Category: Artificial Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer praises One Big Beautiful Bill Act during ‘America at Work’ stops in Georgia

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ATLANTA – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work listening tour this week in Atlanta, where she met with linemen at Georgia Power’s Klondike Training Center, spoke at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials’ 42nd Annual Conference, and toured a Coca-Cola bottling facility. 

    Throughout these visits, the Secretary emphasized the Trump Administration’s commitment to building a stronger American workforce and delivering results through the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    “At every stop on my ‘America at Work’ listening tour, I hear from hardworking men and women like the Coca-Cola bottlers in Atlanta who are grateful to finally have a President who puts American Workers First, including through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “From no tax on tips or overtime to expanded Pell Grant access for trade and technical schools, this pro-growth legislation means more take-home pay and more opportunities for families to get ahead. President Trump and I are committed to the same goal: making sure every American worker can build a good life and achieve the American Dream.”

    Georgia Power

    On Tuesday, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Geogia Power’s Klondike Training Center where she met with linemen who keep the lights on for millions of Americans every day. She observed training demonstrations and learned how Georgia Power’s Lineworker Entry Program equips workers with in-demand skills for good-paying jobs.

    NALEO Conference

    On Wednesday, the Secretary addressed NALEO’s annual conference, underscoring the Administration’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity for all Americans. She highlighted how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s pro-worker provisions – including expanded access to Pell Grants for two-year educational programs – will help connect more workers with the skills training they need to fill mortgage-paying jobs. She also updated attendees on her America at Work tour, noting how listening directly to workers is shaping policies that will strengthen the workforce and the economy.

    Coca-Cola Bottling Facility

    Secretary Chavez-DeRemer also toured a Coca-Cola bottling facility in Atlanta, where she saw how advanced technologies like semi-automated picking systems are boosting production and efficiency. The Secretary emphasized the importance of upskilling America’s workforce in the age of artificial intelligence and automation to ensure they are prepared to fill the jobs of the future. She also visited the company’s Commercial Driver’s License training area and fleet mechanic shop, hearing firsthand how investments at the federal, state, and local level help workers secure good-paying jobs that support their families and communities.

    The America at Work listening tour will continue in the weeks ahead as Secretary Chavez-DeRemer travels the country to listen to workers, gather feedback, and take their voices back to Washington to inform pro-growth, pro-worker policies. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon, Gottheimer, ADL Announce Legislation to Combat Terrorists & Disinformation on Social Media

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon, Gottheimer, ADL Announce Legislation to Combat Terrorists & Disinformation on Social Media

    Social Media Apps are Breeding Ground for Terrorist Organizations and Sympathizers; Follows Grok AI’s Antisemitic and Violent Posts

    Washington – Reps. Don Bacon (NE-2) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt held a press conference to announce bipartisan legislation — the Stopping Terrorists Online Presence and Holding Accountable Tech Entities (STOP HATE) Act — to combat terrorists and disinformation on social media.

    Video of the press conference can be found here.

    “Everybody in our country is entitled to respect and not to be the object of hate and scorn. We want to be in a country that makes clear that antisemitism or any kind of racism is repugnant, unacceptable, not allowed in an online space, and that we have zero tolerance for it,” said Rep. Bacon. “We need to work with our social media companies to clean this up because what is going on is wrong. We need to hold these companies accountable and work with them to take it off the airwaves.”

    “We’ve seen an explosion of disinformation and antisemitic hate online in America and around the world — especially since the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks…After the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum, anti-Zionist extremists used social media to call for further violence, posting messages like ‘may all Zionists burn.’ Even AI platforms like Grok have posted deeply disturbing content, praising Adolf Hitler and Nazism,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “There is a massive disinformation campaign influencing us every day. Our legislation will be a new tool in our online arsenal to protect our nation against terrorists and foreign adversaries that continue to threaten us in new ways.”

    “The world’s oldest hate is crossing borders and going viral. One of the main drivers supercharging the global rise in antisemitism is the unregulated proliferation of extremists online who are looking to seed divisions among us and drive hate,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director“Today’s extremists exploit social media to recruit, radicalize, and incite violence – often in violation of these platforms’ own terms of service. As antisemitism and hate surge to record levels, the STOP HATE Act is a vital bipartisan bill that will hold tech platforms accountable for hosting terrorist and extremist content. This bill will provide essential oversight and ensure companies enforce their own policies. I am grateful for Congressmen Gottheimer and Bacon for their leadership and partnership on this issue, and urge Congress to pass the STOP HATE Act without delay.”

    Since the brutal October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, social media organizations have failed to stop the spread of disinformation and antisemitic hate online. State sponsors of terror and their proxies — especially Iran, Hamas, and its affiliates — consistently use social media platforms to spread propaganda and disinformation. Additionally, foreign-owned platforms — including CCP-connected TikTok — have vague content moderation policies that easily expose young Americans to propaganda from our adversaries.

    Bacon and Gottheimer are announcing the bipartisan STOP HATE Act to help stop terrorism and disinformation on social media and online. This legislation is supported by ADL.

    The bipartisan STOP HATE Act will:

    • Require social media companies to release detailed reports of violations to their terms of service and how they are addressing content generated by Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
    • Require social media companies to explain the standard by which they would judge whether content generated or proliferated by terrorists would be deemed in a violation of the company’s terms of service.
      • Every day social media companies do not comply, it will result in a $5 million fine.
    • Require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to report on the use of social media by terrorist organizations.

    Social media platforms are breeding grounds for antisemitic hate and disinformation:

    • The ADL’s 2024 Social Media Scorecard found that the five major social media platforms — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X — routinely failed to act on antisemitic hate reported to them.
    • Earlier this month, Grok — the AI chatbot developed by xAI — posted deeply alarming messages on the social media platform X, including support for Adolf Hitler, Nazism, extreme violence, and sexual assault.
    • After the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum, anti-Zionist extremist groups flocked to social media to call for further violence. 
      • On Instagram, extremist groups posted news of the attack with the caption: “May all Zionists burn.” 
      • One group leader posted the text, “Death to Nazis,” on top of photos of the victims.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin and Paraguayan President Peña hold meeting, reaffirming rock-solid diplomatic ties

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    July 15, 2025  No. 245
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with President Santiago Peña on July 14 while leading a delegation to the Republic of Paraguay. During their meeting, Minister Lin delivered greetings and best wishes from President Lai Ching-te and conveyed sincere friendship to the government and people of Paraguay on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan.
     
    Welcoming Minister Lin’s delegation, President Peña communicated his highest regards to President Lai and reaffirmed the rock-solid diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. Acknowledging the fraternal bond between the two countries, the president said that many years of cooperation had yielded diverse and fruitful results in a host of areas. He said that looking ahead, Paraguay would remain undaunted by foreign pressure and threats and continue to work hand in hand with Taiwan so as to move forward together.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin thanked President Peña for mentioning Taiwan first among Paraguay’s diplomatic allies during his inauguration speech in August 2023, which he said reflected the significance of Taiwan-Paraguay ties. He said that his visit to Paraguay was being undertaken to celebrate the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and to lead a delegation of representatives from the semiconductor, ICT, technology, construction, smart agriculture, high-performance textile, green energy, furniture, and food processing industries—sectors with high potential for collaboration with their Paraguayan counterparts. He noted that a number of representatives had already decided to invest in factories in the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park so as to develop business opportunities and create win-win outcomes. 
     
    Minister Lin also pointed out that Taiwan’s active promotion of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in Paraguay included such flagship initiatives as the Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University, the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park, an electric bus pilot program, and the development of a health information system (HIS) through the Health Information Management Efficiency Enhancement Project, as well as the planning and implementation of sovereign AI, 5G clean network, and HIS 2.0 programs. He said that these initiatives aimed to help Paraguay develop the technology sector and implement digital transformation, and exemplified the results of bilateral cooperation guided by the mindset that “Taiwan can help, Paraguay can lead.”
     
    President Peña and Minister Lin also attended the Paraguay-Taiwan Investment Opportunities Forum together. Speaking at the event, President Peña underlined the long-standing and solid diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. He stated that Paraguay’s firm support for Taiwan over the past 68 years had been based on such shared values as freedom, democracy, and people’s right to self-determination, adding that this would not change for any economic interests or pressure. He said that helping Taiwan maintain its international presence was an important extension of Paraguay’s own legacy and sense of national dignity.
     
    President Peña went on to say that Paraguay’s economy was advancing steadily and that his country boasted an exceptional investment environment. He said he hoped that Taiwanese businesses would gain an in-depth understanding of Paraguay’s development potential and seize investment opportunities.
     
    Taiwan and Paraguay enjoy cordial and strong diplomatic relations. The two countries will continue to deepen their collaboration in education, technology, energy, agriculture, public health, infrastructure, and other fields so as to jointly expand progress and mutual prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Hold Me Ltd. Signs Binding LOI to Acquire Synthetic Darwin LLC, Creator of Darwinslab Ecosystem – Self-Evolving AI Agents Platform — Eyes Strategic Web3 Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tel Aviv, Israel, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hold Me Ltd. (OTCID: HMELF), an Israeli tech company, today announced the signing of a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire Synthetic Darwin LLC, a U.S.-based AI research and development studio pioneering the next generation of self-evolving, autonomous AI agents – the DrwinsLab.

    Once fully operational, DarwinsLab’s platform would aim to enable AI agents to independently design, test, and refine themselves through recursive self-improvement and genetic algorithms modeled on natural selection, according to Gabriel Fridman of Synthetic Darwin. These agents operate in complex, open-ended simulation environments where they iteratively optimize architectures, objectives, and performance – with no human-in-the-loop. The system represents a powerful step toward fully autonomous, generalizable AI with wide applicability in R&D, algorithmic trading, decentralized coordination, robotics, and AI governance.

    Under the LOI, Hold Me will acquire 100% of Synthetic Darwin in a share-based transaction, subject to definitive agreements and customary regulatory approvals. As part of the transaction strategy, Hold Me will raise growth capital, positioning the combined company at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and capital markets innovation – effectively making it the first publicly traded company operating an ecosystem powered by a Solana-based utility token.

    “Synthetic Darwin will not just build models – they’re aiming to build meta-models: agents that architect and evolve better agents,” said CEO of Hold Me Ltd. “This is an inflection point in AI, and through this acquisition with a public company, we aim to bring this capability to scale – across sectors ranging from decentralized finance to defense autonomy.”

    The post-transaction vision includes deploying evolved AI agents in industrial and defense applications, financial services, healthcare , and on-chain governance environments, as well as integrating blockchain-based compute and reward layers for AI training economies.

    Menny Shalom, CEO of Hold Me, expects that this acquisition, would not only increase global visibility to the company but also provide access to institutional investors, enabling significant investment into compute, reinforcement environments, and cross-chain integrations.

    About Hold Me Ltd.

    Hold Me Ltd. (OTC: HMELF) is an Israeli-listed technology venture company focused on the convergence of artificial intelligence, decentralized systems, and digital infrastructure.

    About Synthetic Darwin LLC

    Synthetic Darwin LLC is a U.S.-based artificial intelligence company developing self-evolving AI systems through recursive improvement and genetic algorithms. Its autonomous agents are designed to autonomously explore, learn, and improve — unlocking new frontiers in self-directed machine intelligence.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Hold Me’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the expected date of closing of the proposed transaction and the potential benefits thereof, its business and industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by the parties, all of which are subject to change. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “could,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “may,” “would,” “might,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “expect,” “target,” similar expressions or the negatives of these words or other comparable terminology that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. All forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and are not guarantees of future results, such as statements about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. These and other forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include but are not limited to: the completion of the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timing; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the agreement; and the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here is, will be, considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Hold Me does not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

    Contact:
    info@holdme.co.il

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China has extended invitations to the 2025 World Conference on AI to senior officials from over 40 countries and international organizations — Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — China has extended invitations to the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the 2025 Conference on Global AI Governance to senior officials from more than 40 countries and international organizations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday.

    Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang will attend and deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of the conference on July 26 in Shanghai, east China, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the same day.

    At a regular press briefing, Guo Jiakun stressed that artificial intelligence is rapidly developing and has become an important driving force for a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. He added that holding the World AI Conference and the Global AI Governance Conference is an important step in implementing China’s Global AI Governance Initiative. The goal is to make the conference a technological benchmark, an application exhibition, a catalyst for industrial development, and a platform for discussions on AI governance.

    The theme of this year’s conference is “Global Solidarity in the Age of AI”.

    “We hope that participants will have in-depth discussions on three key topics: deepening innovation cooperation and unleashing intellectual dividends; promoting inclusive development and bridging the digital divide; strengthening joint governance and ensuring that AI development serves the interests of the people,” Guo Jiakun said.

    China hopes to strengthen unity, jointly strive for development and coordinated actions to ensure the healthy and orderly development of AI in the direction of benefit, safety and fairness, the Foreign Ministry spokesman added. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Landmark Bancorp, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings per Share of $0.75 Declares Cash Dividend of $0.21 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Manhattan, KS, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (“Landmark”; Nasdaq: LARK) reported diluted earnings per share of $0.75 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $0.81 per share in the first quarter of 2025 and $0.52 per share in the same quarter of the prior year. Net earnings for the second quarter totaled $4.4 million, compared to $4.7 million in the prior quarter and $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2024. For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the return on average assets was 1.11%, the return on average equity was 12.25% and the efficiency ratio(1) was 62.8%.

    For the first six months of 2025, diluted earnings per share totaled $1.56 compared to $1.01 during the same period in 2024. Net earnings for the first six months of 2025 totaled $9.1 million, compared to $5.8 million in the first six months of 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the return on average assets was 1.16%, the return on average equity was 12.96%, and the efficiency ratio(1) was 63.4%.

    Second Quarter 2025 Performance Highlights

      Total gross loans increased in the second quarter 2025 by $42.9 million, an annualized increase of 16.0% over the prior quarter.
      The net interest margin improved 7 basis points to 3.83% compared to 3.76% in prior quarter and 3.25% in the second quarter of the prior year.
      Net interest income increased $564,000, or 4.3%, in the second quarter of 2025, and increased $2.7 million, or 24.7%, from the same quarter of the prior year.
      Deposits increased $23.4 million, or 1.9%, from the same quarter of the prior year, and declined $61.9 million from the prior quarter.
      Total assets increased $46.7 million, or 11.9% annualized, compared to the prior quarter.
      Credit quality remained stable with net charge-offs totaling $40,000 in the second quarter.
      Stockholders’ equity increased $5.7 million, and the ratio of equity to assets increased to 9.13% in the second quarter.
         

    In making this announcement, Abby Wendel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Landmark, commented, “I am pleased to report continued strong net earnings this quarter driven by growth in loans and net interest income. Loan demand remained strong in the second quarter of 2025, especially for commercial, commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans as total gross loans increased by $42.9 million or 16.0% annualized. Despite a decrease in total deposits in the second quarter, we have sustained year-over-year growth of $23.4 million, or 1.9%. The strong growth in our loan portfolio led to net interest income growth of 24.7% over the previous year and continued expansion in our net interest margin, which increased to 3.83%. Non-interest income increased by 8.0% this quarter compared to the prior quarter and expenses were well controlled. Credit quality remained solid overall with minimal net charge-offs. A provision for credit losses of $1.0 million was recorded this quarter to reflect the growth in loans and higher reserves against individually evaluated loans on non-accrual. Our strong performance is a direct result of the daily commitment and effort our associates put into making Landmark the top choice for both customers and investors.”

    Landmark’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share, to be paid August 27, 2025, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 13, 2025.

    Management will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results at 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Friday, July 25, 2025. Investors may participate via telephone by dialing (833) 470-1428 and using access code 703723. A replay of the call will be available through August 1, 2025, by dialing (855) 762-8306 and using access code 160217.

    (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation. 

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income in the second quarter of 2025 totaled $13.7 million representing an increase of $564,000, or 4.3%, compared to the previous quarter and an increase of $2.7 million, or 24.7%, in the same quarter of the prior year. The increase in net interest income this quarter was driven by higher interest income on loans and lower interest expense on deposits. The net interest margin increased to 3.83% during the second quarter from 3.76% during the prior quarter and 3.25% in the second quarter of the prior year. Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans increased $791,000 to $17.2 million, due to higher average balances combined with higher yields on loans. Average loan balances increased $33.3 million, while the average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio increased 3 basis points to 6.37%. Interest on investment securities declined slightly due to lower balances, partially offset by higher earning rates. Compared to the first quarter of 2025, interest on deposits decreased $92,000, or 1.8%, due to lower rates and balances. Interest on other borrowed funds increased by $284,000, due to higher average balances. The average rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased 3 basis points to 2.14% while the average rate on other borrowed funds decreased 11 basis points to 4.98% in the second quarter of 2025.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income totaled $3.6 million for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of $268,000 from the previous quarter. The increase in non-interest income during the second quarter of 2025 was primarily due to increases of $178,000 in gains on sales of loans and $88,000 in fees and service charges.

    Non-Interest Expense

    During the second quarter of 2025, non-interest expense totaled $11.0 million, an increase of $200,000, or 1.9%, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to increases of $233,000 in data processing expense and $101,000 in other non-interest expense. The increase in data processing expense resulted from the implementation of additional services added and account growth, while the increase in other non-interest expense was primarily due to higher losses at our captive insurance subsidiary. Partially offsetting those increases was a decline in professional fees related to lower consulting and legal expenses during the quarter.

    Income Tax Expense

    Landmark recorded income tax expense of $944,000 in the second quarter of 2025 compared to $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2025. The effective tax rate was 17.7% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to 17.8% in the first quarter of 2025.

    Balance Sheet Highlights

    As of June 30, 2025, gross loans totaled $1.1 billion, an increase of $42.9 million, or 16.0% annualized since March 31, 2025. During the quarter, loan growth was primarily comprised of one-to-four family residential real estate (growth of $21.5 million), commercial (growth of $13.4 million) and commercial real estate (growth of $10.9 million). Investment securities available-for-sale decreased $3.6 million during the second quarter of 2025 mainly due to maturities. Pre-tax unrealized net losses on the investment securities portfolio decreased from $17.1 million at March 31, 2025, to $13.9 million at June 30, 2025, mainly due to lower market rates for these securities at June 30, 2025.

    Period end deposit balances decreased $61.9 million to $1.3 billion at June 30, 2025. The decline in deposits was driven by decreases in money market and checking accounts (decrease of $50.5 million), non-interest-bearing demand deposits (decrease of $16.5 million) and savings (decrease of $1.1 million), partially offset by an increase in certificates of deposit (increase of $6.2 million). The decrease in deposits was primarily driven by a decline in brokered deposits as well as lower core deposit balances at June 30, 2025. Total borrowings increased $105.9 million during the second quarter 2025 to fund asset growth and to offset lower deposit balances. At June 30, 2025, the loan to deposits ratio was 86.6% compared to 79.5% in the prior quarter.

    Stockholders’ equity increased to $148.4 million (book value of $25.66 per share) as of June 30, 2025, from $142.7 million (book value of $24.69 per share) as of March 31, 2025. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due mainly to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive losses (lower unrealized net losses on investment securities) along with net earnings during the quarter. The ratio of equity to total assets increased to 9.13% on June 30, 2025, from 9.04% on March 31, 2025.

    The allowance for credit losses totaled $13.8 million, or 1.23% of total gross loans on June 30, 2025, compared to $12.8 million, or 1.19% of total gross loans on March 31, 2025. Net loan charge-offs totaled $40,000 in the second quarter of 2025, compared to $23,000 during the first quarter of 2025 and net recoveries of $52,000 in the second quarter of the prior year. A provision for credit losses on loans of $1.0 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2025 compared to no provision in the first quarter of 2025.

    Non-performing loans totaled $17.0 million, or 1.52% of gross loans, at June 30, 2025, compared to $13.3 million, or 1.24% of gross loans, at March 31, 2025. Loans 30-89 days delinquent totaled $4.3 million, or 0.39% of gross loans, as of June 30, 2025, compared to $10.0 million, or 0.93% of gross loans, as of March 31, 2025.

    About Landmark

    Landmark Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Landmark National Bank, is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Landmark National Bank is a community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services. Landmark National Bank has 29 locations in 23 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, La Crosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas. Visit www.banklandmark.com for more information.

    Contact:
    Mark A. Herpich
    Chief Financial Officer
    (785) 565-2000

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Landmark. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets, including the effects of inflationary pressures and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the threat or implementation of new, or changes to, existing policies, regulations, regulatory and other governmental agencies and executive orders, including tariffs, immigration policy, regulatory and other governmental agencies, DEI and ESG initiatives, consumer protection, foreign policy and tax regulations; ; (iii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of our assets; (iv) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies; (v) timely development and acceptance of new products and services; (vi) rapid and expensive technological changes implemented by us and other parties in the financial services industry, including third-party vendors, which may be more difficult to implement or more expensive than anticipated or which may have unforeseen consequence to us and our customers, including the development and implementation of tools incorporating artificial intelligence; (vii) our risk management framework; (viii) interruptions in information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party services; (ix) the economic effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, or other external events; (x) the loss of key executives or employees; (xi) changes in consumer spending; (xii) integration of acquired businesses; (xiii) the commencement, cost and outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and regulatory actions against us or to which the Company may become subject; (xiv) changes in accounting policies and practices, such as the implementation of the current expected credit losses accounting standard; (xv) the economic impact of past and any future terrorist attacks, acts of war, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or threats thereof, and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks; (xvi) the ability to manage credit risk, forecast loan losses and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses; (xvii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xviii) concentrations within our loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including commercial real estate loans); (xix) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xx) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxi) the ability to raise additional capital; (xxii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our or our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiii) declines in real estate values; (xxiv) the effects of fraud on the part of our employees, customers, vendors or counterparties; (xxv) the Company’s success at managing and responding to the risks involved in the foregoing items; and (xxvi) any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by Landmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning Landmark and its business, including additional risk factors that could materially affect Landmark’s financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

        June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     June 30,  
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    Assets                              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 25,038     $ 21,881     $ 20,275     $ 21,211     $ 23,889  
    Interest-bearing deposits at other banks     3,463       3,973       4,110       4,363       4,881  
    Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value:                                        
    U.S. treasury securities     51,624       58,424       64,458       83,753       89,325  
    Municipal obligations, tax exempt     100,802       101,812       107,128       112,126       114,047  
    Municipal obligations, taxable     75,037       70,614       71,715       75,129       74,588  
    Agency mortgage-backed securities     124,979       125,142       129,211       140,004       142,499  
    Total investment securities available-for-sale     352,442       355,992       372,512       411,012       420,459  
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     3,730       3,701       3,672       3,643       3,613  
    Bank stocks, at cost     10,946       6,225       6,618       7,894       9,647  
    Loans:                                        
    One-to-four family residential real estate     377,133       355,632       352,209       344,380       332,090  
    Construction and land     26,373       28,645       25,328       23,454       30,480  
    Commercial real estate     370,455       359,579       345,159       324,016       318,850  
    Commercial     204,303       190,881       192,325       181,652       178,876  
    Agriculture     100,348       101,808       100,562       91,986       84,523  
    Municipal     6,938       7,082       7,091       7,098       6,556  
    Consumer     32,234       31,297       29,679       29,263       29,200  
    Total gross loans     1,117,784       1,074,924       1,052,353       1,001,849       980,575  
    Net deferred loan (fees) costs and loans in process     (615 )     (426 )     (307 )     (63 )     (583 )
    Allowance for credit losses     (13,762 )     (12,802 )     (12,825 )     (11,544 )     (10,903 )
    Loans, net     1,103,407       1,061,696       1,039,221       990,242       969,089  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value     4,773       2,997       3,420       3,250       2,513  
    Bank owned life insurance     39,607       39,329       39,056       39,176       38,826  
    Premises and equipment, net     19,654       19,886       20,220       20,976       20,986  
    Goodwill     32,377       32,377       32,377       32,377       32,377  
    Other intangible assets, net     2,275       2,426       2,578       2,729       2,900  
    Mortgage servicing rights     3,082       3,045       3,061       3,041       2,997  
    Real estate owned, net     167       167       167       428       428  
    Other assets     23,904       24,894       26,855       23,309       28,149  
    Total assets   $ 1,624,865     $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,563,651     $ 1,560,754  
                                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                        
    Liabilities:                                        
    Deposits:                                        
    Non-interest-bearing demand     351,993       368,480       351,595       360,188       360,631  
    Money market and checking     562,919       613,459       636,963       565,629       546,385  
    Savings     148,092       149,223       145,514       145,825       150,996  
    Certificates of deposit     210,897       204,660       194,694       203,860       192,470  
    Total deposits     1,273,901       1,335,822       1,328,766       1,275,502       1,250,482  
    FHLB and other borrowings     155,110       48,767       53,046       92,050       131,330  
    Subordinated debentures     21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651  
    Repurchase agreements     5,825       6,256       13,808       9,528       8,745  
    Accrued interest and other liabilities     20,002       23,442       20,656       25,229       20,292  
    Total liabilities     1,476,489       1,435,938       1,437,927       1,423,960       1,432,500  
    Stockholders’ equity:                                        
    Common stock     58       58       58       55       55  
    Additional paid-in capital     95,266       95,148       95,051       89,532       89,469  
    Retained earnings     63,612       60,422       56,934       60,549       57,774  
    Treasury stock, at cost                       (396 )     (330 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (10,560 )     (12,977 )     (15,828 )     (10,049 )     (18,714 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     148,376       142,651       136,215       139,691       128,254  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,624,865     $ 1,578,589     $ 1,574,142     $ 1,563,651     $ 1,560,754  


    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)

        Three months ended,     Six months ended,  
        June 30,     March 31,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2025     2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Interest income:                                        
    Loans   $ 17,186     $ 16,395     $ 15,022     $ 33,581     $ 29,512  
    Investment securities:                                        
    Taxable     2,163       2,180       2,359       4,343       4,787  
    Tax-exempt     701       719       759       1,420       1,523  
    Interest-bearing deposits at banks     48       48       40       96       103  
    Total interest income     20,098       19,342       18,180       39,440       35,925  
    Interest expense:                                        
    Deposits     5,144       5,236       5,673       10,380       11,130  
    FHLB and other borrowings     861       565       1,027       1,426       2,049  
    Subordinated debentures     358       357       418       715       830  
    Repurchase agreements     52       65       88       117       195  
    Total interest expense     6,415       6,223       7,206       12,638       14,204  
    Net interest income     13,683       13,119       10,974       26,802       21,721  
    Provision for credit losses     1,000                   1,000       300  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     12,683       13,119       10,974       25,802       21,421  
    Non-interest income:                                        
    Fees and service charges     2,476       2,388       2,691       4,864       5,152  
    Gains on sales of loans, net     740       562       648       1,302       1,160  
    Bank owned life insurance     278       272       248       550       493  
    Losses on sales of investment securities, net           (2 )           (2 )      
    Other     132       138       133       270       315  
    Total non-interest income     3,626       3,358       3,720       6,984       7,120  
    Non-interest expense:                                        
    Compensation and benefits     6,234       6,154       5,504       12,388       11,036  
    Occupancy and equipment     1,244       1,252       1,294       2,496       2,684  
    Data processing     629       396       492       1,025       973  
    Amortization of mortgage servicing rights and other intangibles     238       239       256       477       668  
    Professional fees     540       745       649       1,285       1,296  
    Valuation allowance on real estate held for sale                 979             1,108  
    Other     2,076       1,975       1,921       4,051       3,881  
    Total non-interest expense     10,961       10,761       11,095       21,722       21,646  
    Earnings before income taxes     5,348       5,716       3,599       11,064       6,895  
    Income tax expense     944       1,015       587       1,959       1,105  
    Net earnings   $ 4,404     $ 4,701     $ 3,012     $ 9,105     $ 5,790  
                                             
    Net earnings per share (1)                                        
    Basic   $ 0.76     $ 0.81     $ 0.52     $ 1.58     $ 1.01  
    Diluted     0.75       0.81       0.52       1.56       1.01  
    Dividends per share (1)     0.21       0.21       0.20       0.42       0.40  
    Shares outstanding at end of period (1)     5,783,312       5,778,610       5,743,044       5,783,312       5,743,044  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic (1)     5,782,555       5,777,593       5,745,310       5,780,930       5,744,381  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted (1)     5,840,923       5,814,650       5,748,053       5,827,844       5,748,332  
                                             
    Tax equivalent net interest income   $ 13,851     $ 13,291     $ 11,167     $ 27,142     $ 22,075  
                                             

    (1) Share and per share values at or for the periods ended June 30, 2024 have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid during December 2024.


    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

    Select Ratios and Other Data (unaudited)

        As of or for the     As of or for the  
        three months ended,     six months ended,  
        June 30,     March 31,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2025     2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Performance ratios:                                        
    Return on average assets (1)     1.11 %     1.21 %     0.78 %     1.16 %     0.75 %
    Return on average equity (1)     12.25 %     13.71 %     9.72 %     12.96 %     9.30 %
    Net interest margin (1)(2)     3.83 %     3.76 %     3.21 %     3.80 %     3.16 %
    Effective tax rate     17.7 %     17.8 %     16.3 %     17.7 %     16.0 %
    Efficiency ratio (3)     62.8 %     64.1 %     67.9 %     63.4 %     70.0 %
    Non-interest income to total income (3)     20.9 %     20.4 %     25.3 %     20.7 %     24.7 %
                                             
    Average balances:                                        
    Investment securities   $ 363,878     $ 377,845     $ 437,136     $ 370,823     $ 447,034  
    Loans     1,081,865       1,048,585       955,104       1,065,317       950,420  
    Assets     1,592,939       1,574,295       1,545,816       1,583,669       1,550,739  
    Interest-bearing deposits     965,214       979,787       936,237       972,460       935,827  
    FHLB and other borrowings     74,007       48,428       72,875       61,288       72,747  
    Subordinated debentures     21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651       21,651  
    Repurchase agreements     6,683       8,634       11,524       7,653       12,947  
    Stockholders’ equity   $ 144,151     $ 139,068     $ 124,624     $ 141,623     $ 125,235  
                                             
    Average tax equivalent yield/cost (1):                                        
    Investment securities     3.34 %     3.29 %     3.04 %     3.32 %     2.99 %
    Loans     6.37 %     6.34 %     6.33 %     6.36 %     6.25 %
    Total interest-bearing assets     5.60 %     5.53 %     5.29 %     5.56 %     5.20 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     2.14 %     2.17 %     2.44 %     2.15 %     2.39 %
    FHLB and other borrowings     4.67 %     4.73 %     5.67 %     4.69 %     5.66 %
    Subordinated debentures     6.63 %     6.69 %     7.76 %     6.66 %     7.71 %
    Repurchase agreements     3.12 %     3.05 %     3.07 %     3.08 %     3.03 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     2.41 %     2.38 %     2.78 %     2.40 %     2.74 %
                                             
    Capital ratios:                                        
    Equity to total assets     9.13 %     9.04 %     8.22 %                
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (3)     7.15 %     6.99 %     6.09 %                
    Book value per share   $ 25.66     $ 24.69     $ 22.33                  
    Tangible book value per share (3)   $ 19.66     $ 18.66     $ 16.19                  
                                             
    Rollforward of allowance for credit losses (loans):                                        
    Beginning balance   $ 12,802     $ 12,825     $ 10,851     $ 12,825     $ 10,608  
    Charge-offs     (103 )     (108 )     (119 )     (211 )     (260 )
    Recoveries     63       85       171       148       305  
    Provision for credit losses for loans     1,000                   1,000       250  
    Ending balance   $ 13,762     $ 12,802     $ 10,903     $ 13,762     $ 10,903  
                                             
    Allowance for unfunded loan commitments   $ 150     $ 150     $ 300                  
                                             
    Non-performing assets:                                        
    Non-accrual loans   $ 16,984     $ 13,280     $ 5,007                  
    Accruing loans over 90 days past due                                  
    Real estate owned     167       167       428                  
    Total non-performing assets   $ 17,151     $ 13,447     $ 5,435                  
                                             
    Loans 30-89 days delinquent   $ 4,321     $ 9,977     $ 1,872                  
                                             
    Other ratios:                                        
    Loans to deposits     86.62 %     79.48 %     77.50 %                
    Loans 30-89 days delinquent and still accruing to gross loans outstanding     0.39 %     0.93 %     0.19 %                
    Total non-performing loans to gross loans outstanding     1.52 %     1.24 %     0.51 %                
    Total non-performing assets to total assets     1.06 %     0.85 %     0.35 %                
    Allowance for credit losses to gross loans outstanding     1.23 %     1.19 %     1.11 %                
    Allowance for credit losses to total non-performing loans     81.03 %     96.40 %     217.76 %                
    Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)     0.01 %     0.01 %     -0.02 %     0.01 %     -0.01 %
    (1 ) Information is annualized.
    (2 ) Net interest margin is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate.
    (3 ) Non-GAAP financial measures. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP equivalent.
         

    LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Finacials Measures (unaudited)

        As of or for the     As of or for the  
        three months ended,     six months ended,  
        June 30,     March 31,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2025     2025     2024     2025     2024  
                                   
    Non-GAAP financial ratio reconciliation:                                        
    Total non-interest expense   $ 10,961     $ 10,761     $ 11,095     $ 21,722     $ 21,646  
    Less: foreclosure and real estate owned expense     49       (50 )     39       (1 )     (11 )
    Less: amortization of other intangibles     (151 )     (152 )     (171 )     (303 )     (341 )
    Less: valuation allowance on real estate held for sale                 (979 )           (1,108 )
    Adjusted non-interest expense (A)     10,859       10,559       9,984       21,418       20,186  
                                             
    Net interest income (B)     13,683       13,119       10,974       26,802       21,721  
                                             
    Non-interest income     3,626       3,358       3,720       6,984       7,120  
    Less: losses on sales of investment securities, net           2             2        
    Less: gains on sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets     (9 )                 (9 )     9  
    Adjusted non-interest income (C)   $ 3,617     $ 3,360     $ 3,720     $ 6,977     $ 7,129  
                                             
    Efficiency ratio (A/(B+C))     62.8 %     64.1 %     67.9 %     63.4 %     70.0 %
    Non-interest income to total income (C/(B+C))     20.9 %     20.4 %     25.3 %     20.7 %     24.7 %
                                             
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 148,376     $ 142,651     $ 128,254                  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets     (34,652 )     (34,803 )     (35,277 )                
    Tangible equity (D)   $ 113,724     $ 107,848     $ 92,977                  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 1,624,865     $ 1,578,589     $ 1,560,754                  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets     (34,652 )     (34,803 )     (35,277 )                
    Tangible assets (E)   $ 1,590,213     $ 1,543,786     $ 1,525,477                  
                                             
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (D/E)     7.15 %     6.99 %     6.09 %                
                                             
    Shares outstanding at end of period (F)     5,783,312       5,778,610       5,743,044                  
                                             
    Tangible book value per share (D/F)   $ 19.66     $ 18.66     $ 16.19                  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Heritage Commerce Corp Reports Second Quarter and First Six Months of 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heritage Commerce Corp (Nasdaq: HTBK), (the “Company”), the holding company for Heritage Bank of Commerce (the “Bank”) today announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2025. All data are unaudited.

    REPORTED SECOND QUARTER 2025 HIGHLIGHTS:
               
    Net Income Earnings Per Share Pre-Provision Net Revenue
    (“PPNR”)
    (1)
    Fully Tax Equivalent
    (“FTE”) Net Interest
    Margin
    (1)
    Efficiency Ratio(1) Tangible Book Value Per
    Share
    (1)
               
    $6.4 million $0.10 $9.4 million 3.54 % 80.23 % $8.49
               
    ADJUSTED SECOND QUARTER 2025 HIGHLIGHTS:(1)
          
               
    Net Income Earnings Per Share PPNR(1) FTE Net Interest Margin(1) Efficiency Ratio(1) Tangible Book Value Per
    Share
    (1)
               
               
    $13.0 million $0.21 $18.6 million 3.54 % 61.01 % $8.59
               

    CEO COMMENTARY:
    “We executed well in the second quarter, generating a higher level of net income and earnings per share, excluding significant charges primarily related to a legal settlement,” said Clay Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We had positive trends in loan growth, an expansion in our net interest margin, and stable asset quality, while deposits declined due to seasonal outflows that we typically see in the second quarter. Our loan growth was well diversified across our portfolios. We continue to successfully add new clients by offering a superior banking experience and generate loan growth while maintaining our disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria.”

    “We have a strong balance sheet with a high level of capital and liquidity and healthy asset quality, which provides a strong foundation to weather periods of economic volatility. We are well positioned to navigate the current environment and expect to see positive trends in loan growth, the net interest margin, and expense management,” said Mr. Jones.

       
    LINKED-QUARTER BASIS YEAR-OVER-YEAR

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

      • Total revenue of $47.8 million, an increase of 4%, or $1.7 million
    • Noninterest expense of $38.3 million includes an accrual of $9.2 million for pre-tax charges primarily related to a legal settlement
    • Reported net income of $6.4 million and earnings per share of $0.10, down 45% and 47%, from $11.6 million and $0.19, respectively
    • Adjusted net income(1) of $13.0 million and adjusted earnings per share(1) of $0.21, both metrics up 11% from $11.6 million and $0.19, respectively
      • Total revenue of $47.8 million, an increase of 15%, or $6.1 million
    • Noninterest expense of $38.3 million includes an accrual of $9.2 million for pre-tax charges primarily related to a legal settlement
    • Reported net income of $6.4 million and earnings per share of $0.10, down 31% and 33%, from $9.2 million and $0.15, respectively
    • Adjusted net income(1) of $13.0 million and adjusted earnings per share(1) of $0.21, both metrics up 40% from $9.2 million and $0.15, respectively

    FINANCIAL CONDITION:

      • Loans held-for-investment (“HFI”) of $3.5 billion, up $47.4 million or 1%
    • Total deposits of $4.6 billion, down $55.9 million, or 1%
    • Loan to deposit ratio of 76.38%, up from 74.45%
    • Total shareholders’ equity of $694.7 million, down $1.5 million
      • Increase in loans HFI of $154.5 million, or 5%

    • Increase in total deposits of $182.7 million, or 4%       
    • Loan to deposit ratio of 76.38%, up from 76.04%
    • Increase in total shareholders’ equity of $15.5 million

    CREDIT QUALITY:

      • Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) to total assets of 0.11% for both quarters
    • NPAs to total assets of 0.11% for both quarters
      • Classified assets to total assets of 0.69%, compared to 0.73%
    • Classified assets to total assets of 0.69%, compared to 0.64%

    KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS:

      • FTE net interest margin(1) of 3.54%, an increase from 3.39%
    • Common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 13.3%, compared to 13.6%
    • Total capital ratio of 15.5%, compared to 15.9%
    • Tangible common equity ratio(1) of 9.85%, an increase of 1% from 9.78%
      • FTE net interest margin(1) of 3.54%, an increase from 3.26%
    • Common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 13.3%, compared to 13.4%
    • Total capital ratio of 15.5%, compared to 15.6%
    • Tangible common equity ratio(1) of 9.85%, a decrease of 1% from 9.91%

    (1)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release. All references to “adjusted” operating metrics exclude the $9.2 million of charges primarily related to a legal settlement in the second quarter and first six months of 2025 as presented in the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures at the end of this press release.

    Results of Operations:

    Reported net income was $6.4 million, or $0.10 per average diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2025. Adjusted net income(2) was $13.0 million, or $0.21 per average diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $11.6 million, or $0.19 per average diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2025, and $9.2 million, or $0.15 per average diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2024. The annualized return on average assets was 0.47% and annualized return on average equity was 3.68% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 0.85% and 6.81%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2025, and 0.71% and 5.50%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2024. The adjusted annualized return on average assets(2) was 0.95% and adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity(2) was 9.92% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 0.85% and 9.09%, respectively, for the first quarter ended of 2025, and 0.71% and 7.43%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2024.

    Reported net income was $18.0 million, or $0.29 per average diluted common share, for the first six months of 2025. Adjusted net income(2) was $24.6 million, or $0.40 per average diluted common share, for the first six months of 2025, compared to $19.4 million, or $0.32 per average diluted common share, for the first six months of 2024. The annualized return on average assets was 0.66% and annualized return on average equity was 5.23% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 0.75% and 5.79%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The adjusted annualized return on average assets(2) was 0.90% and annualized return on average tangible common equity(2) was 9.51% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 0.75% and 7.84%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    Total revenue, which is defined as net interest income before provision for credit losses on loans plus noninterest income, increased $1.7 million, or 4%, to $47.8 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $46.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, and increased $6.1 million, or 15%, from $41.7 million for the second quarter of 2024. Total revenue increased $9.9 million, or 12%, to $93.8 million for the first six months of 2025, compared to $83.9 million for the first six months of 2024.

    For the second quarter and first six months of 2025, the Company’s reported PPNR(2), which is defined as total revenue less adjusted noninterest expense(2) was $9.4 million and $26.0 million, respectively. The adjusted PPNR(2) was $18.6 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $16.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, and $13.5 million for the second quarter of 2024. For the six months of 2025, the Company’s adjusted PPNR(2) was $35.2 million, compared to $28.1 million for the six months of 2024.

    Net interest income totaled $44.8 million for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of $1.4 million, or 3%, compared to $43.4 million for the first quarter of 2025. The FTE net interest margin(2) was 3.54% for the second quarter of 2025, an increase over 3.39% for the first quarter of 2025 primarily due to an increase in the average yields and average balances of loans and securities, partially offset by a decrease in the average balances of deposits resulting in a lower average balance of overnight funds.

    Net interest income increased $5.9 million, or 15%, to $44.8 million, compared to $38.9 million for the second quarter of 2024. The FTE net interest margin(2) increased from 3.23% for the second quarter of 2024 primarily due to lower rates paid on customer deposits, an increase in the average yields and average balances of loans and securities, and an increase in the average balance of deposits resulting in a higher average balance of overnight funds, partially offset by a lower average yield on overnight funds.

    For the first six months of 2025, net interest income increased $9.8 million, or 12% to $88.2 million, compared to $78.4 million for the first six months of 2024. The FTE net interest margin(2) increased 20 basis points to 3.47% for the first six months of 2025, from 3.27% for the first six months of 2024, primarily due to an increase in the average balances of average interest earning assets, and an increase in the average yields on loans and securities, partially offset by higher rates paid on client deposits and a lower yield on overnight funds.

    We recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $516,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $274,000 for the first quarter of 2025, and $471,000 for the second quarter of 2024. There was a provision for credit losses on loans of $790,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $655,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in the provision for credit losses on loans for the second quarter and first six months of 2025 was primarily due to loan growth.

    Total noninterest income increased to $3.0 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2025, and $2.9 million for the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher termination and facility fees. The increase in noninterest income in the second quarter of 2025 was partially offset by a $219,000 gain on proceeds from company-owned life insurance in the second quarter of 2024.

    Total noninterest income increased 3% to $5.7 million for the first six months of 2025, compared to $5.5 million for the first six months of 2024, primarily due to higher termination and facility fees, partially offset by a $219,000 gain on proceeds from company-owned life insurance in the first six months of 2024.

    (2)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

    Reported noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2025 and first six months of 2025 totaled $38.3 million and $67.8 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded expenses of $9.2 million, primarily due to pre-tax charges related to the settlement of certain litigation matters, including the anticipated settlement of a previously disclosed class action and California Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”) lawsuit that alleged the violation of certain California wage-and-hour and related laws and regulations, and charges related to the planned closure of a Bank branch. Adjusted noninterest expense(3) was $29.1 million, compared to $29.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, and $28.2 million for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted noninterest expense(3) for the first six months of 2025 was $58.6 million, compared to $55.7 million for the first six months of 2024.

    Income tax expense decreased to $2.5 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2025, and $3.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to lower pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2025 was 28.5%, compared to 28.8% for the first quarter of 2025, and 29.4% for the second quarter of 2024.

    Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $7.2 million, compared to $8.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The effective tax rate for six months ended June 30, 2025 was 28.7%, compared to 29.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    The reported efficiency ratio(3) for the second quarter and first six month of 2025 was 80.23% and 72.24%, respectively. The adjusted efficiency ratio(3) improved to 61.01% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 63.96% for the first quarter of 2025, as a result of higher total revenue. The adjusted efficiency ratio(3) improved from 67.55% for the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher total revenue, partially offset by higher noninterest expense. The adjusted efficiency ratio(3) improved to 62.45% for the first six months of 2025 from 66.44% for the first six months of 2024, primarily due to higher total revenue, partially offset by higher noninterest expense.

    Full time equivalent employees were 350 at both June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, and 353 at June 30, 2024.

    Financial Condition and Capital Management:

    Total assets remained relatively flat at $5.5 billion at both June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025. Total assets increased 4% from $5.3 billion at June 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in deposits resulting in an increase in overnight funds, and an increase in loans.  

    Investment securities available-for-sale (at fair value) decreased to $307.0 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $371.0 million at March 31, 2025, primarily due to maturities and paydowns, partially offset by purchases. Investment securities available-for-sale totaled $273.0 million at June 30, 2024. The pre-tax unrealized loss on the securities available-for-sale portfolio was $448,000, or $396,000 net of taxes, which equaled less than 1% of total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025.

    During the first six months of 2025, the Company purchased $87.2 million of agency mortgage-backed securities, $79.8 million of collateralized mortgage obligations, and $44.8 million of U.S. Treasury securities, for total purchases of $211.8 million in the available-for-sale portfolio. Securities purchased had a book yield of 4.82% and an average life of 4.55 years.

    Investment securities held-to-maturity (at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses of ($16,000), totaled $561.2 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $576.7 million at March 31, 2025, and $621.2 million at June 30, 2024. The fair value of the securities held-to-maturity portfolio was $486.5 million at June 30, 2025. The pre-tax unrecognized loss on the securities held-to-maturity portfolio was $74.7 million, or $52.7 million net of taxes, which equaled 7.6% of total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025.

    The unrealized and unrecognized losses in both the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios were due to higher interest rates at June 30, 2025 compared to when the securities were purchased. The issuers are of high credit quality and all principal amounts are expected to be repaid when the securities mature. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date and/or market rates decline.

    Loans HFI, net of deferred costs and fees, increased $47.4 million, or 1% to $3.5 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $3.5 billion at March 31, 2025, and increased $154.5 million, or 5%, from $3.4 billion at June 30, 2024. Loans HFI, excluding residential mortgages, increased $58.3 million, or 2% to $3.1 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $3.0 billion at March 31, 2025, and increased $184.9 million, or 6%, from $2.9 billion at June 30, 2024.

    Commercial and industrial line utilization was 32% at June 30, 2025, compared to 31% at both March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024. Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans totaled $2.0 billion at June 30, 2025, of which 31% were owner occupied and 31% were investor CRE loans. Owner occupied CRE loans totaled 31% at March 31, 2025 and 32% at June 30, 2024. Approximately 24% of the Company’s loan portfolio consisted of floating interest rate loans at both June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, compared to 27% at June 30, 2024.

    At June 30, 2025, paydowns and maturities of investment securities and fixed interest rate loans maturing within one year totaled $311.0 million.

    (3)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

    Total deposits decreased $55.9 million, or 1%, to $4.6 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $4.7 billion at March 31, 2025, primarily due to season outflows. Total deposits increased $182.7 million, or 4% from $4.4 billion at June 30, 2024.

    The following table shows the Company’s deposit types as a percentage of total deposits at the dates indicated:

                       
        June 30,      March 31,     June 30,   
    DEPOSITS TYPE % TO TOTAL DEPOSITS      2025         2025         2024  
    Demand, noninterest-bearing   25 %     24 %     27 %  
    Demand, interest-bearing   21 %     20 %     21 %  
    Savings and money market   28 %     29 %     25 %  
    Time deposits — under $250   1 %     1 %     1 %  
    Time deposits — $250 and over   4 %     5 %     4 %  
    Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”)/Certificate of Deposit Registry                  
    Service (“CDARS”) – interest-bearing demand, money                  
    market and time deposits   21 %     21 %     22 %  
    Total deposits   100 %     100 %     100 %  

    The loan to deposit ratio was 76.38% at June 30, 2025, compared to 74.45% at March 31, 2025, and 76.04% at June 30, 2024.

    The Company’s total available liquidity and borrowing capacity was $3.1 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $3.2 billion at March 31, 2025, and $3.0 billion at June 30, 2024.

    Total shareholders’ equity was $694.7 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $696.2 million at March 31, 2025, and $679.2 million at June 30, 2024. The change in shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025 is primarily a function of net income and the decrease in the total accumulated other comprehensive loss, partially offset by dividends to stockholders.

    Total accumulated other comprehensive loss of $5.0 million at June 30, 2025 was comprised of $2.5 million in actuarial losses associated with split dollar insurance contracts, $2.2 million in actuarial losses associated with the supplemental executive retirement plan, unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale of $396,000, and a $42,000 unrealized gain on interest-only strip from SBA loans.

    The Company’s consolidated capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines under the prompt corrective action (“PCA”) regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized financial institution, and the Basel III minimum regulatory requirements at June 30, 2025.

    Reported tangible book value per share(4) was $8.49 at June 30, 2025. Adjusted tangible book value per share(4) was $8.59 at June 30, 2025, compared to $8.48 at March 31, 2025, and $8.22 at June 30, 2024.

    The Company is authorized to repurchase up to $15.0 million of the Company’s shares of its issued and outstanding common stock under its share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors in July 2024. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company repurchased 207,989 shares of its common stock with a weighted average price of $9.19 for a total of $1.9 million. The remaining capacity under this share repurchase program was $13.1 million at June 30, 2025. In July 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the program for one year, expiring on July 31, 2026.

    Credit Quality:
    The provision for credit losses on loans totaled $516,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to a $274,000 provision for credit losses on loans for the first quarter of 2025 and a provision for credit losses on loans of $471,000 for the second quarter of 2024. Net charge-offs totaled $145,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $965,000 for the first quarter of 2025, and $405,000 for the second quarter of 2024. 

    The provision for credit losses on loans totaled $790,000 for the first six months of 2025, compared to a $655,000 provision for credit losses on loans for the first six months of 2024. Net charge-offs totaled $1.1 million for the first six months of 2025, compared to $659,000 for the first six months of 2024. 

    The allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACLL”) at June 30, 2025 was $48.6 million, or 1.38% of total loans, representing 787% of total nonperforming loans. The ACLL at March 31, 2025 was $48.3 million, or 1.38% of total loans, representing 765% of total nonperforming loans. The ACLL at June 30, 2024 was $48.0 million, or 1.42% of total loans, representing 795% of total nonperforming loans. The reduction to the allowance for credit on losses on loans reflects our credit assessment and economic factors.

    NPAs were $6.2 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $6.3 million at March 31, 2025, and $6.0 million at June 30, 2024. There were no foreclosed assets on the balance sheet at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, or June 30, 2024. There were no Shared National Credits (“SNCs”) or material purchased participations included in NPAs or total loans at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, or June 30, 2024.

    Classified assets totaled $37.5 million, or 0.69% of total assets, at June 30, 2025, compared to $40.0 million, or 0.73% of total assets, at March 31, 2025, and $33.6 million, or 0.64% of total assets, at June 30, 2024.

    (4)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

    Heritage Commerce Corp, a bank holding company established in October 1997, is the parent company of Heritage Bank of Commerce, established in 1994 and headquartered in San Jose, CA with full-service branches in Danville, Fremont, Gilroy, Hollister, Livermore, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Oakland, Palo Alto, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, San Rafael, and Walnut Creek. Heritage Bank of Commerce is an SBA Preferred Lender. Bay View Funding, a subsidiary of Heritage Bank of Commerce, is based in San Jose, CA and provides business-essential working capital factoring financing to various industries throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.heritagecommercecorp.com. The contents of our website are not incorporated into, and do not form a part of, this release or of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Reclassifications

    During the first quarter of 2025, we reclassified Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock dividends from interest income to noninterest income and the related average asset balances were reclassified from interest earning assets to other assets on the “Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin” tables. The amounts for the prior periods were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income or shareholders’ equity.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Financial results are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios are used by management to evaluate and measure the Company’s performance. These measures include “adjusted” operating metrics that have been adjusted to exclude notable expenses incurred in the second quarter as well as other performance measures and ratios adjusted for notable items. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures enhance comparability between periods and in some instances are common in the banking industry. These non-GAAP financial measures should be supplemental to primary GAAP financial measures and should not be read in isolation or relied upon as a substitute for primary GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures is presented in the tables at the end of this press release under “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

    Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

    Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain in that they reflect plans and expectations for future events. These statements may include, among other things, those relating to the Company’s future financial performance, plans and objectives regarding future events, expectations regarding changes in interest rates and market conditions, projected cash flows of our investment securities portfolio, the performance of our loan portfolio, loan growth, expenses, net interest margin, estimated net interest income resulting from a shift in interest rates, expectation of high credit quality issuers ability to repay, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations from expected developments or events. Any statements that reflect our belief about, confidence in, or expectations for future events, performance or condition should be considered forward-looking statements. Readers should not construe these statements as assurances of a given level of performance, nor as promises that we will take actions that we currently expect to take. All statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control and some of which may fall outside our ability to predict or anticipate. Accordingly, our actual results may differ materially from our projected results, and we may take actions or experience events that we do not currently expect. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our financial performance to differ materially from our goals, plans, expectations and projections expressed in forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Item 1A of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and include: (i) cybersecurity risks that may affect us directly or may impact us indirectly by virtue of their effects on our clients, markets or vendors, including our ability to identify and address cybersecurity risks, including those posed by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (such as, but not limited to, ransomware, data security breaches, “denial of service” attacks, “hacking” and identity theft) affecting us, our clients, and our third-party vendors and service providers; (ii) events that affect our ability to attract, recruit, and retain qualified officers and other personnel to implement our strategic plan, and that enable current and future personnel to protect and develop our relationships with clients, and to promote our business, results of operations and growth prospects; (iii) media items and consumer confidence as those factors affect our clients’ confidence in the banking system generally and in our bank specifically; (iv) adequacy of our risk management framework, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (v) the effects of recent wildfires affecting Southern California, which have affected certain clients and certain loans secured by mortgages in Los Angeles County, and which are affecting or may, in the future, affect other clients in those and other markets throughout California; (vi) market, geographic and sociopolitical factors that arise by virtue of the fact that we operate primarily in the general San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California; (vii) risks of geographic concentration of our client base, our loans, and the collateral securing our loans, as those clients and assets may be particularly subject to natural disasters and to events and conditions that directly or indirectly affect those regions, including the particular risks of natural disasters (including earthquakes, fires, and flooding) and other events that disproportionately affect that region; (viii) political events that have accompanied or that may in the future accompany or result from recent political changes, particularly including sociopolitical events and conditions that result from political conflicts and law enforcement activities that may adversely affect our markets or our clients; (ix) our ability to estimate accurately, and to establish adequate reserves against, the risk of loss associated with our loan and lease portfolios and our factoring business; (x) inflationary pressures and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans to clients, whether held in the portfolio or in the secondary market; (xi) factors that affect the value and liquidity of our investment portfolios, particularly the values of securities available-for-sale; (xii) factors that affect our liquidity and our ability to meet client demands for withdrawals from deposit accounts and undrawn lines of credit, including our cash on hand and the availability of funds from our own lines of credit; (xiii) increased capital requirements for our continual growth or as imposed by banking regulators, which may require us to raise capital at a time when capital is not available on favorable terms or at all; (xiv) the expense and uncertain resolution of litigation matters whether occurring in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, particularly including but not limited to the effects of recent and ongoing developments in California labor and employment laws, regulations and court decisions; (xv) operational issues stemming from, and/or capital spending necessitated by, the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which we are highly dependent; and (xvi) our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing factors.

    Member FDIC

    For additional information, email:
    InvestorRelations@herbank.com

                                                   
        For the Quarter Ended:   Percent Change From:     For the Six Months Ended:
    CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS      June 30,       March 31,       June 30,       March 31,       June 30,         June 30,       June 30,       Percent  
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   2025   2025   2024   2025     2024       2025   2024   Change  
    Interest income   $ 63,025   $ 61,832   $ 58,489   2   %   8   %   $ 124,857   $ 115,450   8   %
    Interest expense     18,220     18,472     19,622   (1 ) %   (7 ) %     36,692     37,080   (1 ) %
    Net interest income before provision                                              
    for credit losses on loans     44,805     43,360     38,867   3   %   15   %     88,165     78,370   12   %
    Provision for credit losses on loans     516     274     471   88   %   10   %     790     655   21   %
    Net interest income after provision                                              
    for credit losses on loans     44,289     43,086     38,396   3   %   15   %     87,375     77,715   12   %
    Noninterest income:                                                   
    Service charges and fees on deposit                                              
    accounts     929     892     891   4   %   4   %     1,821     1,768   3   %
    FHLB and FRB stock dividends     584     590     588   (1 ) %   (1 ) %     1,174     1,178      
    Increase in cash surrender value of                                              
    life insurance     548     538     521   2   %   5   %     1,086     1,039   5   %
    Termination fees     227     87     100   161   %   127   %     314     113   178   %
    Gain on sales of SBA loans     87     98     76   (11 ) %   14   %     185     254   (27 ) %
    Servicing income     61     82     90   (26 ) %   (32 ) %     143     180   (21 ) %
    Gain on proceeds from company-owned                                              
    life insurance             219   N/A   (100 ) %         219   (100 ) %
    Other     541     409     379   32   %   43   %     950     750   27   %
    Total noninterest income     2,977     2,696     2,864   10   %   4   %     5,673     5,501   3   %
    Noninterest expense:                                                   
    Salaries and employee benefits     16,227     16,575     15,794   (2 ) %   3   %     32,802     31,303   5   %
    Occupancy and equipment     2,525     2,534     2,689   0   %   (6 ) %     5,059     5,132   (1 ) %
    Professional fees     1,819     1,580     1,072   15   %   70   %     3,399     2,399   42   %
    Other     17,764     8,767     8,633   103   %   106   %     26,531     16,890   57   %
    Total noninterest expense     38,335     29,456     28,188   30   %   36   %     67,791     55,724   22   %
    Income before income taxes     8,931     16,326     13,072   (45 ) %   (32 ) %     25,257     27,492   (8 ) %
    Income tax expense     2,542     4,700     3,838   (46 ) %   (34 ) %     7,242     8,092   (11 ) %
    Net income   $ 6,389   $ 11,626   $ 9,234   (45 ) %   (31 ) %   $ 18,015   $ 19,400   (7 ) %
                                                   
    PER COMMON SHARE DATA                                              
    (unaudited)                                                 
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.10   $ 0.19   $ 0.15   (47 ) %   (33 ) %   $ 0.29   $ 0.32   (9 ) %
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.10   $ 0.19   $ 0.15   (47 ) %   (33 ) %   $ 0.29   $ 0.32   (9 ) %
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic     61,508,180     61,479,579     61,279,914   0   %   0   %     61,493,880     61,233,269   0   %
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted     61,624,600     61,708,361     61,438,088   0   %   0   %     61,664,942     61,446,484   0   %
    Common shares outstanding at period-end     61,446,763     61,611,121     61,292,094   0   %   0   %     61,446,763     61,292,094   0   %
    Dividend per share   $ 0.13   $ 0.13   $ 0.13   0   %   0   %   $ 0.26   $ 0.26   0   %
    Book value per share   $ 11.31   $ 11.30   $ 11.08   0   %   2   %   $ 11.31   $ 11.08   2   %
    Tangible book value per share(1)   $ 8.49   $ 8.48   $ 8.22   0   %   3   %   $ 8.49   $ 8.22   3   %
                                                   
    KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS                                                      
    (in $000’s, unaudited)                                                      
    Annualized return on average equity     3.68 %     6.81 %     5.50 %   (46 ) %   (33 ) %     5.23 %     5.79 %   (10 ) %
    Annualized return on average tangible                                              
    common equity(1)     4.89 %     9.09 %     7.43 %   (46 ) %   (34 ) %     6.97 %     7.84 %   (11 ) %
    Annualized return on average assets     0.47 %     0.85 %     0.71 %   (45 ) %   (34 ) %     0.66 %     0.75 %   (12 ) %
    Annualized return on average tangible assets(1)     0.48 %     0.88 %     0.74 %   (45 ) %   (35 ) %     0.68 %     0.78 %   (13 ) %
    Net interest margin (FTE)(1)     3.54 %     3.39 %     3.23 %   4   %   10   %     3.47 %     3.27 %   6   %
    Total revenue   $ 47,782   $ 46,056   $ 41,731   4   %   15   %     93,838     83,871   12   %
    Pre-provision net revenue(1)   $ 9,447   $ 16,600   $ 13,543   (43 ) %   (30 ) %     26,047     28,147   (7 ) %
    Efficiency ratio(1)     80.23 %     63.96 %     67.55 %   25   %   19   %     72.24 %     66.44 %   9   %
                                                   
    AVERAGE BALANCES                                                     
    (in $000’s, unaudited)                                                      
    Average assets   $ 5,458,420   $ 5,559,896   $ 5,213,171   (2 ) %   5   %   $ 5,508,878   $ 5,195,903   6   %
    Average tangible assets(1)   $ 5,284,972   $ 5,386,001   $ 5,037,673   (2 ) %   5   %   $ 5,335,207   $ 5,020,134   6   %
    Average earning assets   $ 5,087,089   $ 5,188,317   $ 4,840,670   (2 ) %   5   %   $ 5,137,424   $ 4,825,587   6   %
    Average loans held-for-sale   $ 2,250   $ 2,290   $ 1,503   (2 ) %   50   %   $ 2,270   $ 2,126   7   %
    Average loans held-for-investment   $ 3,504,518   $ 3,429,014   $ 3,328,358   2   %   5   %   $ 3,466,975   $ 3,312,799   5   %
    Average deposits   $ 4,618,007   $ 4,717,517   $ 4,394,545   (2 ) %   5   %   $ 4,667,487   $ 4,377,347   7   %
    Average demand deposits – noninterest-bearing   $ 1,146,494   $ 1,167,330   $ 1,127,145   (2 ) %   2   %   $ 1,156,854   $ 1,152,111   0   %
    Average interest-bearing deposits   $ 3,471,513   $ 3,550,187   $ 3,267,400   (2 ) %   6   %   $ 3,510,633   $ 3,225,236   9   %
    Average interest-bearing liabilities   $ 3,511,237   $ 3,589,872   $ 3,306,972   (2 ) %   6   %   $ 3,550,338   $ 3,264,788   9   %
    Average equity   $ 697,016   $ 692,733   $ 675,108   1   %   3   %   $ 694,886   $ 673,700   3   %
    Average tangible common equity(1)   $ 523,568   $ 518,838   $ 499,610   1   %   5   %   $ 521,215   $ 497,931   5   %
                                                   
                                                   

    (1)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

                                     
        For the Quarter Ended:  
    CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS      June 30,       March 31,       December 31,       September 30,      June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   2025   2025   2024   2024   2024  
    Interest income   $ 63,025   $ 61,832   $ 64,043   $ 60,852   $ 58,489  
    Interest expense     18,220     18,472     20,448     21,523     19,622  
    Net interest income before provision                                
    for credit losses on loans     44,805     43,360     43,595     39,329     38,867  
    Provision for credit losses on loans     516     274     1,331     153     471  
    Net interest income after provision                                
    for credit losses on loans     44,289     43,086     42,264     39,176     38,396  
    Noninterest income:                                 
    Service charges and fees on deposit                                
    accounts     929     892     885     908     891  
    FHLB and FRB stock dividends     584     590     590     586     588  
    Increase in cash surrender value of                                
    life insurance     548     538     528     530     521  
    Termination fees     227     87     18     46     100  
    Gain on sales of SBA loans     87     98     125     94     76  
    Servicing income     61     82     77     108     90  
    Gain on proceeds from company-owned                                
    life insurance                     219  
    Other     541     409     552     554     379  
    Total noninterest income     2,977     2,696     2,775     2,826     2,864  
    Noninterest expense:                                     
    Salaries and employee benefits     16,227     16,575     16,976     15,673     15,794  
    Occupancy and equipment     2,525     2,534     2,495     2,599     2,689  
    Professional fees     1,819     1,580     1,711     1,306     1,072  
    Other     17,764     8,767     9,122     7,977     8,633  
    Total noninterest expense     38,335     29,456     30,304     27,555     28,188  
    Income before income taxes     8,931     16,326     14,735     14,447     13,072  
    Income tax expense     2,542     4,700     4,114     3,940     3,838  
    Net income   $ 6,389   $ 11,626   $ 10,621   $ 10,507   $ 9,234  
                                     
    PER COMMON SHARE DATA                                
    (unaudited)                                    
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.10   $ 0.19   $ 0.17   $ 0.17   $ 0.15  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.10   $ 0.19   $ 0.17   $ 0.17   $ 0.15  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic     61,508,180     61,479,579     61,320,505     61,295,877     61,279,914  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted     61,624,600     61,708,361     61,679,735     61,546,157     61,438,088  
    Common shares outstanding at period-end     61,446,763     61,611,121     61,348,095     61,297,344     61,292,094  
    Dividend per share   $ 0.13   $ 0.13   $ 0.13   $ 0.13   $ 0.13  
    Book value per share   $ 11.31   $ 11.30   $ 11.24   $ 11.18   $ 11.08  
    Tangible book value per share(1)   $ 8.49   $ 8.48   $ 8.41   $ 8.33   $ 8.22  
                                     
    KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS                                     
    (in $000’s, unaudited)                                     
    Annualized return on average equity     3.68 %     6.81 %     6.16 %     6.14 %     5.50 %  
    Annualized return on average tangible                                
    common equity(1)     4.89 %     9.09 %     8.25 %     8.27 %     7.43 %  
    Annualized return on average assets     0.47 %     0.85 %     0.75 %     0.78 %     0.71 %  
    Annualized return on average tangible assets(1)     0.48 %     0.88 %     0.78 %     0.81 %     0.74 %  
    Net interest margin (FTE)(1)     3.54 %     3.39 %     3.32 %     3.15 %     3.23 %  
    Total revenue   $ 47,782   $ 46,056   $ 46,370   $ 42,155   $ 41,731  
    Pre-provision net revenue(1)   $ 9,447   $ 16,600   $ 16,066   $ 14,600   $ 13,543  
    Efficiency ratio(1)     80.23 %     63.96 %     65.35 %     65.37 %     67.55 %  
                                     
    AVERAGE BALANCES                                     
    (in $000’s, unaudited)                                     
    Average assets   $ 5,458,420   $ 5,559,896   $ 5,607,840   $ 5,352,067   $ 5,213,171  
    Average tangible assets(1)   $ 5,284,972   $ 5,386,001   $ 5,433,439   $ 5,177,114   $ 5,037,673  
    Average earning assets   $ 5,087,089   $ 5,188,317   $ 5,235,986   $ 4,980,082   $ 4,840,670  
    Average loans held-for-sale   $ 2,250   $ 2,290   $ 2,260   $ 1,493   $ 1,503  
    Average loans held-for-investment   $ 3,504,518   $ 3,429,014   $ 3,388,729   $ 3,359,647   $ 3,328,358  
    Average deposits   $ 4,618,007   $ 4,717,517   $ 4,771,491   $ 4,525,946   $ 4,394,545  
    Average demand deposits – noninterest-bearing   $ 1,146,494   $ 1,167,330   $ 1,222,393   $ 1,172,304   $ 1,127,145  
    Average interest-bearing deposits   $ 3,471,513   $ 3,550,187   $ 3,549,098   $ 3,353,642   $ 3,267,400  
    Average interest-bearing liabilities   $ 3,511,237   $ 3,589,872   $ 3,588,755   $ 3,393,264   $ 3,306,972  
    Average equity   $ 697,016   $ 692,733   $ 686,263   $ 680,404   $ 675,108  
    Average tangible common equity(1)   $ 523,568   $ 518,838   $ 511,862   $ 505,451   $ 499,610  
                                     
                                     
                                     

    (1)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

                                 
        End of Period:   Percent Change From:  
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS      June 30,       March 31,       June 30,       March 31,       June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   2025     2025     2024     2025     2024    
    ASSETS                                 
    Cash and due from banks   $ 55,360     $ 44,281     $ 37,497     25   %   48   %
    Other investments and interest-bearing deposits                            
    in other financial institutions     666,432       700,769       610,763     (5 ) %   9   %
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     307,035       370,976       273,043     (17 ) %   12   %
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost     561,205       576,718       621,178     (3 ) %   (10 ) %
    Loans – held-for-sale – SBA, including deferred costs     1,156       1,884       1,899     (39 ) %   (39 ) %
    Loans – held-for-investment:                             
    Commercial     492,231       489,241       477,929     1   %   3   %
    Real estate:                             
    CRE – owner occupied     627,810       616,825       594,504     2   %   6   %
    CRE – non-owner occupied     1,390,419       1,363,275       1,283,323     2   %   8   %
    Land and construction     149,460       136,106       125,374     10   %   19   %
    Home equity     120,763       119,138       126,562     1   %   (5 ) %
    Multifamily     285,016       284,510       268,968     0   %   6   %
    Residential mortgages     454,419       465,330       484,809     (2 ) %   (6 ) %
    Consumer and other     14,661       12,741       18,758     15   %   (22 ) %
    Loans     3,534,779       3,487,166       3,380,227     1   %   5   %
    Deferred loan fees, net     (446 )     (268 )     (434 )   66   %   3   %
    Total loans – held-for-investment, net of deferred fees     3,534,333       3,486,898       3,379,793     1   %   5   %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (48,633 )     (48,262 )     (47,954 )   1   %   1   %
    Loans, net     3,485,700       3,438,636       3,331,839     1   %   5   %
    Company-owned life insurance     82,296       81,749       80,153     1   %   3   %
    Premises and equipment, net     9,765       9,772       10,310     0   %   (5 ) %
    Goodwill     167,631       167,631       167,631     0   %   0   %
    Other intangible assets     5,532       5,986       7,521     (8 ) %   (26 ) %
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     125,125       115,853       121,190     8   %   3   %
    Total assets   $ 5,467,237     $ 5,514,255     $ 5,263,024     (1 ) %   4   %
                                 
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                              
    Liabilities:                              
    Deposits:                             
    Demand, noninterest-bearing   $ 1,151,242     $ 1,128,593     $ 1,187,320     2   %   (3 ) %
    Demand, interest-bearing     955,504       949,068       928,246     1   %   3   %
    Savings and money market     1,320,142       1,353,293       1,126,520     (2 ) %   17   %
    Time deposits – under $250     35,356       37,592       39,046     (6 ) %   (9 ) %
    Time deposits – $250 and over     210,818       213,357       203,886     (1 ) %   3   %
    ICS/CDARS – interest-bearing demand, money market                            
    and time deposits     954,272       1,001,365       959,592     (5 ) %   (1 ) %
    Total deposits     4,627,334       4,683,268       4,444,610     (1 ) %   4   %
    Subordinated debt, net of issuance costs     39,728       39,691       39,577     0   %   0   %
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     105,471       95,106       99,638     11   %   6   %
    Total liabilities     4,772,533       4,818,065       4,583,825     (1 ) %   4   %
                                 
    Shareholders’ Equity:                                 
    Common stock     509,888       511,596       508,343     0   %   0   %
    Retained earnings     189,794       191,401       182,571     (1 ) %   4   %
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (4,978 )     (6,807 )     (11,715 )   (27 ) %   (58 ) %
    Total shareholders’ equity     694,704       696,190       679,199     0   %   2   %
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 5,467,237     $ 5,514,255     $ 5,263,024     (1 ) %   4   %
                                 
                                   
        End of Period:
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS      June 30,       March 31,       December 31,       September 30,      June 30, 
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   2025     2025     2024     2024     2024  
    ASSETS                                   
    Cash and due from banks   $ 55,360     $ 44,281     $ 29,864     $ 49,722     $ 37,497  
    Other investments and interest-bearing deposits                              
    in other financial institutions     666,432       700,769       938,259       906,588       610,763  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     307,035       370,976       256,274       237,612       273,043  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost     561,205       576,718       590,016       604,193       621,178  
    Loans – held-for-sale – SBA, including deferred costs     1,156       1,884       2,375       1,649       1,899  
    Loans – held-for-investment:                              
    Commercial     492,231       489,241       531,350       481,266       477,929  
    Real estate:                              
    CRE – owner occupied     627,810       616,825       601,636       602,062       594,504  
    CRE – non-owner occupied     1,390,419       1,363,275       1,341,266       1,310,578       1,283,323  
    Land and construction     149,460       136,106       127,848       125,761       125,374  
    Home equity     120,763       119,138       127,963       124,090       126,562  
    Multifamily     285,016       284,510       275,490       273,103       268,968  
    Residential mortgages     454,419       465,330       471,730       479,524       484,809  
    Consumer and other     14,661       12,741       14,837       14,179       18,758  
    Loans     3,534,779       3,487,166       3,492,120       3,410,563       3,380,227  
    Deferred loan fees, net     (446 )     (268 )     (183 )     (327 )     (434 )
    Total loans – held-for-investment, net of deferred fees     3,534,333       3,486,898       3,491,937       3,410,236       3,379,793  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (48,633 )     (48,262 )     (48,953 )     (47,819 )     (47,954 )
    Loans, net     3,485,700       3,438,636       3,442,984       3,362,417       3,331,839  
    Company-owned life insurance     82,296       81,749       81,211       80,682       80,153  
    Premises and equipment, net     9,765       9,772       10,140       10,398       10,310  
    Goodwill     167,631       167,631       167,631       167,631       167,631  
    Other intangible assets     5,532       5,986       6,439       6,966       7,521  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     125,125       115,853       119,813       123,738       121,190  
    Total assets   $ 5,467,237     $ 5,514,255     $ 5,645,006     $ 5,551,596     $ 5,263,024  
                                   
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                              
    Liabilities:                                 
    Deposits:                                 
    Demand, noninterest-bearing   $ 1,151,242     $ 1,128,593     $ 1,214,192     $ 1,272,139     $ 1,187,320  
    Demand, interest-bearing     955,504       949,068       936,587       913,910       928,246  
    Savings and money market     1,320,142       1,353,293       1,325,923       1,309,676       1,126,520  
    Time deposits – under $250     35,356       37,592       38,988       39,060       39,046  
    Time deposits – $250 and over     210,818       213,357       206,755       196,945       203,886  
    ICS/CDARS – interest-bearing demand, money market                              
    and time deposits     954,272       1,001,365       1,097,586       997,803       959,592  
    Total deposits     4,627,334       4,683,268       4,820,031       4,729,533       4,444,610  
    Subordinated debt, net of issuance costs     39,728       39,691       39,653       39,615       39,577  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     105,471       95,106       95,595       97,096       99,638  
    Total liabilities     4,772,533       4,818,065       4,955,279       4,866,244       4,583,825  
                                   
    Shareholders’ Equity:                                   
    Common stock     509,888       511,596       510,070       509,134       508,343  
    Retained earnings     189,794       191,401       187,762       185,110       182,571  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (4,978 )     (6,807 )     (8,105 )     (8,892 )     (11,715 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     694,704       696,190       689,727       685,352       679,199  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 5,467,237     $ 5,514,255     $ 5,645,006     $ 5,551,596     $ 5,263,024  
                                   
                                 
        At or For the Quarter Ended:   Percent Change From:  
    CREDIT QUALITY DATA      June 30,       March 31,       June 30,       March 31,       June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   2025   2025   2024   2025     2024    
    Nonaccrual loans – held-for-investment:                            
    Land and construction loans   $ 4,198   $ 4,793   $ 4,774   (12 ) %   (12 ) %
    Home equity and other loans     728     927     108   (21 ) %   574   %
    Residential mortgages     607           N/A   N/A  
    Commercial loans     491     324     900   52   %   (45 ) %
    CRE loans     31           N/A   N/A  
    Total nonaccrual loans – held-for-investment:     6,055     6,044     5,782   0   %   5   %
    Loans over 90 days past due                            
    and still accruing     123     268     248   (54 ) %   (50 ) %
    Total nonperforming loans     6,178     6,312     6,030   (2 ) %   2   %
    Foreclosed assets               N/A   N/A  
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 6,178   $ 6,312   $ 6,030   (2 ) %   2   %
    Net charge-offs during the quarter   $ 145   $ 965   $ 405   (85 ) %   (64 ) %
    Provision for credit losses on loans during the quarter   $ 516   $ 274   $ 471   88   %   10   %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   $ 48,633   $ 48,262   $ 47,954   1   %   1   %
    Classified assets   $ 37,525   $ 40,034   $ 33,605   (6 ) %   12   %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.42 %   0   %   (3 ) %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total nonperforming loans     787.20 %     764.61 %     795.26 %   3   %   (1 ) %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %   0   %   0   %
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     0.17 %     0.18 %     0.18 %   (6 ) %   (6 ) %
    Classified assets to Heritage Commerce Corp                            
    Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses on loans     7 %     7 %     6 %   0   %   17   %
    Classified assets to Heritage Bank of Commerce                            
    Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses on loans     6 %     7 %     6 %   (14 ) %   0   %
                                 
    OTHER PERIOD-END STATISTICS                                 
    (in $000’s, unaudited)                                 
    Heritage Commerce Corp:                                 
    Tangible common equity (1)   $ 521,541   $ 522,573   $ 504,047   0   %   3   %
    Shareholders’ equity / total assets     12.71 %     12.63 %     12.91 %   1   %   (2 ) %
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (1)     9.85 %     9.78 %     9.91 %   1   %   (1 ) %
    Loan to deposit ratio     76.38 %     74.45 %     76.04 %   3   %   0   %
    Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits     24.88 %     24.10 %     26.71 %   3   %   (7 ) %
    Total capital ratio     15.5 %     15.9 %     15.6 %   (3 ) %   (1 ) %
    Tier 1 capital ratio     13.3 %     13.6 %     13.4 %   (2 ) %   (1 ) %
    Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     13.3 %     13.6 %     13.4 %   (2 ) %   (1 ) %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     9.9 %     9.8 %     10.2 %   1   %   (3 ) %
    Heritage Bank of Commerce:                            
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (1)     10.28 %     10.15 %     10.28 %   1   %   0   %
    Total capital ratio     15.1 %     15.4 %     15.1 %   (2 ) %   0   %
    Tier 1 capital ratio     13.8 %     14.1 %     13.9 %   (2 ) %   (1 ) %
    Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     13.8 %     14.1 %     13.9 %   (2 ) %   (1 ) %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     10.4 %     10.2 %     10.6 %   2   %   (2 ) %
                                 

    (1)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

                                     
        At or For the Quarter Ended:  
    CREDIT QUALITY DATA      June 30,       March 31,       December 31,       September 30,      June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   2025   2025   2024   2024   2024  
    Nonaccrual loans – held-for-investment:                                
    Land and construction loans   $ 4,198   $ 4,793   $ 5,874   $ 5,862   $ 4,774  
    Home equity and other loans     728     927     290     84     108  
    Residential mortgages     607                  
    Commercial loans     491     324     1,014     752     900  
    CRE loans     31                  
    Total nonaccrual loans – held-for-investment:     6,055     6,044     7,178     6,698     5,782  
    Loans over 90 days past due                                
    and still accruing     123     268     489     460     248  
    Total nonperforming loans     6,178     6,312     7,667     7,158     6,030  
    Foreclosed assets                      
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 6,178   $ 6,312   $ 7,667   $ 7,158   $ 6,030  
    Net charge-offs during the quarter   $ 145   $ 965   $ 197   $ 288   $ 405  
    Provision for credit losses on loans during the quarter   $ 516   $ 274   $ 1,331   $ 153   $ 471  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   $ 48,633   $ 48,262   $ 48,953   $ 47,819   $ 47,954  
    Classified assets   $ 37,525   $ 40,034   $ 41,661   $ 32,609   $ 33,605  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans     1.38 %     1.38 %     1.40 %     1.40 %     1.42 %  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total nonperforming loans     787.20 %     764.61 %     638.49 %     668.05 %     795.26 %  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.14 %     0.13 %     0.11 %  
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     0.17 %     0.18 %     0.22 %     0.21 %     0.18 %  
    Classified assets to Heritage Commerce Corp                                
    Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses on loans     7 %     7 %     7 %     6 %     6 %  
    Classified assets to Heritage Bank of Commerce                                
    Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses on loans     6 %     7 %     7 %     6 %     6 %  
                                     
    OTHER PERIOD-END STATISTICS                                     
    (in $000’s, unaudited)                                     
    Heritage Commerce Corp:                                     
    Tangible common equity (1)   $ 521,541   $ 522,573   $ 515,657   $ 510,755   $ 504,047  
    Shareholders’ equity / total assets     12.71 %     12.63 %     12.22 %     12.35 %     12.91 %  
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (1)     9.85 %     9.78 %     9.43 %     9.50 %     9.91 %  
    Loan to deposit ratio     76.38 %     74.45 %     72.45 %     72.11 %     76.04 %  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits / total deposits     24.88 %     24.10 %     25.19 %     26.90 %     26.71 %  
    Total capital ratio     15.5 %     15.9 %     15.6 %     15.6 %     15.6 %  
    Tier 1 capital ratio     13.3 %     13.6 %     13.4 %     13.4 %     13.4 %  
    Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     13.3 %     13.6 %     13.4 %     13.4 %     13.4 %  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     9.9 %     9.8 %     9.6 %     10.0 %     10.2 %  
    Heritage Bank of Commerce:                                
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (1)     10.28 %     10.15 %     9.79 %     9.86 %     10.28 %  
    Total capital ratio     15.1 %     15.4 %     15.1 %     15.1 %     15.1 %  
    Tier 1 capital ratio     13.8 %     14.1 %     13.9 %     13.9 %     13.9 %  
    Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     13.8 %     14.1 %     13.9 %     13.9 %     13.9 %  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio     10.4 %     10.2 %     10.0 %     10.4 %     10.6 %  

    (1)This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.

                                       
        For the Quarter Ended   For the Quarter Ended  
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025  
                    Interest      Average               Interest      Average  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Assets:                                        
    Loans, core bank   $ 3,020,534       41,738     5.54 %   $ 2,945,072     $ 39,758     5.47 %  
    Prepayment fees           473     0.06 %           224     0.03 %  
    Bay View Funding factored receivables     67,756       3,347     19.81 %     60,250       2,942     19.80 %  
    Purchased residential mortgages     420,280       3,548     3.39 %     427,963       3,597     3.41 %  
    Loan fair value mark / accretion     (1,802 )     172     0.02 %     (1,981 )     181     0.02 %  
    Loans, gross (1)(2)     3,506,768       49,278     5.64 %     3,431,304       46,702     5.52 %  
    Securities – taxable     902,642       6,346     2.82 %     876,092       5,559     2.57 %  
    Securities – exempt from Federal tax (3)     30,259       272     3.61 %     30,480       275     3.66 %  
    Other investments and interest-bearing deposits                                  
    in other financial institutions     647,420       7,186     4.45 %     850,441       9,354     4.46 %  
    Total interest earning assets (3)     5,087,089       63,082     4.97 %     5,188,317       61,890     4.84 %  
    Cash and due from banks     31,044                  31,869               
    Premises and equipment, net     9,958                  10,007               
    Goodwill and other intangible assets     173,448                  173,895               
    Other assets     156,881                  155,808               
    Total assets   $ 5,458,420                $ 5,559,896               
                                       
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                    
    Deposits:                                    
    Demand, noninterest-bearing   $ 1,146,494                $ 1,167,330               
                                       
    Demand, interest-bearing     949,867       1,484     0.63 %     944,375       1,438     0.62 %  
    Savings and money market     1,313,054       8,205     2.51 %     1,323,038       8,073     2.47 %  
    Time deposits – under $100     11,456       49     1.72 %     11,383       47     1.67 %  
    Time deposits – $100 and over     231,644       1,995     3.45 %     234,421       2,129     3.68 %  
    ICS/CDARS – interest-bearing demand, money market                                  
    and time deposits     965,492       5,949     2.47 %     1,036,970       6,248     2.44 %  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     3,471,513       17,682     2.04 %     3,550,187       17,935     2.05 %  
    Total deposits     4,618,007       17,682     1.54 %     4,717,517       17,935     1.54 %  
                                       
    Short-term borrowings     19           0.00 %     18           0.00 %  
    Subordinated debt, net of issuance costs     39,705       538     5.43 %     39,667       537     5.49 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     3,511,237       18,220     2.08 %     3,589,872       18,472     2.09 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities and demand,                                  
    noninterest-bearing / cost of funds     4,657,731       18,220     1.57 %     4,757,202       18,472     1.57 %  
    Other liabilities     103,673                  109,961               
    Total liabilities     4,761,404                  4,867,163               
    Shareholders’ equity     697,016                  692,733               
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 5,458,420                $ 5,559,896               
                                       
    Net interest income / margin (3)            44,862     3.54 %            43,418     3.39 %  
    Less tax equivalent adjustment (3)            (57 )                 (58 )       
    Net interest income          $ 44,805     3.53 %          $ 43,360     3.39 %  
                                       

    (1)Includes loans held-for-sale. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balances.
    (2)Yield amounts earned on loans include fees and costs. The accretion of net deferred loan fees into loan interest income was $253,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $214,000 for the first quarter of 2025.  Prepayment fees totaled $473,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $224,000 for the first quarter of 2025.
    (3)Reflects the FTE adjustment for Federal tax-exempt income based on a 21% tax rate. This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial
    Measures” in this press release.

                                       
        For the Quarter Ended   For the Quarter Ended  
        June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024  
                    Interest      Average               Interest      Average  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Assets:                                        
    Loans, core bank   $ 3,020,534     $ 41,738     5.54 %   $ 2,830,260     $ 38,496     5.47 %  
    Prepayment fees           473     0.06 %           54     0.01 %  
    Bay View Funding factored receivables     67,756       3,347     19.81 %     54,777       2,914     21.40 %  
    Purchased residential mortgages     420,280       3,548     3.39 %     447,687       3,739     3.36 %  
    Loan fair value mark / accretion     (1,802 )     172     0.02 %     (2,863 )     267     0.04 %  
    Loans, gross (1)(2)     3,506,768       49,278     5.64 %     3,329,861       45,470     5.49 %  
    Securities – taxable     902,642       6,346     2.82 %     942,532       5,483     2.34 %  
    Securities – exempt from Federal tax (3)     30,259       272     3.61 %     31,803       285     3.60 %  
    Other investments and interest-bearing deposits                                   
    in other financial institutions     647,420       7,186     4.45 %     536,474       7,311     5.48 %  
    Total interest earning assets (3)     5,087,089       63,082     4.97 %     4,840,670       58,549     4.86 %  
    Cash and due from banks     31,044                  33,419               
    Premises and equipment, net     9,958                  10,216               
    Goodwill and other intangible assets     173,448                  175,498               
    Other assets     156,881                  153,368               
    Total assets   $ 5,458,420                $ 5,213,171               
                                       
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                    
    Deposits:                                    
    Demand, noninterest-bearing   $ 1,146,494                $ 1,127,145               
                                       
    Demand, interest-bearing     949,867       1,484     0.63 %     932,100       1,719     0.74 %  
    Savings and money market     1,313,054       8,205     2.51 %     1,104,589       7,867     2.86 %  
    Time deposits – under $100     11,456       49     1.72 %     10,980       46     1.68 %  
    Time deposits – $100 and over     231,644       1,995     3.45 %     228,248       2,245     3.96 %  
    ICS/CDARS – interest-bearing demand, money market                                  
    and time deposits     965,492       5,949     2.47 %     991,483       7,207     2.92 %  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     3,471,513       17,682     2.04 %     3,267,400       19,084     2.35 %  
    Total deposits     4,618,007       17,682     1.54 %     4,394,545       19,084     1.75 %  
                                       
    Short-term borrowings     19           0.00 %     19           0.00 %  
    Subordinated debt, net of issuance costs     39,705       538     5.43 %     39,553       538     5.47 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     3,511,237       18,220     2.08 %     3,306,972       19,622     2.39 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities and demand,                                  
    noninterest-bearing / cost of funds     4,657,731       18,220     1.57 %     4,434,117       19,622     1.78 %  
    Other liabilities     103,673                  103,946               
    Total liabilities     4,761,404                  4,538,063               
    Shareholders’ equity     697,016                  675,108               
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 5,458,420                $ 5,213,171               
                                       
    Net interest income / margin (3)            44,862     3.54 %            38,927     3.23 %  
    Less tax equivalent adjustment (3)            (57 )                 (60 )       
    Net interest income          $ 44,805     3.53 %          $ 38,867     3.23 %  

    (1)Includes loans held-for-sale. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balances.
    (2)Yield amounts earned on loans include fees and costs. The accretion of net deferred loan fees into loan interest income was $253,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $117,000 for the second quarter of 2024. Prepayment fees totaled $473,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $54,000 for the second quarter of 2024.
    (3)Reflects the FTE adjustment for Federal tax-exempt income based on a 21% tax rate. This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.  

                                       
        For the Six Months Ended   For the Six Months Ended  
        June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024  
                    Interest      Average               Interest      Average  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (in $000’s, unaudited)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Assets:                                        
    Loans, core bank   $ 2,983,011     $ 81,496     5.51 %   $ 2,812,805     $ 76,217     5.45 %  
    Prepayment fees           697     0.05 %           78     0.01 %  
    Bay View Funding factored receivables     64,024       6,289     19.81 %     54,144       5,752     21.36 %  
    Purchased residential mortgages     424,101       7,145     3.40 %     450,964       7,527     3.36 %  
    Loan fair value mark / accretion     (1,891 )     353     0.02 %     (2,988 )     496     0.04 %  
    Loans, gross (1)(2)     3,469,245       95,980     5.58 %     3,314,925       90,070     5.46 %  
    Securities – taxable     889,440       11,905     2.70 %     992,508       11,666     2.36 %  
    Securities – exempt from Federal tax (3)     30,369       547     3.63 %     31,871       571     3.60 %  
    Other investments, interest-bearing deposits in other                                  
    financial institutions and Federal funds sold     748,370       16,540     4.46 %     486,283       13,263     5.48 %  
    Total interest earning assets (3)     5,137,424       124,972     4.91 %     4,825,587       115,570     4.82 %  
    Cash and due from banks     31,454                  33,316               
    Premises and equipment, net     9,982                  10,115               
    Goodwill and other intangible assets     173,671                  175,769               
    Other assets     156,347                  151,116               
    Total assets   $ 5,508,878                $ 5,195,903               
                                       
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                      
    Deposits:                                      
    Demand, noninterest-bearing   $ 1,156,854                $ 1,152,111               
                                       
    Demand, interest-bearing     947,137       2,922     0.62 %     926,074       3,273     0.71 %  
    Savings and money market     1,318,018       16,278     2.49 %     1,086,085       14,516     2.69 %  
    Time deposits – under $100     11,420       96     1.70 %     10,962       88     1.61 %  
    Time deposits – $100 and over     233,025       4,124     3.57 %     224,730       4,309     3.86 %  
    ICS/CDARS – interest-bearing demand, money market                                  
    and time deposits     1,001,033       12,197     2.46 %     977,385       13,818     2.84 %  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     3,510,633       35,617     2.05 %     3,225,236       36,004     2.24 %  
    Total deposits     4,667,487       35,617     1.54 %     4,377,347       36,004     1.65 %  
                                       
    Short-term borrowings     19           0.00 %     17           0.00 %  
    Subordinated debt, net of issuance costs     39,686       1,075     5.46 %     39,535       1,076     5.47 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     3,550,338       36,692     2.08 %     3,264,788       37,080     2.28 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities and demand,                                  
    noninterest-bearing / cost of funds     4,707,192       36,692     1.57 %     4,416,899       37,080     1.69 %  
    Other liabilities     106,800                 105,304              
    Total liabilities     4,813,992                  4,522,203               
    Shareholders’ equity     694,886                  673,700               
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 5,508,878                $ 5,195,903               
                                         
    Net interest income / margin (3)            88,280     3.47 %            78,490     3.27 %  
    Less tax equivalent adjustment (3)            (115 )                (120 )      
    Net interest income          $ 88,165     3.46 %          $ 78,370     3.27 %  

    (1)Includes loans held-for-sale. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balances.
    (2)Yield amounts earned on loans include fees and costs. The accretion of net deferred loan fees into loan interest income was $467,000 for the first six months of 2025, compared to $277,000 for the six months of 2024. Prepayment fees totaled $697,000 for the first six months of 2025, compared to $78,000 for the first six months of 2024.
    (3)Reflects the FTE adjustment for Federal tax-exempt income based on a 21% tax rate. This is a non-GAAP financial measure as defined and discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial
       Measures” in this press release.

    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    Management considers net income and earnings per share adjusted to exclude the $9.2 million of charges primarily related to a legal settlement in the second quarter and first six months of 2025 as a useful measurement of the Company’s profitability compared to prior periods.

    The following table summarizes components of net income and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated:

                                   
    NET INCOME AND   For the Quarter Ended:
    DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,   September 30,   June 30, 
    (in $000’s, except per share amounts, unaudited)      2025     2025        2024   2024   2024
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 6,389     $ 11,626   $ 10,621   $ 10,507   $ 9,234
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184                  
    Less: related income taxes     (2,618 )                
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)   $ 12,955     $ 11,626   $ 10,621   $ 10,507   $ 9,234
                                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted     61,624,600       61,708,361     61,679,735     61,546,157     61,438,088
                                   
    Reported diluted earnings per share   $ 0.10     $ 0.19   $ 0.17   $ 0.17   $ 0.15
                                   
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share   $ 0.21     $ 0.19   $ 0.17   $ 0.17   $ 0.15
                 
    NET INCOME AND   For the Six Months Ended:
    DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE   June 30,    June 30, 
    (in $000’s, except per share amounts, unaudited)      2025     2024
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 18,015     $ 19,400
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184      
    Less: related income taxes     (2,618 )    
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)   $ 24,581     $ 19,400
                 
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted     61,664,942       61,446,484
                 
    Reported diluted earnings per share   $ 0.29     $ 0.32
                 
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share   $ 0.40     $ 0.32

    Management considers tangible book value per share as a useful measurement of the Company’s equity. The Company references the return on average tangible common equity and the return on average tangible assets as measurements of profitability.

    The following table summarizes components of the tangible book value per share at the dates indicated:

                                     
    TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE   June 30,    March  31,    December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2025     2025     2024        2024    
    Capital components:                                
    Total equity (GAAP)   $ 694,704     $ 696,190     $ 689,727     $ 685,352     $ 679,199    
    Less: preferred stock                                
    Total common equity     694,704       696,190       689,727       685,352       679,199    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (5,532 )     (5,986 )     (6,439 )     (6,966 )     (7,521 )  
    Reported tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     521,541       522,573       515,657       510,755       504,047    
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184                            
    Less: related income taxes     (2,618 )                          
    Adjusted tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 528,107     $ 522,573     $ 515,657     $ 510,755     $ 504,047    
                                     
    Common shares outstanding at period-end     61,446,763       61,611,121       61,348,095       61,297,344       61,292,094    
                                     
    Reported tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 8.49     $ 8.48     $ 8.41     $ 8.33     $ 8.22    
                                     
    Adjusted tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 8.59     $ 8.48     $ 8.41     $ 8.33     $ 8.22    

    The following tables summarize components of the annualized return on average equity, annualized return on average tangible common equity and the annualized return on average assets for the periods indicated:

                                     
    RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE COMMON   For the Quarter Ended:  
    EQUITY AND AVERAGE ASSETS   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2025          2024     2024     2024       
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 6,389     $ 11,626     $ 10,621     $ 10,507     $ 9,234    
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184                            
    Less: related income taxes     (2,618 )                          
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)   $ 12,955     $ 11,626     $ 10,621     $ 10,507     $ 9,234    
                                     
    Average tangible common equity components:                                
    Average equity (GAAP)   $ 697,016     $ 692,733     $ 686,263     $ 680,404     $ 675,108    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (5,817 )     (6,264 )     (6,770 )     (7,322 )     (7,867 )  
    Total average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 523,568     $ 518,838     $ 511,862     $ 505,451     $ 499,610    
                                     
    Annualized return on average equity (GAAP)      3.68      6.81   %    6.16   %    6.14   %    5.50   %
                                     
    Reported annualized return on average                                
    tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     4.89   %     9.09   %     8.25   %     8.27   %     7.43   %  
                                               
    Adjusted annualized return on average                                
    tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     9.92   %     9.09   %     8.25   %     8.27   %     7.43   %  
                                     
    Average assets (GAAP)   $ 5,458,420     $ 5,559,896     $ 5,607,840     $ 5,352,067     $ 5,213,171    
                                     
    Reported annualized return on average assets (GAAP)     0.47   %     0.85   %     0.75   %     0.78   %     0.71   %  
                                     
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.95   %     0.85   %     0.75   %     0.78   %     0.71   %  
                   
    RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE COMMON   For the Six Months Ended:  
    EQUITY AND AVERAGE ASSETS   June 30,    June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2024       
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 18,015     $ 19,400    
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184          
    Less: related income taxes     (2,618 )        
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)   $ 24,581     $ 19,400    
                   
    Average tangible common equity components:              
    Average equity (GAAP)   $ 694,886     $ 673,700    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (6,040 )     (8,138 )  
    Total average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 521,215     $ 497,931    
                   
    Annualized return on average equity (GAAP)      5.23      5.79   %
                   
    Reported annualized return on average              
    tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     6.97   %     7.84   %  
                       
    Adjusted annualized return on average              
    tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     9.51   %     7.84   %  
                   
    Average assets (GAAP)   $ 5,508,878     $ 5,195,903    
                   
    Reported annualized return on average assets (GAAP)     0.66   %     0.75   %  
                   
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.90   %     0.75   %  

    Management reviews yields on certain asset categories and the net interest margin of the Company on an FTE basis. In this non-GAAP presentation, net interest income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt interest income on an equivalent before-tax basis using tax rates effective as of the end of the period. This measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources. The following tables summarize components of FTE net interest income of the Company for the periods indicated:

                                     
        For the Quarter Ended:  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,    September 30,    June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025   2025   2024   2024   2024  
    Net interest income before                                
    credit losses on loans (GAAP)   $ 44,805   $ 43,360   $ 43,595   $ 39,329   $ 38,867  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment on securities –                                
    exempt from Federal tax     57     58     58     59     60  
    Net interest income, FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 44,862   $ 43,418   $ 43,653   $ 39,388   $ 38,927  
                                     
    Average balance of total interest earning assets   $ 5,087,089   $ 5,188,317   $ 5,235,986   $ 4,980,082   $ 4,840,670  
                                     
    Net interest margin (annualized net interest income divided by the                                
    average balance of total interest earnings assets) (GAAP)     3.53 %     3.39 %     3.31 %     3.14 %     3.23 %  
                                     
    Net interest margin, FTE (annualized net interest income, FTE,                                
    divided by the average balance of total                                
    earnings assets) (non-GAAP)     3.54 %     3.39 %     3.32 %     3.15 %     3.23 %  
                   
        For the Six Months Ended:  
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN   June 30,    June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025   2024  
    Net interest income before              
    credit losses on loans (GAAP)   $ 88,165   $ 78,370  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment on securities – exempt from Federal tax     115     120  
    Net interest income, FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 88,280   $ 78,490  
                   
    Average balance of total interest earning assets   $ 5,137,424   $ 4,825,587  
                   
    Net interest margin (annualized net interest income divided by the              
    average balance of total interest earnings assets) (GAAP)     3.46 %     3.27 %  
                   
    Net interest margin, FTE (annualized net interest income, FTE, divided by the              
    average balance of total interest earnings assets) (non-GAAP)     3.47 %     3.27 %  

    Management views its non-GAAP PPNR as a key metric for assessing the Company’s earnings power. The following table summarizes the components of PPNR for the periods indicated:

                                   
        For the Quarter Ended:
    PRE-PROVISION NET REVENUE   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,   September 30,   June 30, 
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Net interest income before credit losses on loans   $ 44,805     $ 43,360     $ 43,595     $ 39,329     $ 38,867  
    Noninterest income     2,977       2,696       2,775       2,826       2,864  
    Total revenue     47,782       46,056       46,370     $ 42,155     $ 41,731  
    Less: Noninterest expense     (38,335 )     (29,456 )     (30,304 )     (27,555 )     (28,188 )
    Reported PPNR (non-GAAP)     9,447       16,600       16,066     $ 14,600     $ 13,543  
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184                          
    Adjusted PPNR (non-GAAP)   $ 18,631     $ 16,600     $ 16,066     $ 14,600     $ 13,543  
                 
        For the Six Months Ended:
    PRE-PROVISION NET REVENUE   June 30,    June 30, 
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2024  
    Net interest income before credit losses on loans   $ 88,165     $ 78,370  
    Noninterest income     5,673       5,501  
    Total revenue     93,838       83,871  
    Less: Noninterest expense     (67,791 )     (55,724 )
    Reported PPNR (non-GAAP)     26,047       28,147  
    Add: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     9,184        
    Adjusted PPNR (non-GAAP)   $ 35,231     $ 28,147  

    The efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by total revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income), and measures how much it costs to produce one dollar of revenue. The following tables summarize components of noninterest expense and the efficiency ratio of the Company for the periods indicated:

                                     
        For the Quarter Ended:  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE AND EFFICIENCY RATIO   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2025   2024   2024   2024  
    Reported noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 38,335     $ 29,456   $ 30,304   $ 27,555   $ 28,188  
    Less: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     (9,184 )                  
    Adjusted noninterest expense (non-GAAP)   $ 29,151     $ 29,456   $ 30,304   $ 27,555   $ 28,188  
                                     
    Net interest income before credit losses on loans   $ 44,805     $ 43,360   $ 43,595   $ 39,329   $ 38,867  
    Noninterest income     2,977       2,696     2,775     2,826     2,864  
    Total revenue   $ 47,782     $ 46,056   $ 46,370   $ 42,155   $ 41,731  
                                     
    Reported efficiency ratio (noninterest expense divided                                
    by total revenue) (non-GAAP)     80.23   %     63.96 %     65.35 %     65.37 %     67.55 %  
                                     
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (adjusted noninterest expense                                
    divided by total revenue) (non-GAAP)     61.01   %     63.96 %     65.35 %     65.37 %     67.55 %  
                   
        For the Six Months Ended:  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE AND EFFICIENCY RATIO   June 30,    June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2024  
    Reported noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 67,791     $ 55,724  
    Less: pre-tax legal settlement and other charges     (9,184 )      
    Adjusted noninterest expense (non-GAAP)   $ 58,607     $ 55,724  
                   
    Net interest income before credit losses on loans   $ 88,165     $ 79,548  
    Noninterest income     5,673       4,323  
    Total revenue   $ 93,838     $ 83,871  
                   
    Reported efficiency ratio (noninterest expense divided              
    by total revenue) (non-GAAP)     72.24   %     66.44 %  
                   
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (adjusted noninterest expense              
    divided by total revenue) (non-GAAP)     62.46   %     66.44 %  

    Management considers the tangible common equity ratio as a useful measurement of the Company’s and the Bank’s equity. The following table summarizes components of the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of the Company at the dates indicated:

                                     
    TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,       September 30,      June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2025        2024        2024        2024    
    Capital components:                                
    Total equity (GAAP)   $ 694,704     $ 696,190     $ 689,727     $ 685,352     $ 679,199    
    Less: preferred stock                                
    Total common equity     694,704       696,190       689,727       685,352       679,199    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (5,532 )     (5,986 )     (6,439 )     (6,966 )     (7,521 )  
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 521,541     $ 522,573     $ 515,657     $ 510,755     $ 504,047    
                                     
    Asset components:                                
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 5,467,237     $ 5,514,255     $ 5,645,006     $ 5,551,596     $ 5,263,024    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (5,532 )     (5,986 )     (6,439 )     (6,966 )     (7,521 )  
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 5,294,074     $ 5,340,638     $ 5,470,936     $ 5,376,999     $ 5,087,872    
                                     
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP)     9.85   %     9.78   %     9.43   %     9.50   %     9.91   %  

    The following table summarizes components of the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio of the Bank at the dates indicated:

                                     
    TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS   June 30,    March 31,    December 31,       September 30,   June 30,   
    (in $000’s, unaudited)      2025     2025        2024        2024        2024    
    Capital components:                                
    Total equity (GAAP)   $ 717,103     $ 715,605     $ 709,379     $ 704,585     $ 697,964    
    Less: preferred stock                                
    Total common equity     717,103       715,605       709,379       704,585       697,964    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (5,532 )     (5,986 )     (6,439 )     (6,966 )     (7,521 )  
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 543,940     $ 541,988     $ 535,309     $ 529,988     $ 522,812    
                                     
    Asset components:                                
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 5,464,618     $ 5,512,160     $ 5,641,646     $ 5,548,576     $ 5,260,500    
    Less: goodwill     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )     (167,631 )  
    Less: other intangible assets     (5,532 )     (5,986 )     (6,439 )     (6,966 )     (7,521 )  
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 5,291,455     $ 5,338,543     $ 5,467,576     $ 5,373,979     $ 5,085,348    
                                     
    Tangible common equity / tangible assets (non-GAAP)     10.28   %     10.15   %     9.79   %     9.86   %     10.28   %  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: US-Philippine Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Thunder 25-2

    Source: United States Airforce

    PACAF participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a unique platform that integrates U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhances interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership

    engagements.

    U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Force members participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a bilateral training conducted across multiple locations in the Philippines. The exercise aimed to strengthen partnerships and support the Philippine Air Force’s modernization efforts, promoting regional and global stability.

    Established in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder provides a unique platform to integrate U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhance interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements. Cope Thunder 25-2 also marked the first time a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II squadron has deployed to the Philippines.

    “It’s obvious that this isn’t a relationship that’s simply on paper,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler, 421st Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’ve been integrating with them for a long time, and their mentality and approach to operations is very similar to ours.”

    Subject matter expert exchanges during the exercise enabled U.S. and Philippine Airmen in similar career fields to share best practices and effective techniques aimed at improving day-to-day operations for both forces. These exchanges included maintenance, firefighting, airfield operations, electromagnetic warfare and basic fighter maneuvers, with U.S. and Philippine pilots flying side by side.

    U.S. Air Force maintainers, assigned to the 421st Mission Generation Force Element, depart the flightline after conducting preflight operations on an F-35A Lightning II during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The exercise enhances interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Philippine Air Force and supported the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)
    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Arnaldo Puente Mendez, 421st Mission Generation Force Element aerospace ground equipment maintainer, briefs Philippine Air Force airmen on a self-generating nitrogen servicing cart during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 9, 2025. During the subject matter expert exchange, U.S. Airmen provided valuable insight into equipment used for aircraft maintenance, supporting Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)
    U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Rico, second to the left, and Capt. Toney Fisher, right, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A pilots, coordinate flight plans with Philippine Air Force pilots during the Cope Thunder 25-2 exercise at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The training conducted between the U.S. and Philippine Air Force strengthens both the ability to respond together for potential future crises, contingencies and natural disasters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown) (Image blurred for operational security)

    “We worked closely with the PAF pilots, and it was clear they are professional and highly capable aviators that employ their weapon systems with skill and precision,” said Capt. Tobey Fisher, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A instructor pilot. “Additionally, this exercise afforded the 421st MGFE the opportunity to operate at a remote airfield with minimal support.”

    The F-35A maintenance team supported Cope Thunder 25-2 with a lean, agile team, operating with roughly one-third of the personnel they typically have at their home station.

    “It’s really cool to see such a small team come here and execute the mission,” said Maj. Clinton Bialcak, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron commander, referring to executing the F-35 maintenance mission. “I think everyone in the region, in the world and in the Department of Defense sees that we can do it and they can rely on us.”

    The U.S. Air Force’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with regional allies and partners.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ECB keeps key interest rates unchanged

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    FRANKFURT AM MAIN, July 24 (Xinhua) — The European Central Bank (ECB) decided to leave key interest rates unchanged at its monetary policy meeting on Thursday.

    The deposit rate, with which the Central Bank regulates monetary policy, remains unchanged at 2 percent.

    According to Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, inflation in the eurozone rose from 1.9 percent in May to 2 percent in June. Domestic price pressures continue to ease and wage growth is slowing, the ECB said in a statement.

    Thus, inflation in the eurozone fluctuates around the target indicator of 2%. The Central Bank has once again confirmed its determination to ensure its stabilization in the medium term.

    “The Governing Council stands ready to adjust all instruments within its mandate to ensure that inflation remains stabilised at the 2% target over the medium term and that the smooth functioning of the monetary policy transmission mechanism is maintained,” the regulator said in a statement. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General, at High-level Political Forum’s Africa Day, Says Investment Crucial for Development in Continent’s ‘Resilient, Determined, Unstoppable’ Nations

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the occasion of Africa Day at the High-level Political Forum 2025:

    It is a great honour to join you here today.

    As we celebrate Africa Day within this High-Level Political Forum, we gather not only to take stock, but to bear witness to something extraordinary:  a continent that refuses to be defined by its starting point but instead chooses to measure itself by how far it has travelled.

    Make no mistake:  Africa began its sustainable development journey on the back foot.  Colonial legacies that took wealth and left behind fractured institutions.  Climate catastrophes that wash away decades of progress in a single season.  Conflicts that force entire populations to abandon everything they have built.  These are daily realities that test the resolve of every African nation.

    Yet here we stand, with 10 countries presenting their Voluntary National Reviews this year as testaments to resilience.  Angola achieving its strongest economic growth in a decade while building over 12,000 new schools.  Ethiopia sustaining remarkable growth while powering its entire electrical grid from renewable sources.  The Gambia driving robust development across agriculture, tourism and services.

    These efforts are part of a broader continental push to realize the vision of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In the Voluntary National Reviews, we see that vision coming to life. More than 100 other Voluntary National Reviews have been prepared in the last decade since the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted and tell promising stories of progress across the Continent.

    But let us be clear on the full scale of the challenges facing Africa.  When a country like Sudan facing conflict sees the vast majority of its factories destroyed with unemployment soaring to crushing levels, we are reminded that progress is neither linear nor guaranteed.

    When young people across our continent still struggle to find decent work, we know that our most precious resource — our youth — still faces barriers that deny them their rightful place in building tomorrow’s Africa.

    When Africa gets the fundamentals right, like quality education for every child, the path to higher ground becomes clearer.  Digital transformation, climate resilience, economic justice:  these are no longer distant summits, but peaks within reach, and Africa has always been a continent of climbers.

    Consider the women breaking barriers across our continent.  In parliaments from Rwanda to Eswatini to Ghana, women are claiming seats of power once denied to them.  Across Lesotho, widows now possess rights over family property that previous generations could never imagine.  Each a seismic shift in how African societies recognize the power and potential of half their population.

    Our youth, too, are not passive recipients of change — they are its architects. From Nigeria’s digital revolution to technology driven governance in Seychelles to Morocco’s role in advancing AI [artificial intelligence] research, young Africans are coding and designing the future every step of the way.

    That said, we should not romanticize the road ahead.  At this moment, at this rate, the SDGs are beyond reach in Africa.  We have five years to 2030.  Five years to transform systems that took decades to build.  Five years to close gaps, and the widest gap remains finance.

    Finance is the engine of progress.  Without it, schools don’t get built, clinics stay empty, and peace remains out of reach. The global financial system is not working for Africa.  Borrowing costs are too high, debt burdens are too heavy, and the money that could change lives is tied up in systems that are too slow, too narrow, and too risk averse.

    The Sevilla Commitment is a step forward, a promise to get resources flowing faster, fairer and at the scale we need.  The next five years will test not only our ambition, but our ability to deliver on the most basic promises of dignity and justice — especially in the areas where progress remains most elusive.

    Many women still face gender-based violence that steals their safety, their dignity, and their dreams.  We must dismantle the structural barriers that persist like shadows, following women from childhood through their adult lives.  Our young people deserve more than we have given them.  We must invest urgently in skills development, particularly in the digital and green sectors where Africa can lead the world.

    The bigger picture also betrays an all-too-present imbalance:  too often, African countries are absent from the tables where global decisions are made, yet they are first to feel the impact.

    The Pact for the Future is working to change that.  It calls for more inclusive, representative global governance that reflects today’s realities, not a snapshot of yesterday.  It recognizes that sustainable development cannot be built on a foundation of exclusion, and by adopting the Pact, countries committed to ensuring Africa is where it belongs:  at the table, shaping the decisions that shape our world.  And we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that countries have the UN support and capacity needed to do just that.

    The Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative also builds on the existing reforms and plots an ambitious path forward to ensure that those we serve have the optimal level and type of capacity in country.

    Africa’s journey toward 2030, 2063 and beyond is not a sprint, it’s a relay race, where each nation, each community, each individual, carries the baton forward.

    The Africa Sustainable Development Report that we are launching today represents both the progress, and the challenges, from a continent still writing its greatest chapter.  It is a declaration that future generations will inherit not the limitations we face, but the possibilities we create.  Above all, they speak to a refusal to accept that history determines destiny.

    I want to thank the African Union, the Economic Commission of Africa, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for preparing this crucial piece of work.  Let it be our map for the road ahead.  Let us build on the foundation of commitment it represents.

    The relay baton is in our hands.  The finish line is in sight, and from what I have seen, African nations — resilient, determined, unstoppable — are ready to run.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. Reports Record Fully Diluted EPS of $0.40 for Q2 2025; ROAA of 1.22% and ROAE of 14.29%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: USCB), the holding company for U.S. Century Bank (the “Bank”), reported net income of $8.1 million or $0.40 per fully diluted share for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared with net income of $6.2 million or $0.31 per fully diluted share for the same period in 2024.

    “We are proud to report another consecutive record quarter, with continued improvement in our profitability ratios reflecting the strength of our core operations,” said Luis de la Aguilera, Chairman, President and CEO. “This quarter, NIM reached 3.28%, driven by healthy loan growth and disciplined deposit pricing. We remain focused on sustaining this momentum while prudently managing risk and capital allocation to deliver long-term value to our shareholders.”

    Unless otherwise stated, all percentage comparisons in the bullet points below are calculated at or for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 compared to at or for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and annualized where appropriate.

    Profitability

    • Annualized return on average assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was 1.22% compared to 1.01% for the second quarter of 2024.
    • Annualized return on average stockholders’ equity for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was 14.29% compared to 12.63% for the second quarter of 2024.
    • The efficiency ratio for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was 51.77% compared to 56.33% for the second quarter of 2024.
    • Net interest margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was 3.28% compared to 2.94% for the second quarter of 2024.
    • Net interest income before provision for credit losses was $21.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $3.7 million or 21.5% compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2024.

    Balance Sheet

    • Total assets were $2.7 billion at June 30, 2025, representing an increase of $261.2 million or 10.6% from $2.5 billion at June 30, 2024.
    • Total loans held for investment were $2.1 billion at June 30, 2025, representing an increase of $244.1 million or 13.1% from $1.9 billion at June 30, 2024.
    • Total deposits were $2.3 billion at June 30, 2025, representing an increase of $279.0 million or 13.6% from $2.1 billion at June 30, 2024.
    • Total stockholders’ equity was $231.6 million at June 30, 2025, representing an increase of $30.6 million or 15.2% from $201.0 million at June 30, 2024. Total stockholders’ equity included accumulated comprehensive loss of $41.8 million at June 30, 2025 compared to accumulated comprehensive loss of $44.7 million at June 30, 2024.

    Asset Quality

    • The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) increased by $2.7 million to $24.9 million at June 30, 2025 from $22.2 million at June 30, 2024.
    • The ACL represented 1.18% of total loans at June 30, 2025 and 1.19% at June 30, 2024.
    • The provision for credit loss was $1.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $245 thousand compared to $786 thousand for the same period in 2024.
    • The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.06% at June 30, 2025 and 0.04% at June 30, 2024. Non-performing loans totaled $1.4 million at June 30, 2025 and $758 thousand at June 30, 2024.

    Non-interest Income and Non-interest Expense

    • Non-interest income was $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $159 thousand or 5.0% compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2024.
    • Non-interest expense was $12.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $1.1 million or 9.3% compared to $11.6 million for the same period in 2024.

    Capital

    • On July 21, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. The dividend will be paid on September 5, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2025.
    • As of June 30, 2025, total risk-based capital ratios for the Company and the Bank were 13.73% and 13.67%, respectively, well in excess of regulatory requirements.
    • Tangible book value per common share (a non-GAAP measure) was $11.53 at June 30, 2025, representing an increase of $0.30 or 10.7% annualized from $11.23 at March 31, 2025. At June 30, 2025, tangible book value per common share was negatively affected by ($2.08) per share due to an accumulated comprehensive loss of $41.8 million mostly due to changes in the market value of the Company’s available for sale securities. At March 31, 2025, tangible book value per common share was negatively affected by ($2.05) per share due to an accumulated comprehensive loss of $41.1 million.

    Conference Call and Webcast

    The Company will host a conference call on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. To access the conference call, dial (833) 816-1416 (U.S. toll-free) and ask to join the USCB Financial Holdings Call.

    Additionally, interested parties can listen to a live webcast of the call in the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at www.uscentury.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available in the same location shortly after the live call has ended.

    About USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.

    USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. is the bank holding company for U.S. Century Bank. Established in 2002, U.S. Century Bank is one of the largest community banks headquartered in Miami, and one of the largest community banks in the State of Florida. U.S. Century Bank is rated 5-Stars by BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. U.S. Century Bank offers customers a wide range of financial products and services and supports numerous community organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and ChamberSouth. For more information about us or to find a banking center near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit www.uscentury.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release may contain statements that are not historical in nature and are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are those that are not historical facts. The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “aim,” “plan,” “estimate,” “seek,” “continue,” and “intend,”, the negative of these terms, as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our projected growth, anticipated future financial performance, and management’s long-term performance goals, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on our results of operations and financial condition from expected or potential developments or events, or business and growth strategies, including anticipated internal growth and balance sheet restructuring.

    These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

    • the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations;
    • our ability to successfully manage interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and other risks inherent to our industry;
    • the accuracy of our financial statement estimates and assumptions, including the estimates used for our credit loss reserve and deferred tax asset valuation allowance;
    • the efficiency and effectiveness of our internal control procedures and processes;
    • our ability to comply with the extensive laws and regulations to which we are subject, including the laws for each jurisdiction where we operate;
    • adverse changes or conditions in capital and financial markets, including actual or potential stresses in the banking industry;
    • deposit attrition and the level of our uninsured deposits;
    • legislative or regulatory changes and changes in accounting principles, policies, practices or guidelines, including the on-going effects of the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) standard;
    • the lack of a significantly diversified loan portfolio and our concentration in the South Florida market, including the risks of geographic, depositor, and industry concentrations, including our concentration in loans secured by real estate, in particular, commercial real estate;
    • the effects of climate change;
    • the concentration of ownership of our common stock;
    • fluctuations in the price of our common stock;
    • our ability to fund or access the capital markets at attractive rates and terms and manage our growth, both organic growth as well as growth through other means, such as future acquisitions;
    • inflation, interest rate, unemployment rate, and market and monetary fluctuations;
    • the effects of potential new or increased tariffs and trade restrictions;
    • the impact of international hostilities and geopolitical events;
    • increased competition and its effect on the pricing of our products and services as well as our interest rate spread and net interest margin;
    • the loss of key employees;
    • the effectiveness of our risk management strategies, including operational risks, including, but not limited to, client, employee, or third-party fraud and security breaches; and
    • other risks described in this earnings release and other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    All forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates of future results, and there can be no assurance  that actual results will not differ materially from expectations. Therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Further, forward-looking statements included in this earnings release are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless required to do so under the federal securities laws. You should also review the risk factors described in the reports the Company filed or will file with the SEC.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This earnings release includes financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This financial information includes certain operating performance measures. Management has included these non-GAAP measures because it believes these measures may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating the Company’s operations and underlying performance trends. Further, management uses these measures in managing and evaluating the Company’s business and intends to refer to them in discussions about our operations and performance. Operating performance measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures can be found in the ‘Non-GAAP Reconciliation Tables’ included in the exhibits to this earnings release.

    All numbers included in this press release are unaudited unless otherwise noted.

    Contacts:

    Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@uscentury.com 

    Media Relations
    Martha Guerra-Kattou
    MGuerra@uscentury.com 

    USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                           
      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
    Interest income:                      
    Loans, including fees $ 31,946   $ 28,017   $ 62,191   $ 54,660
    Investment securities   3,432     3,069     6,456     5,880
    Interest-bearing deposits in financial institutions   776     1,531     1,485     2,964
    Total interest income   36,154     32,617     70,132     63,504
    Interest expense:                      
    Interest-bearing checking deposits   285     391     623     760
    Savings and money market deposits   9,410     10,071     18,745     20,465
    Time deposits   4,343     3,222     8,261     6,516
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   1,082     1,622     2,354     3,294
    Total interest expense   15,120     15,306     29,983     31,035
    Net interest income before provision for credit losses   21,034     17,311     40,149     32,469
    Provision for credit losses   1,031     786     1,712     1,196
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   20,003     16,525     38,437     31,273
    Non-interest income:                          
    Service fees   2,402     1,977     4,733     3,628
    Gain on sale of securities available for sale, net       14         14
    Gain on sale of loans held for sale, net   151     417     676     484
    Other non-interest income   817     803     1,677     1,549
    Total non-interest income   3,370     3,211     7,086     5,675
    Non-interest expense:                          
    Salaries and employee benefits   7,954     7,353     15,590     13,663
    Occupancy   1,337     1,266     2,621     2,580
    Regulatory assessments and fees   396     476     817     909
    Consulting and legal fees   263     263     456     855
    Network and information technology services   564     479     1,069     986
    Other operating expense   2,120     1,723     4,133     3,741
    Total non-interest expense   12,634     11,560     24,686     22,734
    Net income before income tax expense   10,739     8,176     20,837     14,214
    Income tax expense   2,599     1,967     5,039     3,393
    Net income $ 8,140   $ 6,209   $ 15,798   $ 10,821
    Per share information:                      
    Net income per common share, basic $ 0.41   $ 0.32   $ 0.79   $ 0.55
    Net income per common share, diluted $ 0.40   $ 0.31   $ 0.78   $ 0.55
    Cash dividends declared $ 0.10   $ 0.05   $ 0.20   $ 0.10
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                      
    Common shares, basic   20,059,264     19,650,681     20,040,205     19,642,006
    Common shares, diluted   20,295,794     19,717,167     20,299,585     19,707,561
                           
     
    USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
      As of or For the Three Months Ended
      6/30/2025   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024
    Income statement data:                            
    Net interest income before provision for credit losses $ 21,034     $ 19,115     $ 19,358     $ 18,109     $ 17,311  
    Provision for credit losses   1,031       681       1,030       931       786  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   20,003       18,434       18,328       17,178       16,525  
    Service fees   2,402       2,331       2,667       2,544       1,977  
    Gain on sale of securities available for sale, net                           14  
    Gain on sale of loans held for sale, net   151       525       154       109       417  
    Other non-interest income   817       860       806       785       803  
    Total non-interest income   3,370       3,716       3,627       3,438       3,211  
    Salaries and employee benefits   7,954       7,636       7,930       7,200       7,353  
    Occupancy   1,337       1,284       1,337       1,341       1,266  
    Regulatory assessments and fees   396       421       405       452       476  
    Consulting and legal fees   263       193       552       161       263  
    Network and information technology services   564       505       494       513       479  
    Other operating expense   2,120       2,013       2,136       1,787       1,723  
    Total non-interest expense   12,634       12,052       12,854       11,454       11,560  
    Net income before income tax expense   10,739       10,098       9,101       9,162       8,176  
    Income tax expense   2,599       2,440       2,197       2,213       1,967  
    Net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,209  
    Per share information:                            
    Net income per common share, basic $ 0.41     $ 0.38     $ 0.35     $ 0.35     $ 0.32  
    Net income per common share, diluted $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.34     $ 0.35     $ 0.31  
    Cash dividends declared $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.05     $ 0.05     $ 0.05  
    Balance sheet data (at period-end):                            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 54,819     $ 97,984     $ 77,035     $ 38,486     $ 77,261  
    Securities available-for-sale $ 285,382     $ 275,139     $ 260,221     $ 259,527     $ 236,444  
    Securities held-to-maturity $ 158,740     $ 161,790     $ 164,694     $ 167,001     $ 169,606  
    Total securities $ 444,122     $ 436,929     $ 424,915     $ 426,528     $ 406,050  
    Loans held for investment (1) $ 2,113,318     $ 2,036,212     $ 1,972,848     $ 1,931,362     $ 1,869,249  
    Allowance for credit losses $ (24,933 )   $ (24,740 )   $ (24,070 )   $ (23,067 )   $ (22,230 )
    Total assets $ 2,719,474     $ 2,677,382     $ 2,581,216     $ 2,503,954     $ 2,458,270  
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposits $ 584,895     $ 605,489     $ 575,159     $ 637,313     $ 579,243  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 1,750,766     $ 1,704,080     $ 1,598,845     $ 1,489,304     $ 1,477,459  
    Total deposits $ 2,335,661     $ 2,309,569     $ 2,174,004     $ 2,126,617     $ 2,056,702  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings $ 108,000     $ 108,000     $ 163,000     $ 118,000     $ 162,000  
    Total liabilities $ 2,487,891     $ 2,452,294     $ 2,365,828     $ 2,290,038     $ 2,257,250  
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 231,583     $ 225,088     $ 215,388     $ 213,916     $ 201,020  
    Capital ratios:(2)                            
    Leverage ratio   9.72 %     9.61 %     9.53 %     9.34 %     9.03 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital   12.52 %     12.48 %     12.28 %     12.01 %     11.93 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.52 %     12.48 %     12.28 %     12.01 %     11.93 %
    Total risk-based capital   13.73 %     13.72 %     13.51 %     13.22 %     13.12 %
                                 
    (1) Loan amounts include deferred fees/costs.
    (2) Reflects the Company’s regulatory capital ratios which are provided for informational purposes only; as a small bank holding company, the Company is not subject to regulatory capital requirements. The Bank’s total risk-based capital at June 30, 2025 was 13.67%.
     
    USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    AVERAGE BALANCES, RATIOS, AND OTHER DATA (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                                 
      As of or For the Three Months Ended
      6/30/2025   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024
    Average balance sheet data:                            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 71,388     $ 82,610     $ 56,937     $ 87,937     $ 107,831  
    Securities available-for-sale $ 281,840     $ 265,154     $ 255,786     $ 244,882     $ 263,345  
    Securities held-to-maturity $ 160,443     $ 163,510     $ 165,831     $ 168,632     $ 171,682  
    Total securities $ 442,283     $ 428,664     $ 421,617     $ 413,514     $ 435,027  
    Loans held for investment(1) $ 2,057,445     $ 1,986,856     $ 1,958,566     $ 1,878,230     $ 1,828,487  
    Total assets $ 2,677,198     $ 2,606,593     $ 2,544,592     $ 2,485,434     $ 2,479,222  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 1,710,568     $ 1,652,147     $ 1,547,789     $ 1,468,067     $ 1,473,513  
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposits $ 580,121     $ 563,040     $ 590,829     $ 609,456     $ 610,370  
    Total deposits $ 2,290,689     $ 2,215,187     $ 2,138,618     $ 2,077,523     $ 2,083,883  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings $ 116,527     $ 138,944     $ 151,804     $ 156,043     $ 162,000  
    Total liabilities $ 2,448,706     $ 2,387,088     $ 2,328,877     $ 2,278,793     $ 2,281,467  
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 228,492     $ 219,505     $ 215,715     $ 206,641     $ 197,755  
    Performance ratios:                            
    Return on average assets (2)   1.22 %     1.19 %     1.08 %     1.11 %     1.01 %
    Return on average equity (2)   14.29 %     14.15 %     12.73 %     13.38 %     12.63 %
    Net interest margin (2)   3.28 %     3.10 %     3.16 %     3.03 %     2.94 %
    Non-interest income to average assets (2)   0.50 %     0.58 %     0.57 %     0.55 %     0.52 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets (2)   1.89 %     1.88 %     2.01 %     1.83 %     1.88 %
    Efficiency ratio (3)   51.77 %     52.79 %     55.92 %     53.16 %     56.33 %
    Loans by type (at period end): (4)                            
    Residential real estate $ 307,020     $ 301,164     $ 289,961     $ 283,477     $ 256,807  
    Commercial real estate $ 1,206,621     $ 1,150,129     $ 1,136,417     $ 1,095,112     $ 1,053,030  
    Commercial and industrial $ 263,966     $ 256,326     $ 258,311     $ 246,539     $ 248,525  
    Correspondent banks $ 110,155     $ 103,026     $ 82,438     $ 103,815     $ 112,510  
    Consumer and other $ 218,426     $ 218,711     $ 198,091     $ 198,604     $ 194,644  
    Asset quality data:                            
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.18 %     1.22 %     1.22 %     1.19 %     1.19 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans   1825 %     595 %     889 %     846 %     2,933 %
    Total non-performing loans(5) $ 1,366     $ 4,156     $ 2,707     $ 2,725     $ 758  
    Non-performing loans to total loans   0.06 %     0.20 %     0.14 %     0.14 %     0.04 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets(5)   0.05 %     0.16 %     0.10 %     0.11 %     0.03 %
    Net charge-offs (recoveries of) to average loans (2)   0.14 %     0.00 %     (0.00 )%     (0.00 )%     (0.00 )%
    Net charge-offs (recovery) of credit losses $ 702     $ 2     $ (11 )   $ (6 )   $ (2 )
    Interest rates and yields:(2)                            
    Loans held for investment   6.23 %     6.17 %     6.25 %     6.32 %     6.16 %
    Investment securities   3.06 %     2.81 %     2.63 %     2.61 %     2.80 %
    Total interest-earning assets   5.64 %     5.51 %     5.57 %     5.61 %     5.54 %
    Deposits(6)   2.46 %     2.49 %     2.48 %     2.66 %     2.64 %
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   3.72 %     3.71 %     3.81 %     4.05 %     4.03 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.32 %     3.37 %     3.47 %     3.79 %     3.76 %
    Other information:                            
    Full-time equivalent employees   203       201       199       198       197  
                                 
    (1) Loan amounts include deferred fees/costs.
    (2) Annualized.
    (3) Efficiency ratio is defined as total non-interest expense divided by sum of net interest income and total non-interest income.
    (4) Loan amounts exclude deferred fees/costs.
    (5) The amounts for total non-performing loans and total non-performing assets are the same at the dates presented since there was no other real estate owned (OREO) recorded at any of the dates presented.
    (6) Reflects effect of non-interest-bearing deposits.
     
    USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                                   
      Three Months Ended June 30,
      2025   2024
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate (1)   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate (1)
    Assets                              
    Interest-earning assets:                              
    Loans held for investment(2) $ 2,057,445   $ 31,946   6.23 %   $ 1,828,487   $ 28,017   6.16 %
    Investment securities (3)   449,624     3,432   3.06 %     440,559     3,069   2.80 %
    Other interest-earning assets   63,974     776   4.87 %     100,371     1,531   6.13 %
    Total interest-earning assets   2,571,043     36,154   5.64 %     2,369,417     32,617   5.54 %
    Non-interest-earning assets   106,155                 109,805            
    Total assets $ 2,677,198             $ 2,479,222          
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                                    
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
    Interest-bearing checking deposits $ 46,694     285   2.45 %   $ 56,369     391   2.79 %
    Saving and money market deposits   1,211,513     9,410   3.12 %     1,101,272     10,071   3.68 %
    Time deposits   452,361     4,343   3.85 %     315,872     3,222   4.10 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,710,568     14,038   3.29 %     1,473,513     13,684   3.74 %
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   116,527     1,082   3.72 %     162,000     1,622   4.03 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,827,095     15,120   3.32 %     1,635,513     15,306   3.76 %
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   580,121                 610,370             
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   41,490               35,584          
    Total liabilities   2,448,706                 2,281,467            
    Stockholders’ equity   228,492               197,755          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,677,198               $ 2,479,222            
    Net interest income       $ 21,034             $ 17,311    
    Net interest spread (4)             2.32 %               1.78 %
    Net interest margin (5)             3.28 %               2.94 %
                                   
    (1) Annualized.
    (2) Average loan balances include non-accrual loans. Interest income on loans includes accretion of deferred loan fees, net of deferred loan costs.
    (3) At fair value except for securities held to maturity. This amount includes FHLB stock.
    (4) Net interest spread is the average yield earned on total interest-earning assets minus the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities.
    (5) Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to total interest-earning assets.
     
    USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollars in thousands)
                                 
      As of or For the Three Months Ended
      6/30/2025   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024
    Pre-tax pre-provision (“PTPP”) income:(1)                            
    Net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,209  
    Plus: Provision for income taxes   2,599       2,440       2,197       2,213       1,967  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses   1,031       681       1,030       931       786  
    PTPP income $ 11,770     $ 10,779     $ 10,131     $ 10,093     $ 8,962  
                                 
    PTPP return on average assets:(1)                                 
    PTPP income $ 11,770     $ 10,779     $ 10,131     $ 10,093     $ 8,962  
    Average assets $ 2,677,198     $ 2,606,593     $ 2,544,592     $ 2,485,434     $ 2,479,222  
    PTPP return on average assets (2)   1.76 %     1.68 %     1.58 %     1.62 %     1.45 %
                                      
    Operating net income:(1)                            
    Net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,209  
    Less: Net gains on sale of securities                           14  
    Less: Tax effect on sale of securities                           (4 )
    Operating net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,199  
                                      
    Operating PTPP income:(1)                            
    PTPP income $ 11,770     $ 10,779     $ 10,131     $ 10,093     $ 8,962  
    Less: Net gains on sale of securities                           14  
    Operating PTPP income $ 11,770     $ 10,779     $ 10,131     $ 10,093     $ 8,948  
                                 
    Operating PTPP return on average assets:(1)                                 
    Operating PTPP income $ 11,770     $ 10,779     $ 10,131     $ 10,093     $ 8,948  
    Average assets $ 2,677,198     $ 2,606,593     $ 2,544,592     $ 2,485,434     $ 2,479,222  
    Operating PTPP return on average assets (2)   1.76 %     1.68 %     1.58 %     1.62 %     1.45 %
                                      
    Operating return on average assets:(1)                            
    Operating net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,199  
    Average assets $ 2,677,198     $ 2,606,593     $ 2,544,592     $ 2,485,434     $ 2,479,222  
    Operating return on average assets (2)   1.22 %     1.19 %     1.08 %     1.11 %     1.01 %
                                 
    Operating return on average equity:(1)                            
    Operating net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,199  
    Average equity $ 228,492     $ 219,505     $ 215,715     $ 206,641     $ 197,755  
    Operating return on average equity (2)   14.29 %     14.15 %     12.73 %     13.38 %     12.61 %
                                 
    Operating Revenue:(1)                            
    Net interest income $ 21,034     $ 19,115     $ 19,358     $ 18,109     $ 17,311  
    Non-interest income   3,370       3,716       3,627       3,438       3,211  
    Less: Net gains on sale of securities                           14  
    Operating revenue $ 24,404     $ 22,831     $ 22,985     $ 21,547     $ 20,508  
                                 
    Operating Efficiency Ratio:(1)                            
    Total non-interest expense $ 12,634     $ 12,052     $ 12,854     $ 11,454     $ 11,560  
    Operating revenue $ 24,404     $ 22,831     $ 22,985     $ 21,547     $ 20,508  
    Operating efficiency ratio   51.77 %     52.79 %     55.92 %     53.16 %     56.37 %
                                 
    (1) The Company believes these non-GAAP measurements are key indicators of the ongoing earnings power of the Company.
    (2) Annualized.
     
    USCB FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
      As of or For the Three Months Ended
      6/30/2025   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024
    Tangible book value per common share (at period-end):(1)                            
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 231,583     $ 225,088     $ 215,388     $ 213,916     $ 201,020  
    Less: Intangible assets                            
    Tangible stockholders’ equity $ 231,583     $ 225,088     $ 215,388     $ 213,916     $ 201,020  
    Total shares issued and outstanding (at period-end):                            
    Total common shares issued and outstanding   20,078,385       20,048,385       19,924,632       19,620,632       19,630,632  
    Tangible book value per common share(2) $ 11.53     $ 11.23     $ 10.81     $ 10.90     $ 10.24  
                                 
    Operating diluted net income per common share:(1)                            
    Operating net income $ 8,140     $ 7,658     $ 6,904     $ 6,949     $ 6,199  
    Total weighted average diluted shares of common stock   20,295,794       20,319,535       20,183,731       19,825,211       19,717,167  
    Operating diluted net income per common share: $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.34     $ 0.35     $ 0.31  
                                 
    Tangible Common Equity/Tangible Assets(1)                            
    Tangible stockholders’ equity $ 231,583     $ 225,088     $ 215,388     $ 213,916     $ 201,020  
    Tangible total assets(3) $ 2,719,474     $ 2,677,382     $ 2,581,216     $ 2,503,954     $ 2,458,270  
    Tangible Common Equity/Tangible Assets   8.52 %     8.41 %     8.34 %     8.54 %     8.18 %
                                 
    (1) The Company believes these non-GAAP measurements are key indicators of the ongoing earnings power of the Company.
    (2) Excludes the dilutive effect, if any, of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options.
    (3) Since the Company has no intangible assets, tangible total assets is the same amount as total assets calculated under GAAP.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Main Street Financial Services Corp. Announces Earnings for Second Quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Business Highlights

    • Core net income (non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2025 totaled $4.1 million, or $0.52 per common share
    • Deposit growth of $52.9 million, or 17.9% annualized, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025
    • Loan growth of $29.8 million, or 10.5% annualized, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025
    • Continued reduction of wholesale funding by $15 million during the second quarter of 2025. The wholesale funding balance decreased to $54 million, or 3.7% of assets, as of June 30, 2025.
    • Received regulatory approval to open retail branch office in St. Clairsville, Ohio, with an expected opening in Q3 2025
    • Declared cash dividend of $0.14 per share on July 11, 2025

    WOOSTER, Ohio, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Main Street Financial Services Corp. (OTCQX: MSWV), (the “Company”), the holding company parent of Main Street Bank Corp. reported a net income of $3.7 million, or $0.47 per common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Core net income, which excludes nonrecurring items and represents the Company’s earnings from ongoing operations, was $4.1 million, or $0.52 per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Core return on average equity and core return on average assets for the second quarter of 2025 were 14.94% and 1.14%, compared to 9.56% and 0.77%, for the second quarter of 2024.

    The Company announced a merger of equals transaction with Wayne Savings Bancshares, Inc. (“Legacy Wayne”) on February 23, 2023. On May 31, 2024 (the “Merger Date”), the Company completed the transaction, forming a financial holding company with assets of $1.4 billion. On the Merger Date, Legacy Wayne merged with and into Main Street, with Main Street surviving the merger (the “Merger”). Immediately following the Merger, Main Street’s wholly owned bank subsidiary, Main Street Bank Corp., merged with and into Wayne Savings Community Bank, with Wayne Savings Community Bank surviving the merger. Upon completion of the Merger, Wayne Savings Community Bank was renamed Main Street Bank Corp.

    The Merger was accounted for as a reverse merger using the acquisition method of accounting, therefore, Legacy Wayne was deemed the acquirer for financial reporting purposes, even though Main Street was the legal acquirer. Accordingly, Legacy Wayne’s historical financial statements are the historical financial statements of the combined company for all periods before the Merger Date. Our consolidated statements of income for the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and forward, include the results from Main Street on and after May 31, 2024. Results for periods before May 31, 2024, reflect only those of Legacy Wayne and do not include the consolidated statements of income of Main Street. Accordingly, comparisons of our results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, with those of prior periods may not be meaningful. The number of shares issued and outstanding, earnings per share, dividends paid and all references to share quantities of Main Street have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the equivalent number of shares issued in the Merger.

    Mark Witmer, Chairman, President and CEO commented “Our core earnings this quarter highlight the strength of our banking franchise and the continued confidence of our customers. We remain focused on relationship-driven banking, disciplined risk management, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders.”

    Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Net interest income was $12.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 95% from $6.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The net interest margin of 3.68% for the second quarter of 2025 increased 99 basis points from 2.69% for the second quarter of 2024. Loan yields were 6.48% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 70 basis points when compared to 5.78% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. During the second quarter of 2025, $51.6 million of the existing loan portfolio repriced and the bank funded $78.1 million in term loans and lines of credit at current market rates. Investment yields increased 176 basis points to 4.02% as of June 30, 2025, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The cost of funds for the second quarter of 2025 was 2.53%, a decrease of 16 basis points when compared to the second quarter of 2024. The cost of funds is impacted by the acquisition of new deposit accounts in the local market at rates lower than wholesale funding, such as FHLB advances. The cost of deposits was 2.37% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, a 13 basis point increase when compared to 2.24% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The cost of borrowings for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 totaled 4.84%, a decrease of 109 basis points when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    A provision for credit losses and unfunded commitments of $374,000 was recorded for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. During the quarter, the Company recognized $148,000 in charge-offs and $114,000 in recoveries, reflecting relatively stable asset quality.

    Noninterest income totaled $0.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $190,000, or 26.5%, when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase in noninterest income is primarily attributed to interchange fees and service charges generated from the acquired deposit accounts.

    Noninterest expense totaled $8.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $1.6 million when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase reflects a full quarter of combined expenses after the merger. The Company incurred approximately $0.5 million in one-time termination expenses. These costs are nonrecurring in nature and are not indicative of ongoing operational trends. No further expenses related to this matter are anticipated.

    Provision for income taxes for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was $1.0 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 21%.

    June 30, 2025 Financial Condition

    At June 30, 2025, the Company had total assets of $1.45 billion with net loan balances totaling $1.16 billion. Loan balances grew by $29.8 million, or 17.9% annualized, during the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily attributed to $33.6 million growth in the commercial loan portfolio.

    The allowance for credit losses was $12.4 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $11.8 million at December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans was 1.06% for June 30, 2025 and 1.05% for December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses and the related provision for credit losses is based on management’s judgment and evaluation of the loan portfolio. Management believes the current allowance for credit losses is adequate, however, changing economic and other conditions may require future adjustments to the allowance for credit losses.

    Total nonperforming loans (NPLs) was $4.7 million at June 30, 2025, a decrease from $6.1 million at December 31, 2024. The NPL to net loan receivable ratio was 0.41% as of June 30, 2025. Past due loan balances of 30 days and more decreased from $13.8 million at December 31, 2024, to $5.9 million, or 0.51% of net loans outstanding, at June 30, 2025.

    Improvement in Asset Quality Since Merger Announcement: The combined level of classified loans for Legacy Wayne and Main Street was $24.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Since the merger announcement on February 23, 2023, the management teams of both Main Street and Wayne invested a great deal of time ensuring our combined organization utilizes strong underwriting standards and proactively monitors credit quality. Main Street sold approximately $15.2 million of loans in August 2023 and April 2024, of which approximately $12.7 million were classified loans. As of June 30, 2025, the resultant Company has $11.3 million of classified loans.

    Total liabilities was $1.33 billion at June 30, 2025 with deposits totaling $1.24 billion and wholesale funding totaling $54.0 million. Deposits grew by $52.9 million, or 17.9% annualized, during the second quarter of 2025, mainly attributed to growth from Maximize Money Market accounts and the Short-Term Relationship Certificates of Deposits. The Company primarily utilizes FHLB advances as the primary source of wholesale funding due to their accessibility and alignment with prevailing market rates. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company reduced the reliance on FHLB advances by $10 million.

    Total stockholders’ equity was $116.6 million at June 30, 2025, an increase of $5.9 million when compared to the December 31, 2024 balance. Total stockholders’ equity increased during the second quarter of 2025 primarily from net income of $3.7 million, partially offset by dividends of $1.1 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.0 million.

    Main Street Financial Services Corp. is a holding company headquartered in Wooster, Ohio. Its primary subsidiary, Main Street Bank Corp. was founded in 1899 and provides full-service banking, commercial lending, and mortgage services across its branch infrastructure. Today, Main Street Bank Corp. operates 19 branch locations in Wooster, Ohio, Wheeling, West Virginia and other surrounding communities in Ohio and West Virginia. Additional information about Main Street Bank Corp. is available at www.mymainstreetbank.bank.

    Non-GAAP Disclosure
    This press release includes disclosures of the Company’s return on average equity, return on average assets, net income, and efficiency ratios which exclude amounts the Company views as unrelated to its normalized operations, including securities gains/losses, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, legal settlements, and system conversion costs. The financial measures are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flow that excludes or includes amounts that are required to be disclosed by GAAP. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the underlying operational results and trends and the Company’s marketplace performance. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the numbers prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Forward-LookingStatements
    This release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts and that are intended to be “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the Company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this release that are not historical facts and pertain to the Company’s future operating results. When used in this release, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements, because such statements are inherently subject to significant assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company’s control. These include but are not limited to: the possibility of adverse economic developments that may, among other things, increase default and delinquency risks in the Company’s loan portfolios; shifts in interest rates; shifts in the rate of inflation; shifts in the demand for the Company’s loan and other products; unforeseen increases in costs and expenses; lower-than-expected revenue or cost savings in connection with acquisitions; changes in accounting policies; changes in the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; and changes in laws, regulations and the competitive environment. Unless legally required, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact Information:
    Matthew Hartzler
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    (330) 264-5767

       
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.  
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data – unaudited)  
      June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024  
    ASSETS        
             
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 52,381   $ 54,422  
    Securities, net (1) 158,189   163,819  
    Loans held for sale 168    
    Loans receivable, net 1,161,450   1,113,900  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock 4,567   5,924  
    Premises & equipment, net 7,884   8,013  
    Bank-owned life insurance 22,036   22,155  
    Other assets 42,096   41,368  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,448,771   $ 1,409,601  
             
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
             
    Deposit accounts $ 1,237,600   $ 1,156,327  
    Other borrowings 28,238   28,399  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 54,000   100,000  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities 12,371   14,239  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,332,209   1,298,965  
             
             
    Common stock (7,829,127 shares of $1.00 par value issued) 7,829   7,801  
    Additional paid-in capital 56,656   56,387  
    Retained earnings 62,479   57,356  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (10,402)   (10,908)  
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 116,562   110,636  
             
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,448,771   $ 1,409,601  
             
    (1) Includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity classifications.  
    Note: The December 31, 2024 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet has been derived from the audited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date.  
             
     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data – unaudited)
                   
                   
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30,   June 30,
        2025     2024       2025     2024  
                   
    Interest income $ 20,698   $ 12,572     $ 40,096   $ 22,266  
    Interest expense   8,241     6,185       16,114     10,826  
    Net interest income   12,457     6,387       23,982     11,440  
    Provision for credit losses   374     4,720       619     4,595  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   12,083     1,666       23,363     6,845  
    Non-interest income   906     716       1,725     1,394  
    Non-interest expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits   4,361     2,889       8,077     4,889  
    Net occupancy and equipment expense   1,405     823       2,880     1,505  
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   207     179       378     322  
    Franchise taxes   105     180       210     307  
    Advertising and marketing   190     150       360     218  
    Legal   164     180       247     313  
    Professional fees   365     1,163       724     1,293  
    ATM network   132     266       212     395  
    Auditing and accounting   132     121       308     193  
    Other   1,247     772       2,426     1,222  
    Total non-interest expense   8,308     6,723       15,822     10,657  
    Income (loss) before federal income taxes   4,681     (4,341 )     9,266     (2,418 )
    Provision (benefit) for federal income taxes   1,002     (873 )     1,958     (489 )
    Net income (loss) $ 3,679   $ (3,468 )   $ 7,308   $ (1,929 )
                   
    Earnings (net loss) per share              
    Basic $ 0.47   $ (0.68 )   $ 0.94   $ (0.28 )
    Diluted $ 0.47   $ (0.67 )   $ 0.93   $ (0.27 )
                   
     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Selected Condensed Consolidated Financial Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data – unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended
        June   March   December   September
          2025       2025       2024       2024  
                     
    Interest and dividend income   $ 20,699     $ 19,397     $ 19,138     $ 18,930  
    Interest expense     8,241       7,872       8,531       8,308  
    Net interest income     12,457       11,525       10,607       10,622  
    Provision for credit losses     374       245       79       109  
    Net interest income after                
    provision for credit losses     12,083       11,280       10,528       10,513  
    Non-interest income     906       819       1,165       1,600  
    Non-interest expense     8,308       7,514       7,950       7,863  
    Income before federal income taxes     4,681       4,585       3,744       4,251  
    Provision for federal income taxes     1,002       956       558       804  
    Net income   $ 3,679     $ 3,629     $ 3,186     $ 3,446  
                     
    Earnings per share – basic   $ 0.47     $ 0.47     $ 0.41     $ 0.44  
    Earnings per share – diluted   $ 0.47     $ 0.47     $ 0.41     $ 0.44  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14     $ 0.14  
    Return on average assets     1.03 %     1.03 %     0.90 %     1.00 %
    Return on average equity     13.42 %     13.27 %     11.69 %     12.58 %
    Shares outstanding at quarter end     7,829,137       7,801,011       7,801,011       7,801,011  
    Book value per share   $ 14.89     $ 14.73     $ 14.18     $ 14.27  
    Tangible equity per share   $ 12.97     $ 12.73     $ 12.13     $ 12.15  
    Return on common tangible equity     14.49 %     14.62 %     13.46 %     14.54 %
                     
        Three Months Ended
        June   March   December   September
          2024       2024       2023       2023  
                     
    Interest and dividend income   $ 12,572     $ 9,694     $ 9,545     $ 9,078  
    Interest expense     6,185       4,641       4,330       3,673  
    Net interest income     6,387       5,053       5,215       5,405  
    Provision (benefit) for credit losses     4,720       (126 )     4       138  
    Net interest income after                
    provision for credit losses     1,666       5,179       5,211       5,267  
    Non-interest income     716       678       1,017       691  
    Non-interest expense     6,723       3,934       3,748       3,733  
    Income (loss) before federal income taxes     (4,341 )     1,923       2,480       2,225  
    Provision (benefit) for federal income taxes     (873 )     384       443       452  
    Net income (loss)   $ (3,468 )   $ 1,539     $ 2,037     $ 1,773  
                     
    Earnings (loss) per share – basic   $ (0.68 )   $ 0.40     $ 0.53     $ 0.46  
    Earnings (loss) per share – diluted   $ (0.67 )   $ 0.40     $ 0.53     $ 0.46  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13  
    Return on average assets     (1.38 %)     0.76 %     1.02 %     0.91 %
    Return on average equity     (17.16 %)     11.63 %     16.90 %     14.41 %
    Shares outstanding at quarter end     7,787,055       3,840,575       3,839,702       3,837,609  
    Book value per share   $ 13.60     $ 13.81     $ 13.80     $ 12.40  
    Tangible equity per share   $ 11.49     $ 13.36     $ 13.35     $ 11.95  
    Return on common tangible equity     (15.51 %)     12.00 %     15.90 %     15.46 %
                     
     
    MAIN STREET FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
    Non-GAAP reconciliation
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data – unaudited)
         
      For three months ended   For the six months ended
      June,   June,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
                   
    Net Income as reported – GAAP   $ 3,679     $ (3,468 )   $ 7,308     $ (1,929 )
    Effect of merger related expenses (net of tax benefit)           5,399             5,573  
    Effect of termination expenses (net of tax benefit)     416             416        
    Net Income non-GAAP   $ 4,095     $ 1,931     $ 7,724     $ 3,645  
                     
    Earnings per share – GAAP   $ 0.47     $ (0.68 )   $ 0.94     $ (0.43 )
    Effect of merger related expenses           1.05             1.24  
    Effect of termination expenses     0.05             0.05        
    Earnings per share non-GAAP   $ 0.52     $ 0.38     $ 0.99     $ 0.81  
                     
    Return on average assets – GAAP     1.03 %     -1.38 %     1.03 %     -0.43 %
    Effect of merger related expenses           2.15 %           1.24 %
    Effect of termination expenses     0.12 %           0.06 %      
    Return on average assets non-GAAP     1.14 %     0.77 %     1.09 %     0.81 %
                     
    Return on average equity – GAAP     13.42 %     -17.16 %     13.34 %     -6.24 %
    Effect of merger related expenses           26.72 %           18.02 %
    Effect of termination expenses     1.52 %           0.76 %      
    Return on average equity non-GAAP     14.94 %     9.56 %     14.10 %     11.78 %
                     
    Efficiency Ratio – GAAP     62.17 %     94.65 %     61.55 %     83.04 %
    Effect of merger related expenses           -29.42 %           -18.00 %
    Effect of termination expenses     -3.11 %           -1.62 %      
    Efficiency Ratio non-GAAP     59.06 %     65.23 %     59.93 %     65.04 %
                     

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: AI will soon be able to audit all published research – what will that mean for public trust in science?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Kaurov, PhD Candidate in Science and Society, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Jamillah Knowles & Digit/Better Images of AI, CC BY-SA

    Self-correction is fundamental to science. One of its most important forms is peer review, when anonymous experts scrutinise research before it is published. This helps safeguard the accuracy of the written record.

    Yet problems slip through. A range of grassroots and institutional initiatives work to identify problematic papers, strengthen the peer-review process, and clean up the scientific record through retractions or journal closures. But these efforts are imperfect and resource intensive.

    Soon, artificial intelligence (AI) will be able to supercharge these efforts. What might that mean for public trust in science?

    Peer review isn’t catching everything

    In recent decades, the digital age and disciplinary diversification have sparked an explosion in the number of scientific papers being published, the number of journals in existence, and the influence of for-profit publishing.

    This has opened the doors for exploitation. Opportunistic “paper mills” sell quick publication with minimal review to academics desperate for credentials, while publishers generate substantial profits through huge article-processing fees.

    Corporations have also seized the opportunity to fund low-quality research and ghostwrite papers intended to distort the weight of evidence, influence public policy and alter public opinion in favour of their products.

    These ongoing challenges highlight the insufficiency of peer review as the primary guardian of scientific reliability. In response, efforts have sprung up to bolster the integrity of the scientific enterprise.

    Retraction Watch actively tracks withdrawn papers and other academic misconduct. Academic sleuths and initiatives such as Data Collada identify manipulated data and figures.

    Investigative journalists expose corporate influence. A new field of meta-science (science of science) attempts to measure the processes of science and to uncover biases and flaws.

    Not all bad science has a major impact, but some certainly does. It doesn’t just stay within academia; it often seeps into public understanding and policy.

    In a recent investigation, we examined a widely-cited safety review of the herbicide glyphosate, which appeared to be independent and comprehensive. In reality, documents produced during legal proceedings against Monsanto revealed that the paper had been ghostwritten by Monsanto employees and published in a journal with ties to the tobacco industry.

    Even after this was exposed, the paper continued to shape citations, policy documents and Wikipedia pages worldwide.

    When problems like this are uncovered, they can make their way into public conversations, where they are not necessarily perceived as triumphant acts of self-correction. Rather, they may be taken as proof that something is rotten in the state of science. This “science is broken” narrative undermines public trust.

    Scientists know that a lot of scientific work is inconsequential, but the public may interpret this differently.
    Jamillah Knowles & We and AI, CC BY-SA

    AI is already helping police the literature

    Until recently, technological assistance in self-correction was mostly limited to plagiarism detectors. But things are changing. Machine-learning services such as ImageTwin and Proofig now scan millions of figures for signs of duplication, manipulation and AI generation.

    Natural language processing tools flag “tortured phrases” – the telltale word salads of paper mills. Bibliometric dashboards such as one by Semantic Scholar trace whether papers are cited in support or contradiction.

    AI – especially agentic, reasoning-capable models increasingly proficient in mathematics and logic – will soon uncover more subtle flaws.

    For example, the Black Spatula Project explores the ability of the latest AI models to check published mathematical proofs at scale, automatically identifying algebraic inconsistencies that eluded human reviewers. Our own work mentioned above also substantially relies on large language models to process large volumes of text.

    Given full-text access and sufficient computing power, these systems could soon enable a global audit of the scholarly record. A comprehensive audit will likely find some outright fraud and a much larger mass of routine, journeyman work with garden-variety errors.

    We do not know yet how prevalent fraud is, but what we do know is that an awful lot of scientific work is inconsequential. Scientists know this; it’s much discussed that a good deal of published work is never or very rarely cited.

    To outsiders, this revelation may be as jarring as uncovering fraud, because it collides with the image of dramatic, heroic scientific discovery that populates university press releases and trade press treatments.

    What might give this audit added weight is its AI author, which may be seen as (and may in fact be) impartial and competent, and therefore reliable.

    As a result, these findings will be vulnerable to exploitation in disinformation campaigns, particularly since AI is already being used to that end.

    Reframing the scientific ideal

    Safeguarding public trust requires redefining the scientist’s role in more transparent, realistic terms. Much of today’s research is incremental, career‑sustaining work rooted in education, mentorship and public engagement.

    If we are to be honest with ourselves and with the public, we must abandon the incentives that pressure universities and scientific publishers, as well as scientists themselves, to exaggerate the significance of their work. Truly ground-breaking work is rare. But that does not render the rest of scientific work useless.

    A more humble and honest portrayal of the scientist as a contributor to a collective, evolving understanding will be more robust to AI-driven scrutiny than the myth of science as a parade of individual breakthroughs.

    A sweeping, cross-disciplinary audit is on the horizon. It could come from a government watchdog, a think tank, an anti-science group or a corporation seeking to undermine public trust in science.

    Scientists can already anticipate what it will reveal. If the scientific community prepares for the findings – or better still, takes the lead – the audit could inspire a disciplined renewal. But if we delay, the cracks it uncovers may be misinterpreted as fractures in the scientific enterprise itself.

    Science has never derived its strength from infallibility. Its credibility lies in the willingness to correct and repair. We must now demonstrate that willingness publicly, before trust is broken.

    Naomi Oreskes has received funding from various academic and philanthropic organisations. Currently, her research is partly funded by the Rockefeller Family Fund and the Maine Community Fund. She also receives royalties from her publications and honoraria for speaking events.

    Alexander Kaurov does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. AI will soon be able to audit all published research – what will that mean for public trust in science? – https://theconversation.com/ai-will-soon-be-able-to-audit-all-published-research-what-will-that-mean-for-public-trust-in-science-261363

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund Will Host its Q2 2025 Quarterly Webinar on August 7, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund (NYSE: MCN) (the “Fund”) today announced that it plans to host the Fund’s Quarterly Webinar on August 7, 2025 at 11:00 am (Eastern Time). Jared Hagen, Vice President at XA Investments (“XAI”) will moderate the Q&A style webinar with Kimberly Flynn, President at XAI, and Ray Di Bernardo, Portfolio Manager at Madison Investments.

    TO JOIN VIA WEB: Please go to the Knowledge Bank section of xainvestments.com or click here to find the online registration link.

    TO USE YOUR TELEPHONE: After joining via web, if you prefer to use your phone for audio, you must select that option and call in using a number below, based on your current location.

    Dial: (312)-626-6799 or (646)-558-8656 or (267)-831-0333 or (720)-928-9299 or (213)-338-8477
    Webinar ID: 818 2684 2773

    REPLAY: A replay of the webinar will be available in the Knowledge Bank section of xainvestments.com.

    The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its investment objectives by investing in a portfolio consisting primarily of high quality, large and mid-capitalization stocks that are, in the view of the Fund’s Investment sub-adviser, selling at a reasonable price in relation to their long-term earnings growth rates. The Fund will, on an ongoing and consistent basis, sell covered call options on its portfolio stocks to seek to generate current earnings from option premiums. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The Fund’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MCN.

    About XA Investments

    XA Investments LLC (“XAI”) is a Chicago-based firm founded by XMS Capital Partners in 2016. XAI serves as the investment adviser for two listed closed-end funds and an interval closed-end fund, respectively the XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust, the XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund, and the Octagon XAI CLO Income Fund. In addition to investment advisory services, the firm also provides investment fund structuring and consulting services focused on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs. XAI offers custom product build and consulting services, including product development and market research, marketing and fund management. XAI believes that the investing public can benefit from new vehicles to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies and managers. For more information, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    About XMS Capital Partners

    XMS Capital Partners, LLC, established in 2006, is a global, independent, financial services firm providing M&A, corporate advisory and asset management services to clients. It has offices in Chicago, Boston and London. For more information, please visit www.xmscapital.com.

    About Madison Investments

    Madison Investments (Madison) is an independent investment management firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm was founded in 1974, has approximately $28 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, and is recognized as one of the nation’s top investment firms. The firm has managed covered call strategies for over 20 years through various market cycles. Madison offers domestic fixed income, U.S. and international equity, covered call, multi-asset, insurance, and credit union investment management strategies. For more information, please visit www.madisonfunds.com.

    XAI does not provide tax advice; please consult a professional tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation. Income may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as the federal alternative minimum tax.

    Investors should consider the investment objectives and policies, risk considerations, charges and expenses of the Trust carefully before investing. For more information on the Trust, please visit the Trust’s webpage at www.xainvestments.com.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

             
    NOT FDIC INSURED        NO BANK GUARANTEE    MAY LOSE VALUE
             
        Paralel Distributors, LLC – Distributor    
             

    Media Contact:

    Kimberly Flynn, President
    XA Investments LLC
    Phone: 312-374-6931
    Email: kflynn@xainvestments.com
    www.xainvestments.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IOWA CITY, Iowa, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: MOFG) (“we,” “our,” or the “Company”) today reported results for the second quarter of 2025.

    Second Quarter 2025 Summary1

    • Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue increased 15% to $24.5 million2.
      • Net interest margin (tax equivalent) was 3.57%2; core net interest margin expanded 13 basis points (“bps”) to 3.49%.2
      • Noninterest income was $10.2 million.
      • Noninterest expense was $35.8 million.
      • Efficiency ratio improved to 56.20%2 from 59.38%2.
    • Net income of $10.0 million, or $0.48 per diluted common share, reflected credit loss expense of $11.9 million stemming primarily from a single commercial real estate (“CRE”) office credit.
    • Criticized loans ratio improved 32 bps to 5.15%.
    • Allowance for credit losses ratio increased to 1.50%, due primarily to the single CRE office credit.
    • Annualized loan growth of 7.4%.
    • Tangible book value per share of $23.92,2 an increase of 2.4%.
    • Common equity tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio improved 5 bps to 11.02%.
    • Provided notice of redemption for all $65.0 million aggregate principal of the Company’s 5.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2030 set to reprice on July 30th.

    CEO Commentary

    Charles (Chip) Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, “Due to the expertise of our MidWestOne team, we continued to execute well on our 2025 strategic initiatives. Strong loan growth and back book loan re-pricing led to tax equivalent net interest margin expansion of 13 basis points, to 3.57%2, and to 5% linked quarter net interest income growth. Investments in our relationship fee income businesses continue to bear fruit with wealth management, Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and residential mortgage revenues up quarter over quarter.

    We maintained our expense discipline even as we added significant customer facing talent in Denver and the Twin Cities, as well as invested in our platforms to drive internal efficiencies and improve the customer experience.

    Earnings and certain asset quality measures were unfavorably impacted by a single $24 million suburban Twin Cities CRE office credit. The loan was originated in June 2022 and previously classified, but moved to nonaccrual in the second quarter. A receiver is in place, resolution efforts have begun, and a specific reserve was established, which led to an increase in our allowance for credit losses ratio to 1.50%.

    Our balance sheet, capital, and underlying earnings strength position us well for the second half of 2025 as we continue to make significant progress in building a high-performing, relationship-driven community bank.”

    __________________
    1Second Quarter Summary compares to the first quarter of 2025 (the “linked quarter”) unless noted.
    2Non-GAAP measure. See the separate Non-GAAP Measures section for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts and as noted)   As of or for the quarter ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
        2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Financial Results                    
    Revenue   $ 60,231     $ 57,575     $ 57,901     $ 117,806     $ 102,382  
    Credit loss expense     11,889       1,687       1,267       13,576       5,956  
    Noninterest expense     35,767       36,293       35,761       72,060       71,326  
    Net income     9,980       15,138       15,819       25,118       19,088  
    Pre-tax pre-provision net revenue(3)     24,464       21,282       22,140       45,746       31,056  
    Adjusted earnings(3)     10,176       15,301       8,132       25,479       12,621  
    Per Common Share                    
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.48     $ 0.73     $ 1.00     $ 1.20     $ 1.21  
    Adjusted earnings per share(3)     0.49       0.73       0.52       1.22       0.80  
    Book value     28.36       27.85       34.44       28.36       34.44  
    Tangible book value(3)     23.92       23.36       28.27       23.92       28.27  
    Balance Sheet & Credit Quality                    
    Loans In millions   $ 4,381.2     $ 4,304.2     $ 4,287.2     $ 4,381.2     $ 4,287.2  
    Investment securities In millions     1,235.0       1,305.5       1,824.1       1,235.0       1,824.1  
    Deposits In millions     5,388.1       5,489.1       5,412.4       5,388.1       5,412.4  
    Net loan charge-offs In millions     0.2       3.1       0.5       3.3       0.7  
    Allowance for credit losses ratio     1.50 %     1.25 %     1.26 %     1.50 %     1.26 %
    Selected Ratios                    
    Return on average assets     0.65 %     1.00 %     0.95 %     0.82 %     0.58 %
    Net interest margin, tax equivalent(3)     3.57 %     3.44 %     2.41 %     3.51 %     2.37 %
    Return on average equity     6.81 %     10.74 %     11.91 %     8.74 %     7.23 %
    Return on average tangible equity(3)     8.84 %     13.75 %     15.74 %     11.24 %     9.98 %
    Efficiency ratio(3)     56.20 %     59.38 %     56.29 %     57.75 %     62.83 %


    REVENUE REVIEW

    Revenue               Change   Change
                  2Q25 vs   2Q25 vs
    (Dollars in thousands)   2Q25   1Q25   2Q24   1Q25   2Q24
    Net interest income   $ 49,982   $ 47,439   $ 36,347   5 %   38 %
    Noninterest income     10,249     10,136     21,554   1 %   (52)%
    Total revenue, net of interest expense   $ 60,231   $ 57,575   $ 57,901   5 %   4 %

    Total revenue for the second quarter of 2025 increased $2.7 million from the first quarter of 2025 due to higher net interest income and noninterest income during the quarter. When compared to the second quarter of 2024, total revenue increased $2.3 million due to higher net interest income partially offset by lower noninterest income.

    Net interest income of $50.0 million for the second quarter of 2025 increased $2.5 million from the first quarter of 2025 due to higher earning asset volumes and yields and lower funding costs, partially offset by higher funding volumes. When compared to the second quarter of 2024, net interest income increased $13.6 million due to higher earning asset yields and lower funding volumes and costs, partially offset by lower earning asset volumes.

    The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.57%3 in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 3.44%3 in the first quarter of 2025, driven by higher earning asset yields and lower interest bearing liability costs. Total earning asset yield increased 12 bps from the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to an increase of 10 bps in loan yield. Interest bearing liability costs during the second quarter of 2025 decreased 2 bps to 2.39%, primarily due to reductions in long-term debt costs and interest bearing deposits of 13 bps and 2 bps, to 6.28% and 2.29%, respectively, from the first quarter of 2025.

    The Company’s tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.57%3 in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 2.41%3 in the second quarter of 2024, driven by higher earning asset yields and lower interest bearing liability costs. Total earning assets yield increased 75 bps from the second quarter of 2024, primarily due to increases of 189 bps and 12 bps in total investment securities and loan yields, respectively. Interest bearing liability costs decreased 46 bps to 2.39%, due to long-term debt costs of 6.28% and interest bearing deposit costs of 2.29%, which decreased 67 bps, and 25 bps, respectively, from the second quarter of 2024.

    __________________
    3Non-GAAP measure. See the separate Non-GAAP Measures section for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Noninterest Income             Change   Change
                2Q25 vs   2Q25 vs
    (Dollars in thousands) 2Q25   1Q25   2Q24   1Q25   2Q24
    Investment services and trust activities $ 3,705     $ 3,544     $ 3,504   5 %   6 %
    Service charges and fees   2,190       2,131       2,156   3 %   2 %
    Card revenue   1,934       1,744       1,907   11 %   1 %
    Loan revenue   1,417       1,194       1,525   19 %   (7)%
    Bank-owned life insurance   677       1,057       668   (36)%   1 %
    Investment securities gains, net         33       33   (100)%   (100)%
    Other   326       433       11,761   (25)%   (97)%
    Total noninterest income $ 10,249     $ 10,136     $ 21,554   1 %   (52)%
                       
    MSR adjustment (included above in Loan revenue) $ (264 )   $ (213 )   $ 129   24 %   (305)%

    Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $0.1 million from the linked quarter, primarily due to increases of $0.2 million each in loan revenue, card revenue, and investment services and trust activities revenue. The increase in loan revenue was due primarily to a $0.2 million increase in mortgage origination fee revenue, coupled with an increase of $0.2 million in SBA gain on sale revenue. The increase in card revenue was driven primarily by higher interchange fee income. The increase in investment services and trust activities revenue was driven by higher assets under administration. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline of $0.4 million in bank-owned life insurance revenue stemming from the death benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2025.

    Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2025 decreased $11.3 million from the second quarter of 2024 primarily due to the decline in other revenue stemming from the $11.1 million gain realized in connection with the sale of our Florida banking operations in the second quarter of 2024. Also contributing to the decline in noninterest income was a $0.4 million unfavorable change in the fair value of our mortgage servicing rights, which is included in loan revenue, and a decline of $0.4 million in swap origination fee income, which is recorded in other revenue. Partially offsetting these declines was an increase of $0.2 million in investment services and trust activities revenue, driven by higher assets under administration.

    EXPENSE REVIEW

    Noninterest Expense             Change   Change
                2Q25 vs   2Q25 vs
    (Dollars in thousands) 2Q25   1Q25   2Q24   1Q25   2Q24
    Compensation and employee benefits $ 21,011   $ 21,212   $ 20,985   (1)%   %
    Occupancy expense of premises, net   2,540     2,588     2,435   (2)%   4 %
    Equipment   2,550     2,426     2,530   5 %   1 %
    Legal and professional   2,153     2,226     2,253   (3)%   (4)%
    Data processing   1,486     1,698     1,645   (12)%   (10)%
    Marketing   762     552     636   38 %   20 %
    Amortization of intangibles   1,252     1,408     1,593   (11)%   (21)%
    FDIC insurance   851     917     1,051   (7)%   (19)%
    Communications   161     159     191   1 %   (16)%
    Foreclosed assets, net   83     74     138   12 %   (40)%
    Other   2,918     3,033     2,304   (4)%   27 %
    Total noninterest expense $ 35,767   $ 36,293   $ 35,761   (1)%   %
    Merger-related Expenses          
             
    (Dollars in thousands) 2Q25   1Q25   2Q24
    Compensation and employee benefits $   $   $ 73
    Equipment           28
    Legal and professional       40     462
    Data processing           251
    Communications           8
    Other           32
    Total merger-related expenses $   $ 40   $ 854

    Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2025 decreased $0.5 million from the linked quarter, primarily due to decreases of $0.2 million each in data processing, compensation and employee benefits, and amortization of intangibles. The decrease in data processing was primarily driven by a decrease in core banking system costs. The decrease in compensation and employee benefits reflected the receipt of $1.1 million from Employee Retention Credit claims, which was partially offset by higher wage, equity compensation and employee benefits expense.

    Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2025 compared to the prior year was stable at $35.8 million. The $0.6 million increase in other noninterest expense stemmed primarily from customer deposits costs. Further, excluding merger-related expenses, legal and professional costs increased $0.4 million due primarily to higher litigation-related legal expenses. Those increases were partially offset by lower intangible amortization and FDIC insurance costs, which decreased $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

    The Company’s effective tax rate was 20.6% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 22.7% in the linked quarter. The effective income tax rate for the full year 2025 is expected to be 22-23%.

    BALANCE SHEET REVIEW

    Total assets were $6.16 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $6.25 billion at March 31, 2025 and $6.58 billion at June 30, 2024. The decrease from March 31, 2025 was primarily due to lower cash and security volumes, partially offset by higher loan volumes. Compared to June 30, 2024, the decrease was primarily driven by lower security volumes, partially offset by higher loan volumes.

    Loans Held for Investment

    (Dollars in thousands)

    June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024  
    Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total  
    Commercial and industrial $ 1,226,265   28.0 % $ 1,140,138   26.5 % $ 1,120,983   26.1 %
    Agricultural   128,717   2.9     131,409   3.1     107,983   2.5  
    Commercial real estate                        
    Construction and development   280,918   6.4     293,280   6.8     351,646   8.2  
    Farmland   186,494   4.3     180,633   4.2     183,641   4.3  
    Multifamily   438,193   10.0     421,204   9.8     430,054   10.0  
    Other   1,407,469   32.1     1,425,062   33.0     1,348,515   31.5  
    Total commercial real estate   2,313,074   52.8     2,320,179   53.8     2,313,856   54.0  
    Residential real estate                        
    One-to-four family first liens   467,970   10.7     471,688   11.0     492,541   11.5  
    One-to-four family junior liens   188,671   4.3     182,346   4.2     176,105   4.1  
    Total residential real estate   656,641   15.0     654,034   15.2     668,646   15.6  
    Consumer   56,491   1.3     58,424   1.4     75,764   1.8  
    Loans held for investment, net of unearned income $ 4,381,188   100.0 % $ 4,304,184   100.0 % $ 4,287,232   100.0 %
                             
    Total commitments to extend credit $ 1,074,935       $ 1,080,300       $ 1,200,605      

    Loans held for investment, net of unearned income at June 30, 2025 were $4.38 billion, increasing $77.0 million, or 1.8%, from $4.30 billion at March 31, 2025 and increasing $94.0 million, or 2.2%, from $4.29 billion at June 30, 2024. The increases across both periods were primarily driven by organic loan growth and higher line of credit usage.

    Investment Securities(Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024  
    Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total  
    Available for sale $ 1,235,045   100.0 % $ 1,305,530   100.0 % $ 771,034   42.3 %
    Held to maturity     %     %   1,053,080   57.7 %
    Total investment securities $ 1,235,045       $ 1,305,530       $ 1,824,114      

    Investment securities at June 30, 2025 were $1.24 billion, decreasing $70.5 million from March 31, 2025 and decreasing $589.1 million from June 30, 2024. The decrease from the first quarter of 2025 was primarily due to principal cash flows received from scheduled payments, calls, and maturities. The decrease from the second quarter of 2024 stemmed primarily from the sale of debt securities in connection with a balance sheet repositioning, as well as principal cash flows received from scheduled payments, calls, and maturities.

    Deposits June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024  
    (Dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total  
    Noninterest bearing deposits $ 910,693   16.9 % $ 903,714   16.5 % $ 882,472   16.3 %
    Interest checking deposits   1,206,096   22.5     1,283,328   23.3     1,284,243   23.7  
    Money market deposits   971,048   18.0     1,002,066   18.3     1,043,376   19.3  
    Savings deposits   851,636   15.8     877,348   16.0     745,639   13.8  
    Time deposits of $250 and under   837,302   15.5     818,012   14.9     803,301   14.8  
    Total core deposits   4,776,775   88.7     4,884,468   89.0     4,759,031   87.9  
    Brokered time deposits   200,000   3.7     200,000   3.6     196,000   3.6  
    Time deposits over $250   411,323   7.6     404,674   7.4     457,388   8.5  
    Total deposits $ 5,388,098   100.0 % $ 5,489,142   100.0 % $ 5,412,419   100.0 %

    Total deposits at June 30, 2025 were $5.39 billion, decreasing $101.0 million, or 1.8%, from $5.49 billion at March 31, 2025, and decreasing $24.3 million, or 0.4%, from $5.41 billion at June 30, 2024. Noninterest bearing deposits at June 30, 2025 were $910.7 million, an increase of $7.0 million from March 31, 2025 and an increase of $28.2 million from June 30, 2024.

    Borrowed Funds June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024  
    (Dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total  
    Short-term borrowings $   % $ 1,482   1.3 % $ 414,684   78.3 %
    Long-term debt   112,320   100.0 %   111,398   98.7 %   114,839   21.7 %
    Total borrowed funds $ 112,320       $ 112,880       $ 529,523      

    Borrowed funds were $112.3 million at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $0.6 million from March 31, 2025 and a decrease of $417.2 million from June 30, 2024. The decrease compared to the linked quarter was due primarily to lower securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The decrease compared to June 30, 2024 was primarily due to the pay-off of $405.0 million of BTFP borrowings and scheduled payments on long-term debt.

    In June 2025, the Company provided notice to the trustee of its intent to redeem all $65.0 million aggregate principal of its 5.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2030. To complete the redemption, the Company expects to utilize a combination of cash on hand and proceeds from a $50.0 million senior term note. The senior term note is expected to be structured as a 5-year maturity, 7-year amortization facility, and bear interest at a floating rate of 1-month term SOFR plus 1.75%. The financing pursuant to the senior note is expected to close on July 29, 2025, and the redemption is expected to occur on July 30, 2025.

    Capital June 30,   March 31,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands) 2025 (1)     2025       2024  
    Total shareholders’ equity $ 589,040     $ 579,625     $ 543,286  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (57,557 )     (63,098 )     (58,135 )
    MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. Consolidated          
    Tier 1 leverage to average assets ratio   9.62 %     9.50 %     8.29 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio   11.02 %     10.97 %     9.56 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio   11.88 %     11.84 %     10.35 %
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio   14.44 %     14.34 %     12.62 %
    MidWestOne Bank          
    Tier 1 leverage to average assets ratio   10.43 %     10.42 %     9.24 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio   12.95 %     13.02 %     11.55 %
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio   12.95 %     13.02 %     11.55 %
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio   14.20 %     14.21 %     12.61 %
    (1) Regulatory capital ratios for June 30, 2025 are preliminary          

    Total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025 increased $9.4 million from March 31, 2025, driven primarily by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss and an increase in retained earnings, partially offset by an increase in treasury stock. Total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025 increased $45.8 million from June 30, 2024, primarily due to increases in common stock and additional paid-in-capital stemming from the common equity capital raise in the third quarter of 2024, and partially offset by a decrease in retained earnings.

    On July 22, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.2425 per common share. The dividend is payable September 16, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2025.

    The current share repurchase program allows for the repurchase of up to $15.0 million of the Company’s common shares. Under such program, the Company repurchased 63,402 shares of its common stock at an average price of $27.65 per share and a total cost of $1.8 million during the period March 31, 2025 through June 30, 2025. No shares were repurchased during the subsequent period through July 24, 2025. As of June 30, 2025, $13.2 million remained available under this program.

    CREDIT QUALITY REVIEW

    Credit Quality As of or For the Three Months Ended
    June 30,   March 31,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025       2025       2024  
    Credit loss expense related to loans $ 12,089     $ 1,787     $ 467  
    Net charge-offs   189       3,087       524  
    Allowance for credit losses   65,800       53,900       53,900  
    Pass $ 4,155,385     $ 4,068,707     $ 3,991,692  
    Special Mention   98,998       121,494       146,253  
    Classified   126,805       113,983       149,287  
    Criticized   225,803       235,477       295,540  
    Loans greater than 30 days past due and accruing $ 12,161     $ 6,119     $ 9,358  
    Nonperforming loans $ 37,192     $ 17,470     $ 25,128  
    Nonperforming assets   40,606       20,889       31,181  
    Net charge-off ratio(1)   0.02 %     0.29 %     0.05 %
    Classified loans ratio(2)   2.89 %     2.65 %     3.48 %
    Criticized loans ratio(3)   5.15 %     5.47 %     6.89 %
    Nonperforming loans ratio(4)   0.85 %     0.41 %     0.59 %
    Nonperforming assets ratio(5)   0.66 %     0.33 %     0.47 %
    Allowance for credit losses ratio(6)   1.50 %     1.25 %     1.26 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans ratio(7)   179.19 %     309.47 %     218.26 %
    (1) Net charge-off ratio is calculated as annualized net charge-offs divided by the sum of average loans held for investment, net of unearned income and average loans held for sale, during the period.
    (2) Classified loans ratio is calculated as classified loans divided by loans held for investment, net of unearned income, at the end of the period.
    (3) Criticized loans ratio is calculated as criticized loans divided by loans held for investment, net of unearned income, at the end of the period.
    (4) Nonperforming loans ratio is calculated as nonperforming loans divided by loans held for investment, net of unearned income, at the end of the period.
    (5) Nonperforming assets ratio is calculated as nonperforming assets divided by total assets at the end of the period.
    (6) Allowance for credit losses ratio is calculated as allowance for credit losses divided by loans held for investment, net of unearned income, at the end of the period.
    (7) Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans ratio is calculated as allowance for credit losses divided by nonaccrual loans at the end of the period.

    Compared to the linked quarter, both nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets increased $19.7 million, primarily due to a single $24.0 million CRE office credit, partially offset by the sale of a $3.9 million CRE office credit. Special mention loan balances decreased $22.5 million, or 19%, while classified loan balances increased $12.8 million, or 11%. Compared to the prior year period, nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets increased $12.1 million and $9.4 million, respectively. Special mention loan balances decreased $47.3 million, or 32%, while classified loan balances decreased $22.5 million, or 15%. The net charge-off ratio declined 27 bps from the linked quarter and 3 bps from the same period in the prior year.

    As of June 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses was $65.8 million and the allowance for credit losses ratio was 1.50%, compared with $53.9 million and 1.25%, respectively, at March 31, 2025. Credit loss expense of $11.9 million in the second quarter of 2025 primarily reflected the specific reserve established in connection with the single CRE office credit previously discussed.

    Nonperforming Loans Roll Forward
    (Dollars in thousands)
    Nonaccrual   90+ Days Past Due & Still Accruing   Total
    Balance at March 31, 2025 $ 17,417     $ 53     $ 17,470  
    Loans placed on nonaccrual or 90+ days past due & still accruing   25,279       569       25,848  
    Proceeds related to repayment or sale   (4,973 )           (4,973 )
    Loans returned to accrual status or no longer past due   (632 )           (632 )
    Charge-offs   (187 )     (151 )     (338 )
    Transfers to foreclosed assets   (183 )           (183 )
    Balance at June 30, 2025 $ 36,721     $ 471     $ 37,192  


    CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

    The Company will host a conference call for investors at 11:00 a.m. CT on Friday, July 25, 2025. To participate, you may pre-register for this call utilizing the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=a6070726&confId=80381. After pre-registering for this event you will receive your access details via email. On the day of the call, you are also able to dial 1-833-470-1428 using an access code of 293794 at least fifteen minutes before the call start time. If you are unable to participate on the call, a replay will be available until October 23, 2025 by calling 1-866-813-9403 and using the replay access code of 763204. A transcript of the call will also be available on the Company’s web site (www.midwestonefinancial.com) within three business days of the call.

    ABOUT MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

    MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa. MidWestOne is the parent company of MidWestOne Bank, which operates banking offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. MidWestOne provides electronic delivery of financial services through its website, MidWestOne.bank. MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MOFG”.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We and our representatives may, from time to time, make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking” and provide information other than historical information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the factors listed below. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plans,” “goals,” “intend,” “project,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “may” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Additionally, we undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events, except as required under federal securities law.

    Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors that could have an impact on our ability to achieve operating results, growth plan goals and future prospects include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the effects of changes in interest rates, including on our net income and the value of our securities portfolio; (2) fluctuations in the value of our investment securities; (3) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the implementation of proposed policies and executive orders, including the imposition of tariffs, changes in immigration policy, changes to regulatory or other governmental agencies, DEI and ESG initiative trends, changes in consumer protection policies, changes in foreign policy and tax regulations; (4) volatility of rate-sensitive deposits; (5) asset/liability matching risks and liquidity risks; (6) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (7) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients, including those who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits; (8) credit quality deterioration, pronounced and sustained reduction in real estate market values, or other uncertainties, including the impact of inflationary pressures and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto on economic conditions and our business, resulting in an increase in the allowance for credit losses, an increase in the credit loss expense, and a reduction in net earnings; (9) the sufficiency of the allowance for credit losses to absorb the amount of expected losses inherent in our existing loan portfolio; (10) the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of allowances for credit losses and estimation of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities; (11) credit risks and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, collateral, geographic area and by industry) within our loan portfolio; (12) changes in the economic environment, competition, or other factors that may affect our ability to acquire loans or influence the anticipated growth rate of loans and deposits and the quality of the loan portfolio and loan and deposit pricing; (13) governmental monetary and fiscal policies; (14) new or revised general economic, political, or industry conditions, nationally, internationally or in the communities in which we conduct business, including the risk of a recession; (15) the imposition of domestic or foreign tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the global supply chain and value of the agricultural or other products of our borrowers; (16) war or terrorist activities, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, widespread disease or pandemic, or other adverse external events, which may cause deterioration in the economy or cause instability in credit markets; (17) legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities, trade, and tax laws and regulations and their application by our regulators, and including changes in interpretation or prioritization of such laws and regulations; (18) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; (19) the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds, financial technology companies, and other financial institutions operating in our markets or elsewhere or providing similar services; (20) changes in the business and economic conditions generally and in the financial services industry, and the effects of recent developments and events in the financial services industry, including the large-scale deposit withdrawals over a short period of time that resulted in prior bank failures; (21) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches, or failures of our or our third party vendors’ information security controls or cyber-security related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (22) the ability to attract and retain key executives and employees experienced in banking and financial services; (23) our ability to adapt successfully to technological changes implemented by us and other parties in the financial services industry, including third-party vendors, which may be more difficult to implement or more expensive than anticipated or which may have unforeseen consequence to us and our customers, including the development and implementation of tools incorporating artificial intelligence; (24) operational risks, including data processing system failures and fraud; (25) the costs, effects and outcomes of existing or future litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions; (26) the risks of mergers or branch sales (including the sale of our Florida banking operations and the acquisition of Denver Bankshares, Inc.), including, without limitation, the related time and costs of implementing such transactions, integrating operations as part of these transactions and possible failures to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings from such transactions; (27) the economic impacts on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and exceptional weather occurrences, such as: tornadoes, floods and blizzards; and (28) other risk factors detailed from time to time in Securities and Exchange Commission filings made by the Company.


    MIDWEST
    ONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    FIVE QUARTER CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

      June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
    ASSETS                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 78,696     $ 68,545     $ 71,803     $ 72,173     $ 66,228  
    Interest earning deposits in banks   90,749       182,360       133,092       129,695       35,340  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   169,445       250,905       204,895       201,868       101,568  
    Debt securities available for sale at fair value   1,235,045       1,305,530       1,328,433       1,623,104       771,034  
    Held to maturity securities at amortized cost                           1,053,080  
    Total securities   1,235,045       1,305,530       1,328,433       1,623,104       1,824,114  
    Loans held for sale   16,812       13,836       749       3,283       2,850  
    Gross loans held for investment   4,391,426       4,315,546       4,328,413       4,344,559       4,304,619  
    Unearned income, net   (10,238 )     (11,362 )     (12,786 )     (15,803 )     (17,387 )
    Loans held for investment, net of unearned income   4,381,188       4,304,184       4,315,627       4,328,756       4,287,232  
    Allowance for credit losses   (65,800 )     (53,900 )     (55,200 )     (54,000 )     (53,900 )
    Total loans held for investment, net   4,315,388       4,250,284       4,260,427       4,274,756       4,233,332  
    Premises and equipment, net   89,910       90,031       90,851       90,750       91,793  
    Goodwill   69,788       69,788       69,788       69,788       69,388  
    Other intangible assets, net   22,359       23,611       25,019       26,469       27,939  
    Foreclosed assets, net   3,414       3,419       3,337       3,583       6,053  
    Other assets   238,612       246,990       252,830       258,881       224,621  
    Total assets $ 6,160,773     $ 6,254,394     $ 6,236,329     $ 6,552,482     $ 6,581,658  
    LIABILITIES                   
    Noninterest bearing deposits $ 910,693     $ 903,714     $ 951,423     $ 917,715     $ 882,472  
    Interest bearing deposits   4,477,405       4,585,428       4,526,559       4,451,012       4,529,947  
    Total deposits   5,388,098       5,489,142       5,477,982       5,368,727       5,412,419  
    Short-term borrowings         1,482       3,186       410,630       414,684  
    Long-term debt   112,320       111,398       113,376       115,051       114,839  
    Other liabilities   71,315       72,747       82,089       95,836       96,430  
    Total liabilities   5,571,733       5,674,769       5,676,633       5,990,244       6,038,372  
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                   
    Common stock   21,580       21,580       21,580       21,580       16,581  
    Additional paid-in capital   414,485       414,258       414,987       414,965       300,831  
    Retained earnings   232,718       227,790       217,776       206,490       306,030  
    Treasury stock   (22,186 )     (20,905 )     (21,885 )     (21,955 )     (22,021 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (57,557 )     (63,098 )     (72,762 )     (58,842 )     (58,135 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   589,040       579,625       559,696       562,238       543,286  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,160,773     $ 6,254,394     $ 6,236,329     $ 6,552,482     $ 6,581,658  


    MIDWEST
    ONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    FIVE QUARTER CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
      2025     2025     2024     2024       2024     2025     2024
    Interest income                          
    Loans, including fees $ 62,276   $ 59,462   $ 62,458   $ 62,521     $ 61,643   $ 121,738   $ 119,590
    Taxable investment securities   12,928     13,327     11,320     8,779       9,228     26,255     18,688
    Tax-exempt investment securities   699     703     728     1,611       1,663     1,402     3,373
    Other   1,517     1,247     3,761     785       242     2,764     660
    Total interest income   77,420     74,739     78,267     73,696       72,776     152,159     142,311
    Interest expense                          
    Deposits   25,665     25,484     27,324     29,117       28,942     51,149     56,668
    Short-term borrowings   19     25     115     5,043       5,409     44     10,384
    Long-term debt   1,754     1,791     1,890     2,015       2,078     3,545     4,181
    Total interest expense   27,438     27,300     29,329     36,175       36,429     54,738     71,233
    Net interest income   49,982     47,439     48,938     37,521       36,347     97,421     71,078
    Credit loss expense   11,889     1,687     1,291     1,535       1,267     13,576     5,956
    Net interest income after credit loss expense   38,093     45,752     47,647     35,986       35,080     83,845     65,122
    Noninterest income                          
    Investment services and trust activities   3,705     3,544     3,779     3,410       3,504     7,249     7,007
    Service charges and fees   2,190     2,131     2,159     2,170       2,156     4,321     4,300
    Card revenue   1,934     1,744     1,833     1,935       1,907     3,678     3,850
    Loan revenue   1,417     1,194     1,841     760       1,525     2,611     2,381
    Bank-owned life insurance   677     1,057     719     879       668     1,734     1,328
    Investment securities gains (losses), net       33     161     (140,182 )     33     33     69
    Other   326     433     345     640       11,761     759     12,369
    Total noninterest income (loss)   10,249     10,136     10,837     (130,388 )     21,554     20,385     31,304
    Noninterest expense                          
    Compensation and employee benefits   21,011     21,212     20,684     19,943       20,985     42,223     41,915
    Occupancy expense of premises, net   2,540     2,588     2,772     2,443       2,435     5,128     5,248
    Equipment   2,550     2,426     2,688     2,486       2,530     4,976     5,130
    Legal and professional   2,153     2,226     2,534     2,261       2,253     4,379     4,312
    Data processing   1,486     1,698     1,719     1,580       1,645     3,184     3,005
    Marketing   762     552     793     619       636     1,314     1,234
    Amortization of intangibles   1,252     1,408     1,449     1,470       1,593     2,660     3,230
    FDIC insurance   851     917     980     923       1,051     1,768     1,993
    Communications   161     159     154     159       191     320     387
    Foreclosed assets, net   83     74     56     330       138     157     496
    Other   2,918     3,033     3,543     3,584       2,304     5,951     4,376
    Total noninterest expense   35,767     36,293     37,372     35,798       35,761     72,060     71,326
    Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   12,575     19,595     21,112     (130,200 )     20,873     32,170     25,100
    Income tax expense (benefit)   2,595     4,457     4,782     (34,493 )     5,054     7,052     6,012
    Net income (loss) $ 9,980   $ 15,138   $ 16,330   $ (95,707 )   $ 15,819   $ 25,118   $ 19,088
                               
    Earnings (loss) per common share                          
    Basic $ 0.48   $ 0.73   $ 0.79   $ (6.05 )   $ 1.00   $ 1.21   $ 1.21
    Diluted $ 0.48   $ 0.73   $ 0.78   $ (6.05 )   $ 1.00   $ 1.20   $ 1.21
    Weighted average basic common shares outstanding   20,816     20,797     20,776     15,829       15,763     20,807     15,743
    Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding   20,843     20,849     20,851     15,829       15,781     20,846     15,775
    Dividends paid per common share $ 0.2425   $ 0.2425   $ 0.2425   $ 0.2425     $ 0.2425   $ 0.4850   $ 0.4850


    MIDWEST
    ONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    FINANCIAL STATISTICS

      As of or for the Three Months Ended   As of or for the Six Months Ended
      June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Earnings:                  
    Net interest income $ 49,982     $ 47,439     $ 36,347     $ 97,421     $ 71,078  
    Noninterest income   10,249       10,136       21,554       20,385       31,304  
    Total revenue, net of interest expense   60,231       57,575       57,901       117,806       102,382  
    Credit loss expense   11,889       1,687       1,267       13,576       5,956  
    Noninterest expense   35,767       36,293       35,761       72,060       71,326  
    Income before income tax expense   12,575       19,595       20,873       32,170       25,100  
    Income tax expense   2,595       4,457       5,054       7,052       6,012  
    Net income $ 9,980     $ 15,138     $ 15,819     $ 25,118     $ 19,088  
    Pre-tax pre-provision net revenue(1) $ 24,464     $ 21,282     $ 22,140     $ 45,746     $ 31,056  
    Adjusted earnings(1)   10,176       15,301       8,132       25,479       12,621  
    Per Share Data:                  
    Diluted earnings $ 0.48     $ 0.73     $ 1.00     $ 1.20     $ 1.21  
    Adjusted earnings(1)   0.49       0.73       0.52       1.22       0.80  
    Book value   28.36       27.85       34.44       28.36       34.44  
    Tangible book value(1)   23.92       23.36       28.27       23.92       28.27  
    Ending Balance Sheet:                  
    Total assets $ 6,160,773     $ 6,254,394     $ 6,581,658     $ 6,160,773     $ 6,581,658  
    Loans held for investment, net of unearned income   4,381,188       4,304,184       4,287,232       4,381,188       4,287,232  
    Total securities   1,235,045       1,305,530       1,824,114       1,235,045       1,824,114  
    Total deposits   5,388,098       5,489,142       5,412,419       5,388,098       5,412,419  
    Short-term borrowings         1,482       414,684             414,684  
    Long-term debt   112,320       111,398       114,839       112,320       114,839  
    Total shareholders’ equity   589,040       579,625       543,286       589,040       543,286  
    Average Balance Sheet:                  
    Average total assets $ 6,172,649     $ 6,168,546     $ 6,713,573     $ 6,170,609     $ 6,674,476  
    Average total loans   4,370,196       4,290,710       4,419,697       4,330,659       4,358,957  
    Average total deposits   5,398,916       5,398,819       5,514,924       5,398,868       5,498,020  
    Financial Ratios:                  
    Return on average assets   0.65 %     1.00 %     0.95 %     0.82 %     0.58 %
    Return on average equity   6.81 %     10.74 %     11.91 %     8.74 %     7.23 %
    Return on average tangible equity(1)   8.84 %     13.75 %     15.74 %     11.24 %     9.98 %
    Efficiency ratio(1)   56.20 %     59.38 %     56.29 %     57.75 %     62.83 %
    Net interest margin, tax equivalent(1)   3.57 %     3.44 %     2.41 %     3.51 %     2.37 %
    Loans to deposits ratio   81.31 %     78.41 %     79.21 %     81.31 %     79.21 %
    CET1 Ratio   11.02 %     10.97 %     9.56 %     11.02 %     9.56 %
    Common equity ratio   9.56 %     9.27 %     8.25 %     9.56 %     8.25 %
    Tangible common equity ratio(1)   8.19 %     7.89 %     6.88 %     8.19 %     6.88 %
    Credit Risk Profile:                  
    Total nonperforming loans $ 37,192     $ 17,470     $ 25,128     $ 37,192     $ 25,128  
    Nonperforming loans ratio   0.85 %     0.41 %     0.59 %     0.85 %     0.59 %
    Total nonperforming assets $ 40,606     $ 20,889     $ 31,181     $ 40,606     $ 31,181  
    Nonperforming assets ratio   0.66 %     0.33 %     0.47 %     0.66 %     0.47 %
    Net charge-offs $ 189     $ 3,087     $ 524     $ 3,276     $ 713  
    Net charge-off ratio   0.02 %     0.29 %     0.05 %     0.15 %     0.03 %
    Allowance for credit losses $ 65,800     $ 53,900     $ 53,900     $ 65,800     $ 53,900  
    Allowance for credit losses ratio   1.50 %     1.25 %     1.26 %     1.50 %     1.26 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual ratio   179.19 %     309.47 %     218.26 %     179.19 %     218.26 %
                       
    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See the Non-GAAP Measures section for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
     

    MIDWESTONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD ANALYSIS

      Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest
    Income/
    Expense
      Average
    Yield/
    Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest
    Income/
    Expense
      Average
    Yield/
    Cost
      Average Balance   Interest
    Income/
    Expense
      Average
    Yield/
    Cost
    ASSETS                                  
    Loans, including fees (1)(2)(3) $ 4,370,196   $ 63,298   5.81 %   $ 4,290,710   $ 60,443   5.71 %   $ 4,419,697   $ 62,581   5.69 %
    Taxable investment securities   1,168,048     12,928   4.44 %     1,207,844     13,327   4.47 %     1,520,253     9,228   2.44 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)(4)   102,792     859   3.35 %     105,563     865   3.32 %     322,092     2,040   2.55 %
    Total securities held for investment(2)   1,270,840     13,787   4.35 %     1,313,407     14,192   4.38 %     1,842,345     11,268   2.46 %
    Other   104,628     1,517   5.82 %     124,133     1,247   4.07 %     20,452     242   4.76 %
    Total interest earning assets(2) $ 5,745,664   $ 78,602   5.49 %   $ 5,728,250   $ 75,882   5.37 %   $ 6,282,494   $ 74,091   4.74 %
    Other assets   426,985             440,296             431,079        
    Total assets $ 6,172,649           $ 6,168,546           $ 6,713,573        
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                  
    Interest checking deposits $ 1,221,266   $ 2,101   0.69 %   $ 1,240,586   $ 2,127   0.70 %   $ 1,297,356   $ 3,145   0.97 %
    Money market deposits   986,029     6,057   2.46 %     1,002,743     6,333   2.56 %     1,072,688     7,821   2.93 %
    Savings deposits   843,223     3,161   1.50 %     835,731     3,057   1.48 %     738,773     2,673   1.46 %
    Time deposits   1,436,301     14,346   4.01 %     1,397,595     13,967   4.05 %     1,470,956     15,303   4.18 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   4,486,819     25,665   2.29 %     4,476,655     25,484   2.31 %     4,579,773     28,942   2.54 %
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   896     1   0.45 %     2,705     5   0.75 %     5,300     10   0.76 %
    Other short-term borrowings       18   %         20   %     442,546     5,399   4.91 %
    Total short-term borrowings   896     19   8.51 %     2,705     25   3.75 %     447,846     5,409   4.86 %
    Long-term debt   112,035     1,754   6.28 %     113,364     1,791   6.41 %     120,256     2,078   6.95 %
    Total borrowed funds   112,931     1,773   6.30 %     116,069     1,816   6.35 %     568,102     7,487   5.30 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities $ 4,599,750   $ 27,438   2.39 %   $ 4,592,724   $ 27,300   2.41 %   $ 5,147,875   $ 36,429   2.85 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   912,097             922,164             935,151        
    Other liabilities   73,094             82,280             96,553        
    Shareholders’ equity   587,708             571,378             533,994        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,172,649           $ 6,168,546           $ 6,713,573        
    Net interest income(2)     $ 51,164           $ 48,582           $ 37,662    
    Net interest spread(2)         3.10 %           2.96 %           1.89 %
    Net interest margin(2)         3.57 %           3.44 %           2.41 %
                                       
    Total deposits(5) $ 5,398,916   $ 25,665   1.91 %   $ 5,398,819   $ 25,484   1.91 %   $ 5,514,924   $ 28,942   2.11 %
    Cost of funds(6)         2.00 %           2.01 %           2.41 %
                                             
    (1) Average balance includes nonaccrual loans.
    (2) Tax equivalent. The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (3) Interest income includes net loan fees, loan purchase discount accretion and tax equivalent adjustments. Net loan fees were $272 thousand, $256 thousand, and $337 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024, respectively. Loan purchase discount accretion was $1.1 million, $1.2 million, and $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024, respectively. Tax equivalent adjustments were $1.0 million, $981 thousand, and $938 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024, respectively. The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (4) Interest income includes tax equivalent adjustments of $160 thousand, $162 thousand, and $377 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024, respectively. The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (5) Total deposits is the sum of total interest-bearing deposits and noninterest bearing deposits. The cost of total deposits is calculated as annualized interest expense on deposits divided by average total deposits.
    (6) Cost of funds is calculated as annualized total interest expense divided by the sum of average total deposits and borrowed funds.
         


    MIDWEST
    ONE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND YIELD ANALYSIS

      Six Months Ended
      June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest
    Income/
    Expense
      Average
    Yield/
    Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest
    Income/
    Expense
      Average
    Yield/
    Cost
    ASSETS                      
    Loans, including fees (1)(2)(3) $ 4,330,659   $ 123,741   5.76 %   $ 4,358,957   $ 121,448   5.60 %
    Taxable investment securities   1,187,836     26,255   4.46 %     1,538,928     18,688   2.44 %
    Tax-exempt investment securities (2)(4)   104,170     1,724   3.34 %     325,414     4,137   2.56 %
    Total securities held for investment(2)   1,292,006     27,979   4.37 %     1,864,342     22,825   2.46 %
    Other   114,327     2,764   4.88 %     25,529     660   5.20 %
    Total interest earning assets(2) $ 5,736,992   $ 154,484   5.43 %   $ 6,248,828   $ 144,933   4.66 %
    Other assets   433,617             425,648        
    Total assets $ 6,170,609           $ 6,674,476        
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Interest checking deposits $ 1,230,873   $ 4,228   0.69 %   $ 1,299,413   $ 6,035   0.93 %
    Money market deposits   994,340     12,390   2.51 %     1,087,616     15,886   2.94 %
    Savings deposits   839,498     6,218   1.49 %     716,458     4,720   1.32 %
    Time deposits   1,417,054     28,313   4.03 %     1,458,969     30,027   4.14 %
    Total interest bearing deposits   4,481,765     51,149   2.30 %     4,562,456     56,668   2.50 %
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   1,795     6   0.67 %     5,315     21   0.79 %
    Other short-term borrowings       38   %     426,036     10,363   4.89 %
    Total short-term borrowings   1,795     44   4.94 %     431,351     10,384   4.84 %
    Long-term debt   112,696     3,545   6.34 %     121,761     4,181   6.91 %
    Total borrowed funds   114,491     3,589   6.32 %     553,112     14,565   5.30 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities $ 4,596,256   $ 54,738   2.40 %   $ 5,115,568   $ 71,233   2.80 %
    Noninterest bearing deposits   917,103             935,564        
    Other liabilities   77,662             92,581        
    Shareholders’ equity   579,588             530,763        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,170,609           $ 6,674,476        
    Net interest income(2)     $ 99,746           $ 73,700    
    Net interest spread(2)         3.03 %           1.86 %
    Net interest margin(2)         3.51 %           2.37 %
                           
    Total deposits(5) $ 5,398,868   $ 51,149   1.91 %   $ 5,498,020   $ 56,668   2.07 %
    Cost of funds(6)         2.00 %           2.37 %
                               
    (1) Average balance includes nonaccrual loans.
    (2) Tax equivalent. The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (3) Interest income includes net loan fees, loan purchase discount accretion and tax equivalent adjustments. Net loan fees were $528 thousand and $574 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. Loan purchase discount accretion was $2.3 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. Tax equivalent adjustments were $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (4) Interest income includes tax equivalent adjustments of $0.3 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (5) Total deposits is the sum of total interest-bearing deposits and noninterest bearing deposits. The cost of total deposits is calculated as annualized interest expense on deposits divided by average total deposits.
    (6) Cost of funds is calculated as annualized total interest expense divided by the sum of average total deposits and borrowed funds.
     


    Non-GAAP Measures

    This earnings release contains non-GAAP measures for tangible common equity, tangible book value per share, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible equity, net interest margin (tax equivalent), core net interest margin, loan yield (tax equivalent), core yield on loans, efficiency ratio, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share, and pre-tax pre-provision net revenue. Management believes these measures provide investors with useful information regarding the Company’s profitability, financial condition and capital adequacy, consistent with how management evaluates the Company’s financial performance. The following tables provide a reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most comparable GAAP measure.

    Tangible Common Equity/Tangible Book Value                    
    per Share/Tangible Common Equity Ratio   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)     2025       2025       2024       2024       2024  
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 589,040     $ 579,625     $ 559,696     $ 562,238     $ 543,286  
    Intangible assets, net     (92,147 )     (93,399 )     (94,807 )     (96,257 )     (97,327 )
    Tangible common equity   $ 496,893     $ 486,226     $ 464,889     $ 465,981     $ 445,959  
                         
    Total assets   $ 6,160,773     $ 6,254,394     $ 6,236,329     $ 6,552,482     $ 6,581,658  
    Intangible assets, net     (92,147 )     (93,399 )     (94,807 )     (96,257 )     (97,327 )
    Tangible assets   $ 6,068,626     $ 6,160,995     $ 6,141,522     $ 6,456,225     $ 6,484,331  
                         
    Book value per share   $ 28.36     $ 27.85     $ 26.94     $ 27.06     $ 34.44  
    Tangible book value per share(1)   $ 23.92     $ 23.36     $ 22.37     $ 22.43     $ 28.27  
    Shares outstanding     20,769,577       20,815,715       20,777,485       20,774,919       15,773,468  
                         
    Common equity ratio     9.56 %     9.27 %     8.97 %     8.58 %     8.25 %
    Tangible common equity ratio(2)     8.19 %     7.89 %     7.57 %     7.22 %     6.88 %
       
    (1) Tangible common equity divided by shares outstanding.
    (2) Tangible common equity divided by tangible assets.
     
       
        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    Return on Average Tangible Equity   June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)     2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Net income   $ 9,980     $ 15,138     $ 15,819     $ 25,118     $ 19,088  
    Intangible amortization, net of tax(1)     931       1,047       1,195       1,978       2,423  
    Tangible net income   $ 10,911     $ 16,185     $ 17,014     $ 27,096     $ 21,511  
                         
    Average shareholders’ equity   $ 587,708     $ 571,378     $ 533,994     $ 579,588     $ 530,763  
    Average intangible assets, net     (92,733 )     (94,169 )     (99,309 )     (93,447 )     (97,302 )
    Average tangible equity   $ 494,975     $ 477,209     $ 434,685     $ 486,141     $ 433,461  
                         
    Return on average equity     6.81 %     10.74 %     11.91 %     8.74 %     7.23 %
    Return on average tangible equity(2)     8.84 %     13.75 %     15.74 %     11.24 %     9.98 %
       
    (1) The income tax rate utilized was the blended marginal tax rate.
    (2) Annualized tangible net income divided by average tangible equity.
     
    Net Interest Margin, Tax Equivalent/
    Core Net Interest Margin
      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
      June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)     2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Net interest income   $ 49,982     $ 47,439     $ 36,347     $ 97,421     $ 71,078  
    Tax equivalent adjustments:                    
    Loans(1)     1,022       981       938       2,003       1,858  
    Securities(1)     160       162       377       322       764  
    Net interest income, tax equivalent   $ 51,164     $ 48,582     $ 37,662     $ 99,746     $ 73,700  
    Loan purchase discount accretion     (1,142 )     (1,166 )     (1,261 )     (2,308 )     (2,413 )
    Core net interest income   $ 50,022     $ 47,416     $ 36,401     $ 97,438     $ 71,287  
                         
    Net interest margin     3.49 %     3.36 %     2.33 %     3.42 %     2.29 %
    Net interest margin, tax equivalent(2)     3.57 %     3.44 %     2.41 %     3.51 %     2.37 %
    Core net interest margin(3)     3.49 %     3.36 %     2.33 %     3.42 %     2.29 %
    Average interest earning assets   $ 5,745,664     $ 5,728,250     $ 6,282,494     $ 5,736,992     $ 6,248,828  
       
    (1) The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (2) Annualized tax equivalent net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
    (3) Annualized core net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.     
     
          Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    Loan Yield, Tax Equivalent / Core Yield on Loans   June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)     2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Loan interest income, including fees     $ 62,276     $ 59,462     $ 61,643     $ 121,738     $ 119,590  
    Tax equivalent adjustment(1)       1,022       981       938       2,003       1,858  
    Tax equivalent loan interest income     $ 63,298     $ 60,443     $ 62,581     $ 123,741     $ 121,448  
    Loan purchase discount accretion       (1,142 )     (1,166 )     (1,261 )     (2,308 )     (2,413 )
    Core loan interest income     $ 62,156     $ 59,277     $ 61,320     $ 121,433     $ 119,035  
                           
    Yield on loans       5.72 %     5.62 %     5.61 %     5.67 %     5.52 %
    Yield on loans, tax equivalent(2)       5.81 %     5.71 %     5.69 %     5.76 %     5.60 %
    Core yield on loans(3)       5.70 %     5.60 %     5.58 %     5.65 %     5.49 %
    Average loans     $ 4,370,196     $ 4,290,710     $ 4,419,697     $ 4,330,659     $ 4,358,957  
       
    (1) The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (2) Annualized tax equivalent loan interest income divided by average loans.
    (3) Annualized core loan interest income divided by average loans.
     
          Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    Efficiency Ratio   June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)     2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Total noninterest expense     $ 35,767     $ 36,293     $ 35,761     $ 72,060     $ 71,326  
    Amortization of intangibles       (1,252 )     (1,408 )     (1,593 )     (2,660 )     (3,230 )
    Merger-related expenses             (40 )     (854 )     (40 )     (2,168 )
    Noninterest expense used for efficiency ratio     $ 34,515     $ 34,845     $ 33,314     $ 69,360     $ 65,928  
                           
    Net interest income, tax equivalent(1)     $ 51,164     $ 48,582     $ 37,662     $ 99,746     $ 73,700  
    Plus: Noninterest income       10,249       10,136       21,554       20,385       31,304  
    Less: Investment securities gains, net             33       33       33       69  
    Net revenues used for efficiency ratio     $ 61,413     $ 58,685     $ 59,183     $ 120,098     $ 104,935  
                           
    Efficiency ratio (2)       56.20 %     59.38 %     56.29 %     57.75 %     62.83 %
       
    (1) The federal statutory tax rate utilized was 21%.
    (2) Noninterest expense adjusted for amortization of intangibles and merger-related expenses divided by the sum of tax equivalent net interest income, noninterest income and net investment securities gains.
     
        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    Adjusted Earnings   June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)     2025       2025       2024     2025       2024  
    Net income   $ 9,980     $ 15,138     $ 15,819   $ 25,118     $ 19,088  
    Less: Investment securities gains, net of tax(1)           25       24     24       51  
    Less: Mortgage servicing rights (loss) gain, net of tax(1)     (196 )     (158 )     96     (355 )     (177 )
    Plus: Merger-related expenses, net of tax(1)           30       634     30       1,608  
    Less: Gain on branch sale, net of tax(1)                 8,201           8,201  
    Adjusted earnings   $ 10,176     $ 15,301     $ 8,132   $ 25,479     $ 12,621  
                         
    Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding     20,843       20,849       15,781     20,846       15,775  
                         
    Earnings per common share – diluted   $ 0.48     $ 0.73     $ 1.00   $ 1.20     $ 1.21  
    Adjusted earnings per common share(2)   $ 0.49     $ 0.73     $ 0.52   $ 1.22     $ 0.80  
       
    (1) The income tax rate utilized was the blended marginal tax rate.
    (2) Adjusted earnings divided by weighted average diluted common shares outstanding.
     
        For the Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    Pre-tax Pre-provision Net Revenue   June 30,   March 31,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025       2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Net interest income   $ 49,982     $ 47,439     $ 36,347     $ 97,421     $ 71,078  
    Noninterest income     10,249       10,136       21,554       20,385       31,304  
    Noninterest expense     (35,767 )     (36,293 )     (35,761 )     (72,060 )     (71,326 )
    Pre-tax Pre-provision Net Revenue   $ 24,464     $ 21,282     $ 22,140     $ 45,746     $ 31,056  

    Category: Earnings
    This news release may be downloaded from Corporate Profile | MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    Source: MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    Industry: Banks

    Contacts:  
    Charles N. Reeves   Barry S. Ray
    Chief Executive Officer  Chief Financial Officer
    319.356.5800  319.356.5800

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks to DOD Chief of Naval Operations Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) participated in a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today to consider the nomination of Admiral Daryl Caudle to be Chief of Naval Operations. During the hearing, Sen. Tuberville and Admiral Caudle discussed the need to work with our allies as we work to improve our U.S. Naval capabilities, as well as the advantages of using unmanned vessels at sea.
    Excerpts from the interview can be found below and the full interview can be viewed on YouTube or Rumble.
    ON SHIPBUILDING WITH OUR ALLIES:
    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, congratulations. You’ve earned this. Looking forward to working with you. You know, we talk about shipbuilding, and we do a lot of that in my state of Alabama.
    Now, we’re in the submarine business. But I was also in the education business. We’re 500,000 electricians short in this country. In mine and your lifetime, we can’t catch up. We’re gonna have to use our allies to help build some things.
    What’s your thoughts about that? And, for instance, [South] Korea, they build 5 to our 1 keels. [What] are your thoughts on helping and working with our allies to help build ships in the future?”
    CAUDLE: “Well, Senator, thanks for meeting with me. I enjoyed our time in your office. I wanna work with the Secretary of the Navy and the Department of Defense on looking at this hard. Again, I’ve said this is an all hands on deck [effort]. I don’t know how we do what we need to do without bringing international partners into the capacity problem that we have, while we build up our capacity because we need ships today.
    And, so, there are no magic beans to that. There’s nothing that’s just gonna make that happen. So, the solution space has got to open up. And I think part of that has to look at international partnerships to give us a little bit of a relief valve while we work on our own organic industrial capacity.”
    TUBERVILLE: “As you said, we need them yesterday. And again, this education problem is not going away. Our workforce problem is not going away. We gotta use the best that we know how. And we gotta build ships and we gotta build them fast. But they gotta be good ships, and I think working with our allies is gonna be one way for us to address this problem.”
    ON SAIL DRONES:
    TUBERVILLE: “What’s your thoughts on unmanned vessels like sail drones that we make in our state of Alabama. Are you familiar with those?”
    CAUDLE: “Senator, I am familiar with them. Those are type of technologies that are crucial. Sail drones are part of the fabric of how we improve our Maritime Domain Awareness. You’ve, I’m sure, heard of the instantiations we’ve had with our Task Force 59 in the Arabian Gulf using those type of technologies. We’ve had them in the Gulf of America with our southern border watch. We’re using them there with [U.S.] Fourth Fleet and other places. So, yes, that’s a part of exactly what we need to network persistent capabilities where I don’t want manned vessels spending time just collecting things that unmanned can do much more affordably and effectively.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah. Those have been used well down in the Caribbean on the war on drugs. And we’re proud of how they worked, and we need to continue to expand that there. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. A lot of eyes out there that we don’t have to man [with] people and train people, but it’s good that you go along with it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Praises President Trump’s Selection of Paducah as Future Home of AI Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today praised the Trump Administration’s selection of the Department of Energy’s Paducah Site, home of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP), as one of four locations for cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and energy generation projects: 
    “This is great news for the Paducah community, and I want to thank President Trump for selecting the Paducah Site to host new AI infrastructure. The site at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has long held a critical role in advancing U.S. national security, and is poised, yet again, to be a national leader in an emerging and important technology. I am proud of the Paducah community and its workforce and know they are prepared to continue working closely with the Department of Energy to further instill PGDP’s role in national security while helping facilitate greater U.S. leadership in AI.” 
    NOTE: Earlier this year, Senator McConnell contacted U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright on behalf of the community in support of Paducah’s submission for the nationwide search for the highly competitive Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on DOE Lands program. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to End Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets

    Source: US Whitehouse

    ENDING VAGRANCY AND RESTORING ORDER: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to restore order to American cities and remove vagrant individuals from our streets, redirecting federal resources toward programs that tackle substance abuse and returning to the acute necessity of civil commitment.

    • The Order directs the Attorney General to reverse judicial precedents and end consent decrees that limit State and local governments’ ability to commit individuals on the streets who are a risk to themselves or others.  
    • The Order requires the Attorney General to work with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize grants for states and municipalities that enforce prohibitions on open illicit drug use, urban camping and loitering, and urban squatting, and track the location of sex offenders.
    • The Order redirects funding to ensure that individuals camping on streets and causing public disorder and that are suffering from serious mental illness or addiction are moved into treatment centers, assisted outpatient treatment, or other facilities.
    • The Order ensures discretionary grants for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery do not fund drug injection sites or illicit drug use.
    • The Order stops sex offenders who receive homelessness assistance from being housed with children, and allows programs to exclusively house women and children.

    ENSURING AMERICANS FEEL SAFE IN THEIR OWN CITIES AND TOWNS: President Trump is taking a new approach focused on protecting public safety because surrendering our cities and citizens to disorder and fear is neither compassionate to the homeless nor to other citizens. 

    • The number of individuals living on the streets in the United States on a single night during the last year of the Biden administration—274,224 —was the highest ever recorded.
    • The overwhelming majority of these individuals are addicted to drugs, have a mental health disorder, or both.
    • Federal and state governments have spent tens of billions of dollars on failed programs that address homelessness but not its root causes, leaving other citizens vulnerable to public safety threats.
    • Shifting these individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment is the most proven way to restore public order. 

    MAKING AMERICA SAFE AGAIN: President Trump is committed to ending homelessness across America. 

    • In 2023, President Trump said: “We will use every tool, lever, and authority to get the homeless off our streets. We want to take care of them, but they have to be off our streets.”
    • In March 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to beautify Washington D.C., directing the National Park Service to clear all homeless encampments and graffiti on Federal lands.
    • In May 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the National Center for Warrior Independence, a place where homeless veterans can go to receive the care, benefits, and services to which they are entitled.
    • As part of First Lady Melania Trump’s BE BEST Initiative, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a $1.8 million dollar investment to prevent homelessness among young Americans aging out of the foster care system.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Teads to Release Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 7, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Teads Holding Co. (NASDAQ: TEAD), announced today that the company will release its second quarter 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, August 7, 2025, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) that same day to discuss the company’s results and business outlook.

    The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-888-437-3179 or for international callers, 1-862-298-0702. A replay will be available two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-877-660-6853, or for international callers, 1-201-612-7415. The passcode for the live call and replay is 13754497. The replay will be available until August 21, 2025.

    Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.teads.com/. The online replay will be available for a limited time shortly following the call.

    About Teads

    Teads is the omnichannel outcomes platform for the open internet, driving full-funnel results for marketers across premium media. With a focus on meaningful business outcomes for branding and performance objectives, Teads ensures value is driven with every media dollar by leveraging predictive AI technology to connect quality media, beautiful brand creative, and context-driven addressability and measurement. One of the most scaled advertising platforms on the open internet, Teads is directly partnered with more than 10,000 publishers and 20,000 advertisers globally. The company is headquartered in New York, with a global team of nearly 1,800 people in 30+ countries

    Media Contact

    press@teads.com

    Investor Relations Contact

    IR@teads.com

    (332) 205-8999

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oversight Committee Leaders Applaud President Trump’s Bold Plan to Cement America’s Dominance in Artificial Intelligence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), and Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) applauded President Trump’s new Action Plan to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) and usher in a new golden age of American AI innovation. The White House unveiled “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan,” outlining more than 90 federal policy initiatives today across three strategic pillars—Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Advancing U.S. Leadership in Global Diplomacy and Security—that the Trump Administration will implement in the coming weeks and months.

    “President Trump’s bold leadership has once again delivered a transformative vision for America’s future in artificial intelligence. This Administration understands that AI represents the next frontier, and maintaining our technological edge is a critical priority in the years ahead. This AI Action Plan embraces AI innovation in the United States and aims to reduce barriers in the AI field to ensure America’s dominance on the international stage. The House Oversight Committee will continue to support the Trump Administration’s AI initiatives and evaluate legislative opportunities aimed at addressing the barriers and challenges preventing the federal government from fully realizing the benefits of AI,” said Chairman James Comer. 

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, America is charting a bold course to secure global dominance in artificial intelligence. The President’s AI Action Plan embraces American innovation and takes decisive steps to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that have slowed AI progress. America has the talent, expertise, and resources to lead the world in AI but what we needed most was a president with the vision to recognize its importance for our future prosperity. Alongside President Trump’s Administration, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs will discuss ways to effectively and responsibly harness AI to bolster the United States’ economic competitiveness, national security, and technological leadership,” said Subcommittee Chair Eric Burlison.   

    “President Trump’s AI Action Plan—reshaping AI regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, and championing American AI values globally—is a critical step toward ensuring we win the AI race. This Administration recognizes that barriers remain, and challenges must be addressed if the government is to fully realize the benefits of this transformative technology. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation will continue working to ensure the entire federal government is equipped with the tools and authority needed to responsibly deploy AI at scale and unlock its full potential,” said Subcommittee Chair Nancy Mace.

    Alongside President Trump’s efforts to secure America’s leadership in AI, the House Oversight Committee is spearheading efforts to remove unnecessary barriers and accelerate responsible AI innovation—boosting efficiency, improving public services, and delivering savings for taxpayers. In addition, the Committee is engaging with AI industry leaders on how to unleash the technology the right way: effectively and responsibly. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unlocking the Development Potential of Diaspora Communities and Helping Reduce Reliance on Foreign Aid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Rep. Jonathan J. Jackson (D-IL) introduced the African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA), groundbreaking legislation that harnesses the economic power of African and Caribbean diaspora communities to advance sustainable development, reduce remittance costs, and align U.S. foreign policy with grassroots investment.

    Millions of Americans with heritage in Africa and the Caribbean send billions of dollars annually to support loved ones and communities in their countries of origin. Yet, they often face high transaction fees, limited investment tools, and few incentives to grow their impact. AIDA addresses these barriers head-on.

    As highlighted in Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity by Professor Landry Signé, published by the Brookings Institution, the diaspora can be a powerful driver of development in their home countries—not just through remittances, but by fostering trade, investment, research, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge and technology. This dynamic strengthens U.S. interests by empowering African and Caribbean diaspora communities, who are an integral part of the American fabric, to spur economic growth and innovation both abroad and at home, reinforcing U.S. global partnerships and domestic prosperity.

    The African Diaspora Investment and Development Act:

    • Reduces the cost of remittances by promoting transparency, competition, and innovation in money transfers.
    • Creates tax incentives for diaspora investments that drive sustainable economic development in African and Caribbean countries.
    • Encourages financial inclusion through fintech and diaspora-owned money transfer platforms.
    • Supports diaspora-led investments with U.S. financial backing.
    • Advances U.S. development goals by strengthening diaspora engagement in entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and community development projects abroad.

    “The African and Caribbean diasporas are economic engines that deserve recognition and support,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “This bill creates smart incentives that empower families, foster sustainable development, and reflect our values in U.S. foreign policy. AIDA is about unlocking diaspora investment potential. By empowering these communities, we can reduce reliance on foreign aid and embrace a model based on investment, dignity, and shared prosperity.”

    “This bill is timely and vital, especially at a time when US policy towards Africa and the Diaspora is shifting from aid to trade,” said Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL). “Remittances ($90 billion inflow to Africa in 2023) have surpassed both foreign assistance and direct investment in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean; a source for development and economic growth. AIDA strengthens the Diaspora contributions in GPD growth through investments and family support – food, housing, education, health care, etc.”

    “Reducing remittance costs and eliminating taxes on remittances are critical measures that ensure every dollar sent goes further, directly benefiting health, education, small businesses, and local infrastructure,” said President of the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group, Susan Edionwe. “These changes will empower organizations like ours, whose work relies heavily on diaspora contributions, to expand our impact and better serve the people of Nigeria and beyond.”

    “The proposed AIDA bill is a fundamental recognition that as a nation of immigrants, the USA holds the ultimate power of transformation in the contributions of its diaspora to the rest of the world,” said Founder and CEO of Hamstrings, Inc., Eric V. Guichard. “AIDA is about leveraging these diaspora resources for good. It is a paradigm shift in development finance whose time has come.”

    “Remittances from family and friends in the U.S. to these regions primarily address basic necessities for recipients, including housing, food, education, services, small business support, and humanitarian assistance,” said Haiti Renewal Alliance. “A framework for partnerships with the U.S. DFC and diasporas via the AIDA Act to channel remittances for coordinated and robust investments with people on the ground in African and Caribbean countries, ushers the U.S. leading the next generation of successful global development for inclusive growth, peace, stability and opportunity, appreciating diaspora from Africa and Caribbean as key contributors.”

    During a time when development assistance from the United States in Africa and in the Caribbean is being drastically curtailed or even eliminated, African and Caribbean countries will need to increasingly rely on remittances coming from the Diaspora to meet basic needs and to get by,” said President of Constituency for Africa (CFA), Melvin Foote. “The proposed AIDA legislation, if passed, would certainly be a huge step in the right direction.”

    The legislation has received early praise from diaspora organizations, development experts, and financial inclusion advocates.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Himachal accident; announces assistance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a road accident in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office shared PM Modi’s message, “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the mishap. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”

    According to officials, the bus, carrying 30 passengers, skidded off the road and rolled down a hillside near Tarangala in the Sarkaghat subdivision.

    Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police and administrative personnel from the Sarkaghat police station and the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police leading rescue operations. Ambulances were quickly deployed, but access to the crash site posed challenges due to the steep terrain.

    Locals were the first to respond and initiated rescue efforts before authorities arrived.

    Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed that four people – two men and two women – died on the spot. Several injured passengers were taken to the Civil Hospital in Sarkaghat. Three critically injured individuals were later referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur.

    The cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.

    Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the incident and said the administration has been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

    “In this hour of sorrow, I offer my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Hockey Canada sex assault verdict: Sports culture should have also been on trial

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Laura Misener, Professor & Director, School of Kinesiology, Western University

    The verdict is in on the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team — all five have been acquitted.

    Each player was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room. Today, Justice Maria Carroccia stated that the Crown did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The trial has captured the world’s attention and sparked polarized public debates about consent, hockey culture and the role of sport in socializing young men.

    Elite athletes often operate within environments where their talent grants them special status and access to resources — monetary and otherwise — that bolster a sense of entitlement. In some instances, sport organizations exacerbate this sentiment by protecting their star performers instead of addressing misconduct, which was reflected in this case.

    For example, an abusive national vaulting coach for New Zealand Athletics was finally banned for 10 years, but only after years of unchecked abuse of his female athletes, including “inappropriate sexual references.” This highlights how misconduct can go on unrestrained for so long.




    Read more:
    With another case of abuse in elite sport, why are we still waiting to protect NZ’s sportswomen from harm?


    The culture of exceptionalism

    As researchers with expertise in sport culture and sexual and gender-based violence, we’re reflecting on what the Hockey Canada trial reveals about the institutional and cultural practices within sport.

    The formal and informal rules of men’s sport validate misogyny and reinforce systemic patterns of sexual entitlement and inadequate accountability. We offer some perspectives on how these troubling patterns of violence in sport can be reformed.

    The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial has become a focal point for questioning how elite sporting environments shield athletes from accountability. This may be especially true in hockey.

    In their book about toxic hockey culture, authors Evan Moore and Jashmina Shaw argue that hockey operates within “a bubble composed mostly of boys and men who are white, cis-het, straight and upper-class. And those who play often become coaches and teach the same values to the next generation.”

    This closely knit community thrives on conformity and creates conditions that are ripe for the pervasive misogyny against women and systemic silence around issues of consent. The book _Skating on Thin Ice: Professional Hockey, Rape Culture and Violence against Women_, written by criminal justice scholars and sports reporters, demonstrates how endemic sexism, heavy alcohol use, abusive peers and the sexual objectification of women are buttressed by broader social factors. These factor uphold and reproduce toxic hockey culture, including patriarchal beliefs.

    Male-dominated sporting cultures also emphasize a particular type of masculinity that focuses on dominance, physical intimidation and winning at all costs. This can blur the boundaries between acceptable competitive behaviour and problematic aggression.

    Vulnerability in sports

    Within the realm of professional sport, athletes also become commodified and objectified through media coverage, sponsorship deals and public scrutiny. This commodification can contribute to a culture where athletes may internalize the idea that their bodies are public property, further eroding their sense of autonomy and understanding of consent, especially in relation to others beyond the sport context.

    Questioning or circumventing institutionally sanctioned behaviours is not easy, and it’s well-documented that many elite athletes struggle with mental health issues including depression, anxiety and substance misuse resulting from the pressure to align with the dominant culture.

    But what often gets forgotten is how the hyper-masculine culture of sports creates significant barriers to seeking help. Young male athletes are socialized to comply with peer cultures that equate vulnerability with weakness. Yet they face intense pressures around family expectations, sponsorship deals and team success that demands they maintain appearances of strength and control.

    This cycle of suppressed vulnerability and untreated distress enables toxic sporting masculinity to flourish, forcing organizations like Hockey Canada to confront their role in perpetuating these harmful dynamics.

    The need for structural, cultural reform

    Sports organizations have significant financial and reputational investment in athletes. This can create an inherent conflict when misconducts arise, problematically prompting sports organizations to use their power and resources to prioritize damage control over justice.

    We saw this in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, where each hockey player had his own legal counsel, a stark illustration of institutional power and the extent to which sports organizations will go to shield their members from accountability. The deeply entrenched networks within sport prioritize self-preservation over addressing misconduct

    Effectively responding to these issues requires addressing the systemic factors that perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence in sport. The sport ecosystem in Canada needs radical change, including who trains and mentors young men in hockey and how organizations investigate complaints.

    It requires going beyond individual accountability, participating in consent workshops or issuing policy documents. These actions alone are insufficient to shift the cultural needle.

    In 2022, Hockey Canada released a comprehensive action plan to address systemic issues in hockey that features discussions of accountability, governance, education and training and independent sport safety structures.

    Community organizations like the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres also issued a series of recommendations in 2022 that remain germane:

    • Work with athletes and sports organizations to address sexual violence in sports culture;
    • Support the development and growth of male allies programs within community-based sexual assault support centres; and
    • Support those who have been harmed.

    In addition to these excellent suggestions, Hockey Canada and other allied hockey organizations must be willing to restructure the current hierarchical structure of power that governs not just hockey, but also the players and all the other agencies involved, including coaches, sponsors, trainers, legal teams, media and PR representatives.

    These organizational changes are possible, as evidenced by the efforts of Bayne Pettinger, an agent who has led efforts to create space for queer hockey players in Hockey Canada and the National Hockey League.

    Scott Smith, who stepped down from his role as Hockey Canada’s President and CEO, left, and Hockey Canada Chief Financial Officer Brian Cairo appear at a standing committee in July 2022 looking into how Hockey Canada handled allegations of sexual assault and a subsequent lawsuit.
    THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

    Sport’s moral reckoning

    However, the cultural norms of power in sport extend beyond the playing field to shape attitudes toward consent and sexual conduct.

    Until sport organizations address the foundational cultural elements that enable misconduct — toxic masculinity, institutional protection and erosion of consent culture — meaningful change will remain elusive.

    Within hockey environments, in particular, the objectification of women and the institutional silence surrounding sexual violence have become normalized aspects of the sport’s culture, creating conditions where misconduct can flourish unchecked.

    The events examined in this most recent trial are not isolated incidents but symptoms of deeper systemic failures within elite sport.

    Only through comprehensive cultural transformation can we ensure that sport environments are spaces of genuine safety, respect and accountability for all participants.

    Laura Misener receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

    Treena Orchard receives funding from Western University for a Teaching Innovation Grant, however, those funds were not used in the creation of this article.

    ref. Hockey Canada sex assault verdict: Sports culture should have also been on trial – https://theconversation.com/hockey-canada-sex-assault-verdict-sports-culture-should-have-also-been-on-trial-260662

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB co-organises 11th Annual International Mathematical Modeling Challenge International Summit cum Award Ceremony with educational organisations and various local universities (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 24), together with the NeoUnion ESC Organization, the Consortium for Mathematics and Its Applications, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, co-organised the 11th Annual International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC) International Summit cum Award Ceremony, in which global experts were invited to share their insights on various topics to promote local and international exchanges in mathematics education. The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, officiated at the ceremony and presented awards to the winning students.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Choi said that in the era of artificial intelligence, it is important for students to develop the ability to model complex real-world phenomena and the capacity to extract insights from vast datasets. The EDB has hence strengthened the promotion of mathematical modelling in schools, putting emphasis on real-world application of mathematics and encouraging the effective use of digital technologies in learning and teaching. 

    To align with the national strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, and the international trend of nurturing future technological talents, the EDB has been stepping up the promotion of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education with a range of initiatives including arranging for teachers to attend training programmes that enhance their professional competence and for students to participate in competitions to broaden their horizons. The EDB will further promote the use of AI, coding and other digital tools in modelling, with a view to integrating mathematical modelling into the learning and teaching of mathematics in primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong.

    The IMMC is an international mathematical modelling competition for secondary students worldwide, aiming at encouraging participants to apply mathematical modelling to explore and solve major problems in the real world, thereby popularising mathematical modelling education and enhancing the mathematical literacy and technological innovation capabilities of secondary students. The IMMC serves as an important platform for students to practise mathematical modelling and exchange their achievements. 

    Hong Kong students performed well in the IMMC 2025 in Greater China Region. Sixteen students from Diocesan Girls’ School, Pui Kiu College, St. Paul’s Co-educational College and Wah Yan College, Kowloon obtained an Outstanding Award for IMMC 2025 of Greater China.

    At the International Summit, international experts in mathematical modelling education shared their views on topics including challenges in mathematical modelling education, development of mathematical modelling in Hong Kong, applications of mathematical modelling, and the role of teachers in mathematical modelling education. The summit also featured experience sharing by award-winning students, with a view to promoting international exchanges in mathematical modelling education and further strengthening students’ ability in applying mathematics.

    Other guests included the President of the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction and Emeritus Professor of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Frederick Leung; Chair Professor of the Department of Mathematics and Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Wang Yang; and the Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering and Decision Analytics of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Zhang Jiheng. Teachers and students from Hong Kong and over 30 countries and regions also participated in the International Summit cum Award Ceremony.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Dreamland Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dreamland Limited (Nasdaq: TDIC) (the “Company” or “Dreamland”), a Hong Kong-based event management service provider, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, 1,340,000 of which were offered by the Company and 660,000 by an existing shareholder (the “Selling Shareholder”), at a public offering price of US$4.00 per Class A ordinary share. The Company also filed a resale prospectus concurrent with the Offering for the resale of 5,416,740 Class A ordinary shares held by Prime Crest Holdings Limited, Fuji Holdings Limited, Yield Rights Group Limited and Allied Target Limited (the “Resale Shareholders”). The Class A ordinary shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on July 23, 2025 under the ticker symbol “TDIC.”

    The Company received aggregate gross proceeds of US$5,360,000 from the Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of Class A ordinary shares offered by the Selling Shareholder or the Resale Shareholders in the Offering.

    Net proceeds from the Offering due to the Company will be used for: (i) acquiring multi-territorial IP licenses; (ii) setting up the Company’s own ticketing platform; (iii) possible strategic acquisitions; (iv) expanding the Company’s marketing department and financing and administration department; (v) upgrading the Company’s enterprise resource planning system; (vi) repaying loans made by a director in connection with the payment of costs and expenses in connection with the Offering and obtaining a listing of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market; and (vii) working capital and other general corporate purposes.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Bancroft Capital, LLC acted as the sole managing underwriter for the Offering (the “Underwriter”). Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP acted as U.S. counsel to the Underwriter, led by W. David Mannheim, Kathryn Simons and Ashley Wu, in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (File No.: 333-286471), as amended, and was declared effective by the SEC on June 30, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Bancroft Capital, LLC by email at investmentbanking@bancroft4vets.com, by standard mail to 501 Office Center Drive, Suite 130, Fort Washington, PA 19034, or by telephone at +1 (484) 546-8000. In addition, copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    About Dreamland Limited

    Dreamland Limited is a Hong Kong-based event management service provider. The Company specializes in organizing, planning, promoting and managing themed touring walk-through experience events for intellectual property owners of characters in well-publicized animated cartoons and/or live action theatrical motion pictures. Dreamland’s mission is to help customers organize, plan, promote and manage events to effectively connect with their target audiences, both in Hong Kong and in overseas markets. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: http://www.trendicint.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “believe”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “should”, “seek”, “estimate”, “will”, “would”, “may”. “could”, “will”, “aim” and “anticipate” or other similar expressions in the prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

    For more information, please contact:

    Dreamland Limited
    Ms. Seto Wai Yue
    Email: frances.seto@trendicint.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-07-22
    President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation
    On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Oireachtas (parliament) of Ireland. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. He indicated that Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community, saying that we look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Deputy Speaker John McGuinness is a dear friend of Taiwan who also chairs the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association. Thanks to his efforts over the years, support for Taiwan has grown stronger in the Oireachtas. I thank him and all of our guests for traveling such a long way to demonstrate support for Taiwan and open more doors for exchanges and cooperation. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment. Ireland is a European stronghold for technology and innovative industries. Just like Taiwan, Ireland is an export-oriented economy. Our industrial structures are highly complementary. We hope that Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing and machinery industries can explore deeper cooperation with Ireland’s ICT software and biopharmaceutical fields, creating win-win outcomes. In May, the Irish government launched its National Semiconductor Strategy, outlining a vision to become a global semiconductor hub. Taiwan is home to the world’s most critical semiconductor ecosystem, and our own industrial development closely parallels that of Ireland. Moreover, we aspire to build non-red technological supply chains with democratic partners. I believe that going forward, Taiwan and Ireland can bolster collaboration so as to upgrade the competitiveness of our respective semiconductor industries. Together, we can help build a values-based economic system for democracies. I was delighted to receive congratulations from Deputy Speaker McGuinness on my election. Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. This visit from our guests further attests to our common beliefs. As authoritarianism continues to expand, Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community. We look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. Deputy Speaker McGuinness then delivered remarks, stating that he has been to Taiwan on many occasions and that it is a great honor to join President Lai and his staff at the Presidential Office. He said that Ireland has continued to build its strong relationship with Taiwan based on our democratic values and the interests that we have in trade throughout the world, strengthening this relationship based on culture, education, and more. Noting that he served with many other diplomats from Taiwan, he said all had the same goal, which was to further the interests of the Ireland-Taiwan friendship and to ensure that it grows and prospers. The deputy speaker then extended to President Lai the delegation’s best wishes for his term in office, stating that they commit to the same values as the previous friendship groups that have been visiting Taiwan. He went on to say that some members of the group are newly elected, representing the next generation of the association, and that they are committed to working together with Taiwan to stand strong in the defense of democracy. Deputy Speaker McGuinness also noted that the father of Deputy Ken O’Flynn, one of the delegation members, played an important role as a former chairman of the association, remarking that it is good to see such continuity taking place. Deputy Speaker McGuiness said that he believes the world is facing huge challenges and uncertainty in terms of our markets and trade with one another. He said we have to watch for what the United States will do next and be conscious of what China is doing, emphasizing that the European Union stands strong in the center of this, while Ireland plays a huge role in the context of democracy, trade, and the betterment of all things for the citizens that they represent. The deputy speaker then stated that while we focus on the development of AI that is extremely important for all of us, we can work together to ensure that we control AI rather than AI controlling us. He also remarked that we cannot lose sight of our traditional trading means, saying that we have to keep all of our trade together, expand on that trade, and then take on the new technologies that come before us. Deputy Speaker McGuinness concluded his remarks by thanking President Lai for receiving the delegation, stating that they commit to their continuation of support for Taiwan and for democracy. Also in attendance were Deputies Malcolm Byrne and Barry Ward, and Senator Teresa Costello.

    Details
    2025-07-22
    President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield
    On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with an official delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). In remarks, President Lai thanked the committee for choosing to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan, standing at the very frontline of the democratic world, is determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. He expressed hope that we can share our experiences with Europe to foster even more resilient societies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Firstly, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to your delegation, which marks another official visit from the European Parliament. The Special Committee on the EUDS aims to strengthen societal resilience and counter disinformation and hybrid threats. Having been constituted at the beginning of this year, the committee has chosen to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe and the unlimited possibilities for deepening cooperation on issues of concern. I am also delighted to see many old friends of Taiwan gathered here today. I deeply appreciate your longstanding support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the European Union enjoy close trade and economic relations and share the values of freedom and democracy. However, in recent years, we have both been subjected to information manipulation and infiltration by foreign forces that seek to interfere in democratic elections, foment division in our societies, and shake people’s faith in democracy. Taiwan not only faces an onslaught of disinformation, but also is the target of gray-zone aggression. That is why, after taking office, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office, with myself as convener. The committee is a platform that integrates domestic affairs, national defense, foreign affairs, cybersecurity, and civil resources. It aims to strengthen the capability of Taiwan’s society to defend itself against new forms of threat, pinpoint external and internal vulnerabilities, and bolster overall resilience and security. The efforts that democracies make are not for opposing anyone else; they are for safeguarding the way of life that we cherish – just as Europe has endeavored to promote diversity and human rights. The Taiwanese people firmly believe that when our society is united and people trust one another, we will be able to withstand any form of authoritarian aggression. Taiwan stands at the very frontline of the democratic world. We are determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. We also hope to share our experiences with Europe and deepen cooperation in such fields as cybersecurity, media literacy, and societal resilience. Thank you once again for visiting Taiwan. Your presence further strengthens the foundations of Taiwan-Europe relations. Let us continue to work together to uphold freedom and democracy and foster even more resilient societies. EUDS Special Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau then delivered remarks, saying that the delegation has members from different countries, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium, and different political parties, but that they have in common their desire for stronger relations between the EU and Taiwan. Committee Chair Loiseau stated that the EU and Taiwan, having many things in common, should work more together. She noted that we have strong trade relations, strong investments on both sides, and strong cultural relations, while we are also facing very similar challenges and threats. She said that we are democracies living in a world where autocracies want to weaken and divide democracies. She added that we also face external information manipulation, cyberattacks, sabotage, attempts to capture elites, and every single gray-zone activity that aims to divide and weaken us. Committee Chair Loiseau pointed out another commonality, that we have never threatened our neighbors. She said that we want to live in peace and we care about our people; we want to defend ourselves, not to attack others. We are not being threatened because of what we do, she emphasized, but because of what we are; and thus there is no reason for not working more together to face these threats and attacks. Committee Chair Loiseau said that Taiwan has valuable experience and good practices in the area of societal resilience, and that they are interested in learning more about Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach. They in Europe are facing interference, she said, mainly from Russia, and they know that Russia inspires others. She added that they in the EU also have experience regulating social media in a way which combines freedom of expression and responsibility. In closing, the chair said that they are happy to have the opportunity to exchange views with President Lai and that the European Parliament will continue to strongly support relations between the EU and Taiwan. The delegation also included Members of the European Parliament Engin Eroglu, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Kathleen Van Brempt, and Markéta Gregorová.

    Details
    2025-07-17
    President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  
    On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:  I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-07-08
    President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti
    On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-07-01
    President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum
    On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. He expressed hope that their visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to thank our guests for coming here to the Presidential Office. The 2025 TIOF will take place tomorrow and the day after, and I thank you all for making the long trip to Taiwan to attend the event and share your valuable insights and experiences. This year’s forum will focus on strategies for strengthening maritime security and pathways to achieving a sustainable blue economy. By attending this forum, our guests are highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the oceans, and beyond that, taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan. I once again offer deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, is one of the world’s top 10 shipping nations, and accounts for close to 10 percent of global container shipping by volume. As such, Taiwan occupies a unique and important position in maritime strategy. For Taiwan, the ocean is more than just a basis for survival and development; it is also an important driver of national prosperity. In my inaugural address last year, I spoke of a threefold approach to further Taiwan’s development. One of these involves further developing our strengths as a maritime nation. Our government must actively help deepen our connections with the ocean, and must continue to promote green shipping, a sustainable fishing industry, marine renewable energy, and other forms of industrial transformation. It must also make use of marine technology and digital innovation to create a new paradigm that balances environmental, economic, and social inclusion concerns. This will help enhance Taiwan’s responsibilities and competitiveness as a maritime nation. Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, and our territorial waters are a natural protective barrier. However, continued gray-zone aggression from China creates serious threats and challenges to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Our government continues to invest resources to deal with increasingly complex maritime security issues. In addition to building coast guard patrol vessels, we must also step up efforts to build underwater, surface, and airborne unmanned vehicles and smart reconnaissance equipment, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Oceans are Taiwan’s roots, and provide the channels by which we engage with the world. The people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. The TIOF was first launched in 2020, and has now become an important platform for enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and other countries. I hope that our distinguished guests will reap great benefits at this year’s forum, and further hope that this visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. Chairman of The Washington Times Thomas McDevitt, a member of the delegation, then delivered remarks, noting first that July 4th, this Friday, is Independence Day in America. Independence is a sacred, powerful word which has great meaning in this part of the world, he said. Chairman McDevitt indicated that Taiwan has truly become a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many nations. He then quoted President Lai’s 2024 inaugural address: “We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world.” Chairman McDevitt went on to say that he appreciated the president’s speech with regard to his philosophical depth, sensitivity, and both moral and political clarity. He said that he was deeply moved by the speech, but within a few days of it, China responded with military activities and many threats. The chairman then emphasized that we are in a civilization crisis. Chairman McDevitt mentioned that President Lai has begun a series of 10 lectures, and remarked that they would help the world to understand the identity and the nature of Taiwan, as well as the situation we are in in the world. On behalf of all the delegation, Chairman McDevitt thanked the president for his leadership in dealing with these issues thoughtfully. Chairman McDevitt concluded with a line from the Old Testament which states that if the people have no vision, they will perish. He said that he believes Taiwan’s president has led the people of Taiwan, and the world, with a vision of how to navigate this great civilization crisis together. The delegation also included Members of the Japanese House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi, Aoyama Yamato, and Genma Kentaro, and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Gavin Williamson.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: TARIFFS UP, TOURISM DOWN – AND UPSTATE NY IS PAYING THE PRICE; NEW DATA SHOWS CANADIAN BORDER CROSSINGS CONTINUE TO PLUMMET AS TRUMP THREATENS TO FURTHER INCREASE TARIFFS NEXT WEEK, CROSSINGS…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Trump Is Threatening AGAIN To Raise Tariffs On Canada Up To 35% Next Week, And New Data Shows It Is Upstate New Yorkers’ Wallets & Small Businesses Paying The Price For These Threats & Insulting Comments To Our Neighbors To The North

    Schumer Reveals New Data That Shows 376,000 Fewer Canadian Border Crossings Last Month Compared To Last Year’s Summer Tourism Season, Putting Billions For NY’s Main Streets And Local Jobs At Risk – Says We Must End This Ill-Conceived Trade War And Demands NY House Republicans Stand Up For Upstate NY

    Schumer: Trump’s Tariff War Is Cratering Upstate NY’s Summer Tourism Economy, This Must Stop 

    As Trump proposes increasing tariffs on Canadian goods up to 35% next week, with the chaos from his ill-conceived and irregularly implemented trade war continuing, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer revealed new data showing border crossings continue to plummet at all major land ports of entry in New York. New data shows approximately 376,000 fewer travelers crossed the Upstate NY-Canada border via land in June 2025 compared to June 2024, according to CBP, a more than 21% decrease.

    “Across Upstate NY, tariffs are up and raising prices for families, and tourism is way down thanks to Trump’s impulsive, ill-conceived trade war. This new data shows how Trump’s tariffs and insults are driving our closest ally and key trading partner Canada away. Hurting Upstate NY’s summer tourism industry and leaving emptier Main Streets and stores paying the price,” said Senator Schumer. “Meanwhile, Trump is threatening to throw even more fuel on this fire, threatening to raise tariffs on Canada to a whopping 35% next week, which could burn Upstate NY’s tourism industry to the ground. From Buffalo to the Thousand Islands to Plattsburgh, and everywhere in between, Upstate NY can’t afford for Trump’s tariff chaos to continue. I am fighting back to give Upstate NY businesses the relief they need, and NY House Republicans should get off the sidelines and stand up for our Main Street shops, restaurants, and small businesses before it’s too late.”

    According to new data from CBP, Upstate NY and Canada saw approximately 1.4 million border crossings in June 2025, compared to 1.75 million during the same month in 2024, a 21.5% decrease across land (both road and bridge) crossings frequented by tourists. This follows a months-long trend since Trump took office of Canadian border crossings plummeting, meaning fewer tourists at NY’s hotels, shops, & restaurants. Nationally, border crossings have decreased from approximately 5 million to 3.9 million over the same period.

    A breakdown bridge-by-bridge from the Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association of June 2025 crossings shows just how steeply tourism is declining across all the major bridge ports of entry between Upstate NY and Canada:

    NY-Canada Bridge

    Region

    June 2024 Auto Crossings

    June 2025 Auto Crossings

    Percentage Decline

    Peace Bridge

    Western NY

    450,836

    382,448

    -15.17%

    Rainbow Bridge

    Western NY

    222,654

    165,135

    -25.83%

    Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge

    Western NY

    254,200

    238,694

    -6.10%

    Whirlpool Rapids Bridge

    Western NY

    38,378

    27,252

    -28.99%

    Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge

    North Country

    51,083

    37,378

    -26.83%

    Thousand Islands Bridge

    North Country

    192,476

    165,057

    -14.25%

    Seaway Bridge

    North Country

    226,409

    224,655

    -0.77%

    Since taking office in January, Trump has damaged the United States’ relationship with Canada by threatening to annex Canada and levying 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, and is now threatening even higher tariffs at 35%. Schumer said Canadians are canceling trips to the United States because of Trump’s tariff war and threats to annex Canada as the 51st state, hurting Main Street businesses that rely on a busy summer tourism season and are already slammed by higher prices.

    Trump’s tariffs are raising costs for families, with households with lower incomes hit hardest because they tend to buy more goods in industries being tariffed. According to the Budget Lab at Yale, Trump’s tariffs are expected to cost families more than $2,700 every year. Americans are already seeing higher prices; In June 2025, prices increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year. With Trump’s threats of even higher tariffs, that means even higher costs for Upstate NY families and small businesses. In addition, with the threat of costs increasing even more, many families feel pressure to make big purchases this year, when prices are lower, but they are less financially prepared, and in some cases, taking on debt to do so.

    Schumer continues to be one of the leading advocates in Congress to end this unnecessary, damaging trade war with Canada that is decimating Upstate NY’s economy, tourism, small businesses, and local jobs.

    • Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada, and Schumer said now more than ever, this new data should be a wake-up call to House Republicans and show the urgency to take up and pass it as well.
    • Schumer and Senate Democrats have introduced legislation exempting small businesses from tariffs.
    • Schumer has co-led amicus briefs in a lawsuit challenging Trump’s authority to levy tariffs.

    Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting American families from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd Votes to Advance Senate’s Intelligence Authorization, Highlights Wins for Privacy and National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence,released the following statement after the release of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (IAA).

    “I was proud to support the Intelligence Authorization Act, my first since joining the Intelligence Committee earlier this year,” said Sen. Budd. “This important legislation ensures our Intelligence Community has the resources and flexibility needed to keep Americans safe from foreign threats. I am especially proud of the reforms made to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to improve the agency’s efficiency by reducing its increasingly bloated bureaucracy. The Intelligence Authorization Act also supports policy priorities in my work on the Commerce and Armed Services Committees, including preserving key spectrum bands used by the Intelligence Community, improving access to artificial intelligence, protecting Americans’ privacy, and ensuring key facilities are protected from emerging technological threats.”

    The Intelligence Authorization Act includes several policy priorities Sen. Budd has championed in his new role on the Intelligence Committee, including:

    • Reducing bureaucratic red tape to return the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to its original size, scope, and mission.
    • Improving the Intelligence Community’s AI capabilities by establishing new guidelines for procuring and using AI.
    • Preserving spectrum bands used by the Intelligence Community by clarifying agencies’ eligibility under the Spectrum Relocation Fund.
    • Protecting Americans’ personal privacy by requiring new procedures for sharing information about U.S. identities and preventing the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis from collecting intelligence on American citizens.
    • Creating additional review processes for foreign purchases of U.S. land near facilities used by Intelligence Communities to protect against potential hostile drone attacks.

    Learn more about the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: TransFi Announces Global Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure to Drive Real-World Adoption

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW DELHI, India, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransFi, a leading global payments infrastructure company, announces the expansion of its platform designed to power real-world adoption of stablecoins by enabling fast, secure, and compliant cross-border transactions. Operating in over 100 countries with support for more than 250 local payment methods and 40 currencies, TransFi bridges the gap between digital assets and everyday financial utility.

    As emerging markets increasingly seek stable currency alternatives, the demand for dollar-backed stablecoins is accelerating. According to a recent study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), users in 17 countries are willing to pay an average premium of 4.7% for access to stable digital currencies, with this figure reaching as high as 30% in inflation-affected economies like Argentina. This growing demand is projected to amount to $25.4 billion in annual premium payments by 2027.

    TransFi’s AI-powered smart routing engine optimizes the payment experience by identifying the fastest and most cost-efficient rails across both fiat and stablecoin networks. This innovation reduces settlement times from days to seconds, unlocking an estimated $2.9 billion in annual efficiency gains and addressing the $11.6 billion typically trapped in slow settlement systems.

    “Our platform is built to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving financial landscape by combining speed, security, and compliance with the benefits of stablecoins,” said Rahul Sahni, COO & CPO of TransFi. “We’re proud to provide businesses and consumers with infrastructure that turns digital assets into practical financial tools.”

    TransFi offers an enterprise-ready, regulation-compliant platform with built-in KYC and AML processes. Its key services include:

    • BizPay: Streamlined business payments with fast onboarding and low fees
    • Wallet: Multi-currency storage and conversion
    • Ramp: Instant crypto on/off-ramps via 250+ payment methods
    • Single API & Widget: Easy platform integration for businesses
    • Payouts & Collections: Comprehensive global payment infrastructure

    The company’s solutions support a wide range of use cases, including remittances, payroll, digital banking, Web3, and iGaming, enabling businesses to scale with stablecoin-powered efficiency.

    About TransFi
    TransFi is a global payments infrastructure company dedicated to bridging digital assets with real-world financial systems. With operations in over 100 countries, TransFi provides secure, compliant, and fast cross-border payment solutions, supporting 250+ local payment methods and 40+ currencies. Its AI-driven platform empowers businesses and individuals to seamlessly transact using both fiat and digital currencies.

    Media Contact:

    Farhan Ahmed
    farhan@transfi.com

    Company Website: https://www.transfi.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by TransFi. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7aa46009-5aaf-42c0-994c-ee95cab75bbc

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Fossil Fuel Polluters Want You To Clean Up Their Mess. We Can Stop Them.

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    A team of Greenpeace USA activists hold up a “Make Polluters Pay” banner outside the California State Capitol Building. © Andri Tambunan / Greenpeace

    The climate crisis is here, and we are already paying for it. You. Me. Everyone. 

    The past two years were the hottest ever recorded in the modern era. The city of Phoenix, AZ suffered through 100 straight days of greater than 100°F weather in 2024. Hurricane Helene sent catastrophic floods tearing through parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. California’s wildfire “season” continues to expand into a year-round phenomenon, extending into the winter months. In January of this year, devastating fires near Los Angeles destroyed 16,000 structures and killed 29 people

    The human impact of these events alone is unfathomable. The economic price tag in the aftermath is growing ever larger. In 2024 alone, NOAA documented 27 weather or climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion, leading to $184.8 billion in total damages and 568 deaths.

    © NOAA

    While climate disasters are costing us billions we don’t have, the oil and gas industry is comfortably earning trillions. In 2023, the industry earned an estimated $2.7 trillion in income globally.

    Corporate and political elites across the world have foolishly wasted decades on inaction, delay and expensive propaganda. In truth, delaying the necessary reductions in planet warming pollution is similar to refusing to pay your credit card when it is due. Before too long, the penalties and interest charges start piling up, and you can find yourself in a real mess.

    Our climate bill is overdue, but the fossil fuel industry is doing everything they can to avoid paying. They want to avoid any liability for their actions, all the while pushing the rising costs off on to taxpayers; or energy ratepayers; or just ordinary families stuck with higher bills, an unhealthy environment, looming climate hazards, and a failing insurance market.

    This is unjust and unacceptable. We have to make the polluters pay.

    All The Ways that Fossil Fuels Take Money Out of Your Pocket

    Over and over, the media and politicians have conditioned us to think that protecting the environment is a “luxury” that sadly we just can’t afford – as if a healthy biosphere that sustains life could ever be separated from “the economy.” The reality is just the opposite: saving the planet is a bargain compared to the insanely expensive climate crisis.

    Fossil fuels and climate change are forcing us to spend top-dollar in multiple ways.

    • Direct Climate Impacts. Climate science has established that climate change is driving numerous impacts both in the U.S. and around the globe – from sea-level rise to heat waves to a melting Arctic. A 2023 report from the U.S. Treasury focused on three impacts that could harm the household finances of Americans in certain parts of the county: flooding, wildfire, and exposure to high heat.
    © U.S. Global Change Research Program (USCGRP)

    The Treasury report found that these climate hazards can destroy property and public infrastructure, close businesses and eliminate jobs, spike gas and energy prices, interfere with banking and emergency services, and send people to the hospital. Public polling shows that more than one-third of U.S. adults say they have been affected by an extreme weather event in the past 2 years.

    To top it all off, it is becoming increasingly clear that climate change is driving the insurance market toward collapse.

    Insurance Collapse

    Donald Trump may not believe in climate change, but your insurance company sure does. Insurance companies can’t afford to be blinded by climate denier propaganda, which is why real, physical climate damages are now being reflected in insurance premiums and decisions about coverage.

    Data from the insurance industry suggests that from 2002 to 2022, over one-third of insurance losses (or $600 billion) were attributed to climate change, and that those losses were increasing. One recent study predicts that climate change could reduce American home values by a staggering $1.47 trillion over the next 30 years – with the losses concentrated in places with the largest climate impacts. As climate impacts expand, even places that were once dubbed “climate havens” are no longer safe from harm.

    In December 2024, the Senate Budget Committee released a report showing that climate risk is already increasing insurance “non-renewal rates” across the United States. Analysis of the data shows that areas with higher risk of fire and hurricanes had higher rates of insurance non-renewal

    © Kenny Stancil / Revolving Door Project and Jay Bowen / GIS developer

    Industry insiders are warning that if temperatures continue to rise, the insurance industry will simply be unable to offer coverage for many risks, which would then spread through other parts of the economy. For example, if you cannot get insurance on a house, you probably can’t get a mortgage either. This could lead to “a systemic risk that threatens the very foundation of the financial sector” in the words of one expert. Such a scenario could also lead to large migration of people away from the uninsurable parts of the country.

    We are already seeing parts of this dynamic play out in California. The January 2025 California fires will likely be the most expensive disaster in American history, with insured losses costing as much as $75 billion and total losses potentially greater than $250 billion. As a result, insurers have requested large rate hikes or have left the state entirely, leaving the state-run FAIR plan as the only option for many.

    Good News, We’ve Found the Culprits

    We don’t have to scour the planet to figure out who is to blame for these mounting crises. Independent researcher Rick Heede and colleagues have created a database ranking which coal, oil and gas corporations and state-owned companies are responsible for the majority of historic carbon emissions. Topping the list are the former U.S.S.R. and China’s coal production, but the corporations Saudi Aramco, Chevron and ExxonMobil take the #3, #4 and #5 spots on the list.

    Peer-reviewed studies have taken the next step to actually attribute certain climate impacts to specific climate polluters. Studies have linked these corporate polluters to a rise in CO2 and surface temperature, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, wildfire risk, and more. A recent study has even outlined a methodology to establish “an ‘end-to-end’ attribution that links fossil fuel producers to specific damages from warming.”

    With this data in hand, citizens, cities, states, and nations have turned to the courts to hold these corporate polluters accountable for the damages from their products. Some lawsuits have focused on investigations showing that Exxon and other oil companies had long known about the risks of climate change but acted to halt climate action. Other lawsuits are more focused on recouping the costs of local climate damages. In May, the daughter of a woman who died from extreme heat during a climate-amplified heat wave sued seven oil and gas companies for wrongful death.

    At the federal level, the Trump administration is busy firing scientists, illegally ending grants, halting data collection, and reversing what progress we have made on fighting climate pollution. But even while the federal government refuses to show true climate leadership, states and local governments have an opportunity to keep hope alive for climate sanity. States such as Vermont and New York have begun passing laws to make polluters pay directly. Sometimes called “climate superfund” laws, the idea is to impose a fee, or a climate damage tax, on fossil fuel companies in order to fund needed climate adaptation programs. Other states like California, New Jersey, and Oregon have similar pieces of legislation moving through their State Congresses. 

    No Polluter Pardons

    These lawsuits and state laws are gaining momentum, so naturally, these corporate cronies are doing everything they can to shirk their responsibilities. The fossil fuel industry may attempt to slip some form of “immunity” from liability into must-pass legislation, similar to the shield law that protects gun manufacturers. 

    People in positions of power, like President Trump, are even going a step further and doing what they can to shield polluters from scrutiny. Trump issued an Executive Order to protect fossil fuels against state overreach, and even directed the DOJ to try to block these lawsuits and laws in court. And infuriatingly, Trump recently eliminated NOAA’s database of climate disasters, depriving us of even basic information about the crisis. Moves like these can try to obscure the consequences of climate chaos, but they cannot erase real pain and suffering felt by communities experiencing these disasters.

    It’s time we stand together, hold these brazen culprits accountable and demand they pay for the damage they’ve caused. Take action with us and sign the Polluters Pay Pact today.

    MIL OSI NGO