and their local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The main goal is to increase cancer awareness, promote healthy living, and fundraise through activities.
Jessica Santos-Martinez, Rosa Agosto and Maggie Donohue helped fans navigate questions about breast cancer and mammograms “It’s not just about the medical aspect; it’s about meeting people where they are and creating opportunities for proactive health care. This kind of initiative combines community engagement with life-saving interventions—it’s a win for all,” says Omar Ibrahim, director of Interventional Pulmonary at UConn Health.
Before the doors opened at 6:30 p.m., where fans would find Andrea Hurley, wife of head coach Dan Hurley, creating memorial buttons to wear during the game, doctors, medical students, and residents from UConn Dermatology and the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health (Cancer Center) offered skin cancer screenings in the XL Center Atrium.
Once in the arena, doctors and medical professionals were on hand to provide information about colon, lung and breast cancer while determining the need for potential screenings. Fans were encouraged prior to and during the game to take the opportunity to learn more about cancer prevention and protecting their health.
Dr. Philip Kerr, Seda Gul Sahin, James Mackenzie, Tim Klufas, Aziz Khan, Sueheidi Santiago, Tannaz Sedghi, Sonal Muzumdar, Lauren Skudalski “Regular cancer screenings are crucial for early detection, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival by identifying cancers before they develop symptoms, allowing for timely intervention and potentially life-saving care,” says Kim Hamilton, program coordinator, Community Outreach and Engagement at the Cancer Center.
Kateri of Southbury emphasized the importance of events like this in raising awareness, sharing that early detection allowed her to receive treatment and reach one year in remission. “After my diagnosis, I made it my mission to spread awareness—that’s why events like this matter.”
“The Community Outreach and Engagement team at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center was thrilled to join Andrea Hurley’s cancer screening initiative at the Coaches vs. Cancer game. Hundreds of fans and staff stopped by for information and to schedule screenings for skin, lung, breast, and colon cancer. We’re proud to be the official healthcare provider of the UConn Huskies,” said Julie Dudek, academic administrative manager, Cancer Center.
“UConn Health’s Cancer Center was excited to partner with UConn Athletics and Andrea Hurley to provide cancer screening education and skin cancer checks at the American Cancer Society Coaches vs Cancer game. We look forward to continuing this partnership with Mrs. Hurley and at other UConn Athletics sporting events,” says Hamilton.
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MIL-OSI USA: Teamwork is also Behind the Scenes at UConn Health
Source: US State of Connecticut
When you are expecting to have a surgery, the Central Sterile Processing Department and its dozens of staffers are preparing behind the scenes all the tools that are needed by your surgeons and for you too! Preparations even start the night before at the UConn Health Surgery Center as well as the UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s OR.
In fact, Central Sterile is “central” to the operating room and a procedure’s safety and success. All medical and surgical supplies, both sterile and nonsterile, are cleaned, prepared, processed, stored, and issued for patient care by this Department.
Volodymyr Levytskyy, assistant supervisor of Central Sterile, sterilizing the prepared instrument cases for use in surgery and procedures at UConn Health (January 9. 2025. Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo). The Department is home to three huge washers, four sterilizers, and hundreds of instruments that need to be processed daily for approximately twenty-five operations occurring each day.
All surgical instruments and tools are washed after each surgery to be decontaminated by hand, washed in the washer disinfectors, hand assembled, wrapped, and labeled by staffers before finally being placed in the sterilizers.
The Department services not only the operating rooms needs, but also urgent care centers around the State of Connecticut, UConn Health’s vast outpatient care facilities, and even the UConn dental school’s clinics.
A new digital system called T Doc has recently launched to replace the long standing, traditional paper tracking process for surgical instruments. It is further enhancing UConn Health’s regulatory compliance and tracking of instruments. Instruments can now be scanned to identify when they have been sterilized, what sterilization parameters were used and where the item should be stored after sterilization.
“Central Sterile is one of the most highly regulated areas of a health system,” stresses Ellen Benson, RN associate director of Procedural Services and manager of the Sterile Processing Department at UConn Health. All instruments are tracked to ensure sterility, the rooms are monitored to ensure that they maintain the correct temperature and humidity for storing instruments and even the water supply is closely monitored.
Ryley Finn, with fellow instrument tech Elzbieta Brzostek-Parciak, and supervisor Minnie Torres (January 9, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo). “It’s all about patient safety,” says Benson. “Patient safety all starts with Central Sterile ensuring that instruments are cleaned and sterilized properly; the first step in helping to prevent surgical site infections. It takes a village. No surgery can be performed without the instruments. Without the Central Sterile team, we just can’t do surgery.”
The instrument techs know the ins and outs about all the instruments used across the surgical specialties, and are constantly learning about new tools and their individual required cleaning and sterilization processes.
“I always see the instrument techs reaching out to each other for advice, sharing knowledge, and helping each other. It’s true teamwork!” says Benson. “They work so hard!”
Benson has been in health care for 42 years and has spent the last 35 years at UConn Health inside the operating rooms.
“It’s a huge team effort across the board in the OR. There are a lot of people supporting our patients behind the scenes for their journey in the operating room. Our volume has increased significantly over the years. We have never been busier than we are today.”
She adds, “It takes many people to get a patient through surgery. We have doctors, nurses, surgical techs and other support staff all working together for the patients.”
From X-ray, the blood bank, to the labs – the team is very tightly woven with everyone across the hospital.
T Doc, a new digital system for tracking surgical instruments, has successfully launched (January 9. 2025. Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo). Additionally, there is always the unexpected for the Central Sterile team to handle.
“We get a lot of patients from the ED who may need surgery urgently, patients experiencing a stroke, appendicitis, or a herniated disc. They come straight to us, we get ready quickly and we take good care of them!” says Benson.
Benson and her team know that when patients come to the hospital for care, it can be one of the most vulnerable times in their life. Some surgeries are elective, and they are able to “cure” their problem and send them home, others are diagnosed with illness that require additional care.
“We are here to support our patients and their families, who are waiting, hoping, and worrying. Spending a few minutes with family members goes a long way to make them feel more at ease. It’s amazing what 5 minutes of your time, and offering a piece of candy or a drink of water can do for a family member to make them feel comforted,” says Benson.
Minnie Torres of Harwinton has worked for UConn Health for 16 years. She worked her way up from an instrument tech in the Department to now supervisor of Central Sterile the last four years.
“It’s very rewarding to work in Central Sterile. I’m very proud of the work we do. Also, the people I work with at UConn Health make it worth while too. We cheer each other on,” says Torres.
“Everyone in Central Sterile comes together as a fast-paced team each day and jumps in to help and get everything washed, sterilized, and processed. Our work is tedious but exciting. At the end of the day our jobs are very fulfilling as we are making a true difference in the lives of others.”
Torres adds, “When people hear you work at UConn, they are wowed. They know we work hard, and we hit the ground running every day.”
Central Sterile has a family-like atmosphere. Ryley Finn, Elzbieta Brzostek-Parciak, and Minnie Torres (January 9, 2025. Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Photo). Ryley Finn of Farmington has served as an instrument tech in the Department for the last two years.
“I wanted to learn, so I came to work here at UConn Health,” says Finn. “I really like it here and I like my colleagues. I am always learning new things.”
Finn loves the opportunity she and her colleagues at UConn Health have to watch surgeries and the instruments used in action to get a full picture of the OR process and to better understand how each instrument they prepare for use works.
“To see how the tools work in action is really cool and how we play a critical role to help patients during surgery,” says Finn.
To keep up with the growing patient volumes and demands for UConn Health clinical and surgical services soon Central Sterile will be moving toward a 24/7 operation. UConn Health is renovating the older Connecticut Tower space of the department and the team is looking forward into moving back into that space.
“I am so proud of the Central Sterile team,” says Benson. “We have the best team.”
“That’s Mom,” Torres and Finn heartwarmingly refer to Benson as.
“My colleagues are my family too. We will always be there to support each other,” says Benson.
Thank you Central Sterile for all you do!
This content is part of a collaborative initiative of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, with UConn Health’s Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Jeffrey Hines, to celebrate the institution’s shared values and its workforce. Send your word-of-the-month nominations to thehub@uchc.edu
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MIL-OSI: RBAZ Bancorp, Inc. Announces Unaudited Financial Results For the Quarter and Year Ending December 31, 2024
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
PHOENIX, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RBAZ Bancorp, Inc. (OTCIQ: RBAZ) (the “Company”), parent company of Republic Bank of Arizona (the “Bank” or “RBAZ”), announced a consolidated net income of $793,000, or $0.44 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and $3,379,000, or $1.90 per share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to a consolidated net income of $688,000, or $0.38 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 and $2,460,000, or $1.36 per share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
President and CEO Brian Ruisinger stated “I am proud to report record earnings for RBAZ in our 17-year history reflecting a 37% year-over-year increase bolstered by Q4 featuring a 15% increase over the same quarter of the prior year. Solid loan growth at higher yields coupled with deposit growth concentrated in non-interest-bearing funds resulted in a 27% net interest income improvement. This was accomplished while managing expenses allowing for an increase of only 11%. However, these expenses included $365,000 of deal costs related to our prior announcement of merging with Pima Federal Credit Union.”
Mr. Ruisinger continued, “As an update to our May 16, 2024 announcement of our intent to join forces with Pima Federal Credit Union, RBAZ shareholders approved the transaction on August 22, 2024 and regulatory applications were accepted in January 2025 entering into the customary review period to obtain approval. We anticipate a closing date in the second quarter of this year, and additional information will be provided once approvals are obtained.”
December 31, 2024 Company Highlights Include:
- Total loans of $222,731,000 increased $20,902,000, or 10.4%, from December 31, 2023. This increase consisted of $51,397,000 in new loan originations and advances on construction lines of credit, offset by $29,397,000 in loan maturities and participations sold. Advances and repayments on commercial lines of credit and normal payment attrition comprised the balance of the loan activity in 2024.
- Total deposits of $250,201,000 increased $22,029,000, or 9.7%, from December 31, 2023 and related entirely to core deposit generation, in which 74.1% was in non-interest-bearing funds. The increase in core deposits was a mix of deepening of existing relationships and cultivation of new banking relationships.
- Total interest income increased $800,000 to $4,615,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 outpacing total interest income of $3,815,000 for the same period of the prior year equating to an increase of 21.0%.
- Cost of deposits was 2.13% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. After peaking at 2.36% in Q1 2024, this reduction of 23 basis points indicates a turning point in the interest rate environment within the greater Phoenix market following the Federal Reserve’s rate reductions totaling 100 basis points in the second half of 2024.
- Total non-interest expense increased $239,000 to $2,097,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to $1,858,000 for the same period of the prior year. However, this increase includes $365,000 in non-recurring expenses associated with the pending transaction with Pima Federal Credit Union incurred in 2024. Therefore, core operating expenses decreased $126,000 between comparative quarters resulting primarily from a reduction in professional fees and marketing expenses.
The Bank remains “Well Capitalized” under the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework as follows:
December 31,
2024 (%)Ratio to be Well
Capitalized (%)CBLR ratio 11.06 9.00
About the Company
RBAZ Bancorp, Inc. was established on June 10, 2021 as a single-bank holding company for its Arizona state-chartered bank subsidiary, Republic Bank of Arizona. The Company is traded over-the-counter as RBAZ.About the Bank
Republic Bank of Arizona is a locally owned, community bank in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Gilbert, Arizona. RBAZ is a full service, community bank providing deposit and loan products and convenient, online and mobile banking to individuals, businesses and professionals. The Bank was established in April 2007 and is headquartered at 645 E. Missouri Avenue, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ. Additional branches are located at 7373 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite A-195, Scottsdale, AZ and 1417 W. Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ. The Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of RBAZ Bancorp, Inc. For further information, please visit our web site: www.republicbankaz.com.Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements about the Company and the Bank (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”), for which the Company claims the protection of safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s knowledge and belief as of today and include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future financial condition and its results of operations and business. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Several important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in interest rates, government policies and regulations (including monetary and fiscal policies), legislation, economic conditions, borrower capacity to repay, operational factors and competition in the geographic and business areas in which the Company conducts its operations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available at the time of the release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.Summary Company Financial Information (unaudited) For the three months
ended December 31,For the twelve months
ended December 31,2024 2023 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Summary Income Data: Interest income $4,615 $3,815 $17,935 $14,208 Interest expense 1,457 1,359 5,923 4,742 Net interest income 3,158 2,456 12,012 9,466 Provision for credit losses 233 – 627 – Non-interest income 245 219 967 820 Non-interest expense 2,097 1,858 7,907 7,142 Income before provision for income tax 1,073 817 4,445 3,144 Provision for income tax 280 129 1,066 684 Net income $793 $688 $3,379 $2,460 Per Share Data: Shares outstanding end-of-period 1,790 1,795 1,790 1,795 Earnings per common share $0.44 $0.38 $1.90 $1.36 Diluted earnings per common share $0.42 $0.37 $1.77 $1.33 Book value per share $13.81 $11.77 $13.81 $11.77 Selected Balance Sheet Data: Total assets $282,511 $272,044 $282,511 $272,044 Securities available-for-sale, at fair value 32,731 40,998 32,731 40,998 Securities held-to-maturity 9,855 10,648 9,855 10,648 Loans 222,731 201,829 222,731 201,829 Allowance for credit losses 2,428 2,116 2,428 2,116 Deposits 250,201 228,172 250,201 228,172 Other borrowings 5,958 20,929 5,958 20,929 Shareholders’ equity 24,723 21,128 24,723 21,128 Performance Ratios: Return on average shareholders’ equity (annualized) (%) 12.83 13.03 13.67 11.64 Net interest margin (%) 4.58 3.81 4.32 3.68 Average assets $288,408 $265,190 $289,763 $264,488 Return on average assets (annualized) (%) 1.10 1.04 1.17 0.93 Shareholders’ equity to assets (%) 8.75 7.77 8.75 7.77 Efficiency ratio (%) 61.62 69.46 60.92 69.43 Asset Quality Data: Nonaccrual loans $418 $209 $418 $209 Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty $- $- $- $- Other real estate owned $- $- $- $- Nonperforming loans $418 $209 $418 $209 Nonperforming loans to total assets (%) 0.15 0.08 0.15 0.08 Nonperforming loans to total loans (%) 0.19 0.10 0.19 0.10 Allowance for credit losses to total loans (%) 1.09 1.05 1.09 1.05 Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans (%) 580.86 1,012.44 580.86 1,012.44 Net charge-offs (recoveries) for period $26 $- $190 ($352 ) Average loans $221,193 $192,129 $208,799 $176,146 Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (%) 0.01 n/a 0.09 (0.20 )
Contact: Brian Ruisinger
President and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 602.280.9404
Email: bruisinger@republicaz.com -
MIL-OSI: AI Expert’s Video Presentation on Trump and Musk’s Plan to Rebuild America’s Economy with Artificial Intelligence
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A quiet but powerful revolution is underway in the United States, one that will define global power for the next century. Backed by President Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, this groundbreaking collaboration represents a bold vision for America’s future: to dominate the global race for artificial intelligence and redefine what economic and technological leadership looks like.
James Altucher of Paradigm Press Group, a 40-year veteran in AI and emerging technologies, calls this partnership a “game-changing moment in history” in his recent video presentation. Altucher explains, “This isn’t just a new development in AI—it’s the foundation for an entirely new way of life. We’re building systems that will not only enhance productivity but also shape how governments, industries, and economies function for decades.”
A New Kind of Power
According to Altucher, artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool; it’s becoming the engine of economic and military power. “In the past, wars were won with weapons. Today, they’ll be won with intelligence—real intelligence,” he said.
While details of this initiative remain closely guarded, Altucher hints that what is being developed has the capacity to disrupt not only industries but also global power structures. “What’s happening now is unlike anything we’ve seen before. This isn’t incremental innovation—it’s a leap forward that will put America ahead in ways the rest of the world can’t catch up to.”
Altucher describes this as “a national effort” that will integrate AI into every aspect of society, from infrastructure to defense. “Imagine systems that think faster than humans, anticipate problems before they occur, and can adjust to threats in real time. That’s where we’re heading.”
Why Timing Matters
With other global powers, like China, heavily investing in artificial intelligence, Altucher emphasizes the importance of the United States taking action now. “This isn’t about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead,” he said. “If we hesitate, the balance of power will shift. But with the right strategy, we can secure America’s leadership for the next 50 years.”
President Trump’s decision to roll back restrictive AI regulations has already paved the way for private-sector innovation, enabling Musk and his collaborators to take AI development to new heights.
“This is a rare moment where government and private industry are working hand in hand,” Altucher said. “Trump’s leadership and Musk’s vision are aligning to create something that will define the future.”
The Shadow Players
Altucher also notes that while Musk is the face of this effort, an overlooked company is playing a pivotal role in its execution. “Behind every major breakthrough, there’s always an unsung hero,” he said. “This company is the key to making the system work—without it, the entire vision collapses.”
Shaping the World’s Future
Altucher concludes that the implications of this AI alliance go far beyond technological advancement. “This isn’t just about making systems smarter. It’s about creating a future where intelligence drives everything—economies, governments, and everyday life,” he said. “It’s a defining moment for the United States, and those paying attention now are witnessing history in the making.”
With Trump’s administration enabling AI innovation and Musk leading the charge, America is not just preparing for the future—it’s building it.
About James Altucher
James Altucher of Paradigm Press Group is a leading authority on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With over four decades of expertise, Altucher has been at the forefront of identifying technological shifts and their impact on industries and society.
Media Contact:
Derek Warren
Public Relations Manager
Paradigm Press Group
Email: dwarren@paradigmpressgroup.com -
MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 30.01.2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
30 January 2025 at 22:30 EETNokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 30.01.2025
Espoo, Finland – On 30 January 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:
Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR* XHEL 872,093 4.53 CEUX – – BATE – – AQEU – – TQEX – – Total 872,093 4.53 * Rounded to two decimals
On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.
Total cost of transactions executed on 30 January 2025 was EUR 3,950,494. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 235,158,898 treasury shares.
Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.
On behalf of Nokia Corporation
BofA Securities Europe SA
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
Inquiries:
Nokia Communications
Phone: +358 10 448 4900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External CommunicationsNokia Investor Relations
Phone: +358 931 580 507
Email: investor.relations@nokia.comAttachment
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MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Declares a 7.10% Dividend for Fourth Quarter 2024
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ATLANTA, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) today approved a cash dividend for the fourth quarter 2024 at an annualized rate of 7.10 percent.
“Throughout the fourth quarter of 2024, our commitment to helping members through economic uncertainty and advancing our mission remained steadfast,” said FHLBank Atlanta Chair of the Board, Thornwell Dunlap. “Our strong financial performance reflects this dedication, allowing us to return a competitive dividend to our members.”
The dividend payout will be calculated based on members’ capital stock held during the fourth quarter of 2024 and will be credited to members’ daily investment accounts at the close of business on February 5, 2025.
If you have questions, please contact FHLBank Atlanta’s Funding Desk at 1.800.536.9650, ext. 8011.
About FHLBank Atlanta
FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.For more information, visit our website at www.fhlbatl.com.
To the extent that the statements made in this announcement may be deemed as “forward-looking statements”, they are made within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which include statements with respect to the Bank’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which may be beyond the Bank’s control, and which may cause the Bank’s actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, since those may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: legislative, regulatory changes; future economic and market conditions (including the housing market); changes in demand for advances or consolidated obligations of the Bank and/or the FHLBank System; changes in interest rates; changes in prepayment speeds, default rates, delinquencies, and losses on mortgage-backed securities; volatility of market prices, rates and indices that could affect the value of financial instruments; changes in credit ratings and/or the terms of derivative transactions; changes in product offerings; political, national, and world events; disruptions in information systems; membership changes; and adverse developments or events affecting or involving other Federal Home Loan Banks or the FHLBank System in general. Additional risk factors that might cause the Bank’s results to differ from these forward-looking statements are provided in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.sec.gov.
These statements speak only as of the date that they are made, and the Bank has no obligation and does not undertake to publicly update, revise, or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this announcement, or after the respective dates on which such statements otherwise are made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New risk factors may emerge, and it is not possible for us to predict the nature of each new factor, or assess its potential impact, on our business and financial condition. Given these uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Sheryl Touchton
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
stouchton@fhlbatl.com -
MIL-OSI Economics: Mission 300: African leaders pledge to advance clean cooking solutions for Africa at milestone Energy Summit
Source: African Development Bank Group
African countries have taken bold commitments to implement clean cooking energy solutions to offset the devastating effects of open fire cooking which kills roughly 600,000 women and children annually across the continent.
In energy compacts signed during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, held in Tanzania 27-28 January, 12 African countries signalled their intent to accelerate the pace of access to electricity and clean cooking solutions on the world’s fastest-growing continent, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Commending these countries, Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan stated in closing remarks: “I understand that the 12 governments have only pioneered, and many others will join us in the future.” Earlier, at the opening speaking about the purpose of the summit she said, “This gathering is a platform to consolidate commitments, announce new partnerships and drive momentum towards the 2030 goal.”
President Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, global Clean Cooking ambassador at the Africa Energy Summit. January 2025
The two-day meeting was organized by the Government of Tanzania and Mission 300, an unprecedented collaboration between the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and global partners, to address Africa’s electricity access gap through the use of new technology and innovative financing.
Moderating a special panel on clean cooking on Monday, Rashid Abdallah, Executive Director of the African Energy Commission (AFREC), noted that whilst 600 million Africans live without access to electricity, one billion -nearly double the number – were without access to clean cooking, relying on biomass fuels such as wood and charcoal, with severe economic, social and environmental impact. Conservative estimates put the cost of this across the continent to $790 billion a year, he noted.
Abdallah was joined by Dr. Richard Muyungi, Special Envoy to the President of Tanzania, Peter Scott, CEO of Burn Manufacturing, and Martin Kimani, CEO of M-Gas, who each highlighted the significant health, environmental, and economic impacts of relying on polluting fuels for cooking, as well as the innovative approaches being developed to address this crisis.
Muyungi shared Tanzania’s experience in launching a comprehensive National Clean Cooking Strategy, emphasizing the importance of high-level political commitment, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and the integration of private sector participation.
He praised President Hassan’s role as a global champion bringing the issue to the highest level of African governments.
“It is important to elevate it to the highest level… She is the champion of clean cooking,” he said. He stressed: “It’s important that there is a champion who can elevate clean cooking in terms of partnerships and partner with others to address this issue. He added that Tanzania is on track to transition 80 percent of its population to clean cooking technologies by 2034, thanks to the efforts of President Hassan.
Scott, whose company Burn Manufacturing is the largest clean cooking manufacturer in Africa, discussed the diverse range of solutions being deployed across the continent, from fuel-efficient biomass stoves to cutting-edge electric cooking appliances with pay-as-you-go financing models. He stressed the availability of funding for clean cooking projects, pending the approval of carbon credit regulations by governments.
Panel session on clean cooking at Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. Tanzania, January 2025. (L-R ) Dr. Richard Muyungi, Special Envoy to the President of Tanzania, Martin Kimani, CEO,M-Gas, Peter Scott, CEO of Burn Manufacturing, Rashid Abdallah ED, African Energy Commission (AFREC)
“This is the most exciting time in the history of clean cooking,” Scott declared. “Now, there’s a lot of money standing by to approve carbon credit regulations to allow carbon trading, carbon finance, to grow. “
Kimani’s pioneering pay-as-you-cook LPG model has provided an innovative and affordable solution to enable households to transition to clean cooking. He shared the success of M-Gas in onboarding half a million households in Kenya and Tanzania within just three years, demonstrating the scalability of this approach. “One of the most important considerations is affordability, how do we close that gap?” he asked.
M-Gas has found an answer by installing IOT enabled smart meters which are fixed into gas cylinders without upfront payment.
“We mirror the (pay as you go) environment they can now cook using LPG. With 35 cents they can cook three meals in a day,” he added.
Tanzania pioneers clean cooking and global awareness
Tanzania published its clean cooking strategy in 2024-2034 last year in response to its own challenges – 3,000 people dying annually and the effects of a devastating 400 hectares of deforestation annually from the use of charcoal and firewood.
Championed by President Hassan, the Clean Cooking agenda has embraced everyone and is part of the national agenda, Muyungi said. “This discussion has highlighted the innovative approaches and the political will required to transform the lives of millions of Africans and secure a sustainable future for the continent.”
In a recognition of national efforts, awards were handed out to winners of a national clean cooking innovation challenge on the first day of the summit. The winners included creators of a biogas production plant and a click gas LPG delivery system.
Winners of a Tanzania national Clean Cooking Challenge received awards during the Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania, January 2025.
The African Development Bank Group has pledged $2 billion over 10 years towards clean cooking solutions in Africa. The pledge represents an important contribution to the $4 billion per year needed to allow African families to have access to clean cooking by 2030.
“Why should anybody have to die just for trying to cook a decent meal that is taken for granted in other parts of the world,” African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina asked during a discussion as part of the summit. “Africa must develop with dignity, with pride. Its women, its population must have access to clean energy solutions.”
Winners of a Tanzania national Clean Cooking Challenge received awards during the Africa Energy Summit held in Tanzania, January 2025.
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MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Bonamici Reintroduce Bill to Connect Child Care with Affordable Housing
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
January 30, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., with five colleagues in the Senate, reintroduced legislation to help working families access affordable housing and child care. U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., introduced companion legislation in the House.
The Build Housing with Care Act would invest $500 million to construct child care centers co-located in affordable housing developments and cover the costs of retrofitting to help family child care providers operate in housing developments. The bill prioritizes projects that are located in child care deserts or rural communities, as well as projects that include qualified Head Start providers and providers primarily serving low-income children.
“Working families across Oregon are struggling to put food on the table and pay their rent on time. When you add the cost of child care to the equation, families are forced to shoulder an impossible choice,” Wyden said. “Increasing supply of both housing and child care will help lower costs so that caregivers and parents can more easily afford basic necessities and keep their families healthy and safe.”
“Too many families in Oregon and across the country struggle to find affordable housing and affordable child care,” Bonamici said. “Co-locating child care centers with affordable housing is a proven strategy that increases benefits for children, families, and the economy. I’m pleased to partner with Senator Wyden on this common sense effort that will create more opportunities and a better future for American families.”
It is estimated that funding from the Build Housing with Care Act could build more than 120 new co-located child care centers, supporting the development of critical care supply in connection with affordable housing. A report from the Low Income Investment Fund, Including Family Child Care in Affordable Housing, highlights the many policy opportunities and benefits of co-location as “an opportunity to respond to severe housing and child care shortages simultaneously.”
The Senate legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.
The Building Housing with Care Act is endorsed by the Low Income Investment Fund; Local Initiatives Support Corporation; Oregon Housing and Community Services; Family Forward Oregon; First Five Years Fund; National Housing Law Project; National Association of Counties; National Partnership for Women & Families; UnidosUS; National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders; Purpose Built Communities Foundation, Inc; National Women’s Law Center; Early Care & Education Consortium; ZERO TO THREE; National Association for County Community and Economic Development; National Children’s Facilities Network; Family Values @ Work; Center for Law and Social Policy; National Association for the Education of Young Children; and the First Focus Campaign on Children.
“We all deserve the opportunity to provide for our families,” said Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon. “When child care is an afterthought in economic developments and investments, parents and caregivers — and those they care for — suffer. Our future suffers. Child care must be at the forefront of planning, and the Build Housing with Care Act does just that. Ensuring parents and caregivers have access to affordable child care in their neighborhoods allows families to not only survive but thrive.”
Wyden has been a longtime advocate for increasing affordable housing in Oregon and across the nation. In May 2023, Senator Wyden and his colleagues reintroduced a bipartisan bill to address the housing crisis by building two million affordable homes over the next decade. In July 2024, Wyden and Bonamici wrote a letter to the Biden administration to invest in affordable housing following the criminalization of homelessness in Grants Pass v. Johnson. In March 2023, Wyden reintroduced legislation to solve the housing crisis by increasing supply, and expanding homeownership opportunities, especially for young people, by creating a new down payment tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
The Building Housing with Care Act bill text is here. -
MIL-OSI USA: In Intelligence Hearing, King Raises Questions About Director of National Intelligence Nominee’s Judgement
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an open cabinet confirmation hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) considering the nomination of former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) questioned the candidate’s decision-making in the past. In the conversation with Gabbard, King questioned her about a House resolution she introduced in 2020 calling for all charges to be dropped against Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) intelligence contractor who was indicted on espionage charges before fleeing to Russia where he was granted asylum.
“You introduced a bill in 2020 that was essentially a pardon. It basically said all charges should be dropped. You had a lot of ‘whereas’s’ is in that bill, where did the factual basis for those whereas clauses come from,” asked Senator King.
“Senator if I recall, in that bill, came from publicly available information,” said Gabbard.
“I see. And were you aware that there was a bipartisan committee report from the House Intelligence Committee in 2016 on Snowden activities,” questioned Senator King.
“I don’t recall specifically at that time, but I am aware of that committee’s report and executive summary that was reported publicly. I did not have access to the classified report that that summary was based on,” replied Gabbard.
“Did you read that report prior to filing your bill in 2020,” asked Senator King.
“Senator, I don’t recall specifically. I remember reading a lot of materials prior to filing that bill,” responded Gabbard.
“Well, the bipartisan committee report, the first item: ‘Edward Snowden perpetrated the largest and most damaging public release of classified information in U.S. intelligence history and goes on to say Snowden caused tremendous damage to national security, and the vast majority of the documents he stole have nothing to do with programs impacting individual privacy.’ But you don’t recall ever seeing the work of that committee,” asked Senator King.
“I’m aware of those conclusions drawn,” said Gabbard.
“You are aware now; were you aware at the time,” questioned Senator King “You introduced a bill in Congress, along with Congressman Matt Gaetz, to essentially pardon him, so he broke the law, but it wasn’t all that serious. Is that what you thought in 2020.”
“I take very seriously upholding our Constitution, and have sworn an oath to support and defend that Constitution over eight times in my life, my statements in the past have been reflective of the egregious and illegal programs that were exposed in that leak,” replied Gabbard.
“But you ignore the vast majority, as the committee found bipartisan. I think Devin Nunes was the chair. Adam Schiff was the Vice Chair. The conclusion was that the vast majority of these things that he released had nothing to do with Constitutional rights, the Fourth Amendment, but indeed were enormous compromises of our national security,” said Senator King.
A member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition to his committee work, Senator King serves on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, and is co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission — which has had dozens of recommendations become law. He has introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a commission tasked with developing a comprehensive whole-of-government approach for how the United States should address the economic, security and diplomatic challenges posed by China.
Recently, Senator King published an Op-Ed and spoke with CNN regarding his positions on the advise and consent process of Cabinet-Level nominees. -
MIL-OSI USA: In Senate Hearing, RFK Jr. Refuses to Say HPV Vaccine is Safe to Sen. Patty Murray, Pressed on Credible Accusation of Sexual Assault
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
Murray: “There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong, fact and fiction. And there’s also people staying healthy, or people dying pointlessly from diseases we can prevent because they thought Congress took its job vetting our health care secretary seriously.”
Murray, a longtime congressional leader on health care who has led hearings on addressing vaccine hesitancy, has been a leading vocal opponent of RFK Jr.’s nomination—speaking out on the Senate floor, holding events, raising the alarm after meeting with him
*** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s FULL questioning with RFK Jr. HERE***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, questioned RFK Jr. at the Senate HELP Committee hearing on his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)—pressing him forcefully on whether he stands by false statements he made about the HPV vaccine and asking about credible accusations of sexual harassment and assault against him.
RFK Jr. has long been one of the anti-vaccine movement’s loudest, proudest champions—peddling dangerous, debunked views and funding anti-vaccine causes—and there is much he could do as HHS Secretary to cause chaos and real harm to families, from firing top scientists and researchers, to ripping away the approval or insurance coverage of all kinds of vaccines and medicines, to ending our focus on infectious disease research, as he has threatened to do.
Murray began her questioning at today’s hearing by reiterating that HHS has broad and critical responsibilities to protect and preserve health care and social services, from advancing women’s health, to improving child care, to bolstering biomedical research—all priorities of hers—but she would use her limited time for questioning to ask about vaccines. Also noting the tragic plane crash last night in DC, Murray called it “a painful reminder that we need competent people running our federal agencies to respond when a crisis strikes.”
“I think we can agree that cancer is particularly a nefarious chronic disease. And the American Cancer Society reported earlier this month that women under 50 are experiencing a dramatic increase in incidence of the disease. Fortunately, there is clear data showing that the HPV vaccine has saved lives and cut cervical cancer rates dramatically. You have called the HPV vaccine ‘dangerous and defective’ and said it ‘actually increases the risk of cervical cancer.’ Do you stand by those statements? Yes or no?”
Kennedy filibustered, refusing to answer directly—Murray pressed him to answer the question, then continued, “You said that: ‘no loving parents would allow their daughter to receive this vaccine.’ If confirmed as HHS Secretary, would you recommend that parents get their children vaccinated against HPV? Yes or no?”
“I’ll just remind everybody—parents look to our health leaders for advice on these decisions; you would be a health leader,” Murray said, asking unanimous consent to enter Mr. Kennedy’s numerous statements disparaging the HPV vaccine and others into the record.
Murray continued by asking Mr. Kennedy about accusations of sexual harassment and assault by Eliza Cooney, who was hired as a part-time babysitter by his family. “When you were confronted about this accusation, you said you were ‘not a church boy’ and that you ‘have so many skeletons in my closet,’ Murray said. “You then texted Miss Cooney an apology and indicated you had no memory of what she described. Mr. Kennedy, I’m asking you to respond to those accusations seriously in front of this committee. Did you make sexual advances towards Miss Cooney without her consent?”
Kennedy denied the allegations, calling them “debunked,” despite credible reporting to the contrary, when pressed on why he apologized, Kennedy claimed he texted Cooney an apology for a separate reason—in contrast to the published texts. Mr. Kennedy then told the full committee that he had never made any unwanted sexual advances towards any individual without their consent.
“My time is almost up, but having read a lot and listened a lot, I just want to remind all my colleagues that by voting to confirm Mr. Kennedy, we would be telling our constituents he is worth listening to,” Murray said. “That alone will get people killed—before he even lifts a finger. Because he does not even need the levers of power to influence people, as we saw in Samoa—all he needs is a megaphone.
“To affirm his views by voting to confirm him as our highest health official—we should not mince words about what that will mean. When babies die from whooping cough because parents weren’t sure if the vaccine was safe, we will have to look them in the eye. When measles sweeps through schools, hospitals, nursing wards—will this be worth it?”
“There are political realities, we all get that—but there is also right and wrong, fact and fiction. And there’s also people staying healthy, or people dying pointlessly from diseases we can prevent because they thought Congress took its job vetting our health care secretary seriously,” Murray concluded.
When President-elect Donald J. Trump first announced his intention to select Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of HHS, Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move—and she has consistently spoken out and laid out for her colleagues the case against his nomination since, including in a lengthy Senate floor speech earlier this month—VIDEO HERE. Murray met with RFK Jr. on January 15th and released a statement afterward reiterating her opposition to his nomination and urging her colleagues, “to be honest with themselves about the stakes of putting one of the anti-vaccine movement’s loudest, proudest champions in charge of HHS and join me in opposing RFK Jr.’s nomination.” In December, Murray held a roundtable discussion at UW Medicine on the importance of scientific research and vaccines—especially for children—and spoke about how having RFK Jr. lead HHS would threaten Americans’ health and safety.
As a longtime appropriator and former Chair of the Senate HELP Committee, Murray has long fought to boost biomedical research, strengthen public health infrastructure, and make health care more affordable and accessible. Over her years as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, she has secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. As Chair of the HELP Committee, Murray was also instrumental in crafting the American Rescue Plan Act, including its landmark investments in public health and health care. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. Murray is also the lead sponsor of the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act (PHISLA), legislation to establish $4.5 billion in dedicated, annual funding for a grant program to build up and maintain the nation’s public health system across the board.
In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) pressing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.