Banking – Page 380 – NewzIntel.com

MIL-OSI: Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (“HTLF”) Reports Quarterly Results as of September 30, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Third Quarter Highlights

Quarterly net income available to common stockholders of $62.1 million or $1.44 per common share
Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders of $50.6 million or $1.17 adjusted diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP), which excludes:
- Gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million due to the sale of Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana.
- Loss on security sales of $9.5 million.
- Loss on fixed assets of $2.9 million due to branch closures and write-downs on properties listed for sale.
Common equity to total assets increased to 11.11%; while the tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP) improved 86 basis points to 8.14%.
Net interest margin, full tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) increased to 3.78% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 up from 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
Nonperforming loans were $69.9 million or 0.61% of total loans, a decrease of $33.8 million or 33% from the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
- Charge-offs of $32.1 million, of which the majority have been reserved for in prior periods, were recorded for the third quarter.

	For the Quarter Ended									For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			9/30/2023			2024			2023
Earnings Summary:
Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders (in millions)	$	62.1		$	37.7		$	46.1		$	149.6		$	144.2
Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share		1.44			0.88			1.08			3.47			3.37
Annualized return on average assets		1.38	%		0.84	%		0.94	%		1.10	%		1.00	%
Annualized return on average common equity		12.60			8.14			10.47			10.59			11.28
Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		18.32			12.28			16.32			15.77			17.82
Net interest margin		3.73			3.68			3.14			3.65			3.23
Net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		3.78			3.73			3.18			3.69			3.27
Efficiency ratio		48.58			65.69			63.77			58.94			61.86
Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully-tax equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		57.98			57.73			59.95			58.16			58.98

Adjusted Earnings Summary (1):
Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders (in millions)	$	50.6		$	49.6		$	48.1		$	152.7		$	148.3
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share		1.17			1.15			1.12			3.54			3.47
Adjusted annualized return on average assets		1.14	%		1.09	%		0.98	%		1.12	%		1.02	%
Adjusted annualized return on average common equity		10.27			10.71			10.92			10.81			11.60
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity		14.98			16.05			17.02			16.09			18.31

(1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to the financial tables for reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

“HTLF delivered a solid third quarter. Net interest margin increased as we continue to pay down high cost wholesale deposits. Our tangible common equity ratio improved to 8.14%. In July we completed the strategic sale of Rocky Mountain Bank in Montana, resulting in a net gain of $29.7 million. We continue to work closely with our partners at UMB on integration planning for our two companies and we’re excited about closing the transaction, expected in Q1 2025.”

Bruce K. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, HTLF

DENVER, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLF) today reported the following results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023:

Net income available to common stockholders of $62.1 million compared to $46.1 million, an increase of $16.1 million or 35%.
Earnings per diluted common share of $1.44 compared to $1.08, an increase of $0.36 or 33%.
Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders⁽¹⁾ of $50.6 million or $1.17 per diluted common share compared to $48.1 million or $1.12 per diluted common share, which excludes:
- Gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million due to the sale of Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana.
- Loss on security sales of $9.5 million.
- Loss on fixed assets of $2.9 million due to branch closures and write-downs on properties listed for sale.
Net interest income of $157.9 million compared to $145.8 million, an increase of $12.1 million or 8%.
Annualized return on average assets of 1.38% compared to 0.94%. Adjusted annualized return on average assets⁽¹⁾ of 1.14% compared to 0.98%.
Annualized return on average common equity of 12.60% compared to 10.47%. Adjusted annualized return on average common equity⁽¹⁾ of 10.27% compared to 10.92%.
Annualized return on average tangible common equity⁽¹⁾ of 18.32% compared to 16.32%. Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity⁽¹⁾ of 14.98% compared to 17.02%.

Rocky Mountain Bank Sale

HTLF Bank closed on the sale of the Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana in mid-July to two purchasers, which included loans of $343.8 million, deposits of $531.9 million and fixed assets of $13.8 million. The gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million was realized in the third quarter of 2024.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest margin, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.73% (3.78% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 3.68% (3.73% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2024, and 3.14% (3.18% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2023.

Total interest income and average earning asset changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

Total interest income was $253.8 million compared to $245.4 million, an increase of $8.4 million or 3%, primarily attributable to an increase in yields on average earning assets. During the third quarter of 2024, HTLF recorded $5.3 million in additional interest income for a security that paid off.
Total interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) was $255.8 million, an increase of $8.2 million or 3%, from $247.6 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the fair value hedges were terminated in favorable market conditions in early October. HTLF recorded $10.3 million of interest income associated with the fair value hedges in the third quarter of 2024 in comparison to $5.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. As a result of the fair value hedge terminations, no additional interest income will be recorded.
Average earning assets decreased $1.60 billion or 9% to $16.84 billion compared to $18.44 billion, primarily due to the sale of $865.4 million of securities during the fourth quarter of 2023, $108.4 million of securities sold during the second quarter of 2024, and $40.3 million of securities sold during the third quarter of 2024. The proceeds were utilized to pay down high-cost wholesale deposits and borrowings.
The average rate on earning assets increased 71 basis points to 6.04% from 5.33%, primarily due to recent interest rate increases on earning assets.

Total interest expense and average interest-bearing liability changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

Total interest expense was $95.9 million, a decrease of $3.8 million from $99.7 million, primarily due to a decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities.
The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 17 basis points to 3.18% from 3.01%.
Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $1.65 billion or 13% to $11.03 billion from $12.68 billion.
The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased 4 basis points to 2.86% from 2.90%.
Average borrowings and term debt increased $478.2 million to $953.9 million from $475.7 million, and the average interest rate paid on borrowings decreased 40 basis points to 5.39% from 5.78%.

Net interest income changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

Net interest income totaled $157.9 million compared to $145.8 million, an increase of $12.1 million or 8%.
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) totaled $159.9 million compared to $147.9 million, an increase of $12.0 million or 8%.

Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest income was $19.0 million during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $28.4 million during the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $9.4 million or 33%. Significant changes within the noninterest income category for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

Service charges and fees decreased $1.5 million or 8% to $17.1 million from $18.6 million, primarily attributable to a decrease in consumer NSF and overdraft fees. In the fourth quarter of 2023, HTLF instituted a new fee policy across our single charter customer base in response to industry changes related to consumer overdraft fees.
Net security losses increased $9.4 million to $9.5 million compared to net security losses of $114,000.
Net gains on sales of loans held for sale decreased to $0 from $905,000, due to HTLF ceasing originations of residential mortgage loans to be sold to the secondary market.
Other noninterest income increased $957,000 to $1.6 million from $619,000, primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation income of $1.0 million to $1.5 million from $433,000.

Total noninterest expense was $85.9 million during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $111.1 million during the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $25.1 million or 23%. Significant changes within the noninterest expense category for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $62.7 million compared to $62.3 million, an increase of $480,000 or 1%. The increase was attributable to higher benefit costs including incentive compensation and benefit expenses partially offset by a reduction of full-time equivalent employees. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 1,725 compared to 1,965, a decrease of 240 or 12%.
Professional fees totaled $17.4 million compared to $13.6 million, an increase of $3.8 million or 28%, primarily due to an increase legal expenses, including those associated with special asset loans.
Gain on sale of assets, net, totaled $26.4 million compared to a loss on sale of assets of $108,000. As discussed earlier, Rocky Mountain Bank, a division of HTLF Bank, was sold during the third quarter of 2024 which generated a gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million.

The effective tax rate was 24.25% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 21.89% for third quarter of 2023. The following items impacted the third quarter 2024 and 2023 tax calculations:

Various tax credits of $629,000 compared to $1.6 million.
Tax-exempt interest income as a percentage of pre-tax income of 8.92% compared to 13.14%.
Tax benefit of $140,000 compared to a tax expense of $41,000 resulting from the vesting of restricted stock units.
Tax expense of $1.1 million compared to $1.6 million resulting from the disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt loans and securities.

Total Assets, Total Loans and Total Deposits

Total assets were $18.27 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $18.81 billion at June 30, 2024, and $19.41 billion at December 31, 2023. Total assets decreased $540.1 million or 3% during the third quarter of 2024 and $1.14 billion or 6% since year-end 2023. Securities represented 27% and 29% of total assets at September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Total loans held to maturity were $11.44 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $11.61 billion at June 30, 2024, and $12.07 billion at December 31, 2023. Loans decreased $167.4 million or 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and $627.7 million or 5% since year-end 2023. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, loans held to maturity decreased $172.4 million or 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and decreased $284.0 million or 2% since year-end 2023.

Significant changes by loan category at September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 included:

Commercial and business lending, which includes commercial and industrial, PPP and owner occupied commercial real estate loans, decreased $262.7 million or 4% to $5.99 billion compared to $6.26 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, commercial and business lending decreased $119.4 million or 2%.
Commercial real estate lending, which includes non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans, decreased $3.3 million, or less than 1%, to $3.58 billion compared to $3.58 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, commercial real estate lending increased $67.0 million or 2%.
Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $167.2 million or 19% to $701.2 million compared to $868.4 million. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $99.9 million or 12%.
Residential mortgage loans decreased $56.7 million or 7% to $708.0 million compared to $764.7 million. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, residential mortgage loans decreased $25.7 million or 3%.

Significant changes by loan category at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 included:

Commercial and business lending, which includes commercial and industrial, PPP and owner occupied commercial real estate loans, decreased $298.6 million or 5% to $5.99 billion compared to $6.29 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $143.3 million, commercial and business lending decreased $155.3 million or 2%.
Commercial real estate lending, which includes non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans, increased $9.9 million or less than 1% to $3.58 billion compared to $3.57 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $70.3 million, commercial real estate lending increased $80.2 million or 2%.
Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $218.0 million or 24% to $701.2 million compared to $919.2 million. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $67.3 million, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $150.7 million or 16%.
Residential mortgage loans decreased $89.8 million or 11% to $708.0 million compared to $797.8 million. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $31.0 million, residential mortgage loans decreased $58.9 million or 7%.

Total deposits were $14.95 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.96 billion as of June 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.4 million or less than 1%. Total deposits were $14.95 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $16.20 billion at December 31, 2023, which was a decrease of $1.25 billion or 8%. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, deposits decreased $9.8 million or less than 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and decreased $716.6 million or 4% since year-end 2023.

Total customer deposits were $14.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.13 billion at June 30, 2024, an increase of $217.6 million or 2%. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer deposits increased $211.2 million or 1%. Significant customer deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, included:

Customer demand deposits decreased $367.6 million or 8% to $4.01 billion compared to $4.38 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer demand deposits decreased $235.9 million or 6%.
Customer savings deposits increased $270.0 million or 3% to $8.71 billion compared to $8.44 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer savings deposits increased $554.4 million or 7%.
Customer time deposits decreased $223.1 million or 12% to $1.63 billion compared to $1.85 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer time deposits decreased $107.3 million or 6%.

Total customer deposits were $14.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.86 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $505.1 million or 3%. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer deposits sold of $531.9 million, customer deposits increased $26.7 million. Significant customer deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, included:

Customer demand deposits decreased $491.1 million or 11% to $4.01 billion compared to $4.50 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer demand deposits sold of $131.7 million, customer demand deposits decreased $359.3 million or 8%.
Customer savings deposits increased $302.0 million or 4% to $8.71 billion compared to $8.41 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer savings deposits sold of $284.3 million, customer savings deposits increased $586.3 million or 7%.
Customer time deposits decreased $316.0 million or 16% to $1.63 billion compared to $1.94 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer time deposits sold of $115.8 million, customer time deposits decreased $200.2 million or 10%.

Total wholesale and institutional deposits were $601.9 million as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of $221.0 million or 27% from $822.9 million at June 30, 2024. Significant wholesale and institutional deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 included:

Wholesale and institutional savings deposits decreased $105.7 million or 33% to $213.0 million compared to $318.6 million.
Wholesale time deposits decreased $115.3 million or 23% to $389.0 million compared to $504.3 million.

Total wholesale and institutional deposits were $601.9 million as of September 30, 2024, which was a decrease of $743.4 million or 55% from $1.35 billion at December 31, 2023. Significant wholesale and institutional deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 included:

Wholesale and institutional savings deposits decreased $181.4 million or 46% to $213.0 million compared to $394.4 million.
Wholesale time deposits decreased $562.0 million or 59% to $389.0 million compared to $950.9 million.

Provision and Allowance

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
Provision for credit losses for loans for the third quarter of 2024 was $8.9 million, an increase of $6.2 million from $2.7 million recorded in the third quarter of 2023.

The allowance for credit losses for loans totaled $106.8 million at September 30, 2024 and $122.6 million at December 31, 2023. The following items impacted the allowance for credit losses for loans at September 30, 2024:

Provision expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $22.3 million. Provision expense was primarily impacted in the third quarter of 2024 by a nonperforming food manufacturing syndication loan currently in bankruptcy proceedings. HTLF recorded a charge-off of $19.2 million for this credit during the third quarter of 2024, of which $10.0 million was reserved for in a prior period.
Net charge-offs of $38.0 million, of which the majority have been reserved for in prior periods, were recorded for the first nine months of 2024.

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses for Unfunded Commitments
The allowance for unfunded commitments decreased $6.0 million or 36% to $10.5 million at September 30, 2024, from $16.5 million at December 31, 2023. The following impacted HTLF’s allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments during 2024:

Provision benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $6.0 million.
Reduction of $82.9 million in unfunded commitments for construction loans, which carry the highest loss rate.
Total unfunded commitments decreased $684.5 million or 15% to $3.94 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $4.63 billion at December 31, 2023.

Total Provision and Allowance for Lending Related Credit Losses
The total provision expense for lending related credit losses was $6.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The total allowance for lending related credit losses was $117.3 million or 1.02% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $139.0 million or 1.15% of total loans as of December 31, 2023.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets were $76.8 million or 0.42% of total assets at September 30, 2024, compared to $110.5 million or 0.57% of total assets at December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets were reduced by charge-offs of $32.1 million and the return to performing status of a $10.4 million owner occupied commercial real estate loan relationship. The reduction was partially offset by the addition of a $10.1 million non-owner commercial real estate loan relationship. Nonperforming loans were $69.9 million or 0.61% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $97.9 million or 0.81% of total loans at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, loans delinquent 30-89 days were 0.26% of total loans compared to 0.09% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The increase in the 30-89 day delinquencies was due to a single $12.8 million real estate construction loan. Other real estate owned, net, decreased $5.7 million or 46% to $6.8 million at September 30, 2024 from $12.5 million at December 31, 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release contains references to financial measures which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Management believes the non-GAAP measures are helpful for investors to analyze and evaluate the company’s financial condition and operating results. However, these non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations and should not be considered a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, because non-GAAP measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare the non-GAAP measures in this earnings release with other companies’ non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure may be found in the financial tables in this earnings release.

Below are the non-GAAP measures included in this earnings release, management’s reason for including each measure and the method of calculating each measure:

Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders and adjusted diluted earnings per common share, adjust net income for the gain/loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes these measures enhance the comparability net income available to common stockholders as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
Adjusted annualized return on average assets, adjusts net income for the gain/loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent, adjusts net interest income for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.
Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent, expresses noninterest expenses as a percentage of fully tax-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income. This efficiency ratio is presented on a tax-equivalent basis which adjusts net interest income and noninterest expenses for the tax favored status of certain loans, securities, and tax credit projects. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the financial results as it enhances the comparability of income and expenses arising from taxable and nontaxable sources and excludes specific items as noted in reconciliation contained in this earnings release.
Net interest income, fully tax equivalent, is net income adjusted for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent, is net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities divided by average earning assets.
Tangible book value per common share is total common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net, divided by common shares outstanding, net of treasury. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate use of equity, financial condition and capital strength.
Tangible common equity ratio is total common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net, divided by total assets less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength.
Adjusted annualized return on average common equity, adjusts net income for the loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
Annualized return on average tangible common equity is net income excluding intangible amortization calculated as (1) net income excluding tax-effected core deposit and customer relationship intangibles amortization, divided by (2) average common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate use of equity, financial condition and capital strength.
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity, adjusts net income available to common stockholders for the loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets adjusts noninterest expenses to exclude specific items noted in the reconciliation. Management includes this measure as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate controllable expenses related to primary business operations.

About HTLF

Heartland Financial USA, Inc., is a Denver, Colorado-based bank holding company operating under the brand name HTLF, with assets of $18.27 billion as of September 30, 2024. HTLF’s banks serve customers in the West, Southwest and Midwest regions. HTLF is committed to serving the banking needs of privately owned businesses, their owners, executives and employees. Our core commercial business is supported by a strong retail banking operation, in addition to a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, wealth management and investments. Additional information is available at www.htlf.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release (including any information incorporated herein by reference), and future oral and written statements of the company and its management, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the business, financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives and future performance of HTLF.

Any statements about the company’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include information about possible or assumed future results of the company’s operations or performance. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of the words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intent”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “may”, “view”, “opportunity”, “potential”, or similar or negative expressions of these words or phrases that are used in this release, and future oral and written statements of the company and its management. Although the company may make these statements based on management’s experience, beliefs, expectations, assumptions and best estimate of future events, the ability of the company to predict results or the actual effect or outcomes of plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and there may be events or factors that management has not anticipated. Therefore, the accuracy and achievement of such forward-looking statements and estimates are subject to a number of risks, many of which are beyond the ability of management to control or predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors, which the company currently believes could have a material effect on its operations and future prospects, are detailed below and in the risk factors in HTLF’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section under Item 1A of Part I of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and updates in HTLF’s Forms 10-Q filed thereafter, and include, among others:

Economic and Market Conditions Risks, including risks related to the deterioration of the U.S. economy in general and in the local economies in which HTLF conducts its operations and future civil unrest, natural disasters, pandemics and governmental measures addressing them, climate change and climate-related regulations, persistent inflation, higher interest rates, supply chain issues, labor shortages, terrorist threats or acts of war;
Credit Risks, including risks of increasing credit losses due to deterioration in the financial condition of HTLF’s borrowers, changes in asset and collateral values due to climate and other borrower industry risks, which may impact the provision for credit losses and net charge-offs;
Liquidity and Interest Rate Risks, including the impact of capital market conditions, rising interest rates and changes in monetary policy on our borrowings and net interest income;
Risks related to the planned merger with UMB Financial Corporation (the “Merger”), the fluctuation of the market value of the merger consideration, risks related to combining our businesses, including expenses related to the Merger and integration of the combined entity, risks that the Merger may not occur, and the risk of litigation related to the Merger;
Operational Risks, including processing, information systems, cybersecurity, vendor, business interruption, and fraud risks;
Strategic and External Risks, including economic, political, and competitive forces impacting our business;
Legal, Compliance and Reputational Risks, including regulatory and litigation risks; and
Risks of Owning Stock in HTLF, including stock price volatility and dilution as a result of future equity offerings and acquisitions.

There can be no assurance that other factors not currently anticipated by HTLF will not materially and adversely affect HTLF’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, all statements in this release, including forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. HTLF does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions which may be made to or correct or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or to otherwise update any statement in light of new information or future events. Further information concerning HTLF and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect HTLF’s financial results, is included in HTLF’s filings with the SEC.

-FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-

CONTACT:

Kevin L. Thompson

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial Officer

(563) 589-1994

kthompson@htlf.com

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans	$	192,506		$	182,394		$	587,328		$	505,136
Interest on securities:
Taxable		51,116			54,800			145,511			168,948
Nontaxable		5,979			6,584			18,062			18,990
Interest on federal funds sold		—			3			—			3
Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments		4,193			1,651			10,244			4,833
Total Interest Income		253,794			245,432			761,145			697,910
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits		82,976			92,744			247,609			231,617
Interest on borrowings		7,378			1,167			25,727			4,437
Interest on term debt		5,543			5,765			16,956			16,756
Total Interest Expense		95,897			99,676			290,292			252,810
Net Interest Income		157,897			145,756			470,853			445,100
Provision for credit losses		6,276			1,516			16,270			9,969
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses		151,621			144,240			454,583			435,131
Noninterest Income
Service charges and fees		17,100			18,553			51,127			55,316
Loan servicing income		111			278			349			1,403
Trust fees		5,272			4,734			15,847			15,810
Brokerage and insurance commissions		853			692			2,501			2,065
Capital markets fees		2,116			1,845			5,003			8,331
Securities gains (losses), net		(9,520	)		(114	)		(19,573	)		(1,532	)
Unrealized gain on equity securities, net		377			13			605			165
Net gains on sale of loans held for sale		—			905			104			3,786
Income on bank owned life insurance		1,107			858			3,610			3,042
Other noninterest income		1,576			619			5,289			2,489
Total Noninterest Income		18,992			28,383			64,862			90,875
Noninterest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits		62,742			62,262			191,817			186,510
Occupancy		6,318			6,438			19,843			20,338
Furniture and equipment		2,062			2,720			6,554			8,698
Professional fees		17,448			13,616			48,351			41,607
FDIC insurance assessments		3,035			3,313			11,344			9,627
Advertising		1,937			1,633			4,663			6,670
Core deposit intangibles amortization		1,345			1,625			4,258			5,128
Other real estate and loan collection expenses, net		395			481			1,422			984
(Gain) loss on sales/valuations of assets, net		(26,419	)		108			(26,012	)		(2,149	)
Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs		2,026			2,429			9,374			5,994
Partnership investment in tax credit projects		222			1,136			938			1,828
Other noninterest expense		14,816			15,292			43,214			46,307
Total Noninterest Expense		85,927			111,053			315,766			331,542
Income Before Income Taxes		84,686			61,570			203,679			194,464
Income taxes		20,533			13,479			48,077			44,181
Net Income/(Loss)		64,153			48,091			155,602			150,283
Preferred dividends		(2,013	)		(2,013	)		(6,038	)		(6,038	)
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$	62,140		$	46,078		$	149,564		$	144,245
Earnings/(loss) per common share-diluted	$	1.44		$	1.08		$	3.47		$	3.37
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		43,195,257			42,812,563			43,080,422			42,769,872

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans	$	192,506		$	199,161		$	195,661		$	192,861		$	182,394
Interest on securities:
Taxable		51,116			47,381			47,014			54,573			54,800
Nontaxable		5,979			6,042			6,041			6,278			6,584
Interest on federal funds sold		—			—			—			—			3
Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments		4,193			3,045			3,006			2,174			1,651
Total Interest Income		253,794			255,629			251,722			255,886			245,432
Interest Expense
Interest on deposits		82,976			80,499			84,134			88,071			92,744
Interest on borrowings		7,378			10,825			7,524			5,874			1,167
Interest on term debt		5,543			5,564			5,849			5,804			5,765
Total Interest Expense		95,897			96,888			97,507			99,749			99,676
Net Interest Income		157,897			158,741			154,215			156,137			145,756
Provision for credit losses		6,276			9,008			986			11,738			1,516
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses		151,621			149,733			153,229			144,399			144,240
Noninterest Income
Service charges and fees		17,100			16,964			17,063			18,708			18,553
Loan servicing income		111			107			131			158			278
Trust fees		5,272			5,532			5,043			4,905			4,734
Brokerage and insurance commissions		853			894			754			729			692
Capital markets fees		2,116			1,996			891			1,676			1,845
Securities gains (losses), net		(9,520	)		(10,111	)		58			(140,007	)		(114	)
Unrealized gain on equity securities, net		377			133			95			75			13
Net gains on sale of loans held for sale		—			—			104			94			905
Income on bank owned life insurance		1,107			1,326			1,177			729			858
Other noninterest income		1,576			1,366			2,347			1,132			619
Total Noninterest Income		18,992			18,207			27,663			(111,801	)		28,383
Noninterest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits		62,742			65,120			63,955			64,766			62,262
Occupancy		6,318			6,262			7,263			6,509			6,438
Furniture and equipment		2,062			2,155			2,337			2,901			2,720
Professional fees		17,448			15,372			15,531			17,060			13,616
FDIC insurance assessments		3,035			3,340			4,969			10,313			3,313
Advertising		1,937			1,368			1,358			1,677			1,633
Core deposit intangibles amortization		1,345			1,421			1,492			1,611			1,625
Other real estate and loan collection expenses, net		395			515			512			505			481
(Gain) loss on sales/valuations of assets, net		(26,419	)		193			214			2,072			108
Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs		2,026			5,973			1,375			4,365			2,429
Partnership investment in tax credit projects		222			222			494			3,573			1,136
Other noninterest expense		14,816			14,303			14,095			14,933			15,292
Total Noninterest Expense		85,927			116,244			113,595			130,285			111,053
Income Before Income Taxes		84,686			51,696			67,297			(97,687	)		61,570
Income taxes		20,533			11,954			15,590			(27,324	)		13,479
Net Income/(Loss)		64,153			39,742			51,707			(70,363	)		48,091
Preferred dividends		(2,013	)		(2,012	)		(2,013	)		(2,012	)		(2,013	)
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$	62,140		$	37,730		$	49,694		$	(72,375	)	$	46,078
Earnings/(loss) per common share-diluted	$	1.44		$	0.88		$	1.16		$	(1.69	)	$	1.08
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		43,195,257			43,060,354			42,915,768			42,838,405			42,812,563

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	As of
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	228,719		$	226,735		$	208,176		$	275,554		$	248,756
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks and short-term investments		359,675			147,211			236,190			47,459			99,239
Cash and cash equivalents		588,394			373,946			444,366			323,013			347,995
Time deposits in other financial institutions		1,050			1,340			1,240			1,240			1,490
Securities:
Carried at fair value		4,057,335			4,185,054			4,418,222			4,646,891			5,482,687
Held to maturity, at cost		839,623			842,980			841,055			838,241			835,468
Other investments, at cost		69,511			70,684			68,524			91,277			90,001
Loans held for sale		—			348,761			352,744			5,071			6,262
Loans:
Held to maturity		11,440,917			11,608,309			11,644,641			12,068,645			11,872,436
Allowance for credit losses		(106,797	)		(126,861	)		(123,934	)		(122,566	)		(110,208	)
Loans, net		11,334,120			11,481,448			11,520,707			11,946,079			11,762,228
Premises, furniture and equipment, net		155,140			175,953			176,582			181,070			187,436
Goodwill		576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005
Core deposit intangibles, net		14,157			15,501			16,923			18,415			20,026
Cash surrender value on life insurance		199,998			199,036			197,671			197,085			196,694
Other real estate, net		6,805			7,533			2,590			12,548			14,362
Other assets		430,155			534,429			516,198			574,772			609,139
Total Assets	$	18,272,293		$	18,812,670		$	19,132,827		$	19,411,707		$	20,129,793
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities
Deposits:
Demand	$	4,009,218		$	4,244,169		$	4,264,390		$	4,500,304		$	4,792,813
Savings		8,926,192			8,470,416			8,669,221			8,805,597			8,754,911
Time		2,017,806			2,242,005			2,368,555			2,895,813			3,553,269
Total deposits		14,953,216			14,956,590			15,302,166			16,201,714			17,100,993
Deposits held for sale		—			538,308			596,328			—			—
Borrowings		546,219			694,909			650,033			622,255			392,634
Term debt		373,324			372,988			372,652			372,396			372,059
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		259,161			222,025			232,815			282,225			438,577
Total Liabilities		16,131,920			16,784,820			17,153,994			17,478,590			18,304,263
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred equity		110,705			110,705			110,705			110,705			110,705
Common stock		42,884			42,852			42,784			42,688			42,656
Capital surplus		1,098,837			1,096,619			1,093,207			1,090,740			1,088,267
Retained earnings		1,252,247			1,203,092			1,178,330			1,141,501			1,226,740
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		(364,300	)		(425,418	)		(446,193	)		(452,517	)		(642,838	)
Total Equity		2,140,373			2,027,850			1,978,833			1,933,117			1,825,530
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	18,272,293		$	18,812,670		$	19,132,827		$	19,411,707		$	20,129,793

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
Average Balances
Assets	$	18,439,910		$	19,043,362		$	19,296,638		$	19,667,825		$	20,207,920
Loans, net of unearned		11,584,999			12,010,289			12,021,930			11,938,272			11,800,064
Total deposits		15,148,944			15,562,920			16,042,402			16,709,394			17,507,813
Customer deposits		14,347,965			14,768,407			14,816,652			14,969,948			14,699,235
Earning assets		16,838,131			17,331,435			17,597,068			17,853,957			18,439,010
Interest-bearing liabilities		11,986,220			12,461,957			12,607,745			12,721,680			13,158,631
Common equity		1,962,334			1,863,236			1,832,959			1,729,086			1,746,818
Total stockholders’ equity		2,073,039			1,973,941			1,943,664			1,839,791			1,857,523
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		1,371,515			1,271,046			1,239,313			1,133,888			1,149,992

Key Performance Ratios
Annualized return on average assets		1.38	%		0.84	%		1.08	%	(1.42		)%		0.94	%
Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		1.14			1.09			1.13			0.96			0.98
Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)		12.60			8.14			10.90			(16.61	)		10.47
Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		10.27			10.71			11.50			10.46			10.92
Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		18.32			12.28			16.49			(24.89	)		16.32
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		14.98			16.05			17.38			16.38			17.02
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans		0.99			0.23			0.08			0.01			0.12
Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)		3.73			3.68			3.52			3.47			3.14
Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		3.78			3.73			3.57			3.52			3.18
Annualized cost of deposits		2.18			2.08			2.11			2.09			2.10
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)		48.58			65.69			62.46			293.86			63.77
Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		57.98			57.73			58.77			59.31			59.95
Annualized ratio of total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)		1.85			2.46			2.37			2.63			2.18
Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		2.35			2.30			2.25			2.23			2.08

	For the Quarter Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
Average Balances
Assets	$	18,439,910		$	20,207,920		$	18,924,862		$	20,182,808
Loans, net of unearned		11,584,999			11,800,064			11,871,358			11,602,741
Total deposits		15,148,944			17,507,813			15,583,165			17,567,614
Customer deposits		14,347,965			14,699,235			14,642,347			14,778,030
Earning assets		16,838,131			18,439,010			17,254,023			18,451,907
Interest-bearing liabilities		11,986,220			13,158,631			12,350,640			12,985,665
Common equity		1,962,334			1,746,818			1,886,454			1,710,230
Total stockholders’ equity		2,073,039			1,857,523			1,997,159			1,820,935
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)		1,371,515			1,149,992			1,294,241			1,111,724

Key Performance Ratios
Annualized return on average assets		1.38	%		0.94	%		1.10	%		1.00	%
Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		1.14			0.98			1.12			1.02
Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)		12.60			10.47			10.59			11.28
Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		10.27			10.92			10.81			11.60
Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		18.32			16.32			15.77			17.82
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		14.98			17.02			16.09			18.31
Annualized ratio of net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans		0.99			0.12			0.43			0.14
Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)		3.73			3.14			3.65			3.23
Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		3.78			3.18			3.69			3.27
Annualized cost of deposits		2.18			2.10			2.12			1.76
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)		48.58			63.77			58.94			61.86
Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		57.98			59.95			58.16			58.98
Annualized ratio of total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)		1.85			2.18			2.23			2.20
Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		2.35			2.08			2.30			2.12

(1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE DATA
	As of and for the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
Common Share Data
Book value per common share	$	47.33		$	44.74		$	43.66		$	42.69		$	40.20
Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		33.57			30.94			29.81			28.77			26.23
ASC 320 effect on book value per common share		(8.78	)		(10.82	)		(11.18	)		(11.00	)		(16.27	)

Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock		42,883,865			42,852,180			42,783,670			42,688,008			42,656,303

Capital Ratios
Common equity to total assets		11.11	%		10.19	%		9.76	%		9.39	%		8.52	%
Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾		8.14			7.28			6.88			6.53			5.73
Tier 1 leverage ratio		10.77			10.13			9.84			9.44			9.59
Common equity tier 1 ratio⁽²⁾		12.66			11.68			11.40			10.97			11.37
Total risk based capital ratio⁽²⁾		16.34			15.32			14.99			14.53			14.90

Other Selected Trend Information
Effective tax rate		24.25	%		23.12	%		23.17	%		27.97	%		21.89	%
Full time equivalent employees		1,725			1,843			1,888			1,970			1,965

Loans Held to Maturity
Commercial and industrial	$	3,503,093		$	3,541,239		$	3,545,051		$	3,652,047		$	3,591,809
Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”)		1,582			1,864			2,172			2,777			3,750
Owner occupied commercial real estate		2,489,697			2,555,964			2,545,033			2,638,175			2,429,659
Commercial and business lending		5,994,372			6,099,067			6,092,256			6,292,999			6,025,218
Non-owner occupied commercial real estate		2,455,396			2,434,258			2,495,068			2,553,711			2,656,358
Real estate construction		1,119,922			1,082,726			1,041,583			1,011,716			1,029,554
Commercial real estate lending		3,575,318			3,516,984			3,536,651			3,565,427			3,685,912
Total commercial lending		9,569,690			9,616,051			9,628,907			9,858,426			9,711,130
Agricultural and agricultural real estate		701,211			802,958			809,876			919,184			842,116
Residential mortgage		707,984			733,401			756,021			797,829			813,803
Consumer		462,032			455,899			449,837			493,206			505,387
Total loans held to maturity	$	11,440,917		$	11,608,309		$	11,644,641		$	12,068,645		$	11,872,436

Total unfunded loan commitments	$	3,941,268		$	4,381,565		$	4,537,718		$	4,625,768		$	4,813,798

Deposits
Demand-customer	$	4,009,218		$	4,244,169		$	4,264,390		$	4,500,304		$	4,792,813
Savings-customer		8,713,228			8,151,794			8,269,956			8,411,240			8,190,430
Savings-wholesale and institutional		212,964			318,622			399,265			394,357			564,481
Total savings		8,926,192			8,470,416			8,669,221			8,805,597			8,754,911
Time-customer		1,628,856			1,737,723			1,734,971			1,944,884			1,814,335
Time-wholesale		388,950			504,282			633,584			950,929			1,738,934
Total time		2,017,806			2,242,005			2,368,555			2,895,813			3,553,269
Total deposits	$	14,953,216		$	14,956,590		$	15,302,166		$	16,201,714		$	17,100,993

Total customer deposits	$	14,351,302		$	14,133,686		$	14,269,317		$	14,856,428		$	14,797,578
Total wholesale and institutional deposits		601,914			822,904			1,032,849			1,345,286			2,303,415
Total deposits	$	14,953,216		$	14,956,590		$	15,302,166		$	16,201,714		$	17,100,993

(1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
(2) September 30, 2024 calculation is preliminary.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	As of and for the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
Allowance for Credit Losses-Loans
Balance, beginning of period	$	126,861		$	123,934		$	122,566		$	110,208		$	111,198
Provision for credit losses		8,871			9,737			3,668			12,750			2,672
Charge-offs		(32,137	)		(7,388	)		(4,093	)		(3,886	)		(3,964	)
Recoveries		3,202			578			1,793			3,494			302
Balance, end of period	$	106,797		$	126,861		$	123,934		$	122,566		$	110,208

Allowance for Unfunded Commitments
Balance, beginning of period	$	13,057		$	13,786		$	16,468		$	17,480		$	18,636
Provision for credit losses		(2,595	)		(729	)		(2,682	)		(1,012	)		(1,156	)
Balance, end of period	$	10,462		$	13,057		$	13,786		$	16,468		$	17,480

Allowance for lending related credit losses	$	117,259		$	139,918		$	137,720		$	139,034		$	127,688

Provision for Credit Losses
Provision for credit losses-loans	$	8,871		$	9,737		$	3,668		$	12,750		$	2,672
Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments		(2,595	)		(729	)		(2,682	)		(1,012	)		(1,156	)
Total provision (benefit) for credit losses	$	6,276		$	9,008		$	986		$	11,738		$	1,516

Asset Quality
Nonaccrual loans	$	69,115		$	103,123		$	94,800		$	95,426		$	51,304
Loans past due ninety days or more		832			663			611			2,507			511
Other real estate owned		6,805			7,533			2,590			12,548			14,362
Other repossessed assets		—			—			—			—			1
Total nonperforming assets	$	76,752		$	111,319		$	98,001		$	110,481		$	66,178

Nonperforming Assets Activity
Balance, beginning of period	$	111,319		$	98,001		$	110,481		$	66,178		$	66,097
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries		(28,935	)		(6,810	)		(2,300	)		(392	)		(3,662	)
New nonperforming loans		25,441			48,346			5,470			61,193			19,295
Reduction of nonperforming loans⁽¹⁾		(30,240	)		(28,050	)		(5,692	)		(14,278	)		(14,691	)
OREO/Repossessed assets sales proceeds		(833	)		(168	)		(9,958	)		(2,220	)		(861	)
Balance, end of period	$	76,752		$	111,319		$	98,001		$	110,481		$	66,178

Asset Quality Ratios
Ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans		0.61	%		0.89	%		0.82	%		0.81	%		0.44	%
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets		0.42			0.59			0.51			0.57			0.33
Annualized ratio of net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		0.99			0.23			0.08			0.01			0.12
Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of loans		0.93			1.09			1.06			1.02			0.93
Allowance for lending related credit losses as a percent of loans		1.02			1.21			1.18			1.15			1.08
Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans		152.68			122.23			129.89			125.15			212.70
Loans delinquent 30-89 days as a percent of total loans		0.26			0.25			0.31			0.09			0.12

(1) Includes principal reductions, transfers to performing status and transfers to OREO.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
	For the Quarter Ended
	September 30, 2024							June 30, 2024							September 30, 2023
	Average Balance			Interest		Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Rate
Earning Assets
Securities:
Taxable	$	4,254,529		$	51,116	4.78	%	$	4,490,407		$	47,381	4.24	%	$	5,726,057		$	54,800	3.80	%
Nontaxable⁽¹⁾		768,483			7,313	3.79			759,234			7,383	3.91			881,162			8,085	3.64
Total securities		5,023,012			58,429	4.63			5,249,641			54,764	4.20			6,607,219			62,885	3.78
Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments		355,394			4,193	4.69			194,824			3,045	6.29			142,301			1,651	4.60
Federal funds sold		—			—	—			—			—	—			152			3	7.83
Loans:⁽²⁾
Commercial and industrial⁽¹⁾		3,531,206			65,972	7.43			3,638,004			69,469	7.68			3,610,677			63,001	6.92
PPP loans		1,759			5	1.13			2,242			7	1.26			3,948			11	1.11
Owner occupied commercial real estate		2,527,006			35,189	5.54			2,615,504			37,028	5.69			2,412,501			30,127	4.95
Non-owner occupied commercial real estate		2,474,036			39,536	6.36			2,519,346			39,272	6.27			2,586,011			38,779	5.95
Real estate construction		1,106,387			22,878	8.23			1,093,399			21,770	8.01			1,027,544			19,448	7.51
Agricultural and agricultural real estate		757,745			11,536	6.06			879,707			13,390	6.12			822,957			12,582	6.07
Residential real estate		725,901			9,110	4.99			776,821			9,454	4.89			827,402			9,482	4.55
Consumer		460,959			8,956	7.73			485,266			9,421	7.81			509,024			9,615	7.49
Less: allowance for credit losses		(125,274	)		—	—			(123,319	)		—	—			(110,726	)		—	—
Net loans		11,459,725			193,182	6.71			11,886,970			199,811	6.76			11,689,338			183,045	6.21
Total earning assets		16,838,131			255,804	6.04	%		17,331,435			257,620	5.98	%		18,439,010			247,584	5.33	%
Nonearning Assets		1,601,779							1,711,927							1,768,910
Total Assets	$	18,439,910						$	19,043,362						$	20,207,920
Interest-bearing Liabilities
Savings	$	8,842,494		$	59,307	2.67	%	$	8,834,746		$	55,440	2.52	%	$	8,737,581		$	49,195	2.23	%
Time deposits		2,189,861			23,669	4.30			2,372,653			25,059	4.25			3,945,371			43,549	4.38
Borrowings		580,707			7,378	5.05			881,738			10,825	4.94			103,567			1,167	4.47
Term debt		373,158			5,543	5.91			372,820			5,564	6.00			372,112			5,765	6.15
Total interest-bearing liabilities		11,986,220			95,897	3.18	%		12,461,957			96,888	3.13	%		13,158,631			99,676	3.01	%
Noninterest-bearing Liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits		4,116,589							4,355,521							4,824,861
Accrued interest and other liabilities		264,062							251,943							366,905
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities		4,380,651							4,607,464							5,191,766
Stockholders’ Equity		2,073,039							1,973,941							1,857,523
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	18,439,910						$	19,043,362						$	20,207,920
Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾				$	159,907						$	160,732						$	147,908
Net interest spread⁽¹⁾						2.86	%						2.85	%						2.32	%
Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP^)(1)(3)to total earning assets						3.78	%						3.73	%						3.18	%
Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets		71.18	%						71.90	%						71.36	%

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
(2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loans outstanding.
(3) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
	For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024							September 30, 2023
	Average Balance			Interest		Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Rate
Earning Assets
Securities:
Taxable	$	4,469,258		$	145,511	4.35	%	$	5,927,026		$	168,948	3.81	%
Nontaxable⁽¹⁾		768,782			22,079	3.84			899,613			23,611	3.51
Total securities		5,238,040			167,590	4.27			6,826,639			192,559	3.77
Interest on deposits with other banks and other short-term investments		268,122			10,244	5.10			133,910			4,833	4.83
Federal funds sold		—			—	—			51			3	7.86
Loans:⁽²⁾
Commercial and industrial⁽¹⁾		3,603,668			202,426	7.50			3,547,256			169,552	6.39
PPP loans		2,195			19	1.16			6,718			61	1.21
Owner occupied commercial real estate		2,583,886			107,734	5.57			2,355,545			84,927	4.82
Non-owner occupied commercial real estate		2,514,452			118,657	6.30			2,459,965			105,111	5.71
Real estate construction		1,087,280			65,497	8.05			1,051,298			56,107	7.14
Agricultural and agricultural real estate		838,395			38,682	6.16			835,673			36,191	5.79
Residential mortgage		764,515			28,699	5.01			840,143			28,138	4.48
Consumer		476,967			27,578	7.72			506,143			26,925	7.11
Less: allowance for credit losses-loans		(123,497	)		—	—			(111,434	)		—	—
Net loans		11,747,861			589,292	6.70			11,491,307			507,012	5.90
Total earning assets		17,254,023			767,126	5.94	%		18,451,907			704,407	5.10	%
Nonearning Assets		1,670,839							1,730,901
Total Assets	$	18,924,862						$	20,182,808
Interest-bearing Liabilities
Savings	$	8,828,973		$	169,414	2.56	%	$	9,130,980		$	128,372	1.88	%
Time deposits		2,447,293			78,195	4.27			3,344,434			103,245	4.13
Borrowings		701,548			25,727	4.90			138,157			4,437	4.29
Term debt		372,826			16,956	6.08			372,094			16,756	6.02
Total interest-bearing liabilities		12,350,640			290,292	3.14	%		12,985,665			252,810	2.60	%
Noninterest-bearing Liabilities
Noninterest-bearing deposits		4,306,899							5,092,200
Accrued interest and other liabilities		270,164							284,008
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities		4,577,063							5,376,208
Stockholders’ Equity		1,997,159							1,820,935
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	18,924,862						$	20,182,808
Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾				$	476,834						$	451,597
Net interest spread⁽¹⁾						2.80	%						2.50	%
Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾to total earning assets						3.69	%						3.27	%
Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets		71.58	%						70.38	%

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
(2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loans outstanding.
(3) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
*Reconciliation of Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)*
Earnings available to common stockholders (GAAP)	$	62,140		$	37,730		$	49,694		$	(72,375	)	$	46,078
Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax⁽²⁾		1,022			1,081			1,131			1,229			1,240
Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)	$	63,162		$	38,811		$	50,825		$	(71,146	)	$	47,318

Average common equity (GAAP)	$	1,962,334		$	1,863,236		$	1,832,959		$	1,729,086		$	1,746,818
Less average goodwill		576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005
Less average core deposit intangibles, net		14,814			16,185			17,641			19,193			20,821
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	1,371,515		$	1,271,046		$	1,239,313		$	1,133,888		$	1,149,992
Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)		12.60	%		8.14	%		10.90	%	(16.61		)%		10.47	%
Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		18.32	%		12.28	%		16.49	%	(24.89		)%		16.32	%

*Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)*
Net Interest Income (GAAP)	$	157,897		$	158,741		$	154,215		$	156,137		$	145,756
Plus tax-equivalent adjustment⁽¹⁾		2,010			1,991			1,981			2,058			2,152
Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)	$	159,907		$	160,732		$	156,196		$	158,195		$	147,908

Average earning assets	$	16,838,131		$	17,331,435		$	17,597,068		$	17,853,957		$	18,439,010

Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)		3.73	%		3.68	%		3.52	%		3.47	%		3.14	%
Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)		3.78			3.73			3.57			3.52			3.18
Net purchase accounting discount amortization on loans included in annualized net interest margin		0.02			0.01			0.02			0.02			0.01

*Reconciliation of Tangible Book Value Per Common Share (non-GAAP)*
Common equity (GAAP)	$	2,029,668		$	1,917,145		$	1,868,128		$	1,822,412		$	1,714,825
Less goodwill		576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005
Less core deposit intangibles, net		14,157			15,501			16,923			18,415			20,026
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	1,439,506		$	1,325,639		$	1,275,200		$	1,227,992		$	1,118,794

Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock		42,883,865			42,852,180			42,783,670			42,688,008			42,656,303
Common equity (book value) per share (GAAP)	$	47.33		$	44.74		$	43.66		$	42.69		$	40.20
Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)	$	33.57		$	30.94		$	29.81		$	28.77		$	26.23

*Reconciliation of Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP)*
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	1,439,506		$	1,325,639		$	1,275,200		$	1,227,992		$	1,118,794

Total assets (GAAP)	$	18,272,293		$	18,812,670		$	19,132,827		$	19,411,707		$	20,129,793
Less goodwill		576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005
Less core deposit intangibles, net		14,157			15,501			16,923			18,415			20,026
Total tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	17,682,131		$	18,221,164		$	18,539,899		$	18,817,287		$	19,533,762
Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)		8.14	%		7.28	%		6.88	%		6.53	%		5.73	%

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
(2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
*Reconciliation of Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)*
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	157,897		$	158,741		$	154,215		$	156,137		$	145,756
Tax-equivalent adjustment⁽¹⁾		2,010			1,991			1,981			2,058			2,152
Fully tax-equivalent net interest income		159,907			160,732			156,196			158,195			147,908
Noninterest income		18,992			18,207			27,663			(111,801	)		28,383
Securities (gains)/losses, net		9,520			10,111			(58	)		140,007			114
Unrealized gain on equity securities, net		(377	)		(133	)		(95	)		(75	)		(13	)
Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)	$	188,042		$	188,917		$	183,706		$	186,326		$	176,392

Total noninterest expenses (GAAP)	$	85,927		$	116,244		$	113,595		$	130,285		$	111,053
Less:
Core deposit intangibles amortization		1,345			1,421			1,492			1,611			1,625
Partnership investment in tax credit projects		222			222			494			3,573			1,136
(Gain) loss on sales/valuation of assets, net		(26,419	)		193			214			2,072			108
Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs		2,026			5,973			1,375			4,365			2,429
FDIC special assessment		(267	)		(631	)		2,049			8,145			—
Core expenses (non-GAAP)	$	109,020		$	109,066		$	107,971		$	110,519		$	105,755

Efficiency ratio (GAAP)		48.58	%		65.69	%		62.46	%		293.86	%		63.77	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)		57.98	%		57.73	%		58.77	%		59.31	%		59.95	%

*Reconciliation of Annualized Ratio of Core Expenses to Average Assets (non-GAAP)*
Total noninterest expenses (GAAP)	$	85,927		$	116,244		$	113,595		$	130,285		$	111,053
Core expenses (non-GAAP)		109,020			109,066			107,971			110,519			105,755

Average assets	$	18,439,910		$	19,043,362		$	19,296,638		$	19,667,825		$	20,207,920
Total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)		1.85	%		2.46	%		2.37	%		2.63	%		2.18	%
Core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)		2.35	%		2.30	%		2.25	%		2.23	%		2.08	%

Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs
Salaries and employee benefits	$	58		$	462		$	168		$	1,425		$	94
Occupancy		—			—			—			1,092			—
Furniture and equipment		52			53			—			19			—
Professional fees		1,674			5,385			931			793			1,617
Advertising		—			—			—			28			178
Other noninterest expenses		242			73			276			1,008			540
Total acquisition, integration and restructuring costs	$	2,026		$	5,973		$	1,375		$	4,365		$	2,429

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended
	9/30/2024			6/30/2024			3/31/2024			12/31/2023			9/30/2023
*Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings*
Net income/(loss)	$	64,153		$	39,742		$	51,707		$	(70,363	)	$	48,091
(Gain)/loss from sale of securities		9,520			10,111			(58	)		140,007			114
(Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net		(26,419	)		193			214			2,072			108
Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs		2,026			5,973			1,375			4,365			2,429
FDIC special assessment		(267	)		(631	)		2,049			8,145			—
Total adjustments		(15,140	)		15,646			3,580			154,589			2,651
Tax effect of adjustments⁽²⁾		3,634			(3,739	)		(866	)		(36,638	)		(628	)
Adjusted earnings	$	52,647		$	51,649		$	54,421		$	47,588		$	50,114

Preferred dividends		(2,013	)		(2,012	)		(2,013	)		(2,012	)		(2,013	)
Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders	$	50,634		$	49,637		$	52,408		$	45,576		$	48,101

Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax⁽²⁾		1,022			1,081			1,131			1,229			1,240
Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)	$	51,656		$	50,718		$	53,539		$	46,805		$	49,341

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Assets*
Average assets	$	18,439,910		$	19,043,362		$	19,296,638		$	19,667,825		$	20,207,920
Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)		1.14	%		1.09	%		1.13	%		0.96	%		0.98	%

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Common Equity*
Average common stockholders’ equity (GAAP)	$	1,962,334		$	1,863,236		$	1,832,959		$	1,729,086		$	1,746,818
Adjusted annualized average common equity (non-GAAP)		10.27	%		10.71	%		11.50	%		10.46	%		10.92	%

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity*
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	1,371,515		$	1,271,046		$	1,239,313		$	1,133,888		$	1,149,992
Adjusted annualized average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		14.98	%		16.05	%		17.38	%		16.38	%		17.02	%

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share*
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		43,195,257			43,060,354			42,915,768			42,838,405			42,812,563
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share	$	1.17		$	1.15		$	1.22		$	1.06		$	1.12

(2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
*Reconciliation of Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)*
Earnings available to common stockholders (GAAP)	$	62,140		$	46,078		$	149,564		$	144,245
Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax⁽²⁾		1,022			1,240			3,236			3,908
Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)	$	63,162		$	47,318		$	152,800		$	148,153

Average common equity (GAAP)	$	1,962,334		$	1,746,818		$	1,886,454		$	1,710,230
Less average goodwill		576,005			576,005			576,005			576,005
Less average core deposit intangibles, net		14,814			20,821			16,208			22,501
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	1,371,515		$	1,149,992		$	1,294,241		$	1,111,724
Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)		12.60	%		10.47	%		10.59	%		11.28	%
Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		18.32	%		16.32	%		15.77	%		17.82	%

*Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)*
Net Interest Income (GAAP)	$	157,897		$	145,756		$	470,853		$	445,100
Plus tax-equivalent adjustment⁽¹⁾		2,010			2,152			5,981			6,497
Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)	$	159,907		$	147,908		$	476,834		$	451,597

Average earning assets	$	16,838,131		$	18,439,010		$	17,254,023		$	18,451,907

Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)		3.73	%		3.14	%		3.65	%		3.23	%
Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)		3.78			3.18			3.69			3.27
Net purchase accounting discount amortization on loans included in annualized net interest margin		0.02			0.01			0.02			0.02

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
(2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
*Reconciliation of Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)*
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	157,897		$	145,756		$	470,853		$	445,100
Tax-equivalent adjustment⁽¹⁾		2,010			2,152			5,981			6,497
Fully tax-equivalent net interest income		159,907			147,908			476,834			451,597
Noninterest income (GAAP)		18,992			28,383			64,862			90,875
Securities (gains)/losses, net		9,520			114			19,573			1,532
Unrealized gain on equity securities, net		(377	)		(13	)		(605	)		(165	)
Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)	$	188,042		$	176,392		$	560,664		$	543,839

Total noninterest expenses (GAAP)	$	85,927		$	111,053		$	315,766		$	331,542
Less:
Core deposit intangibles amortization		1,345			1,625			4,258			5,128
Partnership investment in tax credit projects		222			1,136			938			1,828
(Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net		(26,419	)		108			(26,012	)		(2,149	)
Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs		2,026			2,429			9,374			5,994
FDIC special assessment		(267	)		—			1,151			—
Core expenses (non-GAAP)	$	109,020		$	105,755		$	326,057		$	320,741

Efficiency ratio (GAAP)		48.58	%		63.77	%		58.94	%		61.86	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)		57.98	%		59.95	%		58.16	%		58.98	%

*Reconciliation of Annualized Ratio of Core Expenses to Average Assets (non-GAAP)*
Total noninterest expenses (GAAP)	$	85,927		$	111,053		$	315,766		$	331,542
Core expenses (non-GAAP)		109,020			105,755			326,057			320,741

Average assets	$	18,439,910		$	20,207,920		$	18,924,862		$	20,182,808
Total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)		1.85	%		2.18	%		2.23	%		2.20	%
Core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)		2.35	%		2.08	%		2.30	%		2.12	%

Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs
Salaries and employee benefits	$	58		$	94		$	689		$	261
Occupancy		—			—			—			—
Furniture and equipment		52			—			105			—
Professional fees		1,674			1,617			7,990			3,619
Advertising		—			178			—			522
Other noninterest expenses		242			540			590			1,592
Total acquisition, integration and restructuring costs	$	2,026		$	2,429		$	9,374		$	5,994

(1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.

HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
	For the Quarter Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
*Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP)*
Net income/(loss)	$	64,153		$	48,091		$	155,602		$	150,283
(Gain)/loss from sale of securities		9,520			114			19,573			1,532
(Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net		(26,419	)		108			(26,012	)		(2,149	)
Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs		2,026			2,429			9,374			5,994
FDIC special assessment		(267	)		—			1,151			—
Total adjustments		(15,140	)		2,651			4,086			5,377
Tax effect of adjustments⁽²⁾		3,634			(628	)		(981	)		(1,280	)
Adjusted earnings	$	52,647		$	50,114		$	158,707		$	154,380

Preferred dividends		(2,013	)		(2,013	)		(6,038	)		(6,038	)
Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders	$	50,634		$	48,101		$	152,669		$	148,342

Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax⁽²⁾		1,022			1,240			3,236			3,908
Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)	$	51,656		$	49,341		$	155,905		$	152,250

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Assets*
Average assets	$	18,439,910		$	20,207,920		$	18,924,862		$	20,182,808
Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)		1.14	%		0.98	%		1.12	%		1.02	%

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Common Equity*
Average common stockholders’ equity (GAAP)	$	1,962,334		$	1,746,818		$	1,886,454		$	1,710,230
Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)		10.27	%		10.92	%		10.81	%		11.60	%

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity*
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	1,371,515		$	1,149,992		$	1,294,241		$	1,111,724
Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		14.98	%		17.02	%		16.09	%		18.31	%

*Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share*
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		43,195,257			42,812,563			43,080,422			42,769,872
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share	$	1.17		$	1.12		$	3.54		$	3.47

(2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana Reports Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Shreveport, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: HFBL), the holding company of Home Federal Bank, reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, of $941,000 compared to net income of $1.2 million reported for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.31 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.40 and $0.39, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

The decrease in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from a decrease in net interest income of $857,000, or 16.2%, and a decrease in non-interest income of $134,000, or 30.9%, partially offset by a decrease in non-interest expense of $177,000, or 4.2%, a decrease in provision for income taxes of $312,000, or 100.6%, a decrease in the provision of credit losses of $223,000. The decrease in net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from an increase in total interest expense of $524,000, or 18.8%, and a decrease in total interest income of $333,000, or 4.1%. The Company’s average interest rate spread was 2.23% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.68% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s net interest margin was 2.98% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.37% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

The following table sets forth the Company’s average balances and average yields earned and rates paid on its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024					2023
	Average Balance		Average Yield/Rate			Average Balance		Average Yield/Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable	$	466,170		5.87	%	$	498,242		5.79	%
Investment securities		96,749		2.09			113,584		2.18
Interest-earning deposits		25,617		5.20			10,066		6.98
Total interest-earning assets	$	588,536		5.22	%	$	621,892		5.15	%

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings accounts	$	82,556		1.61	%	$	78,572		0.38	%
NOW accounts		72,787		1.10			55,900		0.48
Money market accounts		75,216		2.29			108,891		2.26
Certificates of deposit		204,019		4.30			194,785		3.73
Total interest-bearing deposits		434,578		2.92			438,148		2.47
Other bank borrowings		5,989		7.75			8,654		8.39
FHLB advances		—		—			1,138		5.23
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	440,567		2.98	%	$	447,940		2.47	%

The $134,000 decrease in non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from an increase in loss on sale of real estate of $220,000, partially offset by an increase in gain on sale of loans of $58,000, an increase in other non-interest income of $26,000, and an increase in income on bank owned life insurance of $2,000.

The $177,000 decrease in non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from decreases in advertising expense of $86,000, compensation and benefits expense of $54,000, professional fees of $43,000, loan and collection expense of $32,000, data processing expense of $26,000, amortization of core deposit intangible expense of $20,000, and deposit insurance premium expense of $1,000, partially offset by increases in audit and examination fees of $30,000, other non-interest expense of $28,000, occupancy and equipment expense of $15,000, and franchise and bank shares tax expense of $12,000.

Total assets decreased $9.1 million, or 1.4%, from $637.5 million at June 30, 2024 to $628.4 million at September 30, 2024. The decrease in assets was comprised of decreases in net loans receivable of $16.9 million, or 3.6%, from $470.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $454.0 million at September 30, 2024, real estate owned of $296,000, or 70.8% from $418,000 at June 30, 2024 to $122,000 at September 30, 2024, premises and equipment of $238,000, or 1.3%, from $18.3 million at June 30, 2024 to $18.1 million at September 30, 2024, core deposit intangible of $74,000, or 6.2%, from $1.2 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.1 million at September 30, 2024, and accrued interest receivable of $14,000, or 0.8%, from $1.78 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.76 million at September 30, 2024, partially offset by increases in cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 million, or 17.4%, from $34.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $41.0 million at September 30, 2024, investment securities of $1.4 million, or 1.5%, from $96.0 million at June 30, 2024 to $97.4 million at September 30, 2024, loans-held-for-sale of $535,000, or 30.9%, from $1.7 million at June 30, 2024 to $2.3 million at September 30, 2024, other assets of $224,000, or 16.6%, from $1.3 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.6 million at September 30, 2024, deferred tax asset of $29,000, or 2.5%, from $1.18 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.21 million at September 30, 2024, and bank owned life insurance of $29,000, or 0.4%, from $6.81 million at June 30, 2024 to $6.84 million at September 30, 2024. The increase in investment securities was primarily due to $4.0 million in security purchases and a $1.3 million reduction in unrealized losses on available for sale securities, partially offset by $3.5 million in principal payments. The increase in cash and cash equivalents from $34.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $41.0 million at September 30, 2024 was mainly due to decreases in loans receivable.

Total liabilities decreased $10.6 million, or 1.8%, from $584.7 million at June 30, 2024 to $574.1 million at September 30, 2024. The decrease in liabilities was comprised of decreases in total deposits of $9.4 million, or 1.6%, from $574.0 million at June 30, 2024 to $564.6 million at September 30, 2024, and other borrowings of $1.5 million, or 21.4%, from $7.0 million at June 30, 2024 to $5.5 million at September 30, 2024, partially offset by increases in other accrued expenses and liabilities of $252,000, or 7.9%, from $3.2 million at June 30, 2024 to $3.4 million at September 30, 2024, and advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance of $123,000, or 23.6%, from $521,000 at June 30, 2024 to $644,000 at September 30, 2024,. The decrease in deposits resulted from decreases in certificates of deposit of $17.5 million, or 8.2%, from $214.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $197.3 million at September 30, 2024, and money market deposits of $5.9 million, or 6.9%, from $85.5 million at June 30, 2024 to $79.6 million at September 30, 2024, partially offset by increases in savings deposits of $9.2 million, or 12.0%, from $76.6 million at June 30, 2024 to $85.8 million at September 30, 2024, non-interest deposits of $3.0 million, or 2.3%, from $130.3 million at June 30, 2024 to $133.3 million at September 30, 2024, and NOW accounts of $1.9 million, or 2.8%, from $66.6 million at June 30, 2024 to $68.5 million at September 30, 2024. The Company had no balances in brokered deposits at September 30, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

At September 30, 2024, the Company had $1.9 million of non-performing assets (defined as non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due, and other real estate owned) compared to $2.0 million on non-performing assets at June 30, 2024, consisting of two commercial non-real estate loans, five single-family residential loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans, and one single-family residence in other real estate owned at September 30, 2024, compared to five single-family residential loans, three commercial non-real estate loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans and three single-family residences in other real estate owned at June 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024 the Company had five commercial non-real-estate loans, one commercial real-estate loan, six single family residential loans, four home-equity line-of-credit loans, and one auto loan classified as substandard, compared to six single family residential loans, five commercial non-real-estate loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans and one auto loan classified as substandard at June 30, 2024. There were no loans classified as doubtful at September 30, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

Shareholders’ equity increased $1.5 million, or 2.8%, from $52.8 million at June 30, 2024 to $54.3 million at September 30, 2024. The increase in shareholders’ equity was comprised of net income for the three month period of $941,000, the vesting of restricted stock awards, stock options, and the release of employee stock ownership plan shares totaling $94,000, proceeds from the issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options of $19,000, and a decrease in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.0 million, partially offset by dividends paid totaling $409,000, and stock repurchases of $182,000.

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana is the holding company for Home Federal Bank which conducts business from its ten full-service banking offices and home office in northwest Louisiana.

Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, and “intend”, or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, or “may”. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and those identified elsewhere in this press release, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts its operations; general economic conditions; legislative and regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities including the effects of the Tax Reform Act; changes in interest rates, deposit flows, the cost of funds, demand for loan products and the demand for financial services, competition, changes in the quality or composition of the Company’s loans, investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios; geographic concentration of the Company’s business; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Company’s financial statements will become impaired; changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and other economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, markets, products, services and fees.

HOME FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. OF LOUISIANA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(In thousands except share and per share data)

	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Includes Interest-Bearing Deposits with Other Banks of $32,743 and $25,505 at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, Respectively)	$	41,044		$	34,948
Securities Available-for-Sale (amortized cost September 30, 2024: $31,977; June 30, 2024: $30,348, Respectively)		29,934			27,037
Securities Held-to-Maturity (fair value September 30, 2024: $56,584; June 30, 2024: $54,450, Respectively)		65,800			67,302
Other Securities		1,633			1,614
Loans Held-for-Sale		2,268			1,733
Loans Receivable, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses (September 30, 2024: $4,703; June 30, 2024: $4,574, Respectively)		454,039			470,852
Accrued Interest Receivable		1,761			1,775
Premises and Equipment, Net		18,065			18,303
Bank Owned Life Insurance		6,839			6,810
Goodwill		2,990			2,990
Core Deposit Intangible		1,125			1,199
Deferred Tax Asset		1,210			1,181
Real Estate Owned		122			418
Other Assets		1,574			1,350

Total Assets	$	628,404		$	637,512

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES

Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	133,293		$	130,334
Interest-bearing		431,267			443,673
Total Deposits		564,560			574,007
Advances from Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance		644			521
Other Borrowings		5,500			7,000
Other Accrued Expenses and Liabilities		3,433			3,181

Total Liabilities		574,137			584,709

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock – $0.01 Par Value; 10,000,000 Shares Authorized: None Issued and Outstanding		–			–
Common Stock – $0.01 Par Value; 40,000,000 Shares Authorized: 3,129,668 and 3,144,168 Shares Issued and Outstanding at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, Respectively		32			32
Additional Paid-in Capital		41,822			41,739
Unearned ESOP Stock		(379	)		(408	)
Retained Earnings		14,406			14,055
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		(1,614	)		(2,615	)

Total Shareholders’ Equity		54,267			52,803

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	628,404		$	637,512

HOME FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. OF LOUISIANA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited) (In thousands except share and per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,
	2024			2023
INTEREST INCOME
Loans, including fees	$	6,895		$	7,274
Investment securities		67			150
Mortgage-backed securities		443			473
Other interest-earning assets		336			177
Total interest income		7,741			8,074

INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		3,197			2,592
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings		—			15
Other bank borrowings		117			183
Total interest expense		3,314			2,790
Net interest income		4,427			5,284

RECOVERY OF CREDIT LOSSES		(223	)		—
Net interest income after recovery of credit losses		4,650			5,284

NON-INTEREST INCOME
Gain on sale of loans		96			38
Loss on sale of real estate		(254	)		(34	)
Income on bank owned life insurance		28			26
Service charges on deposit accounts		391			391
Other income		39			13

Total non-interest income		300			434

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and benefits		2,302			2,356
Occupancy and equipment		564			549
Data processing		219			245
Audit and examination fees		132			102
Franchise and bank shares tax		168			156
Advertising		57			143
Professional fees		117			160
Loan and collection		28			60
Amortization core deposit intangible		74			94
Deposit insurance premium		90			91
Other expenses		260			232
Total non-interest expense		4,011			4,188

Income before income taxes		939			1,530
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX EXPENSE		(2	)		310

NET INCOME	$	941		$	1,220

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic	$	0.31		$	0.40
Diluted	$	0.31		$	0.39

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024			2023

Selected Operating Ratios⁽¹⁾:
Average interest rate spread		2.23	%		2.68	%
Net interest margin		2.98	%		3.37	%
Return on average assets		0.59	%		0.73	%
Return on average equity		7.23	%		9.46	%

Asset Quality Ratios⁽²⁾:
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets		0.31	%		0.28	%
Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans		258.46	%		403.96	%
Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans receivable		1.03	%		1.00	%

Per Share Data:
Shares outstanding at period end		3,129,668			3,133,351
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		3,058,286			3,028,597
Diluted		3,071,716			3,107,834

(1) Ratios for the three-month period are annualized.
(2) Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and BRVM sign MOU to Mobilize Capital for Affordable Housing Projects in Africa

Source: Media Fast

Washington, DC, October 29, 2024 – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), the pan-African housing and urban development multilateral bank and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM), the regional stock exchange serving the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mobilize capital for affordable housing projects across Africa.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two organizations to address Africa’s growing housing deficit, currently estimated at over 53 million units. The partnership will focus on mobilizing financial resources through innovative instruments such as Green, Sustainability-linked, and Social (GSSS) bonds, as well as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Dr. Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO of BRVM, and Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique, signed the MOU at a ceremony held in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings last week.

The collaboration represents a critical step towards enhancing the capacity of African markets to finance sustainable housing development, particularly in the eight WAEMU countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

Key Areas of Collaboration

ShafDB and BRVM will work together to design and implement an issuance plan for debt securities on the BRVM regional financial market.

The parties will explore sustainability-linked Bonds by promoting the use of green, gender, Islamic, and diaspora bonds to support housing finance within the WAEMU region and mobilize capital and encourage capital investment in the community housing sector via Real Estate Investment Funds (REITs).

Both parties will also exchange knowledge, provide technical assistance, and collaborate on joint research and publications to promote their common objectives.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Thierno-Habib Hann emphasized the significance of the partnership in addressing Africa’s housing crisis.

“This partnership with BRVM is a significant milestone for Shelter Afrique Development Bank. With Africa’s housing deficit now exceeding 53 million units, we need to scale our efforts rapidly. This MOU offers us the opportunity to mobilize the capital necessary to finance affordable and sustainable housing projects across the continent,” Hann said.

Commenting on the partnership’s potential impact, Dr. Edoh Kossi Amenounve said, “BRVM is proud to partner with Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) to boost investment flows into Africa’s housing market. This collaboration is aligned with our mission to promote capital markets and support sustainable development within the WAEMU region.”

Note:

About Shelter Afrique Development Bank:

Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is the Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable green housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

The institution is involved in financing housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four (4) business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).

About BRVM

The Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) is the regional stock exchange serving the WAEMU zone. It facilitates access to capital markets for companies and governments across eight West African countries, promoting investment, economic growth, and regional integration. BRVM is committed to enhancing financial inclusion and sustainable development through innovative market solutions.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Northeast Bank Reports First Quarter Results and Declares Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PORTLAND, Maine, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northeast Bank (the “Bank”) (NASDAQ: NBN), a Maine-based full-service bank, today reported net income of $17.1 million, or $2.11 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $15.2 million, or $2.01 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.01 per share, payable on November 26, 2024, to shareholders of record as of November 12, 2024.

“With $859.8 million of loan generation from our National Lending Division, we had our second largest quarterly loan volume in the Bank’s history, consisting of $732.9 million of purchases and $126.9 million of originations,” said Rick Wayne, Chief Executive Officer. “Our National Lending Division portfolio grew by $742.2 million, or 27.6%, over June 30, 2024. Our small balance SBA 7(a) program with Newity LLC as our loan service provider has gained real traction. For the quarter, we originated $82.4 million, compared to $40.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and $9.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. During the current quarter we sold $63.1 million of the guaranteed portion of our SBA loans, compared with $26.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and $5.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. We are reporting earnings of $2.11 per diluted common share, a return on average equity of 17.5%, and a return on average assets of 2.1%.”

As of September 30, 2024, total assets were $3.94 billion, an increase of $807.7 million, or 25.8%, from total assets of $3.13 billion as of June 30, 2024.

1. The following table highlights the changes in the loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, for the three months ended September 30, 2024:

	Loan Portfolio Changes
	September 30, 2024 Balance		June 30, 2024 Balance		Change ($)			Change (%)
	(Dollars in thousands)
National Lending Purchased	$	2,420,883	$	1,708,551	$	712,332		41.69	%
National Lending Originated		1,011,374		981,497		29,877		3.04	%
SBA National		66,919		48,405		18,514		38.25	%
Community Banking		21,426		22,704		(1,278	)	(5.63	%)
Total	$	3,520,602	$	2,761,157	$	759,445		27.50	%

Loans generated by the Bank’s National Lending Division for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 totaled $859.8 million, which consisted of $732.9 million of purchased loans at an average price of 90.7% of unpaid principal balance, and $126.9 million of originated loans.

An overview of the Bank’s National Lending Division portfolio follows:

	National Lending Portfolio
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024									2023
	Purchased			Originated			Total			Purchased			Originated			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans purchased or originated during the period:
Unpaid principal balance	$	807,733		$	126,893		$	934,626		$	63,695		$	68,042		$	131,737
Initial net investment basis (1)		732,893			126,893			859,786			52,346			68,042			120,388

Loan returns during the period:
Yield		8.83	%		9.31	%		9.00	%		8.99	%		10.03	%		9.40	%
Total Return on Purchased Loans (2)		8.84	%		N/A			8.84	%		9.04	%		N/A			9.04	%

Total loans as of period end:
Unpaid principal balance	$	2,644,390		$	1,011,374		$	3,655,764		$	1,693,627		$	958,232		$	2,651,859
Net investment basis		2,420,883			1,011,374			3,432,257			1,516,379			958,232			2,474,611

^{(1) Initial net investment basis on purchased loans is the initial amortized cost basis net of initial allowance for credit losses (credit mark).}
^{(2) The total return on purchased loans represents scheduled accretion, accelerated accretion, gains (losses) on real estate owned, release of allowance for credit losses on purchased loans, and other noninterest income recorded during the period divided by the average invested balance on an annualized basis. The total return on purchased loans does not include the effect of purchased loan charge-offs or recoveries during the period. Total return on purchased loans is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. See reconciliation in below table entitled “Total Return on Purchased Loans.”}

2. Deposits increased by $785.5 million, or 33.6%, from June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in time deposits of $785.4 million, or 60.1%. The significant drivers in the change in time deposits were the increase in brokered time deposits, which increased by $712.6 million, and Community Banking Division time deposits, which increased by $52.9 million compared to June 30, 2024.

3. Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances decreased by $6.1 million, or 1.8%, from June 30, 2024. The decrease was attributable to net paydowns on amortizing advances.

4. Shareholders’ equity increased by $15.9 million, or 4.2%, from June 30, 2024, primarily due to net income of $17.1 million and stock-based compensation of $1.8 million, partially offset by the cancelation of restricted stock to cover tax obligations on restricted stock vests, which had a $3.2 million impact on shareholders’ equity.

Net income increased by $1.9 million to $17.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $15.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

1. Net interest and dividend income before provision for credit losses increased by $1.9 million to $39.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $37.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the following:

An increase in interest income earned on loans of $6.2 million, primarily due to higher average balances in the National Lending Division purchased and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) portfolios and higher rates earned on the SBA portfolio;
An increase in interest income earned on short-term investments of $821 thousand, due to higher average balances and higher rates earned; and
A decrease in FHLB borrowings interest expense of $2.1 million, primarily due to lower average balances; partially offset by,
An increase in deposit interest expense of $7.3 million, primarily due to higher average balances as well as higher rates in interest-bearing deposits.

The following table summarizes interest income and related yields recognized on the loan portfolios:

	Interest Income and Yield on Loans
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024						2023
	Average		Interest				Average		Interest
	Balance (1)		Income		Yield		Balance (1)		Income		Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
Community Banking	$	22,409	$	370	6.55	%	$	27,149	$	438	6.42	%
SBA National		59,745		2,419	16.06	%		26,257		786	11.91	%
National Lending:
Originated		997,397		23,408	9.31	%		960,629		24,219	10.03	%
Purchased		1,758,801		39,141	8.83	%		1,489,394		33,671	8.99	%
Total National Lending		2,756,198		62,549	9.00	%		2,450,023		57,890	9.40	%
Total	$	2,838,352	$	65,338	9.13	%	$	2,503,429		59,114	9.39	%

^{(1) Includes loans held for sale.}

The components of total income on purchased loans are set forth in the table below entitled “Total Return on Purchased Loans.” When compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, transactional income decreased by $776 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and regularly scheduled interest and accretion increased by $6.1 million primarily due to the increase in average balances. The total return on purchased loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 8.8%, a decrease from 9.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The following table details the total return on purchased loans:

	Total Return on Purchased Loans
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024				2023
	Income		Return (1)		Income		Return (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Regularly scheduled interest and accretion	$	37,160	8.38	%	$	31,030	8.29	%
Transactional income:
Release of allowance for credit losses on purchased loans		64	0.01	%		180	0.05	%
Accelerated accretion and loan fees		1,981	0.45	%		2,641	0.70	%
Total transactional income		2,045	0.46	%		2,821	0.75	%
Total	$	39,205	8.84	%	$	33,851	9.04	%

^{(1) The total return on purchased loans represents scheduled accretion, accelerated accretion, and gains (losses) on real estate owned, and release of allowance for credit losses on purchased loans recorded during the period divided by the average invested balance on an annualized basis. The total return does not include the effect of purchased loan charge-offs or recoveries in the quarter. Total return is considered a non-GAAP financial measure.}

2. Provision for credit losses increased by $232 thousand to $422 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $190 thousand in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily related to the increase in originated loans during the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

3. Noninterest income increased by $3.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in gain on sale of SBA loans of $3.1 million, due to the sale of $63.1 million in SBA loans during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the sale of $5.3 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

4. Noninterest expense increased by $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the following:

An increase in salaries and employee benefits expense of $1.5 million, primarily due to increases in regular and stock compensation expense; and
An increase in loan expense of $643 thousand primarily related to increased expenses in connection with the origination of SBA 7(a) loans.

5. Income tax expense increased by $754 thousand to $7.9 million, or an effective tax rate of 31.6%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $7.2 million, or an effective tax rate of 32.0%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in effective tax rate is primarily due a $243 thousand increase in tax benefit on the vest of restricted stock and exercise of stock options during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

As of September 30, 2024, nonperforming assets totaled $37.2 million, or 0.94% of total assets, compared to $28.3 million, or 0.90% of total assets, as of June 30, 2024. The increase is primarily related to four National Lending loans placed on non-accrual, which are individually evaluated in the allowance for credit losses and are well-collateralized.

As of September 30, 2024, past due loans totaled $31.3 million, or 0.89% of total loans, compared to past due loans totaling $26.3 million, or 0.95% of total loans, as of June 30, 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 12.1%, compared to 12.3% at June 30, 2024, and the Total risk-based capital ratio was 12.7% at September 30, 2024, compared to 14.8% at June 30, 2024. The Total risk-based capital ratio decreased primarily due to the increase in risk-weighted assets from significant loan growth during the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Investor Call Information
Rick Wayne, Chief Executive Officer, Richard Cohen, Chief Financial Officer, and Pat Dignan, Chief Operating Officer of Northeast Bank, will host a conference call to discuss first quarter earnings and business outlook at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 30^th. To access the conference call by phone, please go to this link (Phone Registration), and you will be provided with dial in details. The call will be available via live webcast, which can be viewed by accessing the Bank’s website at www.northeastbank.com and clicking on the About Us – Investor Relations section. To listen to the webcast, attendees are encouraged to visit the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. Please note there will also be a slide presentation that will accompany the webcast. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available online for one year at www.northeastbank.com.

About Northeast Bank
Northeast Bank (NASDAQ: NBN) is a full-service bank headquartered in Portland, Maine. We offer personal and business banking services to the Maine market via seven branches. Our National Lending Division purchases and originates commercial loans on a nationwide basis. ableBanking, a division of Northeast Bank, offers online savings products to consumers nationwide. Information regarding Northeast Bank can be found at www.northeastbank.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including tangible common shareholders’ equity, tangible book value per share, total return on purchased loans, and efficiency ratio. The Bank’s management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), in our annual reports to our shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “outlook,” “will,” “should,” and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. Although the Bank believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Bank’s control. The Bank’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in employment levels, general business and economic conditions on a national basis and in the local markets in which the Bank operates; changes in customer behavior due to changing business and economic conditions (including inflation and concerns about liquidity) or legislative or regulatory initiatives; the possibility that future credits losses are higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior or adverse economic developments; turbulence in the capital and debt markets; changes in interest rates and real estate values; competitive pressures from other financial institutions; changes in loan defaults and charge-off rates; changes in the value of securities and other assets, adequacy of credit loss reserves, or deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and investments; changing government regulation; operational risks including, but not limited to, cybersecurity, fraud, natural disasters, climate change and future pandemics; the risk that the Bank may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy; the risk that intangibles recorded in the Bank’s financial statements will become impaired; changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements; and the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the FDIC. These statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Bank does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

NBN-F


NORTHEAST BANK
BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024

Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	768	$	2,711
Short-term investments		316,519		239,447
Total cash and cash equivalents		317,287		242,158


Available-for-sale debt securities, at fair value		36,836		48,978
Equity securities, at fair value		7,269		7,013
Total investment securities		44,105		55,991

SBA loans held for sale		17,639		14,506

Loans:
Commercial real estate		2,715,536		2,028,280
Commercial and industrial		681,118		618,846
Residential real estate		106,075		99,234
Consumer		234		291
Total loans		3,502,963		2,746,651
Less: Allowance for credit losses		43,640		26,709
Loans, net		3,459,323		2,719,942


Premises and equipment, net		26,452		27,144
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		15,499		15,751
Loan servicing rights, net		926		984
Bank-owned life insurance		18,954		18,830
Accrued interest receivable		17,294		15,163
Other assets		22,419		21,734
Total assets	$	3,939,898	$	3,132,203

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Deposits:
Demand	$	149,669	$	146,727
Savings and interest checking		752,806		732,029
Money market		130,878		154,504
Time		2,091,561		1,306,203
Total deposits		3,124,914		2,339,463

Federal Home Loan Bank and other advances		339,073		345,190
Lease liability		19,870		20,252
Other liabilities		63,484		50,664
Total liabilities		3,547,341		2,755,569

Commitments and contingencies		–		–


Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
issued and outstanding at September 30 and June 30, 2024		–		–
Voting common stock, $1.00 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized;
8,212,026 and 8,127,690 shares issued and outstanding at
September 30 and June 30, 2024, respectively		8,212		8,128
Non-voting common stock, $1.00 par value, 3,000,000 shares authorized;
No shares issued and outstanding at September 30 and June 30, 2024		–		–
Additional paid-in capital		63,318		64,762
Retained earnings		320,955		303,927
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		72		(183	)
Total shareholders’ equity		392,557		376,634
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,939,898	$	3,132,203


NORTHEAST BANK
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	65,338	$	59,114
Interest on available-for-sale securities		595		483
Other interest and dividend income		3,921		3,100
Total interest and dividend income		69,854		62,697

Interest expense:
Deposits		26,590		19,257
Federal Home Loan Bank and other advances		4,030		6,145
Obligation under capital lease agreements		234		171
Total interest expense		30,854		25,573
Net interest and dividend income before provision for credit losses		39,000		37,124
Provision for credit losses		422		190
Net interest and dividend income after provision for credit losses		38,578		36,934

Noninterest income:
Fees for other services to customers		443		407
Gain on sales of SBA loans		3,331		251
Net unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities		189		(157	)
Loss on real estate owned, other repossessed collateral and premises and equipment, net		–		–
Bank-owned life insurance income		124		115
Correspondent fee income		30		92
Other noninterest income		2		71
Total noninterest income		4,119		779

Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		11,183		9,721
Occupancy and equipment expense		1,078		1,105
Professional fees		753		781
Data processing fees		1,487		1,100
Marketing expense		136		261
Loan acquisition and collection expense		1,293		650
FDIC insurance expense		331		357
Other noninterest expense		1,424		1,414
Total noninterest expense		17,685		15,389
Income before income tax expense		25,012		22,324
Income tax expense		7,906		7,152
Net income	$	17,106	$	15,172


Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		7,886,148		7,479,837
Diluted		8,108,688		7,554,314

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.17	$	2.03
Diluted		2.11		2.01

Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.01	$	0.01


NORTHEAST BANK
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANNUALIZED YIELDS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024						2023
			Interest		Average				Interest		Average
	Average		Income/		Yield/		Average		Income/		Yield/
	Balance		Expense		Rate		Balance		Expense		Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Investment securities	$	55,413	$	595	4.26	%	$	60,173	$	483	3.19	%
Loans (1) (2) (3)		2,838,352		65,338	9.13	%		2,503,429		59,114	9.39	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		16,465		330	7.95	%		22,357		413	7.35	%
Short-term investments (4)		245,542		3,591	5.80	%		201,803		2,687	5.30	%
Total interest-earning assets		3,155,772		69,854	8.78	%		2,787,762		62,697	8.95	%
Cash and due from banks		2,112						2,492
Other non-interest earning assets		94,071						56,263
Total assets	$	3,251,955					$	2,846,517

Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW accounts	$	563,730	$	6,380	4.49	%	$	487,445	$	5,145	4.20	%
Money market accounts		148,687		1,267	3.38	%		258,296		2,133	3.29	%
Savings accounts		178,581		1,557	3.46	%		90,997		560	2.45	%
Time deposits		1,389,832		17,386	4.96	%		977,220		11,419	4.65	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,280,830		26,590	4.63	%		1,813,958		19,257	4.22	%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		362,594		4,030	4.41	%		510,514		6,145	4.79	%
Lease liability		20,018		234	4.64	%		21,776		171	3.12	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,663,442		30,854	4.60	%		2,346,248		25,573	4.34	%

Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits and escrow accounts		175,161						169,338
Other liabilities		26,175						25,065
Total liabilities		2,864,778						2,540,651
Shareholders’ equity		387,177						305,866
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,251,955					$	2,846,517

Net interest income			$	39,000					$	37,124

Interest rate spread					4.18	%					4.61	%
Net interest margin (5)					4.90	%					5.30	%

Cost of funds (6)					4.31	%					4.04	%

(1) Interest income and yield are stated on a fully tax-equivalent basis using the statutory tax rate.
(2) Includes loans held for sale.
(3) Nonaccrual loans are included in the computation of average, but unpaid interest has not been included for purposes of determining interest income.
(4) Short-term investments include FHLB overnight deposits and other interest-bearing deposits.
(5) Net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.
(6) Cost of funds is calculated as total interest expense divided by total interest-bearing liabilities plus demand deposits and escrow accounts.


NORTHEAST BANK
SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND OTHER DATA
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
Net interest income	$	39,000		$	37,935		$	36,512		$	37,000		$	37,124
Provision for credit losses		422			547			596			436			190
Noninterest income		4,119			2,092			1,542			1,466			779
Noninterest expense		17,685			17,079			16,429			15,669			15,389
Net income		17,106			15,140			13,865			14,054			15,172

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		7,886,148			7,765,868			7,509,320			7,505,109			7,479,837
Diluted		8,108,688			7,910,692			7,595,124			7,590,913			7,554,315
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	2.17		$	1.95		$	1.85		$	1.87		$	2.03
Diluted		2.11			1.91			1.83			1.85			2.01

Dividends declared per common share	$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.01

Return on average assets		2.09	%		1.99	%		1.87	%		1.93	%		2.12	%
Return on average equity		17.53	%		16.56	%		16.45	%		17.35	%		19.73	%
Net interest rate spread (1)		4.18	%		4.41	%		4.27	%		4.49	%		4.61	%
Net interest margin (2)		4.90	%		5.13	%		5.01	%		5.20	%		5.30	%
Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (3)		41.01	%		42.67	%		43.17	%		40.73	%		40.60	%
Noninterest expense to average total assets		2.16	%		2.24	%		2.21	%		2.15	%		2.15	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		118.48	%		118.78	%		119.28	%		118.52	%		118.82	%

	As of:
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
Nonperforming loans:
Originated portfolio:
Residential real estate	$	3,976		$	2,502		$	2,573		$	2,582		$	289
Commercial real estate		4,682			1,407			2,075			2,075			1,973
Commercial and industrial		6,684			6,520			6,928			6,950			584
Consumer		–			–			–			–			–
Total originated portfolio		15,342			10,429			11,576			11,607			2,846
Total purchased portfolio		21,830			17,832			16,370			19,165			14,603
Total nonperforming loans		37,172			28,261			27,946			30,772			17,449
Real estate owned and other repossessed collateral, net		–			–			–			–			–
Total nonperforming assets	$	37,172		$	28,261		$	27,946		$	30,772		$	17,449

Past due loans to total loans		0.89	%		0.95	%		1.13	%		1.22	%		1.01	%
Nonperforming loans to total loans		1.06	%		1.02	%		1.05	%		1.18	%		0.69	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.94	%		0.90	%		0.93	%		1.04	%		0.61	%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans		1.25	%		0.97	%		0.98	%		1.06	%		1.00	%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans		117.40	%		94.51	%		92.83	%		89.67	%		145.01	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries)	$	1,604		$	1,347		$	2,225		$	995		$	1,536
Commercial real estate loans to total capital (4)		604.38	%		482.13	%		509.08	%		544.34	%		546.91	%
Net loans to deposits		110.70	%		116.88	%		118.15	%		121.31	%		127.24	%
Purchased loans to total loans		69.11	%		61.88	%		60.99	%		63.07	%		59.98	%
Equity to total assets		9.96	%		12.02	%		11.73	%		11.03	%		10.83	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		11.45	%		13.84	%		13.24	%		12.63	%		12.45	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		12.70	%		14.82	%		14.22	%		13.71	%		13.46	%
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio		12.06	%		12.30	%		11.79	%		11.28	%		10.95	%

Total shareholders’ equity	$	392,557		$	376,634		$	351,913		$	327,540		$	311,569
Less: Preferred stock		–			–			–			–			–
Common shareholders’ equity		392,557			376,634			351,913			327,540			311,569
Less: Intangible assets (5)		–			–			–			–			–
Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)	$	392,557		$	376,634		$	351,913		$	327,540		$	311,569

Common shares outstanding		8,212,026			8,127,690			7,977,690			7,804,052			7,796,691
Book value per common share	$	47.80		$	46.34		$	44.11		$	41.97		$	39.96
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (6)		47.80			46.34			44.11			41.97			39.96

(1) The net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted-average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the period.
(2) The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the period.
(3) The efficiency ratio represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income (before the credit loss provision) plus noninterest income.
(4) For purposes of calculating this ratio, commercial real estate includes all non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans defined as such by regulatory guidance, including all land development and construction loans.
(5) Includes the loan servicing rights asset.
(6) Tangible book value per share represents total shareholders’ equity less the sum of preferred stock and intangible assets divided by common shares outstanding.

For More Information:
Richard Cohen, Chief Financial Officer
Northeast Bank, 27 Pearl Street, Portland, Maine 04101
207.786.3245 ext. 3249
www.northeastbank.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Provident Financial Services, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Earnings and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ISELIN, N.J., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS) (the “Company”) reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $11.5 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and net income of $28.5 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income totaled $67.0 million, or $0.65 per basic and diluted share, compared to $101.1 million, or $1.35 per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

The Company’s earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 reflected the impact of the May 16, 2024 merger with Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. (“Lakeland”), which added $10.91 billion to total assets, $7.91 billion to loans, and $8.62 billion to deposits, net of purchase accounting adjustments. The merger with Lakeland significantly impacted provisions for credit losses in the trailing quarter due to the initial CECL provisions recorded on acquired loans. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 also included other transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland, totaling $15.6 million and $36.7 million, respectively, compared with transaction costs totaling $2.3 million and $5.3 million for the respective 2023 periods. Additionally, the Company realized a $2.8 million loss related to the sale of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland from the Provident investment portfolio, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Anthony J. Labozzetta, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We achieved solid performance this quarter, and we are optimistic that our results will continue to improve as we further realize the synergies of the merger. Provident generated strong earnings and core metrics, aided by robust performance in our fee-based businesses. We continue to expand our operations prudently and believe we are well-positioned for even greater success as market conditions improve.”

Regarding the Company’s merger with Lakeland, Mr. Labozzetta added, “We are proud to announce that, with the conversion of our core system in early September, our merger is complete and we are a unified organization. Our cultures are combining well and we are already experiencing the benefits of cost savings and enhanced revenue opportunities. We are grateful to the many team members whose hard work allowed for a smooth conversion and the retention of almost all legacy Lakeland customers.”

Performance Highlights for the Third Quarter of 2024

Net interest income increased $42.2 million to $183.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $141.5 million for the trailing quarter primarily due to the full quarter impact of net assets acquired from Lakeland, including the accretion of purchase accounting adjustments and four basis points of core margin expansion.
The net interest margin increased ten basis points to 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 3.21% for the trailing quarter. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 17 basis points to 5.84%, compared to the trailing quarter, while the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased ten basis points to 3.19%, compared to the trailing quarter. The increases in the yields and costs on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities were primarily due to a full quarter of accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Lakeland merger, which contributed approximately 53 basis points to the net interest margin in the current quarter.
Non-interest income increased $4.6 million to $26.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $22.3 million for the trailing quarter, while non-interest expense increased $20.6 million to $136.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $115.4 million for the trailing quarter. The increases in both non-interest income and non-interest expense were reflective of a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland.
Wealth management and insurance agency income increased 9.0% and 12.6%, respectively, versus the same period in 2023. The increase in wealth management income was primarily due to an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period, while the increase in insurance agency income was largely due to an increase in business activity.
Adjusting for transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland, net of tax, the Company’s annualized adjusted returns on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity(1) were 0.95%, 8.62% and 14.53% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.06%, 0.53% and 2.01% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. A reconciliation between GAAP and the above non-GAAP ratios are shown on page 13 of the earnings release.
The Company’s annualized adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision returns on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity⁽²⁾ were 1.48%, 13.48% and 19.77% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 1.47%, 13.26% and 19.21% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. A reconciliation between GAAP and the above non-GAAP ratios are shown on page 14 of the earnings release.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s loan pipeline, consisting of work-in-process and loans approved pending closing, totaled $1.98 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.18%, compared to $1.67 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.53%, as of June 30, 2024.
The Company recorded a $9.6 million provision for credit losses on loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to a $66.1 million provision for the trailing quarter. The provision for credit losses on loans in the quarter was primarily attributable to specific reserves required on individually analyzed loans, combined with some economic forecast deterioration. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans increased to 1.02% as of September 30, 2024, from 1.00% as of June 30, 2024.
As of September 30, 2024, CRE loans related to office properties totaled $921.1 million, compared to $953.5 million as of June 30, 2024. CRE loans secured by office properties constitutes only 4.9% of total loans and have an average loan size of $1.9 million, with just seven relationships greater than $10.0 million. There were four loans totaling $9.2 million on non-accrual as of September 30, 2024, however we do not expect to incur losses on any of these loans.
As of September 30, 2024, multi-family CRE loans secured by New York City properties totaled $226.6 million, compared to $227.7 million as of June 30, 2024. This portfolio constitutes only 1.2% of total loans and has an average loan size of $2.6 million. Loans that are collateralized by rent stabilized apartments comprise less than 0.80% of the total loan portfolio and are all performing.
Non-performing loans to total loans as of September 30, 2024 increased to 0.47%, compared to 0.36% as of June 30, 2024, while non-performing assets to total assets as of September 30, 2024 increased to 0.41%, compared to 0.33% as of June 30, 2024. The increase in non-performing loans, compared to the prior quarter was primarily attributable to one commercial real estate credit secured by an industrial property which has a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 39%. We anticipate a near-term resolution of this credit with no expected loss. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $6.8 million, or an annualized 14 basis points of average loans. Of this total, $6.4 million was attributable to one previously identified commercial relationship that had a $4.4 million specific reserve as of June 30, 2024. This credit is expected to be fully resolved in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Declaration of Quarterly Dividend

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per common share payable on November 29, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2024.

Results of Operations

Three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $11.5 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The Company’s earnings for the prior quarter were impacted by an initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans and commitments to extend credit of $65.2 million recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 included transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland totaling $15.6 million, compared with transaction costs totaling $18.9 million in the trailing quarter. Additionally, the Company realized a $2.8 million loss in the trailing quarter related to the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $42.2 million to $183.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $141.5 million for the trailing quarter. Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was favorably impacted by a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland and accretion of purchase accounting adjustments, compared to a 45 days impact in the prior quarter.

The Company’s net interest margin increased ten basis points to 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 3.21% for the trailing quarter. Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Lakeland merger contributed 53 basis points to the net interest margin in the current quarter. The current net interest margin reflects a full quarter of the acquisition of Lakeland’s interest-bearing assets and liabilities, the prior quarter sale of $554.2 million of securities acquired from Lakeland and the repayment of overnight borrowings as well as the prior quarter issuance of subordinated debt.

The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 17 basis points to 5.84%, compared to the trailing quarter. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased ten basis points from the trailing quarter, to 3.19%. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 12 basis points to 2.96%, compared to 2.84% for the trailing quarter. The average cost of total deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.36% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.27% for the trailing quarter. The average cost of borrowed funds for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 3.73%, compared to 3.83% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. All yields and costs reflect a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a $9.6 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared with a provision for credit losses on loans of $66.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The provision for credit losses on loans in the quarter was primarily attributable to specific reserves required on individually analyzed loans, combined with some economic forecast deterioration, while the provision for credit losses on loans in the prior quarter was primarily attributable to an initial CECL provision for credit losses of $60.1 million, recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $6.8 million, or an annualized 14 basis points of average loans.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income totaled $26.9 million, an increase of $4.6 million, compared to the trailing quarter. Net gain on securities transactions increased $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, primarily due to a $2.8 million loss realized on the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland in the prior quarter. Fee income increased $1.1 million to $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, primarily due to increases in deposit and debit card related fee income. The increases in fee income are primarily attributable to the addition of the Lakeland customer base. BOLI income increased $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, primarily due to an increase in benefit claims recognized. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest income, insurance agency income decreased $857,000 to $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, due to a seasonal decrease in business activity in the current quarter, while wealth management income decreased $149,000 to $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, mainly due to a seasonal decrease in tax preparation fees, partially offset by an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period.

Non-interest expense totaled $136.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $20.6 million, compared to $115.4 million for the trailing quarter. Compensation and benefits expense increased $8.6 million to $63.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $54.9 million for the trailing quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland, compared to 45 days in the prior quarter. Amortization of intangibles increased $5.7 million to $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $6.5 million for the trailing quarter, largely due to a full quarter of core deposit intangible amortization related to Lakeland. Other operating expenses increased $4.5 million to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11.3 million for the trailing quarter, primarily due to increases in professional service expenses. Data processing expense increased $2.0 million to $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $8.4 million for the trailing quarter, primarily due a full quarter of combined operations with Lakeland, while net occupancy expense increased $1.6 million to $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11.1 million for the trailing quarter, primarily due to increases in maintenance and depreciation expenses from the addition of Lakeland. Additionally, FDIC insurance increased $1.1 million to $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily resulting from the impact of the Lakeland merger. Partially offsetting these increases, merger-related expenses decreased $3.3 million to $15.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter.

The Company’s annualized adjusted non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets⁽⁵⁾ declined to 1.98% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.02% for the trailing quarter. The efficiency ratio (adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income)⁽⁶⁾ improved to 57.20% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 57.86% for the trailing quarter.

Income Tax Expense/Benefit

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $18.9 million, compared to an income tax benefit of $9.8 million for the trailing quarter. The increase in tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with the trailing quarter was largely due to an increase in taxable income in the current quarter as a result of the Lakeland merger and a $5.3 million tax benefit realized in the trailing quarter related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets to reflect the imposition by the State of New Jersey of a 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee, effective January 1, 2024.

Three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $46.4 million, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $28.5 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 reflected the impact of the May 16, 2024 merger with Lakeland. The results of operations included transaction costs related to the merger with Lakeland totaling $15.6 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $87.5 million to $183.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $96.2 million for same period in 2023. Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was favorably impacted by the net assets acquired from Lakeland, combined with favorable repricing of adjustable rate loans, higher market rates on new loan originations and the originations of higher-yielding loans, partially offset by unfavorable repricing of both deposits and borrowings.

The Company’s net interest margin increased 35 basis points to 3.31% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 2.96% for the same period last year. Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments related to the Lakeland merger contributed 53 basis points to the net interest margin in the current quarter. The current quarter net interest margin reflects the acquisition of Lakeland’s interest bearing assets and liabilities, the prior quarter sale of $554.2 million of securities acquired from Lakeland and the repayment of overnight borrowings as well as the prior quarter issuance of subordinated debt.

The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased 95 basis points to 5.84%, compared to 4.89% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 69 basis points for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 to 3.19%, compared to 2.50% for the third quarter of 2023. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 2.96%, compared to 2.22% for the same period last year. Average non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $1.51 billion to $3.74 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.23 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of total deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.36% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared with 1.74% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of borrowed funds for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 3.73%, compared to 3.74% for the same period last year.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans

For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a $9.6 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared with an $11.0 million provision for credit losses on loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The provision for credit losses on loans in the current quarter was primarily attributable to specific reserves required on individually analyzed loans, combined with some economic forecast deterioration. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $6.8 million, or an annualized 14 basis points of average loans.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

Non-interest income totaled $26.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $7.5 million, compared to the same period in 2023. Fee income increased $3.7 million to $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to increases in deposit fee income, debit card related fee income and loan related fee income, resulting from the Lakeland merger. BOLI income increased $2.5 million to $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to an increase in benefit claims recognized, combined with an increase in income related to the addition of Lakeland’s BOLI. Wealth management fees increased $628,000 to $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, mainly due to an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period, while insurance agency income increased $407,000 to $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, largely due to an increase in business activity. Additionally, other income increased $339,000 to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to increases in gains on the sale of SBA and mortgage loans.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense totaled $136.0 million, an increase of $70.4 million, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Compensation and benefits expense increased $27.8 million to $63.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $35.7 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to the addition of Lakeland. Additionally, merger-related expenses increased $13.3 million to $15.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Amortization of intangibles increased $11.5 million to $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $720,000 for the same period in 2023, largely due to core deposit intangible amortization related to Lakeland in the current quarter. Data processing expenses increased $5.2 million to $10.5 million for three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to additional software and hardware expenses needed for the addition of Lakeland. Net occupancy expense increased $4.7 million to $12.8 million for three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $8.1 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in depreciation and maintenance expenses due to the addition of Lakeland. Other operating expenses increased $5.0 million to $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.7 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in professional service expenses, while FDIC insurance increased $2.6 million to $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

The Company’s annualized adjusted non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets⁽⁵⁾ was 1.98% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 1.80% for the same period in 2023. The efficiency ratio (adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income)⁽⁶⁾ was 57.20% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 54.81% for the same respective period in 2023.

Income Tax Expense

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $18.9 million with an effective tax rate of 28.9%, compared with an income tax expense of $8.8 million with an effective tax rate of 23.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with the same period last year was largely due to an increase in taxable income in the quarter, as a result of the Lakeland merger and the imposition by the State of New Jersey of a 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee in the prior quarter.

Nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income totaled $67.0 million, or $0.65 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $101.1 million, or $1.35 per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were impacted by an initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans and commitments to extend credit of $60.1 million recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations. Transaction costs related to our merger with Lakeland totaled $36.7 million and $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, the Company realized a $2.8 million loss related to the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $115.2 million to $418.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $303.7 million for same period in 2023. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was favorably impacted by the net assets acquired from Lakeland, combined with the favorable repricing of adjustable rate loans, higher market rates on new loan originations and the originations of higher-yielding loans, partially offset by the unfavorable repricing of both deposits and borrowings.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our net interest margin decreased one basis point to 3.18%, compared to 3.19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The weighted average yield on interest earning assets increased 85 basis points to 5.61% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.76% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, while the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 99 basis points to 3.06% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.07% for the same period last year. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 102 basis points to 2.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 1.82% for the same period last year. Average non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $514.3 million to $2.90 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $2.38 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of total deposits, including non-interest-bearing deposits, was 2.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with 1.40% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 3.73%, compared to 3.29% for the same period last year.

Provision for Credit Losses on Loans

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a $75.9 million provision for credit losses on loans, compared with a provision for credit losses on loans of $27.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increased provision for credit losses on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to an initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans of $60.1 million recorded as part of the Lakeland merger in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations, partially offset by an improved economic forecast for the current nine-month period within our CECL model, compared to the same period last year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net charge-offs totaled $9.1 million or an annualized eight basis points of average loans.

Non-Interest Income and Expense

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income totaled $69.9 million, an increase of $9.1 million compared to the same period in 2023. Fee income increased $6.1 million to $24.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in deposit fee income, debit and credit card related fee income and loan related fee income resulting from the Lakeland merger. BOLI income increased $4.6 million to $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in benefit claims recognized, combined with an increase in income related to the addition of Lakeland’s BOLI, while wealth management income increased $2.1 million to $22.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to an increase in the average market value of assets under management during the period. Additionally, insurance agency income increased $1.7 million to $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11.2 million for the same period in 2023, largely due to increases in contingent commissions, retention revenue and new business activity. Partially offsetting these increases in non-interest income, net gains on securities transactions decreased $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to a $2.8 million loss related to the sale from the Provident investment portfolio of subordinated debt issued by Lakeland. Other income decreased $2.4 million to $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to a $2.0 million gain from the sale of a foreclosed commercial property recorded in the prior year, combined with a decrease in gains on sales of SBA loans.

Non-interest expense totaled $323.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $123.7 million, compared to $199.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Compensation and benefits expense increased $48.7 million to $158.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $109.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily attributable to the addition of Lakeland. Merger-related expenses increased $31.3 million to $36.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Amortization of intangibles increased $17.2 million to $19.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, largely due to core deposit intangible amortization related to Lakeland. Data processing expense increased $9.2 million to $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to additional software and hardware expenses needed for the addition of Lakeland, while net occupancy expense increased $8.0 million to $32.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in depreciation and maintenance expense related to the addition of Lakeland. Other operating expenses increased $5.6 million to $37.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $31.8 million for the same period in 2023, primarily due to increases in professional service expenses, while FDIC insurance increased $3.9 million to $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

Income Tax Expense
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s income tax expense was $19.9 million with an effective tax rate of 22.9%, compared with $34.9 million with an effective tax rate of 25.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared with the same period last year was largely due to a $5.8 million tax benefit related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets to reflect the imposition by the State of New Jersey of a 2.5% Corporate Transit Fee, effective January 1, 2024, combined with a decrease in taxable income as a result of the initial CECL provision for credit losses on loans of $60.1 million recorded in accordance with GAAP requirements for accounting for business combinations and additional expenses from the Lakeland merger.

Asset Quality

The Company’s total non-performing loans as of September 30, 2024 were $89.9 million, or 0.47% of total loans, compared to $67.9 million, or 0.36% of total loans as of June 30, 2024 and $49.6 million, or 0.46% of total loans as of December 31, 2023. The $22.1 million increase in non-performing loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to the trailing quarter, consisted of a $10.4 million increase in non-performing commercial mortgage loans, an $8.9 million increase in non-performing commercial loans, a $1.5 million increase in non-performing construction loans, a $764,000 increase in non-performing residential mortgage loans, a $302,000 increase in non-performing multi-family loans and a $289,000 increase in non-performing consumer loans. As of September 30, 2024, impaired loans totaled $74.0 million with related specific reserves of $7.2 million, compared with impaired loans totaling $54.6 million with related specific reserves of $7.7 million as of June 30, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, impaired loans totaled $42.8 million with related specific reserves of $2.4 million.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to the loan portfolio was 1.02% of total loans, compared to 1.00% and 0.99% as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The allowance for credit losses increased $84.0 million to $191.2 million as of September 30, 2024, from $107.2 million as of December 31, 2023. The increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans as of September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 was due to a $75.9 million provision for credit losses, which included an initial CECL provision of $60.1 million on loans acquired from Lakeland, and a $17.2 million allowance recorded through goodwill related to Purchased Credit Deteriorated loans acquired from Lakeland, partially offset by net charge-offs of $9.1 million.

The following table sets forth accruing past due loans and non-accrual loans on the dates indicated, as well as delinquency statistics and certain asset quality ratios.

	September 30, 2024				June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
	Number of Loans	Principal Balance of Loans			Number of Loans	Principal Balance of Loans			Number of Loans	Principal Balance of Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)
Accruing past due loans:
30 to 59 days past due:
Commercial mortgage loans	2	$	430		3	$	1,707		1	$	825
Multi-family mortgage loans	—		—		—		—		1		3,815
Construction loans	—		—		—		—		—		—
Residential mortgage loans	23		5,020		9		1,714		13		3,429
Total mortgage loans	25		5,450		12		3,421		15		8,069
Commercial loans	14		1,952		20		3,444		6		998
Consumer loans	53		4,073		38		2,891		31		875
Total 30 to 59 days past due	92	$	11,475		70	$	9,756		52	$	9,942

60 to 89 days past due:
Commercial mortgage loans	1	$	641		3	$	1,231		—	$	—
Multi-family mortgage loans	—		—		—		—		1		1,635
Construction loans	—		—		—		—		—		—
Residential mortgage loans	11		1,991		10		2,193		8		1,208
Total mortgage loans	12		2,632		13		3,424		9		2,843
Commercial loans	9		1,240		6		1,146		3		198
Consumer loans	10		606		9		648		5		275
Total 60 to 89 days past due	31		4,478		28		5,218		17		3,316
Total accruing past due loans	123	$	15,953		98	$	14,974		69	$	13,258

Non-accrual:
Commercial mortgage loans	17	$	13,969		10	$	3,588		7	$	5,151
Multi-family mortgage loans	6		7,578		5		7,276		1		744
Construction loans	2		13,151		1		11,698		1		771
Residential mortgage loans	24		5,211		20		4,447		7		853
Total mortgage loans	49		39,909		36		27,009		16		7,519
Commercial loans	69		48,592		58		39,715		26		41,487
Consumer loans	32		1,433		24		1,144		10		633
Total non-accrual loans	150	$	89,934		118	$	67,868		52	$	49,639

Non-performing loans to total loans			0.47	%			0.36	%			0.46	%
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans			217.09	%			277.50	%			215.96	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans			1.02	%			1.00	%			0.99	%

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company held foreclosed assets of $9.8 million and $11.7 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were three properties sold with an aggregate carrying value of $532,000 and one write-down of a foreclosed commercial property of $1.3 million. Foreclosed assets as of September 30, 2024 consisted primarily of commercial real estate. Total non-performing assets as of September 30, 2024 increased $36.6 million to $97.9 million, or 0.41% of total assets, from $61.3 million, or 0.43% of total assets as of December 31, 2023.

Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets as of September 30, 2024 were $24.04 billion, a $9.83 billion increase from December 31, 2023. The increase in total assets was primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

The Company’s loans held for investment portfolio totaled $18.79 billion as of September 30, 2024 and $10.87 billion as of December 31, 2023. The loan portfolio consisted of the following:

	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage loans:
Commercial	$	7,342,456		$	7,337,742		$	4,512,411
Multi-family		3,226,918			3,189,808			1,812,500
Construction		873,509			970,244			653,246
Residential		2,032,671			2,024,027			1,164,956
Total mortgage loans		13,475,554			13,521,821			8,143,113
Commercial loans		4,710,601			4,617,232			2,440,621
Consumer loans		623,709			626,016			299,164
Total gross loans		18,809,864			18,765,069			10,882,898
Premiums on purchased loans		1,362			1,410			1,474
Net deferred fees and unearned discounts		(16,617	)		(7,149	)		(12,456	)
Total loans	$	18,794,609		$	18,759,330		$	10,871,916

As part of the merger with Lakeland, we acquired $7.91 billion in loans, net of purchase accounting adjustments. Compared to the prior quarter, during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the loan portfolio had net increases of $93.4 million of commercial loans, $37.1 million of multi-family loans, $8.6 million of residential mortgage loans, and $4.7 million of commercial mortgage loans, partially offset by net decreases of $96.7 million of construction loans and $2.3 million of consumer loans. Commercial loans, consisting of commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial and construction loans, represented 85.9% of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2024, compared to 86.5% as of December 31, 2023.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, loan funding, including advances on lines of credit, totaled $2.78 billion, compared with $2.53 billion for the same period in 2023.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s unfunded loan commitments totaled $2.97 billion, including commitments of $1.84 billion in commercial loans, $231.0 million in construction loans and $225.7 million in commercial mortgage loans. Unfunded loan commitments as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 were $2.09 billion and $2.18 billion, respectively.

The loan pipeline, consisting of work-in-process and loans approved pending closing, totaled $1.98 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.09 billion and $1.70 billion as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Total investment securities were $3.17 billion as of September 30, 2024, a $1.04 billion increase from December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to the addition of Lakeland.

Total deposits increased $8.08 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to $18.38 billion, due primarily to the addition of Lakeland. Total savings and demand deposit accounts increased $6.02 billion to $15.22 billion as of September 30, 2024, while total time deposits increased $2.06 billion to $3.16 billion as of September 30, 2024. The increase in savings and demand deposits was largely attributable to a $2.92 billion increase in interest bearing demand deposits, a $1.58 billion increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, a $1.03 billion increase in money market deposits and a $495.5 million increase in savings deposits. The increase in time deposits consisted of a $2.01 billion increase in retail time deposits and a $46.5 million increase in brokered time deposits.

Borrowed funds increased $244.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to $2.21 billion. The increase in deposits and borrowings was largely due to the addition of Lakeland. Borrowed funds represented 9.2% of total assets as of September 30, 2024, a decrease from 13.9% as of December 31, 2023.

Stockholders’ equity increased $930.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to $2.62 billion, primarily due to common stock issued for the purchase of Lakeland, net income earned for the period and an improvement in unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities, partially offset by cash dividends paid to stockholders. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, common stock repurchases totaled 1,969 shares at an average cost of $16.36 per share and 88,821 shares at an average cost of $14.87 per share, respectively, all of which were made in connection with withholding to cover income taxes on the vesting of stock-based compensation. As of September 30, 2024, approximately 1.0 million shares remained eligible for repurchase under the current stock repurchase authorization. Book value per share and tangible book value per share(1) as of September 30, 2024 were $20.09 and $13.66, respectively, compared with $22.38 and $16.32, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.

About the Company

Provident Financial Services, Inc. is the holding company for Provident Bank, a community-oriented bank offering “commitment you can count on” since 1839. Provident Bank provides a comprehensive array of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout New Jersey, Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Orange, Queens and Nassau Counties in New York. Provident Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc.

Post Earnings Conference Call

Representatives of the Company will hold a conference call for investors on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-412-4131 (United States Toll Free) and 1-646-960-0134 (United States Local). Speakers will need to enter conference ID code (3610756) before being met by a live operator. Internet access to the call is also available (listen only) at provident.bank by going to Investor Relations and clicking on “Webcast.”

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and those related to the economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Company operates, inflation and unemployment, competitive products and pricing, real estate values, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, the effects of any turmoil or negative news in the banking industry, changes in accounting policies and practices that may be adopted by the regulatory agencies and the accounting standards setters, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, potential goodwill impairment, acquisitions and the integration of acquired businesses, credit risk management, asset-liability management, the financial and securities markets, the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity, any failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger transaction when expected or at all; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected conditions, factors or events, potential adverse reactions or changes to business, employee, customer and/or counterparty relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the merger and integration of the companies; and the impact of a potential shutdown of the federal government.

The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company advises readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. The Company does not assume any duty, and does not undertake, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement.

Footnotes

⁽¹⁾ Annualized adjusted return on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity, annualized adjusted pre-tax pre-provision return on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity, tangible book value per share, annualized adjusted non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets and the efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the Notes following the Consolidated Financial Highlights which contain the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures and the associated calculations.


PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Financial Highlights
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)

	At or for the Three Months Ended									At or for the Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Statement of Income
Net interest income	$	183,701		$	141,506		$	96,236		$	418,877		$	303,666
Provision for credit losses		9,299			69,705			12,541			78,684			29,031
Non-interest income		26,855			22,275			19,320			69,937			60,861
Non-interest expense		136,002			115,394			65,625			323,224			199,485
Income (loss) before income tax expense		65,255			(21,318	)		37,390			86,906			136,011
Net income (loss)		46,405			(11,485	)		28,547			67,001			101,086
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36		$	(0.11	)	$	0.38		$	0.65		$	1.35
Interest rate spread		2.65	%		2.58	%		2.39	%		2.55	%		2.69	%
Net interest margin		3.31	%		3.21	%		2.96	%		3.18	%		3.19	%

Profitability
Annualized return on average assets		0.76	%	(0.24		)%		0.81	%		0.47	%		0.98	%
Annualized adjusted return on average assets ⁽¹⁾		0.95	%	0.06		%		0.86	%		0.66	%		1.02	%
Annualized return on average equity		6.94	%	(2.17		)%		6.84	%		4.14	%		8.22	%
Annualized adjusted return on average equity ⁽¹⁾		8.62	%	0.53		%		7.30	%		5.83	%		8.59	%
Annualized return on average tangible equity ⁽⁴⁾		12.06	%	(3.15		)%		9.47	%		7.13	%		11.40	%
Annualized adjusted return on average tangible equity ⁽¹⁾		14.53	%		2.01	%		10.24	%		9.56	%		12.07	%
Annualized adjusted non-interest expense to average assets ⁽⁴⁾		1.98	%		2.02	%		1.80	%		1.99	%		1.87	%
Efficiency ratio ⁽⁶⁾		57.20	%		57.86	%		54.81	%		58.27	%		53.26	%

Asset Quality
Non-accrual loans				$	67,868					$	89,934		$	39,529
90+ and still accruing					—						—			—
Non-performing loans					67,868						88,061			39,529
Foreclosed assets					11,119						9,801			16,487
Non-performing assets					78,987						97,862			56,016
Non-performing loans to total loans					0.36	%					0.47	%		0.37	%
Non-performing assets to total assets					0.33	%					0.41	%		0.40	%
Allowance for loan losses				$	188,331					$	191,175		$	107,563
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans					277.50	%					217.09	%		272.11	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans					1.00	%					1.02	%		1.01	%
Net loan charge-offs	$	6,756		$	1,340		$	5,510		$	9,067		$	7,266
Annualized net loan charge-offs to average total loans		0.14	%		0.04	%		0.21	%		0.08	%		0.09	%

Average Balance Sheet Data
Assets	$	24,248,038		$	19,197,041		$	13,976,610		$	19,198,113		$	13,848,351
Loans, net		18,531,939			14,649,413			10,470,843			14,631,071			10,269,022
Earning assets		21,809,226			17,385,819			12,735,938			17,305,446			12,574,437
Core deposits		15,394,715			12,257,244			9,212,202			12,271,839			9,408,156
Borrowings		2,125,149			2,158,193			1,780,655			2,074,958			1,556,619
Interest-bearing liabilities		17,304,569			13,856,039			9,826,064			13,757,895			9,554,204
Stockholders’ equity		2,660,470			2,127,469			1,654,920			2,163,856			1,645,093
Average yield on interest-earning assets		5.84	%		5.67	%		4.89	%		5.61	%		4.76	%
Average cost of interest-bearing liabilities		3.19	%		3.09	%		2.50	%		3.06	%		2.07	%

Notes and Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Dollars in Thousands, except share data)

The Company has presented the following non-GAAP (U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) financial measures because it believes that these measures provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. Presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is consistent with how the Company evaluates its performance internally and these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the Company’s industry. Investors should recognize that the Company’s presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures might not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and the Company strongly encourages a review of its condensed consolidated financial statements in their entirety.


(1) Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Assets, Equity and Tangible Equity
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net Income	$	46,405		$	(11,485	)	$	28,547		$	67,001		$	101,086
Merger-related transaction costs		15,567			18,915			2,289			36,684			5,349
Less: income tax expense		(4,306	)		(4,625	)		(486	)		(9,274	)		(1,015	)
Annualized adjusted net income	$	57,666		$	2,805		$	30,350		$	94,411		$	105,420
Less: Amortization of Intangibles (net of tax)	$	8,551		$	4,532		$	503		$	13,577		$	1,560
Annualized adjusted net income for annualized adjusted return on average tangible equity	$	66,217		$	7,337		$	30,853		$	107,988		$	106,980

Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Assets		0.95	%		0.06	%		0.86	%		0.66	%		1.02	%
Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Equity		8.62	%		0.53	%		7.30	%		5.83	%		8.59	%
Annualized Adjusted Return on Average Tangible Equity		14.53	%		2.01	%		10.24	%		9.56	%		12.07	%

(2) Annualized adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision (“PTPP”) returns on average assets, average equity and average tangible equity
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net income (loss)	$	46,405		$	(11,485	)	$	28,547		$	67,001		$	101,086
Adjustments to net income (loss):
Provision for credit losses		9,299			69,705			12,541			78,684			29,031
Net loss on Lakeland bond sale		—			2,839			—			—			—
Merger-related transaction costs		15,567			18,915			2,289			36,684			5,349
Income tax expense (benefit)		18,850			(9,833	)		8,843			19,905			34,925
PTPP income	$	90,121		$	70,141		$	52,220		$	202,274		$	170,391

Annualized PTPP income	$	358,525		$	282,106		$	207,177		$	270,191		$	227,812
Average assets	$	24,248,038		$	19,197,041		$	13,976,610		$	19,198,113		$	13,848,351
Average equity	$	2,660,470		$	2,127,469		$	1,654,920		$	2,163,856		$	1,645,093
Average tangible equity	$	1,813,327		$	1,468,630		$	1,195,787		$	1,508,594		$	1,185,222

Annualized PTPP return on average assets		1.48	%		1.47	%		1.48	%		1.41	%		1.65	%
Annualized PTPP return on average equity		13.48	%		13.26	%		12.52	%		12.49	%		13.85	%
Annualized PTPP return on average tangible equity		19.77	%		19.21	%		17.33	%		17.91	%		19.22	%

(3) Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
							September 30,			June 30,			December 31,
								2024			2024			2023
Total stockholders’ equity							$	2,621,058		$	2,555,646		$	1,690,596
Less: total intangible assets								839,223			851,507			457,942
Total tangible stockholders’ equity							$	1,781,835		$	1,704,139		$	1,232,654

Shares outstanding								130,448,599			130,380,393			75,537,186

Book value per share (total stockholders’ equity/shares outstanding)							$	20.09		$	19.60		$	22.38
Tangible book value per share (total tangible stockholders’ equity/shares outstanding)							$	13.66		$	13.07		$	16.32

(4) Annualized Return on Average Tangible Equity
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Total average stockholders’ equity	$	2,660,470		$	2,127,469		$	1,654,920		$	2,163,856		$	1,645,093
Less: total average intangible assets		847,143			658,839			459,133			655,262			459,871
Total average tangible stockholders’ equity	$	1,813,327		$	1,468,630		$	1,195,787		$	1,508,594		$	1,185,222

Net income (loss)	$	46,405		$	(11,485	)	$	28,547		$	67,001		$	101,086
Less: Amortization of Intangibles, net of tax		8,551			4,532			503			13,577			1,560
Total net income (loss)	$	54,956		$	(6,953	)	$	29,050		$	80,578		$	102,646

Annualized return on average tangible equity (net income/total average tangible stockholders’ equity)		12.06	%	(1.90) %				9.64	%		7.13	%		11.58	%

(5) Annualized Adjusted Non-Interest Expense to Average Assets
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Reported non-interest expense	$	136,002		$	115,394		$	65,625		$	323,224		$	199,485
Adjustments to non-interest expense:
Merger-related transaction costs		15,567			18,915			2,289			36,684			5,349
Adjusted non-interest expense	$	120,435		$	96,479		$	63,336		$	286,540		$	194,136

Annualized adjusted non-interest expense	$	479,122		$	388,036		$	251,279		$	382,751		$	259,559

Average assets	$	24,248,038		$	19,197,041		$	13,976,610		$	19,198,113		$	13,848,351

Annualized adjusted non-interest expense/average assets		1.98	%		2.02	%		1.80	%		1.99	%		1.87	%

(6) Efficiency Ratio Calculation
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30,			June 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
Net interest income	$	183,701		$	141,506		$	96,236		$	418,877		$	303,666
Reported non-interest income		26,855			22,275			19,320			69,937			60,861
Adjustments to non-interest income:
Net (gain) loss on securities transactions		(2	)		2,973			13			2,972			(37	)
Adjusted non-interest income		26,853			25,248			19,333			72,909			60,824
Total income	$	210,554		$	166,754		$	115,569		$	491,786		$	364,490

Adjusted non-interest expense	$	120,435		$	96,479		$	63,336		$	286,540		$	194,136

Efficiency ratio (adjusted non-interest expense/income)		57.20	%		57.86	%		54.80	%		58.27	%		53.26	%

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)

Assets	September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
Cash and due from banks	$	244,064		$	180,241
Short-term investments		25			14
Total cash and cash equivalents		244,089			180,255
Available for sale debt securities, at fair value		2,725,110			1,690,112
Held to maturity debt securities, net of allowance (fair value of $322,427 as of September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and $352,601 as of December 31, 2023)		332,021			363,080
Equity securities, at fair value		20,044			1,270
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		96,219			79,217
Loans held for sale		5,757			1,785
Loans held for investment		18,794,609			10,871,916
Less allowance for credit losses		191,175			107,200
Net loans		18,609,191			10,766,501
Foreclosed assets, net		9,801			11,651
Banking premises and equipment, net		124,955			70,998
Accrued interest receivable		89,866			58,966
Intangible assets		839,223			457,942
Bank-owned life insurance		403,648			243,050
Other assets		548,348			287,768
Total assets	$	24,042,515		$	14,210,810

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Deposits:
Demand deposits	$	13,548,480		$	8,020,889
Savings deposits		1,671,209			1,175,683
Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more		800,005			218,549
Other time deposits		2,356,491			877,393
Total deposits		18,376,185			10,292,514
Mortgage escrow deposits		48,007			36,838
Borrowed funds		2,214,512			1,970,033
Subordinated debentures		414,184			10,695
Other liabilities		368,569			210,134
Total liabilities		21,421,457			12,520,214

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 137,565,966 shares issued and 130,448,599 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and 75,537,186 outstanding as of December 31, 2023.		1,376			832
Additional paid-in capital		1,871,343			989,058
Retained earnings		972,997			974,542
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(93,049	)		(141,115	)
Treasury stock		(129,148	)		(127,825	)
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan		(2,461	)		(4,896	)
Common Stock acquired by the Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan		(2,247	)		(2,694	)
Deferred Compensation – Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan		2,247			2,694
Total stockholders’ equity		2,621,058			1,690,596
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	24,042,515		$	14,210,810

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		June 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
		2024		2024			2023		2024			2023
Interest and dividend income:
Real estate secured loans	$	197,857	$	156,318		$	104,540	$	461,632		$	299,830
Commercial loans		81,183		58,532			33,806		175,815			93,915
Consumer loans		12,947		8,351			4,746		25,820			13,419
Available for sale debt securities, equity securities and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		25,974		20,394			11,886		58,698			34,748
Held to maturity debt securities		2,136		2,357			2,334		6,761			7,059
Deposits, federal funds sold and other short-term investments		2,425		1,859			885		5,466			2,678
Total interest income		322,522		247,811			158,197		734,192			451,649

Interest expense:
Deposits		110,009		81,058			44,923		243,602			108,880
Borrowed funds		19,923		20,566			16,765		57,871			38,329
Subordinated debt		8,889		4,681			273		13,842			774
Total interest expense		138,821		106,305			61,961		315,315			147,983
Net interest income		183,701		141,506			96,236		418,877			303,666
Provision charge for credit losses		9,299		69,705			12,541		78,684			29,031
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		174,402		71,801			83,695		340,193			274,635

Non-interest income:
Fees		9,816		8,699			6,132		24,426			18,294
Wealth management income		7,620		7,769			6,992		22,878			20,826
Insurance agency income		3,631		4,488			3,224		12,912			11,175
Bank-owned life insurance		4,308		3,323			1,820		9,448			4,838
Net gain (loss) on securities transactions		2		(2,973	)		13		(2,972	)		37
Other income		1,478		969			1,139		3,245			5,691
Total non-interest income		26,855		22,275			19,320		69,937			60,861

Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits		63,468		54,888			35,702		158,404			109,724
Net occupancy expense		12,790		11,142			8,113		32,452			24,474
Data processing expense		10,481		8,433			5,312		25,698			16,536
FDIC Insurance		4,180		3,100			1,628		9,553			5,688
Amortization of intangibles		12,231		6,483			720		19,420			2,231
Advertising and promotion expense		1,524		1,171			1,133		3,661			3,722
Merger-related expenses		15,567		18,915			2,289		36,684			5,349
Other operating expenses		15,761		11,262			10,728		37,352			31,761
Total non-interest expense		136,002		115,394			65,625		323,224			199,485
Income (loss) before income tax expense		65,255		(21,318	)		37,390		86,906			136,011
Income tax expense (benefit)		18,850		(9,833	)		8,843		19,905			34,925
Net income (loss)	$	46,405	$	(11,485	)	$	28,547	$	67,001		$	101,086

Basic earnings per share	$	0.36	$	(0.11	)	$	0.38	$	0.65		$	1.35
Average basic shares outstanding		129,941,845		102,957,521			74,909,083		102,819,042			74,793,530

Diluted earnings per share	$	0.36	$	(0.11	)	$	0.38	$	0.65		$	1.35
Average diluted shares outstanding		130,004,870		102,957,521			74,914,205		102,845,261			74,816,606

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Net Interest Margin Analysis
Quarterly Average Balances
(Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
	September 30, 2024						June 30, 2024						September 30, 2023
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
Interest-Earning Assets:
Deposits	$	179,313	$	2,425	5.38	%	$	40,228	$	1,859	5.38	%	$	74,183	$	884	4.73	%
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments		—		—	—	%		0		—	—	%		57		1	4.00	%
Available for sale debt securities		2,644,262		24,884	3.72	%		2,244,725		17,647	3.14	%		1,724,833		10,127	2.35	%
Held to maturity debt securities, net ⁽¹⁾		342,217		2,136	2.50	%		352,216		2,357	2.68	%		373,681		2,334	2.50	%
Equity securities, at fair value		19,654		—	—	%		10,373		—	—	%		1,068		—	—	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		91,841		1,090	4.75	%		88,864		2,747	12.36	%		91,273		1,759	7.71	%
Net loans: ⁽²⁾
Total mortgage loans		13,363,265		197,857	5.83	%		10,674,109		156,318	5.81	%		7,881,193		104,540	5.21	%
Total commercial loans		4,546,088		81,183	7.05	%		3,514,602		58,532	6.62	%		2,289,267		33,806	5.81	%
Total consumer loans		622,586		12,947	8.27	%		460,702		8,351	7.29	%		300,383		4,746	6.27	%
Total net loans		18,531,939		291,987	6.21	%		14,649,413		223,201	6.05	%		10,470,843		143,092	5.37	%
Total interest-earning assets	$	21,809,226	$	322,522	5.84	%	$	17,385,819	$	247,811	5.67	%	$	12,735,938	$	158,197	4.89	%

Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks		341,505						37,621						82,522
Other assets		2,097,307						1,773,601						1,158,150
Total assets	$	24,248,038					$	19,197,041					$	13,976,610

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	9,942,053	$	74,864	3.00	%	$	7,935,543	$	58,179	2.95	%	$	5,741,052	$	35,290	2.44	%
Savings deposits		1,711,502		1,006	0.23	%		1,454,784		832	0.23	%		1,240,951		592	0.19	%
Time deposits		3,112,598		34,139	4.36	%		2,086,433		22,047	4.25	%		1,052,793		9,041	3.41	%
Total deposits		14,766,153		110,009	2.96	%		11,476,760		81,058	2.84	%		8,034,796		44,923	2.22	%

Borrowed funds		2,125,149		19,923	3.73	%		2,158,193		20,566	3.83	%		1,780,655		16,765	3.74	%
Subordinated debentures		413,267		8,889	8.56	%		221,086		4,681	8.52	%		10,613		273	10.24	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		17,304,569		138,821	3.19	%		13,856,039		106,305	3.09	%		9,826,064		61,961	2.50	%

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Non-interest bearing deposits		3,741,160						2,866,917						2,230,199
Other non-interest bearing liabilities		541,839						346,616						265,427
Total non-interest bearing liabilities		4,282,999						3,213,533						2,495,626
Total liabilities		21,587,568						17,069,572						12,321,690
Stockholders’ equity		2,660,470						2,127,469						1,654,920
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	24,248,038					$	19,197,041					$	13,976,610

Net interest income			$	183,701					$	141,506					$	96,236

Net interest rate spread					2.65	%					2.58	%					2.39	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	4,504,657					$	3,529,780					$	2,909,874

Net interest margin ⁽³⁾					3.31	%					3.21	%					2.96	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x						1.25x						1.30x


(1	)	Average outstanding balance amounts shown are amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses.
(2	)	Average outstanding balances are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees and expenses, loan premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(3	)	Annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table summarizes the quarterly net interest margin for the previous five quarters.
	9/30/24		6/30/24		3/31/24		12/31/23		9/30/23
	3rd Qtr.		2nd Qtr.		1st Qtr.		4th Qtr.		3rd Qtr.
Interest-Earning Assets:
Securities	3.69	%	3.40	%	2.87	%	2.79	%	2.67	%
Net loans	6.21	%	6.05	%	5.51	%	5.50	%	5.37	%
Total interest-earning assets	5.84	%	5.67	%	5.06	%	5.04	%	4.89	%

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Total deposits	2.96	%	2.84	%	2.60	%	2.47	%	2.22	%
Total borrowings	3.73	%	3.83	%	3.60	%	3.71	%	3.74	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	3.19	%	3.09	%	2.80	%	2.71	%	2.50	%

Interest rate spread	2.65	%	2.58	%	2.26	%	2.33	%	2.39	%
Net interest margin	3.31	%	3.21	%	2.87	%	2.92	%	2.96	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x		1.25x		1.28x		1.28x		1.30x

PROVIDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Net Interest Margin Analysis
Average Year to Date Balances
(Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)

	September 30, 2024						September 30, 2023
	Average				Average		Average				Average
	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost		Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
Interest-Earning Assets:
Deposits	$	39,280	$	5,466	5.38	%	$	69,696	$	2,676	5.13	%
Federal funds sold and other short term investments		—		—	—	%		58		2	5.34	%
Available for sale debt securities		2,189,671		52,553	3.19	%		1,777,861		30,819	2.31	%
Held to maturity debt securities, net ⁽¹⁾		350,529		6,761	2.57	%		379,144		7,059	2.48	%
Equity securities, at fair value		10,050		—	—	%		1,022		—	—	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		84,845		6,145	9.66	%		77,634		3,929	6.75	%
Net loans: ⁽²⁾
Total mortgage loans		10,682,974		461,632	5.70	%		7,740,591		299,830	5.12	%
Total commercial loans		3,487,600		175,815	6.69	%		2,225,725		93,915	5.60	%
Total consumer loans		460,497		25,820	7.49	%		302,706		13,419	5.93	%
Total net loans		14,631,071		663,267	5.99	%		10,269,022		407,164	5.25	%
Total interest-earning assets	$	17,305,446	$	734,192	5.61	%	$	12,574,437	$	451,649	4.76	%

Non-Interest Earning Assets:
Cash and due from banks		229,336						121,801
Other assets		1,663,331						1,152,113
Total assets	$	19,198,113					$	13,848,351

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	7,931,251	$	174,609	2.94	%	$	5,710,855	$	85,822	2.01	%
Savings deposits		1,444,135		2,476	0.23	%		1,315,157		1,582	0.16	%
Time deposits		2,091,806		66,517	4.25	%		961,010		21,476	2.99	%
Total deposits		11,467,192		243,602	2.84	%		7,987,022		108,880	1.82	%
Borrowed funds		2,074,958		57,871	3.73	%		1,556,619		38,329	3.29	%
Subordinated debentures		215,745		13,842	8.57	%		10,563		774	9.80	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	13,757,895	$	315,315	3.06	%	$	9,554,204	$	147,983	2.07	%

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Non-interest bearing deposits		2,896,453						2,382,144
Other non-interest bearing liabilities		379,909						266,910
Total non-interest bearing liabilities		3,276,362						2,649,054
Total liabilities		17,034,257						12,203,258
Stockholders’ equity		2,163,856						1,645,093
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	19,198,113					$	13,848,351

Net interest income			$	418,877					$	303,666

Net interest rate spread					2.55	%					2.69	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	3,547,551					$	3,020,233

Net interest margin ⁽³⁾					3.18	%					3.19	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to total interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x						1.32x


(1) Average outstanding balance amounts shown are amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses.
(2) Average outstanding balance are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees and expenses, loan premium and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(3) Annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table summarizes the year-to-date net interest margin for the previous three years.

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024		September 30, 2023		September 23, 2022
Interest-Earning Assets:
Securities	3.33	%	2.57	%	1.72	%
Net loans	5.99	%	5.25	%	4.01	%
Total interest-earning assets	5.61	%	4.76	%	3.51	%

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
Total deposits	2.84	%	1.82	%	0.33	%
Total borrowings	3.73	%	3.29	%	0.97	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	3.06	%	2.07	%	0.38	%

Interest rate spread	2.55	%	2.69	%	3.13	%
Net interest margin	3.18	%	3.19	%	3.24	%

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities	1.26x		1.32x		1.38x

SOURCE: Provident Financial Services, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations, 1-732-590-9300 Web Site: http://www.Provident.Bank

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Stifel Declares Quarterly Common Stock Cash Dividend and Declares Preferred Stock Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend on shares of its common stock of $0.42 per share, payable December 16, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2024.

The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend on the outstanding shares of its 6.25% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), 6.125% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and 4.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (the “Series D Preferred Stock”). The declared cash dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock is for the period from September 17, 2024, up to, but excluding, December 16, 2024. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.390625 per depositary share, or $390.625 per share of the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.3828125 per depositary share, or $382.8125 per share of the Series C Preferred Stock outstanding. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.281250 per depositary share, or $281.250 per share of the Series D Preferred Stock outstanding. The cash dividends are payable on December 16, 2024 to shareholders of record on December 2, 2024.

The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrB”, the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrC”, and the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrD.”

Stifel Company Information
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

Stifel Investor Relations Contact
Joel Jeffrey, Senior Vice President
(212) 271-3610 direct
investorrelations@stifel.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Zambia: African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa approves $8 million for development of 25 MW Solar Plant

Source: African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group’s Board of Directors has approved an $8 million concessional loan to support the construction of a 25MW Solar Photovoltaic power plant in Zambia. The financing for the Ilute Plant will be sourced from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a multi-donor Special Fund managed by the Bank. Ilute is expected to advance Zambia’s sustainable development and help the country unlock its renewable energy potential.

The venture has faced rising costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges. Serengeti Energy Ltd and Western Solar Power Ltd are leading the plant development in Zambia’s Sesheke District. Competitively selected by GreenCo Power Services Ltd (GreenCo), this project will serve as a pilot for GreenCo’s energy aggregator model under the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) open grid access framework. Acting as an intermediary off-taker, GreenCo will purchase the generated electricity through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement and sell it to the Southern African Power Pool Day-Ahead Market.

“We are delighted to support the Ilute Solar PV project – which will be the first project to use Africa GreenCo as an intermediate off-taker. SEFA’s support has been instrumental in bridging the financing gap and will pave the way for future projects that contribute to Southern Africa’s energy transition,” said Dr Daniel Schroth, African Development Bank Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Anton-Louis Olivier, CEO of Serengeti Energy, acknowledged SEFA’s support. He said, “We appreciate the support from the African Development Bank Group and SEFA in helping us move the Ilute 25MW Solar PV project forward. This loan addresses the financial challenges we’ve faced due to the pandemic and rising costs. The Ilute project is a testament to innovative collaboration and serves as a pioneering model for future renewable energy initiatives in Zambia as well as the wider region.” Serengeti Energy is a leading renewable independent power producer specialising in the development, construction, and operation of utility-scale renewable energy plants tailored to the needs of both public and private off-takers.

ABOUT SEFA

SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of projects and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments. The Fund’s overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Sustainable Development Goal 7.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Good news for the Páramos at COP16

Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the support of Cumbres Blancas, positioned itself at the COP16 in Cali as the first multilateral institution to address the protection of the páramos with a comprehensive vision that seeks not only environmental conservation, but also the improvement of the quality of life of local communities that depend on these ecosystems.

High mountain ecosystems, especially páramos, play a fundamental role in environmental sustainability and the well-being of millions of people. However, climate change, unsustainable land use and other human activities are seriously threatening these strategic ecosystems.

In this context, the páramos, which are found exclusively in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, are recognized as the most biodiverse high mountain ecosystems in the world. They are home to more than 35,000 species of plants and vertebrates, ranking first in diversity of birds, mammals and amphibians, and second in reptiles. In addition, these ecosystems provide critical services to more than 60 million people who depend directly on their resources, including water and energy supply for cities such as Bogotá, Quito, and Cuenca.

The alliance with Cumbres Blancas reflects the institution’s commitment to promote concrete actions for the restoration and protection of the páramos, and aims to develop initiatives such as the construction of community nurseries, the creation of green employment capacities, and the restoration of watersheds, which are vital to guarantee access to drinking water and energy in these regions.

CAF’s strategic actions in the páramos are aimed not only at mitigating the impacts of climate change, but also at fostering the resilience of the communities living in these territories. Community nurseries, for example, will be a fundamental tool for restoring native flora and reforesting degraded areas. In addition, the creation of green jobs in sectors such as sustainable agriculture and natural resource management will directly contribute to improving the socioeconomic conditions of local populations.

Alicia Montalvo, CAF’s Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity Manager, said, “The challenge we face is not only to protect the biodiversity of the páramos, but to translate our knowledge and efforts into concrete actions to ensure their preservation. Our collaboration with ACTO and other institutions is key to obtaining accurate data and coordinating regional efforts, ensuring that resources are optimally invested where they are most needed.

CAF has already launched several initiatives in the region, ranging from ecological restoration to the promotion of sustainable bio-businesses. One of the most outstanding examples is the work being carried out with the 56 Puruhá indigenous communities of the Cotopaxi páramo, in Ecuador, through a bio-business project promoted together with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Ministry of the Environment and the Heifer Foundation. This project aims to strengthen the organic quinoa production chain and improve the socioeconomic conditions of more than 600 families.

In addition, CAF is promoting, in collaboration with the GEF, a project that seeks to reduce the climate risk affecting paramo populations in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. This initiative will directly benefit more than 360,000 people, improving the capacity to adapt to climate change in these vulnerable areas. The goal is to ensure that these strategic ecosystems can continue to provide vital services to local populations.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Finward Bancorp Announces Earnings for the Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MUNSTER, Ind., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finward Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWD) (the “Bancorp”), the holding company for Peoples Bank (the “Bank”), today announced that net income available to common stockholders was $10.0 million, or $2.35 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $6.9 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, for the corresponding prior year period. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Bancorp’s net income totaled $606 thousand, or $0.14 per diluted share, as compared to $143 thousand, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and as compared to $2.2 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Selected performance metrics are as follows for the periods presented:


Performance Ratios	Quarter ended,															Nine months ended,
	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2024			2023			2023			2024			2023
Return on equity		1.60	%		0.39	%		24.97	%		4.92	%		6.55	%		4.50	%		6.68	%
Return on assets		0.12	%		0.03	%		1.77	%		0.29	%		0.42	%		0.64	%		0.44	%
Tax adjusted net interest margin		2.67	%		2.67	%		2.57	%		2.80	%		2.87	%		2.64	%		3.04	%
Noninterest income / average assets		0.55	%		0.50	%		2.57	%		0.53	%		0.46	%		1.21	%		0.51	%
Noninterest expense / average assets		2.80	%		2.79	%		2.86	%		2.60	%		2.59	%		2.82	%		2.67	%
Efficiency ratio		97.32	%		98.56	%		59.41	%		87.49	%		86.88	%		80.16	%		83.68	%

“The Bank’s position continued to improve in the third quarter while we prepared for the Fed to begin their easing cycle. Margin and expenses were stable, with minimal benefit from the Fed’s late-quarter rate cut. We believe the Bank is poised to see margin expansion as lower rates work their way through the liability side of the balance sheet,” said Benjamin Bochnowski, chief executive officer. “We remain vigilant on credit, and we continued to build capital during the quarter. We also fully exited the Bank Term Funding Program well in advance of its March 2025 maturity.”

Highlights of the current period include:

Net Interest Margin – The net interest margin was 2.53% for both the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended June 30, 2024. The tax-adjusted net interest margin (a non-GAAP measure) was 2.67% for both the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended June 30, 2024. The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was 2.50%, compared to 2.89% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The tax-adjusted net interest margin (a non-GAAP measure) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was 2.64%, compared to 3.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. See Table 1 at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of the tax-adjusted net interest margin to the GAAP net interest margin.

Funding – As of September 30, 2024, deposits totaled $1.7 billion, a decrease of $7.9 million or 0.5%, compared to June 30, 2024. Core deposits totaled $1.2 billion at both September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024. Core deposits include checking, savings, and money market accounts and represented 67.9% of the Bancorp’s total deposits at September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, balances for certificates of deposit totaled $562.2 million, compared to $541.2 million on June 30, 2024, an increase of $21.0 million or 3.9%. The decrease in total portfolio deposits is primarily related to cyclical flows and continued adjustments to deposit pricing. In addition, as of September 30, 2024, borrowings and repurchase agreements totaled $128.0 million, an increase of $65 thousand or 0.2%, compared to June 30, 2024. The increase in short-term borrowings was the result of cyclical inflows and outflows of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. During the quarter, the Bancorp terminated its involvement in the Bank Term Funding Program (the “BTFP”) and paid off its outstanding balance of $60 million, in full, through a utilization of excess liquidity and FHLB advances. As of September 30, 2024, 72% of our deposits are fully FDIC insured, and another 7% are further backed by the Indiana Public Deposit Insurance Fund. The Bancorp’s liquidity position remains strong with solid core deposit customer relationships, excess cash, debt securities, and access to diversified borrowing sources. As of September 30, 2024, the Bancorp had available liquidity of $686 million including borrowing capacity from the FHLB and Federal Reserve facilities.

Securities Portfolio – Securities available for sale balances increased by $10.4 million to $350.0 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $339.6 million as of June 30, 2024. The increase in securities available for sale was due to a combination of portfolio runoff and a decrease of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). AOCL was $48.2 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $58.9 million on June 30, 2024, an improvement of $10.7 million, or 18.2%. The yield on the securities portfolio decreased to 2.37% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, down from 2.43% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Management did not execute any securities sale transactions during the quarter but will continue to monitor the securities portfolio for additional restructuring opportunities.

Lending – The Bank’s aggregate loan portfolio totaled $1.5 billion on both September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank originated $70.4 million in new commercial loans, compared to $48.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $73.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023. The loan portfolio represents 78.7% of earning assets and is comprised of 62.6% commercial-related credits. At September 30, 2024, the Bancorp’s portfolio loan balances in commercial real estate owner occupied properties totaled $236.9 million or 15.7% of total loan balances and commercial real estate non-owner occupied properties totaled $302.8 million or 20.1% of total loan balances. Of the $302.8 million in commercial real estate non-owner occupied properties balances, loans collateralized by office buildings represented $42.4 million or 2.8% of total loan balances.

Gain on Sale of Loans – Gains from the sale of loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 totaled $810 thousand, an increase from $729 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank originated $22.5 million in new fixed rate mortgage loans for sale, compared to $30.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank originated $17.6 million in new 1-4 family loans retained in its portfolio, compared to $31.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Total 1-4 family originations for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, totaled $20.1 million, an increase of $1.3 million compared to $18.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. These retained loans are primarily construction loans and adjustable-rate loans with a fixed-rate period of 7 years or less. The Bank continues to sell longer-duration fixed rate mortgages into the secondary market.

Asset Quality – At September 30, 2024, non-performing loans totaled $13.8 million, compared to $11.4 million at June 30, 2024, an increase of $2.4 million or 21.4%. The Bank’s ratio of non-performing loans to total loans was 0.92% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.75% at June 30, 2024. The Bank’s ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased from 0.61% at June 30, 2024 to 0.73% at September 30, 2024. Management maintains a vigilant oversight of nonperforming loans through proactive relationship management. The allowance for credit losses (ACL) totaled $18.5 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $18.3 million at June 30, 2024, an increase of $186 thousand or 1.0% and is considered adequate by management. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, recoveries, net of charge-offs, totaled $186 thousand. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.23% at September 30, 2024, and the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans, or coverage ratio, was 134.1% at September 30, 2024.

Operating Expenses – Non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets was 2.80% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, as compared to 2.79% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Increases in non-interest expenses quarter over quarter were primarily attributable to slightly higher federal deposit insurance premium and higher occupancy and equipment expenses. The Bank remains focused on identifying additional operating efficiencies and third-party expense reductions through the remainder of this year and beyond. Compensation and benefits expense is down 1.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to September 30, 2023.

Capital Adequacy – As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets ratio was 8.38%, an improvement of 0.06% compared to 8.32% at June 30, 2024. The Bank’s capital continues to exceed all applicable regulatory capital requirements as set forth in 12 C.F.R. § 324. The Bancorp’s tangible book value per share was $31.28 at September 30, 2024, up from $28.67 as of June 30, 2024 (a non-GAAP measure). Tangible common equity to total assets was 6.51% at September 30, 2024, up from 5.95% as of June 30, 2024 (a non-GAAP measure). Excluding accumulated other comprehensive losses, tangible book value per share increased to $42.47 as of September 30, 2024, from $42.33 as of June 30, 2024 (a non-GAAP measure). See Table 1 at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of the tangible book value per share, tangible book value per share adjusted for other accumulated comprehensive losses, tangible common equity as a percentage of total assets, and tangible common equity as a percentage of total assets adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive losses to the related GAAP ratios.

Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Reported amounts are presented in accordance with GAAP. In this press release, the Bancorp also provides certain financial measures identified as non-GAAP. The Bancorp’s management believes that the non-GAAP information, which consists of tangible common equity, tangible common equity adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive losses, tangible book value per share, tangible book value per share adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive losses, tangible common equity/total assets, tax-adjusted net interest margin, and efficiency ratio, which can vary from period to period, provides a better comparison of period to period operating performance. The adjusted net interest income and tax-adjusted net interest margin measures recognize the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets. Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities and loans are presented using the current federal income tax rate of 21%. Management believes that it is standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis and that it may enhance comparability for peer comparison purposes. Additionally, the Bancorp believes this information is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other companies. Refer to Table 1 – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this document for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures identified herein and their most comparable GAAP measures.

About Finward Bancorp
Finward Bancorp is a locally managed and independent financial holding company headquartered in Munster, Indiana, whose activities are primarily limited to holding the stock of Peoples Bank. Peoples Bank provides a wide range of personal, business, electronic and wealth management financial services from its 26 locations in Lake and Porter Counties in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Finward Bancorp’s common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC under the symbol FNWD. The website ibankpeoples.com provides information on Peoples Bank’s products and services, and Finward Bancorp’s investor relations.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies of the Bancorp. For these statements, the Bancorp claims the protections of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this communication should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about the Bancorp, including the information in the filings the Bancorp makes with the SEC. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the Bank’s ability to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the previously disclosed consent order and memorandum of understanding entered into between the Bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”), or to demonstrate compliance to the satisfaction of the FDIC and/or DFI within prescribed time frames; the Bank’s agreement under the memorandum of understanding to refrain from paying cash dividends without prior regulatory approval; changes in asset quality and credit risk; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates, market liquidity, and capital markets, as well as the magnitude of such changes, which may reduce net interest margins; inflation; further deterioration in the market value of securities held in the Bancorp’s investment securities portfolio, whether as a result of macroeconomic factors or otherwise; customer acceptance of the Bancorp’s products and services; customer borrowing, repayment, investment, and deposit practices; customer disintermediation; the introduction, withdrawal, success, and timing of business initiatives; competitive conditions; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; economic conditions; and the impact, extent, and timing of technological changes, capital management activities, regulatory actions by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in the Bancorp’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s Internet website (www.sec.gov). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning matters attributable to the Bancorp or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, The Bancorp does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

In addition to the above factors, we also caution that the actual amounts and timing of any future common stock dividends or share repurchases will be subject to various factors, including our capital position, financial performance, capital impacts of strategic initiatives, market conditions, and regulatory and accounting considerations, as well as any other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant in making such a determination. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares or pay any dividends to holders of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such repurchases or dividends.

Finward Bancorp
Quarterly Financial Report

Performance Ratios	Quarter ended,										Nine months ended,
	(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)
	September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
		2024		2024		2024		2023		2023		2024		2023
Return on equity		1.60%		0.39%		24.97%		4.92%		6.55%		4.50%		6.68%
Return on assets		0.12%		0.03%		1.77%		0.29%		0.42%		0.64%		0.44%
Yield on loans		5.22%		5.11%		5.02%		5.09%		5.02%		5.12%		4.87%
Yield on security investments		2.37%		2.43%		2.37%		2.57%		2.41%		2.39%		2.39%
Total yield on earning assets		4.73%		4.64%		4.52%		4.64%		4.51%		4.64%		4.39%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits		2.47%		2.37%		2.36%		2.22%		1.95%		2.40%		1.58%
Cost of repurchase agreements		4.04%		3.86%		3.88%		3.78%		3.83%		3.93%		3.59%
Cost of borrowed funds		4.56%		4.95%		4.62%		4.41%		4.48%		4.70%		4.58%
Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities		2.63%		2.55%		2.53%		2.38%		2.16%		2.57%		1.82%
Tax adjusted net interest margin (1)		2.67%		2.67%		2.57%		2.80%		2.87%		2.64%		3.04%
Noninterest income / average assets		0.55%		0.50%		2.57%		0.53%		0.46%		1.21%		0.51%
Noninterest expense / average assets		2.80%		2.79%		2.86%		2.60%		2.59%		2.82%		2.67%
Net noninterest margin / average assets		-2.24%		-2.29%		-0.29%		-2.08%		-2.13%		-1.60%		-2.16%
Efficiency ratio		97.32%		98.56%		59.41%		87.49%		86.88%		80.16%		83.68%
Effective tax rate		-51.88%		-6.72%		9.48%		-30.85%		-22.20%		7.01%		0.30%

Non-performing assets to total assets		0.73%		0.61%		0.64%		0.61%		0.54%		0.73%		0.54%
Non-performing loans to total loans		0.92%		0.75%		0.78%		0.76%		0.66%		0.92%		0.66%
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans		134.12%		161.17%		159.12%		163.90%		192.89%		134.12%		192.89%
Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable		1.23%		1.22%		1.25%		1.24%		1.27%		1.23%		1.27%
Foreclosed real estate to total assets		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%

Basic earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.03	$	2.18	$	0.36	$	0.52	$	2.35	$	1.60
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	0.03	$	2.17	$	0.35	$	0.51	$	2.35	$	1.60
Stockholders’ equity / total assets		7.69%		7.16%		7.32%		6.99%		5.70%		7.69%		5.70%
Book value per share	$	36.99	$	34.45	$	35.17	$	34.28	$	27.68	$	36.99	$	27.68
Closing stock price	$	31.98	$	24.52	$	24.60	$	25.24	$	22.00	$	31.98	$	22.00
Price to earnings per share ratio		56.21		182.60		2.82		17.77		10.67		10.19		10.28
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.12	$	0.31	$	0.36	$	0.93

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		11.10%		10.94%		10.89%		10.43%		10.17%		11.10%		10.17%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets		11.10%		10.94%		10.89%		10.43%		10.17%		11.10%		10.17%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets		12.14%		11.95%		11.92%		11.36%		11.12%		12.14%		11.12%
Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets		8.38%		8.32%		8.24%		7.78%		7.81%		8.38%		7.81%


Non-GAAP Performance Ratios	Quarter ended,										Nine months ended,
	(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)
	September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
		2024		2024		2024		2023		2023		2024		2023
Net interest margin – tax equivalent		2.67%		2.67%		2.57%		2.80%		2.87%		2.64%		3.04%
Tangible book value per diluted share	$	31.28	$	28.67	$	29.30	$	28.31	$	21.63	$	31.28	$	21.63
Tangible book value per diluted share adjusted for AOCL	$	42.47	$	42.33	$	42.36	$	40.31	$	39.96	$	42.47	$	39.96
Tangible common equity to total assets		6.51%		5.95%		6.09%		5.77%		4.46%		6.51%		4.46%
Tangible common equity to total assets adjusted for AOCL		8.83%		8.79%		8.81%		8.22%		8.23%		8.83%		8.23%

(1) Tax adjusted net interest margin represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See the non-GAAP reconciliation table section captioned “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for further disclosure regarding non-GAAP financial measures

Quarter Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balances, Interest, and Rates
(unaudited)	September 30, 2024						June 30, 2024
	Average Balance			Interest		Rate (%)	Average Balance			Interest		Rate (%)
ASSETS
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	$	44,365		$	665	6.00	$	60,378		$	800	5.30
Federal funds sold		682			9	5.28		1,263			10	3.17
Securities available-for-sale		342,451			2,031	2.37		337,226			2,047	2.43
Loans receivable		1,506,967			19,660	5.22		1,501,584			19,174	5.11
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		6,547			107	6.54		6,547			96	5.87
Total interest earning assets		1,901,012		$	22,472	4.73		1,906,998		$	22,127	4.64
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions		32,198						18,054
Allowance for credit losses		(18,482	)					(18,788	)
Other noninterest bearing assets		155,996						158,358
Total assets	$	2,070,724					$	2,064,622

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits	$	1,451,414		$	8,946	2.47	$	1,455,007		$	8,610	2.37
Repurchase agreements		43,074			435	4.04		41,388			399	3.86
Borrowed funds		95,224			1,085	4.56		85,940			1,064	4.95
Total interest bearing liabilities		1,589,712		$	10,466	2.63		1,582,335		$	10,073	2.55
Non-interest bearing deposits		287,507						291,618
Other noninterest bearing liabilities		41,696						45,029
Total liabilities		1,918,915						1,918,982
Total stockholders’ equity		151,809						145,640
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,070,724					$	2,064,622


Return on average assets		0.12	%					0.03	%
Return on average equity		1.60	%					0.39	%
Net interest margin (average earning assets)		2.53	%					2.53	%
Net interest margin (average earning assets) – tax equivalent		2.67	%					2.67	%
Net interest spread		2.10	%					2.09	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		1.20x						1.21x

Year-to-Date
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balances, Interest, and Rates
(unaudited)	September 30, 2024						September 30, 2023
	Average Balance			Interest		Rate (%)	Average Balance			Interest		Rate (%)
ASSETS				`
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	$	51,522		$	2,317	6.00	$	31,171		$	1,112	4.76
Federal funds sold		919			29	4.21		1,158			38	4.38
Certificates of deposit in other financial institutions		–			–	–		1,169			44	5.02
Securities available-for-sale		348,269			6,239	2.39		369,897			6,631	2.39
Loans receivable		1,504,197			57,713	5.12		1,519,981			55,481	4.87
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		6,547			285	5.80		6,547			221	4.50
Total interest earning assets		1,911,454		$	66,583	4.64		1,929,923		$	63,527	4.39
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions		29,183						18,723
Allowance for credit losses		(18,670	)					(17,619	)
Other noninterest bearing assets		155,433						154,227
Total assets	$	2,077,400					$	2,085,254

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing deposits	$	1,464,682		$	26,350	2.40	$	1,455,410		$	17,258	1.58
Repurchase agreements		40,879			1,204	3.93		33,170			892	3.59
Borrowed funds		90,423			3,189	4.70		102,864			3,537	4.58
Total interest bearing liabilities		1,595,984		$	30,743	2.57		1,591,444		$	21,687	1.82
Non-interest bearing deposits		291,161						326,431
Other noninterest bearing liabilities		41,540						30,178
Total liabilities		1,928,685						1,948,053
Total stockholders’ equity		148,715						137,201
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,077,400					$	2,085,254


Return on average assets		0.64	%					0.44	%
Return on average equity		4.50	%					6.68	%
Net interest margin (average earning assets)		2.50	%					2.89	%
Net interest margin (average earning assets) – tax equivalent		2.64	%					3.04	%
Net interest spread		2.07	%					2.57	%
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		1.20x						1.21x

Finward Bancorp
Quarterly Financial Report

Balance Sheet Data
(Dollars in thousands)	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
	September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2024			2023			2023
ASSETS

Cash and non-interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	$	23,071		$	19,061		$	16,418		$	17,942		$	17,922
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions		48,025			63,439			54,755			67,647			52,875

Total cash and cash equivalents		71,649			83,207			71,780			86,008			71,648

Securities available-for-sale		350,027			339,585			346,233			371,374			339,280
Loans held-for-sale		2,567			1,185			667			340			2,057
Loans receivable, net of deferred fees and costs		1,508,242			1,506,398			1,508,251			1,512,595			1,525,660
Less: allowance for credit losses		(18,516	)		(18,330	)		(18,805	)		(18,768	)		(19,430	)
Net loans receivable		1,489,726			1,488,068			1,489,446			1,493,827			1,506,230
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		6,547			6,547			6,547			6,547			6,547
Accrued interest receivable		7,442			7,695			7,583			8,045			7,864
Premises and equipment		47,912			48,696			47,795			38,436			38,810
Foreclosed real estate		–			–			71			71			71
Cash value of bank owned life insurance		33,312			33,107			32,895			32,702			32,509
Goodwill		22,395			22,395			22,395			22,395			22,395
Other intangible assets		2,203			2,555			2,911			3,272			3,636
Other assets		40,882			44,027			43,459			45,262			56,423

Total assets	$	2,074,662		$	2,077,067		$	2,071,782		$	2,108,279		$	2,087,470

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	285,157		$	286,784		$	296,959		$	295,594		$	312,635
Interest bearing		1,463,653			1,469,970			1,450,519			1,517,827			1,471,402
Total		1,748,810			1,756,754			1,747,478			1,813,421			1,784,037
Repurchase agreements		43,038			42,973			41,137			38,124			48,310
Borrowed funds		85,000			85,000			90,000			80,000			100,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		38,259			43,709			41,586			29,389			36,080

Total liabilities		1,915,107			1,928,436			1,920,201			1,960,934			1,968,427

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, no par or stated value;
10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding		–			–			–			–			–
Common stock, no par or stated value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;		–			–			–			–			–
shares issued and outstanding: September 30, 2024 – 4,313,940
December 31, 2023 – 4,298,773
Additional paid-in capital		69,916			69,778			69,727			69,555			69,482
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(48,241	)		(58,939	)		(56,313	)		(51,613	)		(78,848	)
Retained earnings		137,880			137,792			138,167			129,403			128,409

Total stockholders’ equity		159,555			148,631			151,581			147,345			119,043

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,074,662		$	2,077,067		$	2,071,782		$	2,108,279		$	2,087,470

Finward Bancorp
Quarterly Financial Report

Consolidated Statements of Income	Quarter Ended,															Nine months ended,
(Dollars in thousands)	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
	September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2024			2024			2024			2023			2023			2024			2023
Interest income:
Loans	$	19,660		$	19,174		$	18,879		$	19,281		$	19,161		$	57,713		$	55,481
Securities & short-term investments		2,812			2,953			3,105			2,975			2,617			8,870			8,046
Total interest income		22,472			22,127			21,984			22,256			21,778			66,583			63,527
Interest expense:
Deposits		8,946			8,610			8,794			8,180			7,066			26,350			17,258
Borrowings		1,520			1,463			1,410			1,361			1,579			4,393			4,429
Total interest expense		10,466			10,073			10,204			9,541			8,645			30,743			21,687
Net interest income		12,006			12,054			11,780			12,715			13,133			35,840			41,840
Provision for credit losses		–			76			–			779			244			76			1,246
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		12,006			11,978			11,780			11,936			12,889			35,764			40,594
Noninterest income:
Fees and service charges		1,463			1,257			1,153			1,507			1,374			3,873			4,517
Wealth management operations		731			763			633			672			572			2,127			1,812
Gain on sale of loans held-for-sale, net		338			320			152			352			192			810			729
Increase in cash value of bank owned life insurance		205			212			193			193			193			610			573
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate		–			15			11,858			–			2			11,873			(13	)
Loss on sale of securities, net		–			–			(531	)		–			–			(531	)		(48	)
Other		130			6			17			11			64			154			441
Total noninterest income		2,867			2,573			13,475			2,735			2,397			18,916			8,011
Noninterest expense:
Compensation and benefits		6,963			7,037			7,109			6,290			6,729			21,109			21,365
Occupancy and equipment		2,181			2,120			1,915			1,520			1,711			6,205			4,898
Data processing		1,165			1,135			1,170			1,269			1,085			3,470			3,465
Federal deposit insurance premiums		435			397			501			492			474			1,333			1,511
Marketing		209			212			158			191			235			579			649
Other		3,521			3,516			4,151			3,755			3,259			9,465			8,547
Total noninterest expense		14,474			14,417			15,004			13,517			13,493			43,895			41,715
Income before income taxes		399			134			10,251			1,154			1,793			10,785			6,890
Income tax expenses (benefit)		(207	)		(9	)		972			(356	)		(398	)		756			21
Net income	$	606		$	143		$	9,279		$	1,510		$	2,191		$	10,029		$	6,869

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.14		$	0.03		$	2.18		$	0.36		$	0.52		$	2.35		$	1.60
Diluted	$	0.14		$	0.03		$	2.17		$	0.35		$	0.51		$	2.35		$	1.60

Finward Bancorp
Quarterly Financial Report

Asset Quality			(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)			September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,		September 30,
				2024		2024		2024		2023		2023
Nonaccruing loans			$	13,806	$	11,079	$	11,603	$	9,608	$	9,840
Accruing loans delinquent more than 90 days				–		294		215		1,843		233
Securities in non-accrual				1,440		1,371		1,442		1,357		1,155
Foreclosed real estate				–		–		71		71		71
	Total nonperforming assets		$	15,246	$	12,744	$	13,331	$	12,879	$	11,299

Allowance for credit losses (ACL):
	ACL specific allowances for collateral dependent loans		$	1,821	$	1,327	$	1,455	$	906	$	554
	ACL general allowances for loan portfolio			16,695		17,003		17,351		17,862		18,876
		Total ACL	$	18,516	$	18,330	$	18,806	$	18,768	$	19,430

(Dollars in millions)									Minimum Required To Be
					Minimum Required For				Well Capitalized Under Prompt
	Actual				Capital Adequacy Purposes				Corrective Action Regulations
September 30, 2024	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets	$	176.3	11.10	%	$	71.9	4.50	%	$	103.9	6.50	%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets	$	176.3	11.10	%	$	95.9	6.00	%	$	127.9	8.00	%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets	$	194.0	12.14	%	$	127.9	8.00	%	$	159.8	10.00	%
Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets	$	176.3	8.38	%	$	84.7	4.00	%	$	105.8	5.00	%

Table 1 – Reconciliation of the Non-GAAP Performance Measures

(Dollars in thousands)	Quarter Ended,															Nine months ended,
(unaudited)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
Calculation of tangible common equity
Total stockholder’s equity	$	159,555		$	148,631		$	151,581		$	147,345		$	119,043		$	159,555		$	119,043
Goodwill		(22,395	)		(22,395	)		(22,395	)		(22,395	)		(22,395	)		(22,395	)		(22,395	)
Other intangibles		(2,203	)		(2,555	)		(2,911	)		(3,272	)		(3,636	)		(2,203	)		(3,636	)
Tangible common equity	$	134,957		$	123,681		$	126,275		$	121,678		$	93,012		$	134,957		$	93,012

Calculation of tangible common equity adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss
Tangible common equity	$	134,957		$	123,681		$	126,275		$	121,678		$	93,012		$	134,957		$	93,012
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		48,241			58,939			56,313			51,613			78,848			48,241			78,848
Tangible common equity adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	183,198		$	182,620		$	182,588		$	173,291		$	171,860		$	183,198		$	171,860

Calculation of tangible book value per share
Tangible common equity	$	134,957		$	123,681		$	126,275		$	121,678		$	93,012		$	134,957		$	93,012
Shares outstanding		4,313,940			4,313,940			4,310,251			4,298,773			4,300,881			4,313,940			4,300,881
Tangible book value per diluted share	$	31.28		$	28.67		$	29.30		$	28.31		$	21.63		$	31.28		$	21.63

Calculation of tangible book value per diluted share adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss
Tangible common equity adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	183,198		$	182,620		$	182,588		$	173,291		$	171,860		$	183,198		$	171,860
Diluted average common shares outstanding		4,313,940			4,313,940			4,310,251			4,298,773			4,300,881			4,313,940			4,300,881
Tangible book value per diluted share adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	42.47		$	42.33		$	42.36		$	40.31		$	39.96		$	42.47		$	39.96

Calculation of tangible common equity to total assets
Tangible common equity	$	134,957		$	123,681		$	126,275		$	121,678		$	93,012		$	134,957		$	93,012
Total assets		2,074,662			2,077,067			2,071,782			2,108,279			2,087,470			2,074,662			2,087,470
Tangible common equity to total assets		6.51	%		5.95	%		6.09	%		5.77	%		4.46	%		6.51	%		4.46	%

Calculation of tangible common equity to total assets adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss
Tangible common equity adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	183,198		$	182,620		$	182,588		$	173,291		$	171,860		$	183,198		$	171,860
Total assets		2,074,662			2,077,067			2,071,782			2,108,279			2,087,470			2,074,662			2,087,470
Tangible common equity to total assets adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive loss		8.83	%		8.79	%		8.81	%		8.22	%		8.23	%		8.83	%		8.23	%

Calculation of tax adjusted net interest margin
Net interest income	$	12,006		$	12,054		$	11,780		$	12,715		$	13,133		$	35,840		$	41,840
Tax adjusted interest on securities and loans		678			677			699			722			730			2,054			2,234
Adjusted net interest income		12,684			12,731			12,749			13,437			13,863			37,894			44,074
Total average earning assets		1,901,012			1,906,998			1,945,501			1,920,127			1,930,118			1,911,454			1,929,923
Tax adjusted net interest margin		2.67	%		2.67	%		2.57	%		2.80	%		2.87	%		2.64	%		3.04	%

Efficiency ratio
Total non-interest expense	$	14,474		$	14,417		$	15,004		$	13,517		$	13,493		$	43,895		$	13,493
Total revenue		14,873			14,627			25,255			15,450			15,530			54,756			15,530
Efficiency ratio		97.32	%		98.56	%		59.41	%		87.49	%		86.88	%		80.16	%		86.88	%

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
(219) 853-7575

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: DeLauro Statement on Israel Banning UNRWA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03)

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to Israel’s parliament passing legislation to ban the United Nation’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA):

“The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is indispensable in addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, as well as maintaining stability in the West Bank. Israel’s decision to enact legislation to halt UNRWA operations and cease all cooperation is dangerous, short-sighted, and would leave innocent Palestinians even more vulnerable to the devastating impacts of this war. At a time when we are already failing to meet the urgent needs of Gazans, this action further undermines UNRWA, fosters distrust in our international institutions, and fuels animosity toward Israel from its neighbors. This crisis is costing far too many innocent lives, including at least 60 people – mostly women and children – killed in a single strike on Tuesday in northern Gaza. The toll on civilian lives is tragic and underscores the need for uninterrupted humanitarian support.

“As nearly 2 million Gazans continue to face starvation, this action would intensify an already dire crisis. It further threatens the health of Gazans, interrupting vital healthcare efforts, such as the World Health Organization’s polio vaccination campaign, which depends on UNRWA infrastructure and support and Israeli cooperation. Further destabilized Palestinian communities and friction with the United Nations jeopardizes regional security and isolates Israel globally.

“UNRWA must be able to continue its lifesaving work. The agency has expressed commitment to working with Israel to ensure that its operations are not used by Hamas. Our focus should be placed on the proposed reforms laid out in the Colonna Report to ensure the organization’s neutrality in a difficult working environment, not scapegoating a critical humanitarian actor.

“Achieving peace and stability in the region requires an immediate ceasefire, a dramatic increase in humanitarian aid reaching civilians in need, and the release of the hostages held by Hamas.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Cali joins the Biodivercities Network at COP16

Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

The executive president of CAF, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Sergio Díaz-Granados, and the Mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, signed the city’s adhesion to the Biodiverciudades Network, which promotes biodiversity conservation as a central part of planning, land use, and socioeconomic development of cities.

“For me, the bank’s support was very important because of the expertise and peace of mind that comes from having a regional and world-class ally like CAF,” said Alejandro Eder.

The mayor of Cali said that the best result of the COP16 in Cali is that it is generating a collective awareness towards biodiversity, and a reconnection of citizens with nature. He also mentioned some research and development projects, and ideas to integrate the Farallones to the city or promote ecotourism.

“We are going to move from will to actions. You can count on CAF’s support,” said Sergio Diaz-Granados. “We want to accompany the region’s efforts to protect our biodiversity, be increasingly sustainable and face climate change with more guarantees,” he added.

The Biodiverciudades Network, led by CAF, the Humbolt Institute and UN Habitat, aims to support the urban-territorial planning and management processes of Latin American and Caribbean governments that effectively integrate the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity as a basis for their socioeconomic development and the improvement of people’s quality of life.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Impact of Climate Risk on Fiscal Space: Do Political Stability and Financial Development Matter?

Source: Asia Development Bank

The findings highlight the impact on economies most vulnerable to climate change. The results suggest that factors such as political stability and financial development have the potential to alleviate these effects. It reveals that the influence of climate risk on fiscal capacity is more significant in situations of limited fiscal space. Implementing fiscal consolidation emerges as a crucial factor in mitigating the negative impact of climate risks on fiscal capacity, with political stability and financial development also playing pivotal roles.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Detailed fiscal package set to be unveiled

Source: China State Council Information Office

Detailed stimulus policies, including proactive fiscal expansion, are likely to be rolled out to address China’s local government debt issue and facilitate a steady economic recovery, as China’s top legislature is set to convene a highly anticipated session next month.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress will convene its 12th session from Nov 4 to 8 in Beijing, and analysts said the meeting is widely expected to flesh out details of the fiscal package, including a swap program for local government hidden debt, and sales of government bonds to inject capital into banks.

Vice-Minister of Finance Liao Min said during the World Bank’s 110th Development Committee meeting on Friday in Washington, DC, that China will leverage more fiscal firepower to strengthen its countercyclical adjustments.

Countercyclical adjustments are macroeconomic tools used to neutralize possible negative effects of economic cycles.

Liao said that details of China’s fiscal initiatives would be announced after the conclusion of the meeting of the NPC Standing Committee, as fiscal policy in China requires going through legislative procedures.

Through government spending, China aims to catalyze investment from the private sector and shore up consumer spending, thereby increasing effective demand, Liao said, adding that the country is confident of achieving its annual growth target of around 5 percent.

In October last year, China’s top legislature approved a plan to increase treasury bond issuance by 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion).

Moreover, earlier this month, Finance Minister Lan Fo’an said at a news conference that the central government plans to significantly increase the debt ceiling to conduct a one-time swap of local governments’ existing hidden debt.

This policy is the largest support measure introduced in recent years to aid the debt resolution process, and is pending legislative approval, Lan added.

Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said, “This means that the local government debt quota, currently at around 46.79 trillion yuan, will be raised substantially this year.”

The quota increase will pave the way for the issuance of large-scale special local government refinancing bonds in the fourth quarter, which is estimated to reach around 2 to 3 trillion yuan and will be used to swap out the existing hidden local debt. This process is unlikely to be slow, Wang added.

The government’s debt restructuring program has extended repayment periods and reduced financing costs, enabling local authorities to free up more funds for current economic development and public service provision, said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities.

Furthermore, the easing of local government debt helps optimize the local business environment, which is a significant boon for foreign companies investing in China, Luo added.

Meanwhile, analysts said the current round of fiscal initiatives also includes measures to replenish bank capital, which will boost the lending and bond-purchasing abilities of large commercial banks, with the aim of driving these major banks to further enhance support for the real economy.

The volume of special treasury bonds issued to replenish the core tier 1 capital of State-owned commercial banks could potentially reach around 1 trillion yuan, said Wang of Golden Credit Rating International.

“As a result, new yuan-denominated loans in the fourth quarter are expected to reverse the previous trend of slowdown and return to a growth trajectory, which is an important focus area for the current economic stabilization efforts,” Wang added.

While Lan, the finance minister, has hinted at the considerable headroom the central government has to raise debt levels and increase the fiscal deficit, analysts said that increases in the government deficit and treasury bond issuance are likely to be outlined in next year’s Government Work Report.

Tao Chuan, chief economist at Minsheng Securities Research Institute, said that given the relatively slower pace of issuance of special treasury bonds and local government bonds at the moment, the current fiscal policy thinking is likely tilting more toward effectively utilizing existing policy tools and larger-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins.

MIL OSI China News –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $500 Million Loan to Support Climate and Disaster Resilience in Pakistan

Source: Asia Development Bank

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (29 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to support climate change and disaster risk reduction and resilience in Pakistan.

The Climate and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Program (CDREP) will strengthen Pakistan’s institutional capacity for planning, preparedness, and response; increase inclusive investment in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience; and support the scale up of disaster risk financing using a risk-layered approach.

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and disasters triggered by natural hazards in Asia and the Pacific. Average losses from disaster events exceed $2 billion per year. Women and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by climate change and disaster events.

“This program builds on ADB’s longstanding work in Pakistan to understand and reduce climate and disaster risks and support effective disaster response,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “We are proud to support an integrated and comprehensive approach to climate and disaster risk management, including a portfolio of disaster risk financing instruments for timely and adequate funding for disaster response.”

The program supports enhanced capacity for disaster risk mapping and modeling for investment and development decisions. It enhances coordination for disaster monitoring and response. It supports enhanced planning and prioritization of gender-sensitive and resilient public investments, including integrated flood risk management and nature-based solutions.

The program supports mobilization of climate finance from public and private sources. This includes issuance of a domestic green sukuk (Islamic bond). A key innovation of the program is the use of ADB’s Contingent Disaster Financing option for the first time in the Central and West Asia region. This will provide quick disbursing budget support in the event of a disaster.

The program will support the establishment of a solidarity fund to facilitate the uptake of risk transfer solutions such as agriculture insurance. The program also supports shock-responsive social protection to deliver cash assistance in the event of a disaster.

ADB has also approved a technical assistance grant of $1 million to support implementation of the program.

Pakistan was a founding member of ADB. Since 1966, ADB has committed over $52 billion in public and private sector loans, grants, and other forms of financing to promote inclusive economic growth in Pakistan and improve the country’s infrastructure, energy and food security, transport networks, and social services.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Appoints New Country Director for Bhutan

Source: Asia Development Bank

THIMPHU, BHUTAN (29 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Sonomi Tanaka as its new Country Director for Bhutan.

Ms. Tanaka will lead ADB’s operations in Bhutan and policy dialogue with the government, development partners, and other stakeholders. She will implement the newly approved country partnership strategy (CPS) 2024–2028 for Bhutan which aligns closely with the 13th Five-Year Plan of the government that aims to develop Bhutan into a sustainable and prosperous economy.

“I look forward to working closely with the government and the people of Bhutan to reinforce Bhutan’s development efforts by strengthening public sector management, enabling private sector development, building climate-adaptive and resilient infrastructure, and enhancing human capital development to increase youth employability,” said Ms. Tanaka.

Ms. Tanaka has over 30 years of professional experience, including 25 years with the ADB. In 2020, she was appointed as Country Director of ADB’s Resident Mission in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where she led the formulation of the CPS 2024-2028 and advanced critical policy reforms in collaboration with the World Bank and other partners to address macroeconomic challenges. She previously served as chief of the Gender Equity Thematic Group, responsible for overseeing and advising on ADB-wide operations to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Ms. Tanaka has worked extensively on gender and development, poverty reduction, social analysis, social protection, and community participation issues in Asia and the Pacific. Her sectoral expertise spans education, finance, health, infrastructure, natural resources management, public sector management, and urban development. Prior to joining ADB, she held roles in the World Bank’s South Asia Department and in development institutions in Japan.

Ms. Tanaka is a national of Japan and holds a master of arts in gender and development from the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex University and a post-graduate diploma in development studies from the Institute of Developing Economies Advanced School in Japan. She has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Tokyo.

Bhutan became a member of ADB in 1982. ADB has committed around $1.2 billion in loans, grants and technical assistance to the country, including cofinancing. ADB’s priority areas for support in Bhutan include energy, transport, urban infrastructure, water supply and sanitation, education, agriculture and natural resources, and finance. As of October 2024, ADB’s Bhutan portfolio includes 15 projects worth around $363 million.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: ADB to Improve Rural Livehoods, Ecosystems and Climate Resilience in Qixia City, Shandong, PRC

Source: Asia Development Bank

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (30 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $150 million loan to enhance the ecological and climate resilience, as well as rural livelihoods in Qixia City in Shandong Province, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“The Shandong Qixia Ecological Function Conservation Demonstration Project will provide a model of integrated city ecosystem management,” said ADB Country Director for the PRC Safdar Parvez. “The project will benefit more than 429,000 residents through enhanced natural resources, environmental living conditions, and livelihood opportunities. The practices and experiences in this ecologically sensitive area could be replicated in other parts of the PRC, as well as in other countries.”

Qixia City serves as the primary water source for coastal Yantai municipality in northeast Shandong Province, a major apple-growing area. However, intensive use of agricultural chemicals and plastic has damaged soil and water quality in the vicinity. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and magnitude of weather-related disasters. The degradation of natural capital in the city is disrupting agriculture and food security.

To improve sustainability practices for agriculture and rural livelihoods, the project will conduct soil testing and apply organic fertilizers and soil conditioners to improve soil quality, as well as promote ecotourism to provide a sustainable source of income for local communities, while also raising awareness about the importance of conserving the ecosystem.

The project will pilot a smart orchard system that will have modern and environment-friendly practices, such as sensors, data analytics, automation, optimized fertigation, and pest control. It will also strengthen rural solid waste collection management. All contribute to more sustainable production systems with reduced chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.

To protect natural capital, the project will rehabilitate degraded river courses through bank protection, flood control, and excavation of river blockages. It will also construct forest fire prevention pathways and implement sustainable forest pest control. Institutional capacity and coordination on integrated ecosystem management will also be strengthened.

As part of ADB’s Yellow River Ecological Corridor Program, aligned with the PRC’s Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and High-quality Development Plan, the project aims to adopt a model of integrated ecosystem management and building climate resilience. It has significant regional benefits, as it addresses the complex ecological and environmental challenges in the Yellow River region.

The total project cost is estimated to be $362 million, with $212 million counterpart financing from the government, which includes $85 million cofinancing from the Agricultural Development Bank of China. More than $99 million of the ADB financing is earmarked for climate adaptation and mitigation. It is expected to be completed in 2030.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Replicating ADB Projects from the People’s Republic of China

Source: Asia Development Bank

Transcript

Projects in the PRC offer rich potential for learning and replication—both domestically and abroad.

Echoes of Success assembles five case studies in demonstration and replication of ADB-financed projects in the PRC.

The five projects span diverse sectors—from nature conservation, green finance, water management, and energy efficiency, to road safety.

Jiangsu Yancheng Biodiversity Protection Project restored nature reserves, and strengthened wetland protection and habitat management.

The project’s insights in nurturing coexistence of rare species and humans have been applied to other wetlands, and inspired ADB’s Regional Flyway Initiative.

Shandong Green Development Fund Project is a funding mechanism that mobilizes investment for climate projects and the environment.

It has stimulated similar green finance initiatives in Southeast Asia, Central, and West Asia.

Shaanxi Mountain Road Safety Demonstration Project is ADB’s first standalone road safety project.

It adopts international road safety inspection, impact assessment, and design.

The road safety program has been replicated in the PRC and Mongolia and won a global award from the International Road Federation.

Shaanxi Accelerated Energy Efficiency and Environment Improvement Financing Project channeled funding to small and medium-scale clean energy investments in energy efficiency and emission reduction.

The project’s pollution reduction, renewable energy heating, energy conservation technologies were replicated in two cities in Henan province.

Wuhan Urban Environmental Improvement Project integrated sludge treatment and disposal systems, rehabilitated lakes, and strengthened water management.

Lessons from the project design and implementation were applied to ADB projects in Huangshi and Huainan.

Successful replication of projects requires active knowledge exchange, strong government support, and official recognition.

ADB and the PRC will continue to promote regional and global development by sharing best practices and lessons in the PRC with other developing countries.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Inflation is sinking ever lower. Now that it’s official what’s the RBA going to do?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

Lower petrol prices and an electricity rebate have contributed to a further fall in the quarterly measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index.

The rate in the September quarter dropped to 2.8%, putting it for the first time within the Reserve Bank’s target range of two-point-something since the March quarter of 2020.

The fall was broadly in keeping with market expectations, and keeps low the likelihood of an interest rate cut this year. The next Reserve Bank meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.

The bank pays more attention to the long-running quarterly measure of the CPI than the more volatile monthly version which already dropped into its target range in August.

The monthly measure dropped further, to 2.1%, in September.

The quarterly CPI is also more important because it is included in all sorts of workplace and other contracts and indexation formulas.

The main reason for the fall in inflation was the electricity rebates announced in the federal budget and by some states.

Also helping were the falls in petrol prices, mainly reflecting declines in global oil prices. Cheaper or free public transport in Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin also contributed.

Preventing a larger fall were the continuing strong growth in insurance costs and rent. The rise in insurance costs reflects a series of extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods. It is a way in which climate change is exacerbating inflation.

Contrary to what many people think, the increase in rents is not due to landlords passing on higher interest rates. Landlords may want to do this but they are only able if vacancy rates are low, otherwise tenants just move elsewhere.

History shows it is low vacancy rates that drive up rent regardless of the level of interest rates. The inability of landlords to pass on interest rate increases has been confirmed by a study just published by the Reserve Bank using tax return data.

It showed that only three cents of every dollar in extra interest costs is passed on.

The fall in inflation to a rate significantly below the 4% at which wages are increasing means that the cost of living crisis is abating, although not yet over.

The dramatically lower inflation rate puts Australia in a comparable position to the United States, whose inflation rate is 2.4%, the United Kingdom, whose inflation rate is 1.7% and New Zealand where it is 2.2%.

The US, UK and New Zealand all have inflation targets (or midpoints) of 2%, so inflation is now only slightly above the target in the US and New Zealand. It is actually below it in the UK. In response all three have cut their key policy interest rates.

Yet it is unlikely that the Reserve Bank will follow their lead until next year, despite growing pressure.

One reason is that, even after their cuts, interest rates in our three peers are still higher than in Australia, at around 4.75% to 5%.

But more importantly, the Bank has stressed recently that it pays more attention to the “underlying” rate of inflation, which looks through temporary measures such as the electricity subsidies. The Bank will only cut interest rates when they are “confident that inflation was moving sustainably towards the target range”.

The bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, the so-called trimmed mean, has also fallen.

But at 3.5%, it is still above the target. A positive aspect is that it has reached 3.5% ahead of the Bank’s most recent forecast which had 3.5% only being reached by the end of 2024.

Monetary policy, however, has in Milton Friedman’s famous words “long and variable lags”.

As the then future governor Glenn Stevens remarked back in 1999,
“the long lags associated with the full impact of monetary policy changes mean that policy changes today must be made with a view not just to what is happening now, but what is likely to be happening in a year’s time and even beyond then”.

In other words we want to drive by looking ahead rather than just at the rear view mirror. The Bank is like a footballer who needs to head to where the ball will be rather than where it is now.

There is therefore a risk that if the Reserve Bank keeps interest rates high until inflation reaches the middle of the target, it will be too late to prevent the economy slowing too much and inflation will undershoot the target. This would likely be associated with unnecessarily high unemployment.

That is why the Reserve Bank board faces a difficult balancing act in taking its decisions.

John Hawkins was formerly a senior economist and forecaster in the Reserve Bank and the Australian Treasury.

– ref. Inflation is sinking ever lower. Now that it’s official what’s the RBA going to do? – https://theconversation.com/inflation-is-sinking-ever-lower-now-that-its-official-whats-the-rba-going-to-do-240336

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: How Cities Can Combat Extreme Heat Using Nature-Based Solutions

Source: Asia Development Bank

Despite their broad potential, nature-based solutions are often overlooked in city cooling strategies. Key barriers include a lack of supportive policies, financial constraints, and limited institutional capacity.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach that maximizes NbS benefits and integrates them into broader heat action plans. This must involve reducing waste heat (e.g., from transport and buildings), addressing cooling needs efficiently, and ensuring equitable access to thermal comfort. Key considerations for incorporating NbS into urban cooling strategies include:

Integrated planning: A systems approach ensures NbS are complemented by other solutions to maximize their benefits.
Equity: Cooling solutions must be distributed fairly, with heat equity embedded in planning to prevent future injustices.
Community participation: Involve women and vulnerable groups in designing and implementing cooling programs that deliver real benefits.
Local solutions: NbS should be tailored to local climates, needs, and traditional approaches (e.g., architecture).

Studies suggest that 30% of cities should be dedicated to green or blue spaces. Achieving this requires enabling strategies like raising awareness, building institutional capacity, and securing financing. It also involves assessing current natural assets and identifying vulnerable communities. Partnerships with the private sector can help provide technical expertise and funding. In developing countries, protecting existing green spaces from development is the most effective way to maintain cooling.

Creating a cooling-friendly urban form requires time and sustained effort. In the near term, practical, no-regret actions to build resilience to heat stress through NbS include:

Establishing champions and authorities to protect and enhance green and blue spaces
Conducting baseline assessments of green and blue spaces and identifying vulnerable communities
Investing in green and blue infrastructure, especially in public areas

Tree planting is perhaps the simplest and most effective action to reduce urban heat—provided the right trees are planted in the right places as part of a coordinated city-wide greening effort. Steps taken today will help future generations benefit from NbS for cooling.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 29, 2024

Source: Reserve Bank of India


(Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)

	Volume (One Leg)	Weighted Average Rate	Range
A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV)	5,38,684.91	6.28	5.00-6.70
I. Call Money	9,985.73	6.44	5.10-6.50
II. Triparty Repo	3,89,946.80	6.26	6.16-6.40
III. Market Repo	1,37,976.88	6.33	5.00-6.60
IV. Repo in Corporate Bond	775.50	6.52	6.50-6.70
B. Term Segment
I. Notice Money**	135.35	6.39	6.20-6.50
II. Term Money^@@	651.50	–	6.65-6.95
III. Triparty Repo	2,785.00	6.42	6.30-6.45
IV. Market Repo	3,811.36	6.49	6.35-6.69
V. Repo in Corporate Bond	0.00	–	–

	Auction Date	Tenor (Days)	Maturity Date	Amount	Current Rate / Cut off Rate
C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
I. Today’s Operations
1. Fixed Rate
2. Variable Rate^&
(I) Main Operation
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
(II) Fine Tuning Operations
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo
3. MSF^#	Tue, 29/10/2024	1	Wed, 30/10/2024	4,514.00	6.75
4. SDF^Δ#	Tue, 29/10/2024	1	Wed, 30/10/2024	1,21,659.00	6.25
5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				-1,17,145.00
II. Outstanding Operations
1. Fixed Rate
2. Variable Rate^&
(I) Main Operation
(a) Repo
(b) Reverse Repo	Fri, 18/10/2024	13	Thu, 31/10/2024	20,073.00	6.49
(II) Fine Tuning Operations
(a) Repo	Fri, 25/10/2024	6	Thu, 31/10/2024	25,005.00	6.55
(b) Reverse Repo
3. MSF^#
4. SDF^Δ#
5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations^€	Mon, 15/11/2021	1095	Thu, 14/11/2024	250.00	4.00
5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations^€	Mon, 27/12/2021	1095	Thu, 26/12/2024	2,275.00	4.00
6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)^£	Mon, 15/11/2021	1095	Thu, 14/11/2024	105.00	4.00
	Mon, 22/11/2021	1095	Thu, 21/11/2024	100.00	4.00
	Mon, 29/11/2021	1095	Thu, 28/11/2024	305.00	4.00
	Mon, 13/12/2021	1095	Thu, 12/12/2024	150.00	4.00
	Mon, 20/12/2021	1095	Thu, 19/12/2024	100.00	4.00
	Mon, 27/12/2021	1095	Thu, 26/12/2024	255.00	4.00
D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI^$				7,469.91
E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				15,941.91
F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*				-1,01,203.09
G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
(i) Cash balances with RBI as on		October 29, 2024		10,19,787.20
(ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending		November 01, 2024		10,16,726.00
H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on^¥		October 29, 2024		0.00
I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on		October 04, 2024		4,88,495.00
^@ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
– Not Applicable / No Transaction.
** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
^@@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
^$ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
^& As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
^Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
* Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
^€ As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
^¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
^£ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
# As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
Ajit Prasad Deputy General Manager (Communications)
Press Release: 2024-2025/1397

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct Overnight Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on October 30, 2024

Source: Reserve Bank of India

On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on October 30, 2024, Wednesday, as under:

Sl. No.	Notified Amount (₹ crore)	Tenor (day)	Window Timing	Date of Reversal
1	75,000	1	11:00 AM to 11:30 AM	October 31, 2024 (Thursday)

2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/1398

MIL OSI Economics –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Beneficient to Present at the LD Micro Main Event XVII on October 30 in Los Angeles

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DALLAS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beneficient (Nasdaq: BENF) (“Ben” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled financial services holding company, today announced that it will be presenting at the LD Micro Main Event XVII investor conference to be held October 28-30, 2024 in Los Angeles. As part of the conference, the Company will conduct a group presentation at 12:30 pm Pacific Time on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. To join the presentation online, please visit the webcast link available at https://shareholders.trustben.com/.

Additionally, Beneficient will host investor meetings throughout the day on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Investors attending the conference in person may request meetings with Beneficient through LD Micro’s meeting portal or Beneficient’s IR contact, mkreps@darrowir.com. Qualified investors who would like to attend the conference should contact registration@ldmicro.com.

About Beneficient
Beneficient (Nasdaq: BENF) – Ben, for short – is on a mission to democratize the global alternative asset investment market by providing traditionally underserved investors − mid-to-high net worth individuals, small-to-midsized institutions and General Partners seeking exit options, anchor commitments and valued-added services for their funds − with solutions that could help them unlock the value in their alternative assets. Ben’s AltQuote™ tool provides customers with a range of potential exit options within minutes, while customers can log on to the AltAccess^® portal to explore opportunities and receive proposals in a secure online environment.

Its subsidiary, Beneficient Fiduciary Financial, L.L.C., received its charter under the State of Kansas’ Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institution (TEFFI) Act and is subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner.

For more information, visit www.trustben.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Matt Kreps: 214-597-8200, mkreps@darrowir.com
Michael Wetherington: 214-284-1199, mwetherington@darrowir.com
Investor Relations: investors@beneficient.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Territorial Reaffirms Board of Directors Recommendation that Territorial Shareholders Vote “FOR” Hope Bancorp Merger

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HONOLULU, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Territorial Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: TBNK) (“Territorial” or the “Company”) today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has reaffirmed its recommendation that Territorial shareholders vote “FOR” the merger with Hope Bancorp, Inc. (“Hope Bancorp”) (NASDAQ: HOPE) at the November 6, 2024, Special Meeting of Stockholders.

On October 25, 2024, Territorial received additional information from Blue Hill Advisors (“Blue Hill”) with respect to its preliminary indication of interest to acquire the Company.

Territorial’s Board of Directors (the “Territorial Board”), with the assistance of its legal and financial advisors, over the course of several meetings, carefully reviewed this information in accordance with its fiduciary duties, its commitment to serving the best interests of all Territorial shareholders and its obligations under Territorial’s merger agreement with Hope Bancorp.

Specifically, the Territorial Board reviewed information provided by Blue Hill, recently and previously, to ascertain whether Blue Hill has provided sufficient verifiable and objective information to justify a Territorial Board determination that Blue Hill’s preliminary indication of interest is reasonably likely to lead to a Superior Proposal as defined by Territorial’s merger agreement with Hope Bancorp. The Territorial Board has also considered whether it would be a breach of its fiduciary duty not to enter into a confidentiality agreement or otherwise engage with Blue Hill based on the information provided by Blue Hill to date. The Territorial Board concluded that the totality of the information provided by Blue Hill does not provide a sufficient basis for a finding that both: (i) the Blue Hill preliminary indication of interest is reasonably likely to lead to a Superior Proposal under the terms and conditions required by the merger agreement; and (ii) a failure to enter into a confidentiality agreement or otherwise negotiate with Blue Hill would be more likely than not to result in a violation of its fiduciary duties under applicable law. Accordingly, the Territorial Board concluded that Territorial may not engage with Blue Hill under the terms and conditions of the Hope Bancorp merger agreement and that it continues to support the merger with Hope Bancorp.

In reaching this conclusion, the Territorial Board considered, among other things:

the all-stock nature of the strategic merger with Hope Bancorp and the benefits the combination with Hope Bancorp will have for shareholders as compared to a cash-out transaction, including the comparison of Hope Bancorp’s liquid, dividend-paying stock to what would be the Blue Hill-controlled Territorial stock, which would be expected to be a relatively more illiquid investment that would likely not pay a dividend for a prolonged period of time;
continued questions regarding the conditional nature of the financing of the transaction by the Blue Hill investors, despite Territorial’s repeated statements with respect to this deficiency for several weeks;
Blue Hill’s failure to address in a reasoned manner how the Blue Hill investor group would overcome the likely regulatory approval hurdles. In contrast, Hope Bancorp is well known by bank regulators and its approval process is well underway;
Blue Hill’s failure to address the impact of the expected changes in regulatory capital and the Company’s business plan, all of which should be expected to be considered as part of any regulatory approval process – despite Blue Hill’s claims that regulatory approvals will be less complicated than the Hope Bancorp approvals;
Blue Hill’s failure to realistically address transaction timing considerations, particularly including timing related to the application and regulatory approval process, in contrast to the expected timing of the Hope Bancorp merger approvals and expected timing of the closing of the Hope Bancorp merger;
the overall execution risk associated with the Blue Hill preliminary indication of interest, including the necessary steps and approvals required to conduct a recapitalization, a tender offer and negotiations with multiple Blue Hill investors versus Hope Bancorp’s standard merger transaction where all required applications are currently being processed;
Blue Hill’s failure to identify the expected key management team members that would manage the revised Company if acquired by Blue Hill. These individuals will be required to be identified to, and vetted by, the banking regulators before any approvals could be obtained;
Blue Hill’s failure to identify all expected directors of the newly-reconstituted Board that would govern Territorial if acquired by Blue Hill, as these individuals will also be required to be identified to, and vetted by, the banking regulators before any approvals could be obtained;
Blue Hill’s failure to specify how it would address any limitations established by or approvals that may be required from the banking regulators to pay any termination fee or conduct a tender offer, which would be an outflow of capital that would require regulatory approval; and
Blue Hill’s failure to substantiate its projected financial results for Territorial on a stand-alone basis, which Blue Hill has asserted as part of the rationale for its proposed acquisition and which represent a risk for existing shareholders who continue as shareholders if the Blue Hill proposal is completed.

The Territorial Board continues to recommend that shareholders vote “FOR” the Hope Bancorp merger. For more information, visit the Company’s website at https://www.territorialandhopecombination.com.

Territorial Shareholders are Urged to Vote “FOR” the Hope Bancorp Merger Ahead of the
Special Meeting on November 6, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. HST.

Voting is quick and easy.

Call toll-free:
(888) 742-1305
Banks and brokers should call:
(516) 933-3100
Email: info@laurelhill.com
Electronically: www.proxyvote.com

About Us

Territorial Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, is the stock holding company for Territorial Savings Bank. Territorial Savings Bank is a state-chartered savings bank which was originally chartered in 1921 by the Territory of Hawaiʻi. Territorial Savings Bank conducts business from its headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and has 28 branch offices in the state of Hawaiʻi. For additional information, please visit https://www.tsbhawaii.bank/.

Additional Information about the Hope Merger and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed Hope Merger, Hope has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4, containing the Proxy Prospectus, which has been mailed or otherwise delivered to Territorial’s stockholders on or about August 29, 2024, as supplemented September 12, 2024. Hope and Territorial may file additional relevant materials with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR FURNISHED OR WILL BE FILED OR FURNISHED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. You may obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Hope or Territorial at no cost from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or similar expressions. With respect to any such forward-looking statements, Territorial Bancorp claims the protection provided for in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties. Hope Bancorp’s actual results, performance or achievements may differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. The closing of the proposed transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, the approval of Territorial Bancorp stockholders, and other customary closing conditions. There is no assurance that such conditions will be met or that the proposed merger will be consummated within the expected time frame, or at all. If the transaction is consummated, factors that may cause actual outcomes to differ from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements include, among things: difficulties and delays in integrating Hope Bancorp and Territorial Bancorp and achieving anticipated synergies, cost savings and other benefits from the transaction; higher than anticipated transaction costs; deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees and customers, may be greater than expected; and required governmental approvals of the merger may not be obtained on its proposed terms and schedule, or without regulatory constraints that may limit growth. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: possible further deterioration in economic conditions in Hope Bancorp’s or Territorial Bancorp’s areas of operation or elsewhere; interest rate risk associated with volatile interest rates and related asset-liability matching risk; liquidity risks; risk of significant non-earning assets, and net credit losses that could occur, particularly in times of weak economic conditions or times of rising interest rates; the failure of or changes to assumptions and estimates underlying Hope Bancorp’s or Territorial Bancorp’s allowances for credit losses; potential increases in deposit insurance assessments and regulatory risks associated with current and future regulations; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Hope Bancorp or Territorial Bancorp; the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of the common stock of either or both parties to the proposed transaction; and diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities. For additional information concerning these and other risk factors, see Hope Bancorp’s and Territorial Bancorp’s most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Hope Bancorp and Territorial Bancorp do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

Investor / Media Contacts:
Walter Ida
SVP, Director of Investor Relations
808-946-1400
walter.ida@territorialsavings.net

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cost-of-living crisis impacted Black health – study

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Published: 29 October 2024 at 10:58

Rise in inflation and bank rates associated with rise in discrimination and worse health

A groundbreaking new study has revealed the significant impact of the cost-of-living crisis on discrimination and health outcomes among Black people in the UK, with rising interest and bank rates associated with deterioration in general and mental health and rising discrimination.

The study, published in the journal Ethnic and Racial Studies during Black History Month, is the first to examine the impact of interest and bank rates during the cost-of-living crisis on the health of Black people.

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) distributed participation forms during social events in London celebrating 2021 Black History Month. An e-questionnaire was sent to participants between October and December 2021. Follow-up data collection occurred in 2022 and 2023. A total of 264 people took part in the research in 2021, 235 in 2022, and 223 in 2023, resulting in 722 observations overall.

According to the study, during the 2022/2023 cost-of-living crisis, discrimination towards Black people increased by 3.75%, general health decreased by 4.45% and mental health decreased by 5.62%.

Instances of discrimination were associated with a 26.4% deterioration in general health and a 27.1% deterioration in mental health.

Inflation rose from 2.49% in 2021 to 7.9% in 2022, before falling to 6.83% in 2023. In the same time period, the Bank of England’s base interest rate rose from 0.11% in 2021 to 1.58% in 2022 and further to 4.81% in 2023. Researchers found that among the participants, inflation was associated with a 2.9% increase in discrimination towards Black people, while the rising bank rate was associated with a 1.1% increase in discrimination.

Rising inflation was linked to a 2.3% decline in general health and a 2.5% decline in mental health, while the Bank Rate is associated with a 1.9% decline in general health and a 2.3% decline in mental health.

The study also found that minority subgroups within the Black community, such as gay men and lesbian women, face higher levels of discrimination and poorer health outcomes compared to reference groups.

Lead author Nick Drydakis, Professor of Economics at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said:

“The study provides critical insights into how discrimination is related to general and mental health outcomes within the Black community during the cost-of-living crisis.

“It was a time of great uncertainty for the majority of people living in the UK and is still having an impact today, but it is clear that it had a disproportionate impact on minority groups.

“In times of social and economic upheaval, tensions between different communities often intensify, particularly when dominant groups believe their access to resources to be under threat. This can in turn lead to a rise in prejudice and discrimination.

“The study underlines the need to work towards creating a more equal society and improving the well-being of everybody, particularly those who are most vulnerable.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Law to ban UNRWA amounts to criminalization of humanitarian aid

Source: Amnesty International –

Reacting to the news that the Israeli parliament has passed a law to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating inside Israel, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said:

“This unconscionable law is an outright attack on the rights of Palestinian refugees. It is clearly designed to make it impossible for the agency to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by forcing the closure of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem and ending visas for its staff. It amounts to the criminalization of humanitarian aid and will worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

“UNRWA has played an indispensable role in offering, food, water, medical aid, education and shelter to the nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza who have been forcibly displaced, subjected to an engineered famine, and stand at serious risk of genocide as a result of Israel’s relentless offensive in the last 12 months. This law flies in the face of the International Court of Justice order to Israel to ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance and facilitate basic services.

“UNRWA has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank and in neighbouring countries throughout the 75 years since its foundation. The plight of the Palestinian people would be even more severe if not for UNRWA’s tireless work over the last three quarters of a century.

“This appalling, inhumane law will only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians, who have endured unimaginable hardship since the horrific attacks by Hamas and other armed groups in southern Israel one year ago, and whose need for global support is greater than ever. The international community must be quick to condemn it in the strongest possible terms and exert any influence they have on the Israeli government to repeal it.”

MIL OSI NGO –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Law to ban UNRWA is ‘inhumane’ and an ‘outright attack’ on the rights of Palestinian refugees

Source: Amnesty International –

UNRWA has long served as a sole lifeline to Palestinian refugees offering indispensable humanitarian aid, education and shelter

The UN agency also provides desperately needed aid for millions of other Palestinian refugees living in neighbouring Arab countries

‘This appalling, inhumane law will only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians who have endured unimaginable hardship’ – Agnès Callamard

In response to the news that the Israeli parliament has passed a law to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating inside Israel, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

“This unconscionable law is an outright attack on the rights of Palestinian refugees. It is clearly designed to make it impossible for the agency to operate in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by forcing the closure of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem and ending visas for its staff. It amounts to the criminalisation of humanitarian aid and will worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

“UNRWA has played an indispensable role in offering, food, water, medical aid, education and shelter to the nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza who have been forcibly displaced, subjected to an engineered famine, and stand at serious risk of genocide as a result of Israel’s relentless offensive in the last 12 months. This law flies in the face of the International Court of Justice order to Israel to ensure sufficient humanitarian assistance and facilitate basic services.

“UNRWA has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank and in neighbouring countries throughout the 75 years since its foundation. The plight of the Palestinian people would be even more severe if not for UNRWA’s tireless work over the last three quarters of a century.

“This appalling, inhumane law will only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians who have endured unimaginable hardship since the horrific attacks by Hamas and other armed groups in southern Israel one year ago, and whose need for global support is greater than ever.

“The international community must be quick to condemn it in the strongest possible terms and exert any influence they have on the Israeli government to repeal it.”

UNWRA

Founded in 1949, UNRWA is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States. UNRWA has defined Palestine refugees as “persons whose regular place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.”

At a time when Israel, the occupying power, continues to flagrantly violate its obligations vis-à-vis Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, UNRWA has long served as a sole lifeline, offering indispensable humanitarian aid, education and shelter. The agency also provides desperately needed aid for millions of other Palestinian refugees living in neighbouring Arab countries.

In January 2024 over a dozen states and the EU announced the suspension of funding to UNRWA following allegations that individual staff members were involved in the 7 October attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups in southern Israel. UNRWA immediately dismissed nine employees over the allegations at the time.

Almost all of the countries that had previously suspended funding for UNRWA have since reinstated their financial support, aside from the United States, where funding remains frozen until at least March 2025.

MIL OSI NGO –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Bybit Card Expands Into New Regions, Offering Seamless and Rewarding International Crypto Payments

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, elevates off-ramp experiences for crypto users in more regions with the Bybit Card. Officially open for registration for new users in select regions, the Bybit Card marks another step forward in the company’s mission to enable digital asset investors worldwide to access, hold and spend their cryptocurrencies with ease and confidence.

In collaboration with S1LKPAY, principal member of Mastercard’s payment network and a provider of Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Card-as-a-Service (CaaS), the Bybit Card is now accepting applications from customers of Bybit Limited, the entity regulated by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA). Having obtained the full license in Sep., this is the first time Bybit Limited (AFSA) issued a prepaid card for international customers.

To celebrate the launch, eligible users who successfully register for the campaign will receive 10% cashback up to 600 USD for a limited time only. The Bybit Card simplifies the integration of crypto into everyday spending by offering users the ability to make payments in multiple currencies wherever Mastercard is accepted worldwide.

The Bybit Card has been mapping out new markets globally throughout 2024, now serving customers in multiple markets across four continents.

“Bybit is dedicated to bridging the gap between our customers’ digital assets and their real-world needs. As the Bybit Card continues to gain traction, it is being recognized as a trusted and easy-to-use crypto payment solution. We’re excited to welcome more users to the future of crypto and are committed to delivering more rewards and features in the near future,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director at Bybit. “SILKPAY is the first in the region to bring cutting-edge digital asset payment technology to market. Our partnership with Bybit brings together complementary strengths, enabling us to deliver more secure, seamless, and faster transactions through the Bybit Card. Together, we are setting a new standard for innovation and inclusion in the region’s financial landscape,” said Gani Uzbekov, Founder and CEO of SILKPAY.

Key Features of the Bybit Card

Free virtual card: Zero fees for the virtual Bybit Card
No hidden charges: No annual or monthly fees
Attractive rewards: Up to $600 USD in rewards during the promotional period with 10% cashback, followed by 2-10% rebates and up to 8% APY
Instant access: Virtual card available immediately for use
Wide range of digital assets: The Bybit Card supports USDT, BTC, ETH, and more.

Users can read more about how to qualify for the rewards: Bybit Card – 10% Cashback and Card Bonuses (Selected International Users Only)

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million users. Established in 2018, Bybit provides a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One’s reigning Constructors’ and Drivers’ champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For more details about Bybit, users can visit: Bybit Press

For media inquiries, users can contact: media@bybit.com

For more information, users can visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, users can follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

About Mastercard

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Their mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, their innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Mastercard decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything they do inside and outside of their company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, they are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Mastercard press office in Kazakhstan

Tel: +7 (727) 264 67 37

mastercard@pressclub.kz

Contact

Head of PR

Tony Au

Bybit

tony.au@bybit.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: CALIFORNIA BANCORP REPORTS FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Diego, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — California BanCorp (“us,” “we,” “our,” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BCAL), the holding company for California Bank of Commerce, N.A. (the “Bank”) announces its consolidated financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

The Company reported net loss of $16.5 million for the third quarter of 2024, or $0.59 diluted loss per share, compared to net income of $190 thousand, or $0.01 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2024, and $6.6 million, or $0.35 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2023.

“As we previously reported, the merger of Southern California Bancorp and California BanCorp closed on July 31, 2024, and I am pleased to announce we executed a successful core conversion on September 20, 2024,” said David Rainer, Executive Chairman of the Company and the Bank. “We are excited to have created a commercial banking franchise with a footprint that covers the best banking markets in both Northern and Southern California and that is based on our trusted brands and reputations. Our scalable business model is expected to bring cost savings and greater efficiency to our operations, while allowing us to offer complementary products and services to all our clients. We will continue to build on our history of service to our communities and remain dedicated to increasing shareholder value.”

“With the close of the merger and successful conversion behind us, we are now focused on the prudent growth of our franchise by offering the highest quality and level of customer service available to middle-market businesses in both Northern and Southern California,” said Steven Shelton, CEO of the Company and the Bank. “We are excited about our future and look forward to the traction we expect our combined banking franchise will realize in the coming quarters.”

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

	●	Merger closed on July 31, 2024, whereby California BanCorp (“CALB”) merged with and into Southern California Bancorp and California Bank of Commerce merged with and into Bank of Southern California, N.A. CALB had total loans of $1.43 billion, total assets of $1.91 billion, and total deposits of $1.64 billion. The combined holding company has assumed the California BanCorp name, and the combined bank has assumed the California Bank of Commerce, N.A. name. The merger created a bank holding company with approximately $4.25 billion in assets and 14 branches across California, with approximately 300 employees serving our communities.
	●	Total aggregate consideration paid was approximately $216.6 million and resulted in approximately $74.7 million of preliminary goodwill subject to adjustment in accordance with ASC 805.
	●	Net loss of $16.5 million or $0.59 diluted loss per share for the third quarter reflects the after-tax one-time initial provision for credit losses (“day one provision”) related to non-purchased credit deteriorated (“non-PCD”) loans and unfunded loan commitments of $15.0 million and merger related expenses of $10.6 million; adjusted net income (non-GAAP¹) was $9.1 million or $0.33 per share for the third quarter.
	●	Net interest margin of 4.43%, compared with 3.94% in the prior quarter; average total loan yield of 6.79% compared with 6.21% in the prior quarter.
	●	Provision for credit losses of $23.0 million for the third quarter, of which $21.3 million was due to the day one provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans and unfunded loan commitments.

¹ Reconciliations of non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures are set forth at the end of this press release.

	●	Return on average assets of (1.82)%, compared with 0.03% in the prior quarter.
	●	Return on average common equity of (15.28)%, compared with 0.26% in the prior quarter.
	●	Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP¹) of 98.9% compared with 85.7% in the prior quarter; excluding merger related expenses the efficiency ratio was 60.5%, compared with 83.5% in the prior quarter.
	●	Tangible book value per common share (“TBV”) (non-GAAP¹) of $11.28 at September 30, 2024, down $2.43 from $13.71 at June 30, 2024.
	●	Total assets of $4.36 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $2.29 billion at June 30, 2024.
	●	Total loans, including loans held for sale of $3.23 billion at September 30, 2024, compared with $1.88 billion at June 30, 2024, largely due to the merger, with the fair value of the acquired loans totaling $1.36 billion.
	●	Nonperforming assets to total assets ratio of 0.68% at September 30, 2024, compared with 0.20% at June 30, 2024, which included the fair value of $13.9 million in nonaccrual PCD loans in connection with the merger.
	●	Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was 1.80% of total loans held for investment at September 30, 2024; allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) was 1.67% of total loans held for investment at September 30, 2024.
	●	Total deposits of $3.74 billion at September 30, 2024, increased $1.81 billion or 93.2% compared with $1.94 billion at June 30, 2024, largely due to the $1.64 billion of deposits acquired in the merger.
	●	Noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $1.37 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $701.7 million or 105.3%, of which $635.5 million was related to the merger; noninterest bearing deposits represented 36.6% of total deposits, compared with $666.6 million, or 34.4% of total deposits at June 30, 2024.
	●	Cost of deposits was 2.09%, compared with 2.12% in the prior quarter.
	●	Cost of funds was 2.19%, compared with 2.21% in the prior quarter.
	●	The Company’s capital exceeds minimums required to be “well-capitalized,” the highest regulatory capital category.

Third Quarter Operating Results

Net Loss

Net loss for the third quarter of 2024 was $16.5 million, or $0.59 loss per diluted share, compared with net income of $190 thousand, or $0.01 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2024. Our third quarter results were negatively impacted by a day one $15.0 million after-tax CECL-related provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans and unfunded loan commitments related to the merger, or $0.54 loss per diluted share, and $10.6 million of after-tax merger expenses, or $0.38 loss per diluted share. Excluding one-time CECL-related provision for credit losses on acquired loans and unfunded loan commitments, and merger related expenses, the Company would have reported net income (non-GAAP¹) of $9.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024. Pre-tax, pre-provision income (non-GAAP¹) for the third quarter was $436 thousand, a decrease of $2.7 million or 86.3% from the prior quarter.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $36.9 million, compared with $21.0 million in the prior quarter. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to a $22.3 million increase in total interest and dividend income, partially offset by a $6.3 million increase in total interest expense in the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the prior quarter. During the third quarter of 2024, loan interest income increased $18.5 million, of which $4.1 million was related to accretion income from the net purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans, total debt securities income increased $458 thousand, and interest and dividend income from other financial institutions increased $3.3 million. The increase in interest income was primarily driven by the mix of interest-earning assets added by the merger and the impact of the accretion and amortization of fair value marks. Average total interest-earning assets increased $1.17 billion, the result of a $900.7 million increase in average total loans, a $114.2 million increase in average deposits in other financial institutions, a $25.1 million increase in average total debt securities, a $124.1 million increase in average Fed funds sold/resale agreements and a $7.5 million increase in average restricted stock investments and other bank stock. The increase in interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to a $6.0 million increase in interest expense on interest-bearing deposits, the result of a $763.7 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits, coupled with a $34.3 million increase in average subordinated debt, partially offset by a 6 basis point decrease in average interest-bearing deposit costs, and a $378 thousand decrease in interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings, the result of a $26.8 million decrease in average FHLB borrowings in the third quarter of 2024.

Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 4.43%, compared with 3.94% in the prior quarter. The increase was primarily related to a 52 basis point increase in the total interest-earning assets yield, coupled with a 2 basis point decrease in the cost of funds. The yield on total average earning assets in the third quarter of 2024 was 6.49%, compared with 5.97% in the prior quarter. The yield on average total loans in the third quarter of 2024 was 6.79%, an increase of 58 basis points from 6.21% in the prior quarter. Accretion income from the net purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans was $4.1 million and the amortization expense impact on interest expense was $283 thousand, which increased the net interest margin by 46 basis points in the third quarter of 2024. Accretion income from the net purchase accounting discounts on acquired loans was $4.1 million, which increased the yield on average total loans by 59 basis points in the third quarter of 2024.

Cost of funds for the third quarter of 2024 was 2.19%, a decrease of 2 basis points from 2.21% in the prior quarter. The decrease was primarily driven by a 6 basis point decrease in the cost of average interest-bearing deposits, and an increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits, partially offset by an increase of 187 basis points in the cost of total borrowings, which was driven primarily by the amortization expense of $373 thousand, or 281 basis points from the purchase accounting discounts on acquired subordinated debts. Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $373.8 million to $1.03 billion and represented 33.6% of total average deposits for the third quarter of 2024, compared with $658.0 million and 34.1%, respectively, in the prior quarter; average interest-bearing deposits increased $763.7 million to $2.04 billion during the third quarter of 2024. The total cost of deposits in the third quarter of 2024 was 2.09%, a decrease of 3 basis points from 2.12% in the prior quarter. The cost of total interest-bearing deposits decreased primarily due to the Company’s deposit repricing strategy and paying off high cost brokered deposits in the third quarter of 2024.

Average total borrowings increased $7.6 million to $52.9 million for the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to an increase of $34.3 million in average subordinated debt from the $50.8 million in fair value of subordinated debt acquired in the merger, partially offset by a decrease of $26.8 million in average FHLB borrowings during the third quarter of 2024. The average cost of total borrowings was 7.71% for the third quarter of 2024, up from 5.84% in the prior quarter.

Provision for Credit Losses

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $23.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $2.9 million in the prior quarter. The increase was largely related to the merger, and the resulting one-time initial provision for credit losses on acquired non-PCD loans of $18.5 million and unfunded commitments of $2.7 million. Total net charge-offs were $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, which included $967 thousand from a construction loan and $135 thousand from an acquired consumer solar loan portfolio. The provision for credit losses in the third quarter of 2024 included a $3.3 million provision for unfunded loan commitments, of which $2.7 million was related to the one-time initial provision for credit losses on acquired unfunded loan commitments, and $511 thousand related to the increase in unfunded loan commitments during the third quarter of 2024, coupled with higher loss rates and average funding rates used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments. Total unfunded loan commitments increased $662.4 million to $1.03 billion at September 30, 2024, including $574.3 million in unfunded loan commitment related to the merger, compared to $371.5 million in unfunded loan commitments at June 30, 2024. The provision for credit losses for loans held for investment in the third quarter of 2024 was $19.7 million, an increase of $16.7 million from $3.0 million in the prior quarter. The increase was driven primarily by the one-time initial provision for credit losses on acquired non-PCD loans and increases in legacy special mention loans and loans held for investment. Additionally, qualitative factors, coupled with changes in the portfolio mix and in net charge-offs, and in the reasonable and supportable forecast, primarily related to the economic outlook for California which were partially offset by decreases in legacy substandard accruing loans, were factors related to the increase in the provision for credit losses. The Company’s management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it has appropriately provisioned for the current environment.

Noninterest Income

The Company recorded noninterest income of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of $5 thousand compared to $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. There was no gain on SBA 7A loan sales in the second and third quarters of 2024. Noninterest income was impacted by the merger through increases in service charges and fees on deposit accounts, bank owned life insurance income, and servicing and related income on loans; offset by a $614 thousand valuation allowance on other real estate owned (“OREO”) due to a decline in the fair value of the underlying property in the third quarter of 2024.

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $37.7 million, an increase of $18.7 million from total noninterest expense of $19.0 million in the prior quarter, which was largely due to the increase in merger related expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $6.6 million during the quarter to $15.4 million. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily the result of the merger and included $1.4 million related to one-time costs associated with non-continuing directors, executives and employees. Merger and related expenses in connection with the merger increased $14.1 million to $14.6 million. These costs primarily included retention bonus, severance and change in control costs of $6.2 million, financial advisory fees of $2.3 million, information technology expenses of $4.5 million, insurance costs of $919 thousand and legal and other professional costs of $305 thousand. The increase in core deposit intangible amortization was primarily driven by $622 thousand related to the additional amortization from the core deposit intangible of $22.7 million acquired in the merger.

The Company sold other real estate owned and recognized a $4.8 million loss in the second quarter of 2024. There was no comparable transaction in the third quarter of 2024.

Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP¹) for the third quarter of 2024 was 98.9%, compared to 85.7% in the prior quarter. Excluding the merger and related expenses of $14.6 million, the efficiency ratio (non-GAAP¹) for the third quarter of 2024 would have been 60.5%.

Income Tax

In the third quarter of 2024, the Company’s income tax benefit was $6.1 million, compared with an $88 thousand income tax expense in the second quarter of 2024. The effective rate was 26.9% for the third quarter of 2024 and 31.7% for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to the impact of the vesting and exercise of equity awards combined with changes in the Company’s stock price over time, as well as non-deductible merger-related expenses.

Balance Sheet

Assets

Total assets at September 30, 2024 were $4.36 billion, an increase of $2.07 billion or 90.2% from June 30, 2024. The increase in total assets from the prior quarter was primarily related to the $1.86 billion in fair value of total assets acquired in the merger, which included increases of $1.36 billion in loans held for investment, $42.6 million in debt securities, and $336.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. In addition, the Company recorded preliminary goodwill of $74.7 million related to the merger in the third quarter of 2024.

Loans

Total loans held for investment were $3.20 billion at September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.32 billion, compared to June 30, 2024, primarily the result of the $1.36 billion fair value of loans acquired in the merger. During the third quarter 2024, there were new originations of $70.0 million and net advances of $8.9 million, offset by payoffs of $64.9 million, and the transfer of a multifamily nonaccrual loan of $4.7 million to OREO and the partial charge-off of loans in the amount of $1.2 million. Total loans secured by real estate increased by $814.5 million, including $780.9 million acquired in the merger, construction and land development loans increased by $42.9 million, commercial real estate and other loans increased by $712.2 million, 1-4 family residential loans decreased by $4.8 million and multifamily loans increased by $64.2 million. Commercial and industrial loans increased by $482.3 million, and consumer loans increased by $25.3 million, largely due to a $25.2 million increase in consumer loans related to the merger. The Company had $33.7 million in loans held for sale at September 30, 2024, compared to $7.0 million at June 30, 2024.

Deposits

Total deposits at September 30, 2024 were $3.74 billion, an increase of $1.81 billion from June 30, 2024 due to the $1.64 billion in fair value of deposits related to the merger. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits at September 30, 2024, were $1.37 billion, including $635.5 million noninterest-bearing demand deposits related to the merger, or 36.6% of total deposits, compared with $666.6 million, or 34.4% of total deposits at June 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, total interest-bearing deposits were $2.37 billion, compared to $1.27 billion at June 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024, total brokered time deposits were $222.6 million, including a $251.4 million increase of brokered time deposits related to the merger, compared to $103.4 million in brokered time deposits at June 30, 2024. The Company used excess cash acquired from the merger to pay off high cost callable and noncallable brokered time deposits totaling $131.9 million during the third quarter 2024. The Company also offers the Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) product, providing customers with FDIC insurance coverage at ICS network institutions. At September 30, 2024, ICS deposits were $699.6 million, or 18.7% of total deposits, compared to $239.8 million, or 12.4% of total deposits at June 30, 2024. Legacy CALB was also a participant in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS), and Reich & Tang Deposit Solutions (R&T) network, both of which provide reciprocal deposit placement services to fully qualified large customer deposits for FDIC insurance among other participating banks. At July 31, 2024, the Company acquired the fair value of $37.7 million in CDARS deposits and $306.6 million in R&T deposits.

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Liquidity

The Company repaid all FHLB borrowings with liquidity primarily derived from the cash acquired in the merger during the third quarter of 2024. At September 30, 2024, the Company had no overnight FHLB borrowings, a $25.0 million decrease from June 30, 2024. There were no outstanding Federal Reserve Discount Window borrowings at September 30, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

At September 30, 2024, the Company had available borrowing capacity from the FHLB secured line of credit of approximately $663.6 million and available borrowing capacity from the Federal Reserve Discount Window of approximately $446.4 million. The Company also had available borrowing capacity from eight unsecured credit lines from correspondent banks of approximately $121.0 million at September 30, 2024, with no outstanding borrowings. Total available borrowing capacity was $1.23 billion at September 30, 2024. Additionally, the Company had unpledged liquid securities at fair value of approximately $159.3 million and cash and cash equivalents of $614.4 million at September 30, 2024.

In connection with the merger, the Company assumed subordinated borrowings of $55.0 million, with a fair value of $50.8 million. The subordinated borrowings include $20.0 million with a maturity date in September 2030 and $35.0 million with a maturity date in September 2031.

Asset Quality

Total non-performing assets increased to $29.8 million, or 0.68% of total assets at September 30, 2024, compared with $4.7 million, or 0.20% of total assets at June 30, 2024.

The increase in non-performing assets in the third quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to downgrades of a construction loan and 1-4 family residential loan from one relationship totaling $12.7 million and a $13.9 million of nonaccrual PCD loans acquired in the merger. This increase was net of total charge-offs of $1.2 million, which included a partial charge-off of $967 thousand for a substandard nonaccrual construction loan collateralized by a stalled construction project in Los Angeles, California. Based on the Company’s internal analysis, which included a review of an updated appraisal, the estimated net collateral value was $9.7 million, which was $967 thousand lower than the subject loan’s net carrying value resulting in a partial charge-off in the third quarter of 2024. The Company expects to pursue the resolution of this matter. Non-performing assets in the third quarter of 2024 included OREO, net of valuation allowance, of $4.1 million related to a multifamily nonaccrual loan of $4.7 million that was transferred to OREO and the Company recorded a $614 thousand valuation allowance on OREO due to a decline in the fair value of the underlying property in the third quarter of 2024.

Total non-performing loans increased to $25.7 million, or 0.80% of total loans held for investment at September 30, 2024, compared with $4.7 million, or 0.25% of total loans at June 30, 2024. The increase from June 30, 2024 was due primarily to the aforementioned downgrades of a construction loan and 1-4 family residential loan from one relationship, nonaccrual PCD loans acquired in the merger and partial charge-offs of loans in the amount of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Special mention loans increased by $65.6 million, including $41.0 million non-PCD loans and $10.1 million PCD loans, during the third quarter of 2024 to $93.4 million at September 30, 2024. The $14.5 million increase in the legacy special mention loans was due mostly to a $2.2 million increase in special mention commercial real estate loans and a $12.3 million increase in special mention commercial and industrial loans. Substandard loans increased by $81.2 million, including $2.3 million non-PCD loans, $71.3 million PCD loans, and $13.5 million nonaccrual PCD loans, during the third quarter of 2024 to $104.3 million at September 30, 2024. The $5.8 million decrease in the legacy substandard loans was due primarily to the transfer of a multifamily nonaccrual loan of $4.7 million to OREO and the partial charge-off of $967 thousand for the nonaccrual construction loan, partially offset by a downgrade to substandard of a commercial and industrial loan of $118 thousand during the third quarter of 2024.

The Company had $37 thousand in consumer solar loans that were over 90 days past due that were accruing interest at September 30, 2024, and no delinquencies at June 30, 2024.

There were $19.1 million in loan delinquencies (30-89 days past due, excluding nonaccrual loans) at September 30, 2024 and no delinquencies at June 30, 2024.

The allowance for credit losses, which is comprised of the allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) and reserve for unfunded loan commitments, totaled $57.6 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $24.6 million at June 30, 2024. The $33.0 million increase in the allowance included a $19.7 million provision for credit losses for the loan portfolio, of which $11.2 million related to the initial allowance for credit losses on acquired PCD loans, $21.3 million related to the initial provision for credit losses on acquired non-PCD loans and unfunded loan commitments, partially offset by total charge-offs of $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

The ALL was $53.6 million, or 1.67% of total loans held for investment at September 30, 2024, compared with $23.8 million, or 1.27% at June 30, 2024.

Capital

Tangible book value (non-GAAP¹) per common share at September 30, 2024, was $11.28, compared with $13.71 at June 30, 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, tangible book value was primarily impacted by the net loss for the third quarter, the impact of equity issued in connection with the merger, stock-based compensation expense, and a decrease in net of unrealized tax losses on available-for-sale debt securities. Other comprehensive losses related to unrealized losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale debt securities decreased by $3.6 million to $2.9 million at September 30, 2024, from $6.5 million at June 30, 2024. The decrease in the unrealized losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale debt securities was primarily attributable to factors other than credit related, including decreases in market interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve’s 50 basis point rate cut in September 2024. Tangible common equity (non-GAAP¹) as a percentage of total tangible assets (non-GAAP¹) at September 30, 2024, decreased to 8.58% from 11.28% in the prior quarter, and unrealized losses, net of taxes, on available-for-sale debt securities as a percentage of tangible common equity (non-GAAP¹) at September 30, 2024 decreased to 0.8% from 2.6% in the prior quarter.

The Company’s preliminary capital exceeds minimums required to be “well-capitalized” at September 30, 2024.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA BANCORP

California BanCorp (NASDAQ: BCAL) is a registered bank holding company headquartered in San Diego, California. California Bank of Commerce, N.A., a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States (the “Bank”) and regulated by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, is a wholly owned subsidiary of California BanCorp. Established in 2001 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the Bank offers a range of financial products and services to individuals, professionals, and small to medium-sized businesses through its 14 branch offices and four loan production offices serving Northern and Southern California. The Bank’s solutions-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. Additional information is available at www.bankcbc.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and other matters that are not historical facts. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding expectations, plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, loan recoveries, projections, expectations regarding the adequacy of reserves for credit losses and statements about the benefits of the Company’s merger with CALB (the “Merger”), as well as forecasts relating to financial and operating results or other measures of economic performance. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current view about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed in the forward-looking statement or historical results. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and often include the words or phrases such as “aim,” “can,” “may,” “could,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “hope,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “will likely result,” “continue,” “seek,” “shall,” “possible,” “projection,” “optimistic,” and “outlook,” and variations of these words and similar expressions.

Factors that could cause or contribute to results differing from those in or implied in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to risk related to the Merger, including the risks that costs may be greater than anticipated, cost savings may be less than anticipated, and difficulties in retaining senior management, employees or customers, the impact of bank failures or other adverse developments at other banks on general investor sentiment regarding the stability and liquidity of banks, changes in real estate markets and valuations; the impact on financial markets from geopolitical conflicts; inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations and general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in the areas in which the Company conducts business; increases in competitive pressures among financial institutions and businesses offering similar products and services; general credit risks related to lending, including changes in the value of real estate or other collateral, the financial condition of borrowers, the effectiveness of our underwriting practices and the risk of fraud; higher than anticipated defaults in the Company’s loan portfolio; changes in management’s estimate of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses or the factors the Company uses to determine the allowance for credit losses; changes in demand for loans and other products and services offered by the Company; the costs and outcomes of litigation; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and other risk factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other documents the Company may file with the SEC from time to time.

Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business and future financial performance are subject is contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other documents the Company files with the SEC from time to time.

Any forward-looking statement made in this release is based only on information currently available to management and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to conform such forward-looking statements to actual results or to changes in its opinions or expectations, except as required by law.

California BanCorp and Subsidiary
Financial Highlights (Unaudited)

	At or for the Three Months Ended									At or for the Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
EARNINGS	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Net interest income	$	36,942		$	21,007		$	23,261		$	78,443		$	71,579
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	$	22,963		$	2,893		$	(96	)	$	25,525		$	91
Noninterest income	$	1,174		$	1,169		$	815		$	3,756		$	3,481
Noninterest expense	$	37,680		$	19,005		$	14,781		$	71,666		$	44,407
Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(6,063	)	$	88		$	2,835		$	(3,653	)	$	9,064
Net (loss) income	$	(16,464	)	$	190		$	6,556		$	(11,339	)	$	21,498
Pre-tax pre-provision income ⁽¹⁾	$	436		$	3,171		$	9,295		$	10,533		$	30,653
Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income ⁽¹⁾	$	15,041		$	3,662		$	9,295		$	26,178		$	30,653
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$	(0.59	)	$	0.01		$	0.35		$	(0.53	)	$	1.15
Shares outstanding at period end		32,142,427			18,547,352			18,309,282			32,142,427			18,309,282

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets		(1.82	)%		0.03	%		1.12	%		(0.55	)%		1.25	%
Adjusted return on average assets ⁽¹⁾		1.01	%		0.11	%		1.12	%		0.74	%		1.25	%
Return on average common equity		(15.28	)%		0.26	%		9.38	%		(4.48	)%		10.63	%
Adjusted return on average common equity ⁽¹⁾		8.44	%		0.82	%		9.38	%		6.00	%		10.63	%
Yield on total loans		6.79	%		6.21	%		5.97	%		6.40	%		5.89	%
Yield on interest earning assets		6.49	%		5.97	%		5.72	%		6.15	%		5.63	%
Cost of deposits		2.09	%		2.12	%		1.56	%		2.09	%		1.22	%
Cost of funds		2.19	%		2.21	%		1.62	%		2.19	%		1.30	%
Net interest margin		4.43	%		3.94	%		4.23	%		4.12	%		4.43	%
Efficiency ratio ⁽¹⁾		98.86	%		85.70	%		61.39	%		87.19	%		59.16	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio ⁽¹⁾		60.54	%		83.49	%		61.39	%		68.15	%		59.16	%

	As of
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
CAPITAL	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Tangible equity to tangible assets ⁽¹⁾		8.58	%		11.28	%		10.73	%
Book value (BV) per common share	$	15.50		$	15.81		$	15.69
Tangible BV per common share ⁽¹⁾	$	11.28		$	13.71		$	13.56

ASSET QUALITY
Allowance for loan losses (ALL)	$	53,552		$	23,788		$	22,569
Reserve for unfunded loan commitments	$	4,071		$	819		$	933
Allowance for credit losses (ACL)	$	57,623		$	24,607		$	23,502
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans		2.09	x		5.07	x		1.74	x
ALL to total loans held for investment		1.67	%		1.27	%		1.15	%
ACL to total loans held for investment		1.80	%		1.31	%		1.20	%
30-89 days past due, excluding nonaccrual loans	$	19,110		$	—		$	19
Over 90 days past due, excluding nonaccrual loans	$	37		$	—		$	—
Special mention loans	$	93,448		$	27,861		$	2,996
Special mention loans to total loans held for investment		2.92	%		1.48	%		0.15	%
Substandard loans	$	104,298		$	23,080		$	19,502
Substandard loans to total loans held for investment		3.26	%		1.23	%		1.00	%
Nonperforming loans	$	25,698		$	4,696		$	13,004
Nonperforming loans total loans held for investment		0.80	%		0.25	%		0.66	%
Other real estate owned, net	$	4,083		$	—		$	—
Nonperforming assets	$	29,781		$	4,696		$	13,004
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.68	%		0.20	%		0.55	%

END OF PERIOD BALANCES
Total loans, including loans held for sale	$	3,233,418		$	1,884,599		$	1,964,791
Total assets	$	4,362,767		$	2,293,693		$	2,360,252
Deposits	$	3,740,915		$	1,935,862		$	1,943,556
Loans to deposits		86.4	%		97.4	%		101.1	%
Shareholders’ equity	$	498,064		$	293,219		$	288,152

(1) Non-GAAP measure. See – GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.

	At or for the Three Months Ended									At or for the Nine Months Ended
ALLOWANCE for CREDIT LOSSES	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	($ in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses
Balance at beginning of period	$	23,788		$	22,254		$	22,502		$	22,569		$	17,099
Adoption of ASU 2016-13 ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			—			5,027
Initial Allowance for PCD loans		11,216			—			—			11,216			—
Provision for credit losses ⁽²⁾		19,711			2,990			202			22,387			600
Charge-offs		(1,163	)		(1,456	)		—			(2,620	)		(36	)
Recoveries		—			—			1			—			15
Net (charge-offs) recoveries		(1,163	)		(1,456	)		1			(2,620	)		(21	)
Balance, end of period	$	53,552		$	23,788		$	22,705		$	53,552		$	22,705
Reserve for unfunded loan commitments ⁽³⁾
Balance, beginning of period	$	819		$	916		$	1,538		$	933		$	1,310
Adoption of ASU 2016-13 ⁽¹⁾		—			—			—			—			439
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses ⁽⁴⁾		3,252			(97	)		(298	)		3,138			(509	)
Balance, end of period		4,071			819			1,240			4,071			1,240
Allowance for credit losses	$	57,623		$	24,607		$	23,945		$	57,623		$	23,945

ALL to total loans held for investment		1.67	%		1.27	%		1.18	%		1.67	%		1.18	%
ACL to total loans held for investment		1.80	%		1.31	%		1.24	%		1.80	%		1.24	%
Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average total loans		(0.17	)%		(0.31	)%		0.00	%		(0.16	)%		0.00	%

(1	)	Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses on January 1, 2023. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-13, our methodology to compute our allowance for credit losses is based on a current expected credit loss methodology, rather than the previously applied incurred loss methodology.
(2	)	Includes $18.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 related to the initial provision for credit losses for non-PCD loans acquired in the merger with CALB.
(3	)	Included in “Accrued interest and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet.
(4	)	Includes $2.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 related to the initial provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments acquired in the merger with CALB.

California BanCorp and Subsidiary

Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
ASSETS	($ in thousands)
Cash and due from banks	$	115,165		$	29,153		$	33,008
Federal funds sold & interest-bearing balances		499,258			75,580			53,785
Total cash and cash equivalents		614,423			104,733			86,793

Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $163,384, $132,862 and $136,366 at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023)		159,330			123,653			130,035
Debt securities held-to-maturity, at cost (fair value of $49,487, $48,476 and $50,432 at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023)		53,364			53,449			53,616
Loans held for sale		33,704			6,982			7,349
Loans held for investment:
Construction & land development		247,934			205,072			243,521
1-4 family residential		152,540			157,323			143,903
Multifamily		252,134			187,960			221,247
Other commercial real estate		1,755,908			1,043,662			1,024,243
Commercial & industrial		765,472			283,203			320,142
Other consumer		25,726			397			4,386
Total loans held for investment		3,199,714			1,877,617			1,957,442
Allowance for credit losses – loans		(53,552	)		(23,788	)		(22,569	)
Total loans held for investment, net		3,146,162			1,853,829			1,934,873

Restricted stock at cost		27,394			16,898			16,055
Premises and equipment		13,996			12,741			13,270
Right of use asset		15,310			8,298			9,291
Other real estate owned, net		4,083			—			—
Goodwill		112,515			37,803			37,803
Core deposit intangible		23,031			1,065			1,195
Bank owned life insurance		66,180			39,445			38,918
Deferred taxes, net		45,644			11,080			11,137
Accrued interest and other assets		47,631			23,717			19,917
Total assets	$	4,362,767		$	2,293,693		$	2,360,252

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	1,368,303		$	666,606		$	675,098
Interest-bearing NOW accounts		781,125			355,994			381,943
Money market and savings accounts		1,149,268			660,808			636,685
Time deposits		442,219			252,454			249,830
Total deposits		3,740,915			1,935,862			1,943,556

Borrowings		69,142			42,913			102,865
Operating lease liability		19,211			10,931			12,117
Accrued interest and other liabilities		35,435			10,768			13,562
Total liabilities		3,864,703			2,000,474			2,072,100

Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock – 50,000,000 shares authorized, no par value; issued and outstanding 32,142,427, 18,547,352 and 18,369,115 at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023)		441,684			224,006			222,036
Retained earnings		59,236			75,700			70,575
Accumulated other comprehensive loss – net of taxes		(2,856	)		(6,487	)		(4,459	)
Total shareholders’ equity		498,064			293,219			288,152
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,362,767		$	2,293,693		$	2,360,252

California BanCorp and Subsidiary

Income Statements – Quarterly and Year-to-Date (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Interest and fees on loans	$	47,528		$	29,057		$	28,977		$	105,169		$	83,983
Interest on debt securities		1,687			1,229			942			4,129			2,506
Interest on tax-exempted debt securities		306			306			359			918			1,302
Interest and dividends from other institutions		4,606			1,257			1,206			7,024			3,162
Total interest and dividend income		54,127			31,849			31,484			117,240			90,953

INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on NOW, savings, and money market accounts		11,073			7,039			5,922			24,882			13,555
Interest on time deposits		5,087			3,145			1,867			11,253			4,373
Interest on borrowings		1,025			658			434			2,662			1,446
Total interest expense		17,185			10,842			8,223			38,797			19,374
Net interest income		36,942			21,007			23,261			78,443			71,579

Provision for (reversal of ) credit losses ⁽¹⁾		22,963			2,893			(96	)		25,525			91
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses		13,979			18,114			23,357			52,918			71,488

NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts		1,136			568			470			2,229			1,439
Gain on sale of loans		8			—			(54	)		423			831
Bank owned life insurance income		398			266			238			925			693
Servicing and related income (expense) on loans		82			(5	)		61			150			223
Loss on sale of debt securities		—			—			—			—			34
Loss on sale of building and related fixed assets		—			(19	)		—			(19	)		—
Other charges and fees		(450	)		359			100			48			261
Total noninterest income		1,174			1,169			815			3,756			3,481

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits		15,385			8,776			9,736			33,771			29,651
Occupancy and equipment expenses		2,031			1,445			1,579			4,928			4,553
Data processing		1,536			1,186			1,144			3,872			3,376
Legal, audit and professional		669			557			598			1,742			2,050
Regulatory assessments		544			347			369			1,278			1,188
Director and shareholder expenses		520			229			215			952			642
Merger and related expenses		14,605			491			—			15,645			—
Core deposit intangible amortization		687			65			128			817			309
Other real estate owned expense		3			4,935			—			5,026			—
Other expense		1,700			974			1,012			3,635			2,638
Total noninterest expense		37,680			19,005			14,781			71,666			44,407
(Loss) income before income taxes		(22,527	)		278			9,391			(14,992	)		30,562
Income tax (benefit) expense		(6,063	)		88			2,835			(3,653	)		9,064
Net (loss) income	$	(16,464	)	$	190		$	6,556		$	(11,339	)	$	21,498

Net (loss) income per share – basic	$	(0.59	)	$	0.01		$	0.36		$	(0.53	)	$	1.18
Net (loss) income per share – diluted	$	(0.59	)	$	0.01		$	0.35		$	(0.53	)	$	1.15
Weighted average common shares-diluted		27,705,844			18,799,513			18,672,132			21,579,175			18,632,890
Pre-tax, pre-provision income ⁽²⁾	$	436		$	3,171		$	9,295		$	10,533		$	30,653

(1) Included provision for (reversal of) unfunded loan commitments of $3.3 million, $(97) thousand and $(298) thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively, and $3.1 million and $(509) thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively
(2) Non-GAAP measure. See – GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation.

California BanCorp and Subsidiary
Average Balance Sheets and Yield Analysis
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024							June 30, 2024							September 30, 2023
	Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Cost
Assets	($ in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Total loans	$	2,783,581	$	47,528		6.79	%	$	1,882,845	$	29,057		6.21	%	$	1,924,384	$	28,977		5.97	%
Taxable debt securities		149,080		1,687		4.50	%		123,906		1,229		3.99	%		111,254		942		3.36	%
Tax-exempt debt securities ⁽¹⁾		53,682		306		2.87	%		53,754		306		2.90	%		59,630		359		3.02	%
Deposits in other financial institutions		161,616		2,215		5.45	%		47,417		638		5.41	%		50,367		681		5.36	%
Fed funds sold/resale agreements		143,140		1,886		5.24	%		19,062		261		5.51	%		20,653		283		5.44	%
Restricted stock investments and other bank stock		24,587		505		8.17	%		17,091		358		8.42	%		16,365		242		5.87	%
Total interest-earning assets		3,315,686		54,127		6.49	%		2,144,075		31,849		5.97	%		2,182,653		31,484		5.72	%
Total noninterest-earning assets		277,471							150,603							131,288
Total assets	$	3,593,157						$	2,294,678						$	2,313,941

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing NOW accounts	$	617,373	$	2,681		1.73	%	$	361,244	$	2,134		2.38	%	$	353,714	$	1,706		1.91	%
Money market and savings accounts		999,322		8,392		3.34	%		653,244		4,905		3.02	%		675,609		4,216		2.48	%
Time deposits		421,241		5,087		4.80	%		259,722		3,145		4.87	%		183,745		1,867		4.03	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,037,936		16,160		3.15	%		1,274,210		10,184		3.21	%		1,213,068		7,789		2.55	%
Borrowings:
FHLB advances		611		9		5.86	%		27,391		387		5.68	%		11,731		163		5.51	%
Subordinated debt		52,246		1,016		7.74	%		17,901		271		6.09	%		17,830		271		6.03	%
Total borrowings		52,857		1,025		7.71	%		45,292		658		5.84	%		29,561		434		5.82	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,090,793		17,185		3.27	%		1,319,502		10,842		3.30	%		1,242,629		8,223		2.63	%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits ⁽²⁾		1,031,844							658,001							768,148
Other liabilities		41,962							23,054							25,722
Shareholders’ equity		428,558							294,121							277,442
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	3,593,157						$	2,294,678						$	2,313,941

Net interest spread						3.22	%						2.67	%						3.09	%
Net interest income and margin			$	36,942		4.43	%			$	21,007		3.94	%			$	23,261		4.23	%
Cost of deposits	$	3,069,780	$	16,160		2.09	%	$	1,932,211	$	10,184		2.12	%	$	1,981,216	$	7,789		1.56	%
Cost of funds	$	3,122,637	$	17,185		2.19	%	$	1,977,503	$	10,842		2.21	%	$	2,010,777	$	8,223		1.62	%

(1) Tax-exempt debt securities yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21% tax rate.
(2) Average noninterest-bearing deposits represent 33.61%, 34.05% and 38.77% of average total deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

California BanCorp and Subsidiary
Average Balance Sheets and Yield Analysis
(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024							September 30, 2023
	Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Income/ Expense		Yield/ Cost
Assets	($ in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Total loans	$	2,194,059	$	105,169		6.40	%	$	1,906,327	$	83,983		5.89	%
Taxable debt securities		133,321		4,129		4.14	%		104,881		2,506		3.19	%
Tax-exempt debt securities ⁽¹⁾		53,759		918		2.89	%		68,043		1,302		3.24	%
Deposits in other financial institutions		87,966		3,569		5.42	%		43,629		1,675		5.13	%
Fed funds sold/resale agreements		57,634		2,281		5.29	%		21,182		798		5.04	%
Restricted stock investments and other bank stock		19,383		1,174		8.09	%		15,774		689		5.84	%
Total interest-earning assets		2,546,122		117,240		6.15	%		2,159,836		90,953		5.63	%
Total noninterest-earning assets		189,573							133,224
Total assets	$	2,735,695						$	2,293,060

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing NOW accounts	$	446,759	$	6,860		2.05	%	$	290,326	$	3,301		1.52	%
Money market and savings accounts		767,916		18,022		3.13	%		674,452		10,254		2.03	%
Time deposits		312,544		11,253		4.81	%		170,620		4,373		3.43	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,527,219		36,135		3.16	%		1,135,398		17,928		2.11	%
Borrowings:
FHLB advances		26,105		1,103		5.64	%		16,282		632		5.19	%
Subordinated debt		29,425		1,559		7.08	%		17,807		814		6.11	%
Total borrowings		55,530		2,662		6.40	%		34,089		1,446		5.67	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,582,749		38,797		3.27	%		1,169,487		19,374		2.21	%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits ⁽²⁾		784,609							829,082
Other liabilities		30,524							24,086
Shareholders’ equity		337,813							270,405

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	2,735,695						$	2,293,060

Net interest spread						2.88	%						3.42	%
Net interest income and margin			$	78,443		4.12	%			$	71,579		4.43	%
Cost of deposits	$	2,311,828	$	36,135		2.09	%	$	1,964,480	$	17,928		1.22	%
Cost of funds	$	2,367,358	$	38,797		2.19	%	$	1,998,569	$	19,374		1.30	%

(1) Tax-exempt debt securities yields are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a 21% tax rate.
(2) Average noninterest-bearing deposits represent 33.94%, and 42.20% of average total deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

California BanCorp and Subsidiary
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
(Unaudited)

The following tables present a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures for: (1) adjusted net (loss) income, (2) efficiency ratio, (3) adjusted efficiency ratio, (4) pre-tax pre-provision income, (5) adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income, (6) average tangible common equity, (7) adjusted return on average assets, (8) adjusted return on average equity, (9) return on average tangible common equity, (10) adjusted return on average tangible common equity, (11) tangible common equity, (12) tangible assets, (13) tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio, and (14) tangible book value per share. We believe the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to assess our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations and to assist investors in evaluating our financial results relative to our peers. These non-GAAP financial measures complement our GAAP reporting and are presented below to provide investors and others with information that we use to manage the business each period. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should be taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and should not be considered a substitute of the GAAP measures.

	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	($ in thousands)
Adjusted net income
Net (loss) income	$	(16,464	)	$	190		$	6,556		$	(11,339	)	$	21,498
Add: After-tax Day1 provision for non PCD loans and unfunded loan commitments ⁽¹⁾		14,978			—			—			14,978			—
Add: After-tax merger and related expenses ⁽¹⁾		10,576			412			—			11,535			—
Adjusted net (loss) income (non-GAAP)	$	9,090		$	602		$	6,556		$	15,174		$	21,498

Efficiency Ratio
Noninterest expense	$	37,680		$	19,005		$	14,781		$	71,666		$	44,407
Deduct: Merger and related expenses		14,605			491			—			15,645			—
Adjusted noninterest expense		23,075			18,514			14,781			56,021			44,407

Net interest income		36,942			21,007			23,261			78,443			71,579
Noninterest income		1,174			1,169			815			3,756			3,481
Total net interest income and noninterest income	$	38,116		$	22,176		$	24,076		$	82,199		$	75,060
Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)		98.9	%		85.7	%		61.4	%		87.2	%		59.2	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)		60.5	%		83.5	%		61.4	%		68.2	%		59.2	%

Pre-tax pre-provision income
Net interest income	$	36,942		$	21,007		$	23,261		$	78,443		$	71,579
Noninterest income		1,174			1,169			815			3,756			3,481
Total net interest income and noninterest income		38,116			22,176			24,076			82,199			75,060
Less: Noninterest expense		37,680			19,005			14,781			71,666			44,407
Pre-tax pre-provision income (non-GAAP)		436			3,171			9,295			10,533			30,653
Add: Merger and related expenses		14,605			491			—			15,645			—
Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income (non-GAAP)	$	15,041		$	3,662		$	9,295		$	26,178		$	30,653

(1) After-tax merger and related expenses are presented using a 29.56% tax rate.

Return on Average Assets, Equity, and Tangible Equity
Net (loss) income	$	(16,464	)	$	190		$	6,556		$	(11,339	)	$	21,498
Adjusted net (loss) income (non-GAAP)	$	9,090		$	602		$	6,556		$	15,174		$	21,498

Average assets	$	3,593,157		$	2,294,678		$	2,313,941		$	2,735,695		$	2,293,060
Average shareholders’ equity		428,558			294,121			277,442			337,813			270,405
Less: Average intangible assets		104,409			38,900			39,158			60,917			39,249
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	324,149		$	255,221		$	238,284		$	276,896		$	231,156

Return on average assets		(1.82	%)		0.03	%		1.12	%		(0.55	%)		1.25	%
Adjusted return on average assets (non-GAAP)		1.01	%		0.11	%		1.12	%		0.74	%		1.25	%
Return on average equity		(15.28	%)		0.26	%		9.38	%		(4.48	%)		10.63	%
Adjusted return on average equity (non-GAAP)		8.44	%		0.82	%		9.38	%		6.00	%		10.63	%
Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		(20.21	%)		0.30	%		10.92	%		(5.47	%)		12.43	%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		11.16	%		0.95	%		10.92	%		7.32	%		12.43	%

	September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
	($ in thousands except share and per share data)
Tangible Common Equity Ratio/Tangible Book Value Per Share
Shareholders’ equity	$	498,064		$	288,152
Less: Intangible assets		135,546			38,998
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)	$	362,518		$	249,154

Total assets	$	4,362,767		$	2,360,252
Less: Intangible assets		135,546			38,998
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	4,227,221		$	2,321,254

Equity to asset ratio		11.42	%		12.21	%
Tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio (non-GAAP)		8.58	%		10.73	%
Book value per share	$	15.50		$	15.69
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)	$	11.28		$	13.56
Shares outstanding		32,142,427			18,369,115

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Kevin Mc Cabe
California Bank of Commerce, N.A.
kmccabe@bankcbc.com
818.637.7065

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Safe Harbor Financial Originates $1.07 Million Secured Credit Facility for Missouri Cannabis Operator

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GOLDEN, Colo., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SHF Holdings, Inc., d/b/a/ Safe Harbor Financial (“Safe Harbor” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SHFS), a leader in facilitating financial services and credit facilities to the regulated cannabis industry, announced that it has originated a $1.07 million secured credit facility for a Missouri-based cannabis operator, the first tranche of a $5 million commitment to refinance existing senior debt. The loan further solidifies Safe Harbor’s position as a key partner for cannabis operators seeking competitive financial solutions in the rapidly evolving cannabis financial sector.

The facility is secured by a portfolio that includes four retail dispensaries and a manufacturing facility in Missouri. The refinancing reduces the operator’s borrowing costs and will enable them to optimize their operations within the state’s growing cannabis market.

“Our competitively-priced financing solutions provide cannabis operators — who are often underserved by traditional banking institutions — with the means to achieve their business goals,” said John Foley, Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at Safe Harbor. “Our ability to offer competitive rates and tailored lending solutions is a key differentiator for Safe Harbor, and this transaction highlights our commitment to fostering growth in the cannabis sector by providing access to bank-quality financial services. We are building on our credibility and expertise in cannabis underwriting, with the goal of helping more operators achieve financial stability and growth.”

Mr. Foley added, “Offering cannabis operators access to capital is a major component of Safe Harbor’s long term strategy to support the evolving needs of the cannabis industry, to grow our credit portfolio and deliver value to our investors.”

About Safe Harbor
Safe Harbor is among the first service providers to offer compliance, monitoring and validation services to financial institutions, providing traditional banking services to cannabis, hemp, CBD, and ancillary operators, making communities safer, driving growth in local economies, and fostering long-term partnerships. Safe Harbor, through its financial institution clients, implements high standards of accountability, transparency, monitoring, reporting and risk mitigation measures while meeting Bank Secrecy Act obligations in line with FinCEN guidance on cannabis-related businesses. Over the past eight years, Safe Harbor has facilitated more than $23 billion in deposit transactions for businesses with operations spanning over 41 states and US territories with regulated cannabis markets. For more information, visit www.shfinancial.org.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to trends in the cannabis industry, including proposed changes in U.S and state laws, rules, regulations and guidance relating to Safe Harbor’s services; Safe Harbor’s growth prospects and Safe Harbor’s market size; Safe Harbor’s projected financial and operational performance, including relative to its competitors and historical performance; new product and service offerings Safe Harbor may introduce in the future; the impact volatility in the capital markets, which may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Safe Harbor; other statements regarding Safe Harbor’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future; and the other risk factors discussed in Safe Harbor’s filings from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of Safe Harbor), and other assumptions, that may cause the actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Contact Information
Safe Harbor Media
Nick Callaio, Marketing Manager
720.951.0619
Nick@SHFinancial.org

Safe Harbor Investor Relations
ir@SHFinancial.org

KCSA Strategic Communications
Ellen Mellody
safeharbor@kcsa.com

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

MIL-OSI: Linklogis Releases Q3 Results: Transaction Volume Exceeds RMB100 Billion, Hitting a Record High

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Hong Kong, China, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On October 23, 2024, Linklogis Inc. (09959.HK, “Linklogis”) released its business update for the third quarter of 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, the total transaction volume processed by the technology solutions of Linklogis reached RMB105 billion, representing an 18% year-over-year growth, with the quarterly transaction volume surpassing RMB100 billion for the first time, setting a new historical record. The company’s core growth driver, the Multi-tier Transfer Cloud, continued to excel, processing a total volume of supply chain assets of RMB47.7 billion, a year-over-year increase of 29%. Additionally, the ABS Cloud regained its growth momentum by launching new products, achieving an impressive 325% growth despite a challenging overall market environment.

Linklogis is dedicated to high-quality development, prioritizing the enhancement of efficiency and quality in its core business. Linklogis continues to diversify its customer base while strategically optimizing its business structure by reducing low-margin product lines. In the third quarter, Linklogis’ revenue and income from principal activities saw year-on-year growth, accompanied by a notable improvement in gross profit margin.

Focusing on Core Business Development, ABS Cloud Achieves 325% Growth Against Market Trends

In the third quarter of 2024, the total transaction volume processed by the technology solutions of Linklogis reached RMB105 billion, marking an 18% year-on-year increase. Within this, Anchor Cloud processed supply chain assets amounting to RMB64.4 billion, up 13% year-over-year, while FI Cloud handled supply chain assets totaling RMB34.6 billion, a 16% increase. Driven by a focused investment in its core business, the Multi-tier Transfer Cloud within the Anchor Cloud experienced robust growth, processing supply chain assets totaling RMB47.7 billion, a 29% rise year-over-year. Additionally, the ABS Cloud within the FI Cloud successfully launched new products to meet the increasing demand for diversified asset allocation in the current low-interest-rate environment. This initiative expanded services from upstream payable assets to downstream receivable assets, resulting in an impressive transaction volume of RMB22 billion for ABS Cloud in the third quarter, reflecting a remarkable 325% year-over-year growth and achieving success despite market challenges.

In the third quarter of 2024, Linklogis successfully won bids for the development of the supply chain finance service platform for Yangtze River Industry Investment Group and Genertec Universal Medical Group. Additionally, Linklogis has partnered with several large enterprises and financial institutions, including Shandong Binzhou Urban Construction Group, Huayuan Landport Capital Operation, Hubei Wanchuan State-owned Capital Investment and Operation Group, Changsha Broad Homes Industrial Group, Huaxia Bank, and China Bohai Bank, to collaborate in the supply chain finance technology sector and launch the first batch of multi-tier transfer businesses.

Linklogis accelerated its high-quality customer acquisition in the third quarter, adding 103 new customers and 184 partners, bringing the total number of customers to 959 and total partners to 2,270. This includes 1,917 anchor enterprises and 353 financial institutions. Notable new anchor enterprise customers include Wahaha Group, Jingye Group, Shanghai Electric Group, Yunnan Provincial Investment Holdings Group, and Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group. Linklogis continues to expand and optimize its customer base, focusing on key industries such as infrastructure, construction, renewable energy, and public utilities, achieving a remarkable customer retention rate of 96%.

Acquisition of Bytter to Advance Treasury Development

According to the announcement on October 29, 2024, Linklogis has officially signed an equity acquisition agreement with the current controlling shareholder of Shenzhen Bytter Technology Co., Ltd. (“Bytter”) for the acquisition of 29.38% of its shares. Upon completion of the acquisition, Linklogis’s total shareholding will increase to 54.38%, making it the controlling shareholder of Bytter. The two companies will enhance their product offerings by integrating their core strengths in fund management and supply chain finance technology. Together, they aim to support state-owned enterprises as well as large and medium-sized private enterprises in building a world-class financial management platform. Linklogis will combine external mergers and acquisitions with internal growth to embark on a new chapter in the development of smart industry-finance treasury solutions.

Linklogis is dedicated to enhancing shareholder returns through active share repurchases. As of the end of the third quarter of 2024, the company has repurchased 142 million shares for approximately HK$280 million. Moving forward, Linklogis will continue to monitor market trends, seize growth opportunities, and focus on sustainable high-growth core businesses. Linklogis aims to maintain rapid customer acquisition while steadily advancing in technological innovation and service expansion, striving to create long-term value for both customers and investors.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining can involve risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

The MIL Network –

January 25, 2025

Category: Banking

Transcript