Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI China: China to kick off monthlong consumption campaign in five big cities

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 23 — China will launch a monthlong campaign to promote consumption in November as part of its efforts to bolster consumer spending, the Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday.

    The consumption promotion month will kick off next month in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing.

    It will feature a series of activities promoting consumption in shopping, catering, tourism, exhibitions and performances, among others, according to the ministry.

    Relevant departments and localities have been asked to refine their plans to implement the promotion month and introduce practical measures to foster the continuous recovery of the country’s consumer market.

    China introduced a large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in program in March this year to expand domestic demand and shore up the economy.

    China’s retail sales of consumer goods went up 3.3 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year, official data showed.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New initiative to boost growth and innovation for Winchester district businesses

    Source: City of Winchester

    IncuHive Chief Executive Officer George Scott-Welsh and Cabinet member for Business and Culture Cllr Lucille Thompson

    Entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and small- to medium-sized businesses across the Winchester district are being encouraged to get involved in a new initiative to boost their growth and inspire innovation.

    The Business Growth Factory, delivered by IncuHive in partnership with Winchester City Council, will provide businesses with crucial skills, such as the ability to identify target markets, effectively manage finances and make successful investment pitches.

    The programme itself features a mix of tailored support, expert-led mentoring and hands-on workshops to help participants make the most of the support on offer and make sure they have the tools and insights needed to thrive in competitive marketplaces.

    The programme is provided completely free of charge thanks to funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, Councillor Lucille Thompson, said:

    “Local entrepreneurship is a vital part of our district’s vibrant local economy and it’s hugely important that our start-ups and small businesses have the support they need.

    “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to partner with IncuHive on this fantastic initiative to empower our local business community by equipping them with important skills for growth”.

    The Business Growth Factory is open to new entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and small businesses in the Winchester district.

    Those interested can apply by visiting incuhive.co.uk/acceleration-investment/winchester-cc-business-growth-factory and completing the online application form.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Exceeded third quarter 2024 financial guidance for revenue and earnings
    • Accelerated revenue growth to 12 percent, driven by U.S. Financial Services, Insurance, Consumer Interactive and International, while executing on technology modernization and transformation program savings
    • Voluntarily prepaid $25 million in debt, bringing total prepayments to $105 million in 2024
    • Raising 2024 financial guidance, we now expect to deliver 9 percent revenue growth for the year

    CHICAGO, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Revenue:

    • Total revenue for the quarter was $1,085 million, an increase of 12 percent (12 percent on a constant currency basis), compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Earnings:

    • Net income attributable to TransUnion was $68 million for the quarter, compared with a loss of $319 million for the third quarter of 2023. Diluted earnings per share was $0.35, compared with a loss per share of $1.65 in the third quarter of 2023. Net income attributable to TransUnion margin was 6.3 percent, compared with a loss of 32.9 percent in the third quarter of 2023. Our third quarter 2023 net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion, diluted loss per share and net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion margin were impacted by a $414 million non-cash goodwill impairment expense for our United Kingdom reporting unit in the period.
    • Adjusted Net Income was $205 million for the quarter, compared with $177 million for the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share was $1.04, compared with $0.91 in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $394 million for the quarter, compared with $356 million for the third quarter of 2023, an increase of 11 percent (11 percent on a constant currency basis). Adjusted EBITDA margin was 36.3 percent, compared with 36.8 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

    “In the third quarter, TransUnion exceeded financial guidance,” said Chris Cartwright, President and CEO. “U.S. Markets grew by double-digits against stable market conditions, driven by mortgage strength, improving non-mortgage financial services, accelerating insurance growth and large breach remediation wins. Our International segment delivered double-digit organic constant currency revenue growth across India, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa.”

    “We continue to progress well against our transformation program. We now expect to capture $85 million of operating expense savings in 2024, driven by strong execution against our operating model optimization to expand our Global Capability Center network. Additionally, our technology modernization is accelerating our pace of innovation with several new capabilities and products launched in the quarter, powered by OneTru.”

    “We are raising our 2024 guidance and now expect to deliver 9 percent revenue growth, reflecting third quarter outperformance, stronger mortgage volumes and broad-based strength across the portfolio.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Segment Results

    U.S. Markets:

    U.S. Markets revenue was $848 million, an increase of 12 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    • Financial Services revenue was $367 million, an increase of 17 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Emerging Verticals revenue was $307 million, an increase of 3 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Consumer Interactive revenue was $174 million, an increase of 21 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $320 million, an increase of 9 percent compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    International:

    International revenue was $242 million, an increase of 11 percent (12 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    • Canada revenue was $39 million, an increase of 7 percent (9 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Latin America revenue was $33 million, an increase of 7 percent (13 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • United Kingdom revenue was $58 million, an increase of 6 percent (4 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Africa revenue was $17 million, an increase of 12 percent (10 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • India revenue was $68 million, an increase of 21 percent (23 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.
    • Asia Pacific revenue was $26 million, an increase of 11 percent (11 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $110 million, an increase of 14 percent (15 percent on a constant currency basis) compared with the third quarter of 2023.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Cash and cash equivalents was $643 million at September 30, 2024 and $476 million at December 31, 2023.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash provided by operating activities was $579 million, compared with $444 million in 2023. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to improved operating performance, partially offset by employee separation payments and a penalty paid for the early termination of a facility lease, both of which were in connection with our operating model optimization program. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash used in investing activities was $195 million, compared with $231 million in 2023. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was due primarily to prior year investments in non-consolidated affiliates and lower capital expenditures. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, capital expenditures were $199 million, compared with $213 million in 2023. Capital expenditures as a percent of revenue represented 6% and 7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash used in financing activities was $220 million, compared with $375 million in 2023. The decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a decrease in debt prepayments.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Outlook

    Our guidance is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change, many of which are outside of the control of the Company, including general macroeconomic conditions, interest rates and inflation. There are numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve the results expressed by this guidance.

        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024
    (in millions, except per share data)   Low   High   Low   High
    Revenue, as reported   $ 1,014     $ 1,034     $ 4,161     $ 4,181  
    Revenue growth1:                
    As reported     6 %     8 %     9 %     9 %
    Constant currency1, 2     6 %     8 %     8 %     9 %
    Organic constant currency1, 3     6 %     8 %     8 %     9 %
                     
    Net income attributable to TransUnion   $ 65     $ 77     $ 284     $ 295  
    Net income attributable to TransUnion growth     n/m       n/m       238 %     243 %
    Net income attributable to TransUnion margin     6.4 %     7.4 %     6.8 %     7.1 %
                     
    Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 0.34     $ 0.39     $ 1.45     $ 1.51  
    Diluted Earnings per Share growth   n/m       n/m       237 %     243 %
                     
    Adjusted EBITDA, as reported5   $ 360     $ 375     $ 1,488     $ 1,503  
    Adjusted EBITDA growth, as reported4     10 %     15 %     11 %     12 %
    Adjusted EBITDA margin     35.5 %     36.2 %     35.8 %     36.0 %
                     
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share5   $ 0.92     $ 0.98     $ 3.87     $ 3.93  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share growth     14 %     21 %     15 %     17 %
    1. Additional revenue growth assumptions:
      1. The impact of changing exchange rates is expected to have an insignificant impact for Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
      2. There is no impact from recent acquisitions for Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
      3. The impact of mortgage is expected to be approximately 5 points of benefit for Q4 2024 and approximately 4 points of benefit for FY 2024.
    2. Constant currency growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
    3. Organic constant currency growth rates are constant currency growth excluding inorganic growth. Inorganic growth represents growth attributable to the first twelve months of activity for recent business acquisitions. There is no impact from recent business acquisitions in Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
    4. Additional Adjusted EBITDA assumptions:
      1. The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates is expected to have an insignificant impact for Q4 2024 and FY 2024.
    5. For a reconciliation of the above non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, refer to Schedule 7 of this Earnings Release.

    Earnings Webcast Details

    In conjunction with this release, TransUnion will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss the business results for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. This session and the accompanying presentation materials may be accessed at http://www.transunion.com/tru. A replay of the call will also be available at this website following the conclusion of the call.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.

    http://www.transunion.com/business 

    Availability of Information on TransUnion’s Website

    Investors and others should note that TransUnion routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the TransUnion Investor Relations website. While not all of the information that the Company posts to the TransUnion Investor Relations website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media and others interested in TransUnion to review the information that it shares on http://www.transunion.com/tru.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of TransUnion’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this earnings release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including our guidance and descriptions of our business plans and strategies. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “suggest,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “continues,” “seeks,” “predicts,” or the negatives of these words and other similar expressions.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, or that could materially affect our financial results or such forward-looking statements include:

    • macroeconomic effects and changes in market conditions, including the impact of inflation, risk of recession, and industry trends and adverse developments in the debt, consumer credit and financial services markets, including the impact on the carrying value of our assets in all of the markets where we operate;
    • our ability to provide competitive services and prices;
    • our ability to retain or renew existing agreements with large or long-term customers;
    • our ability to maintain the security and integrity of our data;
    • our ability to deliver services timely without interruption;
    • our ability to maintain our access to data sources;
    • government regulation and changes in the regulatory environment;
    • litigation or regulatory proceedings;
    • our ability to effectively manage our costs;
    • our efforts to execute our transformation plan and achieve the anticipated benefits and savings;
    • our ability to remediate existing material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;
    • economic and political stability in the United States and international markets where we operate;
    • our ability to effectively develop and maintain strategic alliances and joint ventures;
    • our ability to timely develop new services and the market’s willingness to adopt our new services;
    • our ability to manage and expand our operations and keep up with rapidly changing technologies;
    • our ability to acquire businesses, successfully secure financing for our acquisitions, timely consummate our acquisitions, successfully integrate the operations of our acquisitions, control the costs of integrating our acquisitions and realize the intended benefits of such acquisitions;
    • our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property, trade secrets and other forms of unpatented intellectual property;
    • our ability to defend our intellectual property from infringement claims by third parties;
    • geopolitical conditions and other risks associated with our international operations;
    • the ability of our outside service providers and key vendors to fulfill their obligations to us;
    • further consolidation in our end-customer markets;
    • the increased availability of free or inexpensive consumer information;
    • losses against which we do not insure;
    • our ability to make timely payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
    • our ability to satisfy covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
    • our ability to maintain our liquidity;
    • share repurchase plans; and
    • our reliance on key management personnel.

    There may be other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release speak only as of the date of this earnings release. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this earnings release.

    For More Information

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

        September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Assets        
    Current assets:        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 643.2     $ 476.2  
    Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $18.2 and $16.4     798.4       723.0  
    Other current assets     228.2       275.9  
    Total current assets     1,669.8       1,475.1  
    Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $858.3 and $804.4     181.5       199.3  
    Goodwill     5,184.5       5,176.0  
    Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $3,055.8 and $2,719.8     3,356.9       3,515.3  
    Other assets     661.1       739.4  
    Total assets   $ 11,053.8     $ 11,105.1  
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity        
    Current liabilities:        
    Trade accounts payable   $ 319.4     $ 251.3  
    Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt     66.5       89.6  
    Other current liabilities     609.8       661.8  
    Total current liabilities     995.7       1,002.7  
    Long-term debt     5,134.9       5,250.8  
    Deferred taxes     481.8       592.9  
    Other liabilities     120.2       153.2  
    Total liabilities     6,732.6       6,999.6  
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1.0 billion shares authorized at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 201.4 million and 200.0 million shares issued at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and 194.9 million and 193.8 million shares outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     2.0       2.0  
    Additional paid-in capital     2,524.3       2,412.9  
    Treasury stock at cost, 6.6 million and 6.2 million shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     (333.0 )     (302.9 )
    Retained earnings     2,312.6       2,157.1  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (289.5 )     (260.9 )
    Total TransUnion stockholders’ equity     4,216.4       4,008.2  
    Noncontrolling interests     104.8       97.3  
    Total stockholders’ equity     4,321.2       4,105.5  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 11,053.8     $ 11,105.1  
     

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
         2024     2023     2024     2023 
    Revenue   $ 1,085.0     $ 968.7     $ 3,147.0     $ 2,876.9  
    Operating expenses                
    Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization below)     448.7       368.8       1,261.7       1,136.8  
    Selling, general and administrative     305.7       290.8       922.1       867.7  
    Depreciation and amortization     133.6       131.3       400.5       391.1  
    Goodwill impairment           414.0             414.0  
    Restructuring     40.5             66.8        
    Total operating expenses     928.6       1,205.0       2,651.0       2,809.6  
    Operating income (loss)     156.4       (236.3 )     495.9       67.3  
    Non-operating income and (expense)                
    Interest expense     (66.6 )     (72.7 )     (203.2 )     (217.2 )
    Interest income     7.8       5.0       19.9       15.1  
    Earnings from equity method investments     4.7       3.7       14.0       11.7  
    Other (expense) and income, net     (5.4 )     8.7       (26.2 )     (16.3 )
    Total non-operating income and (expense)     (59.6 )     (55.4 )     (195.4 )     (206.8 )
    Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes     96.8       (291.7 )     300.5       (139.5 )
    Provision for income taxes     (24.9 )     (22.2 )     (68.9 )     (60.1 )
    Income (loss) from continuing operations     71.9       (313.9 )     231.6       (199.6 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax           (0.5 )           (0.7 )
    Net income (loss)     71.9       (314.4 )     231.6       (200.3 )
    Less: net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests     (3.9 )     (4.3 )     (13.4 )     (11.9 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
                     
    Basic earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax                        
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.10 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax                        
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.10 )
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     194.6       193.4       194.3       193.3  
    Diluted     197.0       193.4       196.3       193.3  
                                     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
    (in millions)

        Nine Months Ended September 30,
         2024    2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net income (loss)   $ 231.6     $ (200.3 )
    Less: Discontinued operations, net of tax           0.7  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations     231.6       (199.6 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     400.5       391.1  
    Goodwill impairment           414.0  
    Loss on repayment of loans     2.6       3.0  
    Deferred taxes     (94.1 )     (101.3 )
    Stock-based compensation     85.6       72.9  
    Loss on early termination of lease     40.5        
    Other     17.9       13.1  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:        
    Trade accounts receivable     (88.9 )     (104.2 )
    Other current and long-term assets     31.4       (42.4 )
    Trade accounts payable     44.2       16.9  
    Other current and long-term liabilities     (92.8 )     (19.7 )
    Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations     578.5       443.8  
    Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations           (0.2 )
    Cash provided by operating activities     578.5       443.6  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Capital expenditures     (198.7 )     (213.2 )
    Proceeds from sale/maturities of other investments           63.9  
    Purchases of other investments           (43.7 )
    Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates     (5.9 )     (36.9 )
    Proceeds from the sale of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates     3.8        
    Payment related to disposal of discontinued operations           (0.5 )
    Other     5.7       (0.1 )
    Cash used in investing activities     (195.1 )     (230.5 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Proceeds from term loans     934.9        
    Repayments of term loans     (927.9 )      
    Repayments of debt     (141.0 )     (310.9 )
    Debt financing fees     (13.5 )      
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options     24.5       23.1  
    Dividends to shareholders     (61.7 )     (61.4 )
    Employee taxes paid on restricted stock units recorded as treasury stock     (30.1 )     (17.6 )
    Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (4.7 )     (8.5 )
    Cash used in financing activities     (219.5 )     (375.3 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     3.1       (2.2 )
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents     167.0       (164.4 )
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     476.2       585.3  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 643.2     $ 420.9  
     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Leverage Ratio for all periods presented. These are important financial measures for the Company but are not financial measures as defined by GAAP. These financial measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as alternative measures of GAAP. Other companies in our industry may define or calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, including operating income, operating margin, effective tax rate, net income attributable to the Company, diluted earnings per share or cash provided by operating activities. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below.

    We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as supplemental measures of our operating performance because these measures eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our cash operations and ongoing operating performance. These are measures frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies similar to ours.

    Our board of directors and executive management team use Adjusted EBITDA as an incentive compensation measure for most eligible employees and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as an incentive compensation measure for certain of our senior executives.

    Under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to our Leverage Ratio which is partially based on Adjusted EBITDA. Investors also use our Leverage Ratio to assess our ability to service our debt and make other capital allocation decisions.

    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

    Management has excluded the following items from net income attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

    • Discontinued operations, net of tax, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We exclude discontinued operations, net of tax because we believe it does not reflect the underlying and ongoing performance of our business operations.
    • Net interest expense is the sum of interest expense and interest income as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Provision for income taxes, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Depreciation and amortization, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Stock-based compensation is used as an incentive to engage and retain our employees. It is predominantly a non-cash expense. We exclude stock-based compensation because it may not correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during the period since it is measured at the grant date fair value and it is subject to variability as a result of performance conditions and timing of grants. These expenses are reported within cost of services and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Operating model optimization program represents employee separation costs, facility lease exit costs, and other business process optimization expenses incurred in connection with the transformation plan discussed further in “Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business. Further, these costs will vary and may not be comparable during the transformation initiative as we progress toward an optimized operating model. These costs are reported primarily in restructuring and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Accelerated technology investment includes Project Rise and the final phase of our technology investment announced in November 2023. Project Rise was announced in February 2020 and was originally expected to be completed in 2022. Following our acquisition of Neustar in December 2021, we recognized the opportunity to take advantage of Neustar’s capabilities to enhance and complement our cloud-based technology already under development as part of Project Rise. As a result, we extended Project Rise’s timeline to 2024 and increased the total estimated cost to approximately $240 million. In November 2023, we announced our plans to further leverage Neustar’s technology to standardize and streamline our product delivery platforms and to build a single global platform for fulfillment of our product lines. The additional investment is expected to be approximately $90 million during 2024 and 2025 and represents the final phase of the technology investment in our global technology infrastructure and core customer applications. We expect that the accelerated technology investment will fundamentally transform our technology infrastructure by implementing a global cloud-based approach to streamline product development, increase the efficiency of ongoing operations and maintenance and enable a continuous improvement approach to avoid the need for another major technology overhaul in the foreseeable future. The unique effort to build a secure, reliable and performant hybrid cloud infrastructure requires us to dedicate separate resources in order to develop the new cloud-based infrastructure in parallel with our current on-premise environment by maintaining our existing technology team to ensure no disruptions to our customers. The costs associated with the accelerated technology investment are incremental and redundant costs that will not recur after the program has been completed and are not representative of our underlying operating performance. Therefore, we believe that excluding these costs from our non-GAAP measures provides a better reflection of our ongoing cost structure. These costs are primarily reported in cost of services and therefore do not include amounts that are capitalized as internally developed software.
    • Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization expenses are non-recurring expenses associated with specific transactions (exploratory or executed) and consist of (i) transaction and integration costs, (ii) post-acquisition adjustments to contingent consideration or to assets and liabilities that occurred after the acquisition measurement period, (iii) fair value and impairment adjustments related to investments and call and put options, (iv) transition services agreement income, and (v) a loss on disposal of a business. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary depending upon the timing of such transactions. These expenses are reported in costs of services, selling, general and administrative and other income and (expenses), net, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Net other adjustments principally relate to: (i) deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing, (ii) currency remeasurement on foreign operations, (iii) other debt financing expenses consisting primarily of revolving credit facility deferred financing fee amortization and commitment fees and expenses associated with ratings agencies and interest rate hedging, (iv) legal and regulatory expenses, net, and (v) other non-operating (income) expense. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business and create variability between periods based on the nature and timing of the expense or income. These costs are reported in selling, general and administrative and in non-operating income and expense, net as applicable based on their nature on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin

    Management defines Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue as reported.

    Adjusted Net Income

    Management has excluded the following items from net income attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted Net Income for the periods presented:

    • Discontinued operations, net of tax (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Amortization of certain intangible assets presents non-cash amortization expenses related to assets that arose from our 2012 change in control transaction and business combinations occurring after our 2012 change in control. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary dependent upon the timing of the transactions that give rise to these assets. Amortization of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortization on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
    • Stock-based compensation (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Operating model optimization program (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Accelerated technology investment (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Mergers and acquisitions, divestiture and business optimization (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above).
    • Net other is consistent with the definition in Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above except that other debt financing expenses and certain other miscellaneous income and expense that are included in the adjustment to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are excluded in the adjustment made to calculate Adjusted Net Income.
    • Total adjustments for income taxes relates to the cumulative adjustments discussed below for Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes. This adjustment is made for the reasons indicated in Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes below. Adjustments related to the provision for income taxes are included in the line item by this name on our consolidated statement of operations.

    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

    Management defines Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.

    Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes

    Management has excluded the following items from our provision for income taxes for the periods presented:

    • Tax effect of above adjustments represents the income tax effect of the adjustments related to Adjusted Net Income described above. The tax rate applied to each adjustment is based on the nature of each line item. We include the tax effect of the adjustments made to Adjusted Net Income to provide a comprehensive view of our adjusted net income.
    • Excess tax expense (benefit) for stock-based compensation is the permanent difference between expenses recognized for book purposes and expenses recognized for tax purposes, in each case related to stock-based compensation expense. We exclude this amount from the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes in order to be consistent with the exclusion of stock-based compensation from the calculation of Adjusted Net Income.
    • Other principally relates to (i) deferred tax adjustments, including rate changes, (ii) infrequent or unusual valuation allowance adjustments, (iii) return to provision, tax authority audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods, and (iv) other non-recurring items. We exclude these items because they create variability that impacts comparability between periods.

    Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

    Management defines Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes divided by Adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes. We calculate adjusted income from continuing operations before income taxes by excluding the pre-tax adjustments in the calculation of Adjusted Net Income discussed above and noncontrolling interest related to these pre-tax adjustments from income from continuing operations before income taxes.

    Leverage Ratio

    Management defines Leverage Ratio as net debt divided by Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent twelve-month period including twelve months of Adjusted EBITDA from significant acquisitions. Since the Leverage Ratio is calculated on a trailing twelve month basis, prior period goodwill impairment is excluded as this expense may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during that period and may vary significantly between periods. Net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents as reported on the balance sheet as of the end of the period.

    This earnings release presents constant currency growth rates assuming foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. This earnings release also presents organic constant currency growth rates, which assumes consistent foreign currency exchange rates between years and also eliminates the impact of our recent acquisitions. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the impacts of recent acquisitions.

    Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and is a measure we may refer to.

    Refer to Schedules 1 through 7 for a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

    SCHEDULE 1
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth rates as Reported, CC, and Organic CC
    (Unaudited)

        For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared with
    the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
      For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared with
    the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
        Reported   CC Growth1   Organic CC
    Growth2
      Reported   CC Growth1   Organic CC
    Growth2
    Revenue:                        
    Consolidated   12.0 %   12.2 %   12.2 %   9.4 %   9.4 %   9.4 %
    U.S. Markets   12.5 %   12.5 %   12.5 %   8.4 %   8.4 %   8.4 %
    Financial Services   17.1 %   17.1 %   17.1 %   13.5 %   13.5 %   13.5 %
    Emerging Verticals   3.3 %   3.3 %   3.3 %   4.0 %   4.0 %   4.0 %
    Consumer Interactive   21.4 %   21.3 %   21.3 %   6.0 %   6.0 %   6.0 %
    International   11.3 %   12.1 %   12.1 %   13.4 %   13.5 %   13.5 %
    Canada   6.8 %   8.6 %   8.6 %   11.5 %   12.7 %   12.7 %
    Latin America   7.2 %   12.7 %   12.7 %   11.8 %   10.9 %   10.9 %
    United Kingdom   6.0 %   3.7 %   3.7 %   4.9 %   2.5 %   2.5 %
    Africa   12.3 %   9.5 %   9.5 %   8.3 %   10.4 %   10.4 %
    India   21.5 %   23.1 %   23.1 %   25.4 %   27.0 %   27.0 %
    Asia Pacific   11.1 %   11.5 %   11.5 %   13.6 %   14.2 %   14.2 %
                             
    Adjusted EBITDA:                        
    Consolidated   10.5 %   10.9 %   10.9 %   10.9 %   11.0 %   11.0 %
    U.S. Markets   9.0 %   9.0 %   9.0 %   8.2 %   8.2 %   8.2 %
    International   13.9 %   15.3 %   15.3 %   17.4 %   17.9 %   17.9 %
    1.  Constant Currency (“CC”) growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
       
    2.  We have no inorganic revenue or Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented. Organic CC growth rate is the CC growth rate less the inorganic growth rate.

    SCHEDULE 2
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated and Segment Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (Unaudited)
    (dollars in millions)

      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
    Revenue:              
    U.S. Markets gross revenue              
    Financial Services $ 367.2     $ 313.7     $ 1,077.6     $ 949.6  
    Emerging Verticals   307.2       297.3       913.1       877.9  
    Consumer Interactive   173.7       143.1       455.1       429.4  
    U.S. Markets gross revenue $ 848.1     $ 754.0     $ 2,445.9     $ 2,256.9  
                   
    International gross revenue              
    Canada $ 39.4     $ 36.9     $ 115.9     $ 103.9  
    Latin America   33.5       31.2       100.9       90.2  
    United Kingdom   57.8       54.5       168.6       160.7  
    Africa   17.1       15.2       48.0       44.3  
    India   68.2       56.1       202.8       161.8  
    Asia Pacific   25.6       23.1       77.1       67.9  
    International gross revenue $ 241.6     $ 217.1     $ 713.3     $ 628.9  
                   
    Total gross revenue $ 1,089.6     $ 971.2     $ 3,159.2     $ 2,885.8  
                   
    Intersegment revenue eliminations              
    U.S. Markets $ (2.8 )   $ (1.0 )   $ (7.4 )   $ (4.6 )
    International   (1.9 )     (1.5 )     (4.8 )     (4.3 )
    Total intersegment revenue eliminations $ (4.7 )   $ (2.5 )   $ (12.3 )   $ (8.9 )
                   
    Total revenue as reported $ 1,085.0     $ 968.7     $ 3,147.0     $ 2,876.9  
                   
    Adjusted EBITDA:              
    U.S. Markets $ 319.9     $ 293.7     $ 920.9     $ 850.9  
    International   110.5       97.0       318.1       271.0  
    Corporate   (36.7 )     (34.5 )     (110.6 )     (104.3 )
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin:1              
    U.S. Markets   37.7 %     38.9 %     37.6 %     37.7 %
    International   45.7 %     44.7 %     44.6 %     43.1 %
    1.  Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margins are calculated using segment gross revenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated using total revenue as reported and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.
      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
       2024     2023     2024    2023 
    Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:              
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax         0.5             0.7  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion $ 68.0     $ (318.3 )   $ 218.2     $ (211.5 )
    Net interest expense   58.9       67.8       183.3       202.1  
    Provision for income taxes   24.9       22.2       68.9       60.1  
    Depreciation and amortization   133.6       131.3       400.5       391.1  
    EBITDA $ 285.4     $ (97.0 )   $ 870.8     $ 441.8  
    Adjustments to EBITDA:              
    Stock-based compensation   33.8       27.0       85.7       73.3  
    Goodwill impairment1         414.0             414.0  
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2   7.3       (6.0 )     17.1       24.5  
    Accelerated technology investment3   21.8       16.3       58.6       53.5  
    Operating model optimization program4   47.3             86.4        
    Net other5   (2.0 )     1.8       9.7       10.6  
    Total adjustments to EBITDA $ 108.3     $ 453.1     $ 257.5     $ 575.8  
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 393.7     $ 356.1     $ 1,128.4     $ 1,017.6  
                   
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion margin   6.3 %     (32.9 )%     6.9 %     (7.4 )%
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin5   36.3 %     36.8 %     35.9 %     35.4 %
                                   

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the tables above and footnotes below.

     1.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
     2.  Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
           2024    2023     2024    2023 
      Transaction and integration costs   $ 3.6   $ 5.8     $ 7.0   $ 21.0  
      Fair value and impairment adjustments         (10.7 )     0.8     0.8  
      Post-acquisition adjustments     3.7           9.4     5.1  
      Transition services agreement income         (1.1 )         (2.4 )
      Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 7.3   $ (6.0 )   $ 17.1   $ 24.5  
     3.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities, which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Foundational Capabilities   $ 9.9   $ 8.0   $ 25.0   $ 27.7
      Migration Management     11.0     7.2     29.9     21.9
      Program Enablement     0.9     1.1     3.8     3.9
      Total accelerated technology investment   $ 21.8   $ 16.3   $ 58.6   $ 53.5
     4.  Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
           2024    2023    2024    2023
      Employee separation   $   $   $ 24.7   $
      Facility exit     40.5         42.1    
      Business process optimization     6.8         19.6    
      Total operating model optimization   $ 47.3   $   $ 86.4   $
     5.  Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
           2024     2023     2024     2023 
      Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing   $ 0.1     $ 1.0     $ 9.2     $ 3.1  
      Other debt financing expenses     0.5       0.3       1.6       1.5  
      Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     (1.7 )     0.8       (0.4 )     6.5  
      Other non-operating (income) expense     (0.8 )     (0.3 )     (0.7 )     (0.5 )
      Total other adjustments   $ (2.0 )   $ 1.8     $ 9.7     $ 10.6  
     6.  Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.


    SCHEDULE 3

    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.3 )   $ 218.2     $ (211.5 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax           (0.5 )           (0.7 )
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
                     
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     194.6       193.4       194.3       193.3  
    Diluted     197.0       193.4       196.3       193.3  
                     
    Basic earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax                        
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.12     $ (1.10 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.09 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax                        
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.10 )
                     
    Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Net Income:                
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.8 )   $ 218.2     $ (212.2 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax           0.5             0.7  
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 68.0     $ (318.3 )   $ 218.2     $ (211.5 )
    Adjustments before income tax items:                
    Amortization of certain intangible assets1     71.5       72.1       214.9       221.2  
    Stock-based compensation     33.8       27.0       85.7       73.3  
    Goodwill impairment2           414.0             414.0  
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization2     7.3       (6.0 )     17.1       24.5  
    Accelerated technology investment3     21.8       16.3       58.6       53.5  
    Operating model optimization program4     47.3             86.4        
    Net other5     (2.1 )     1.8       8.6       9.6  
    Total adjustments before income tax items   $ 179.6     $ 525.2     $ 471.3     $ 796.0  
    Total adjustments for income taxes6     (43.1 )     (29.5 )     (112.9 )     (85.2 )
    Adjusted Net Income   $ 204.5     $ 177.4     $ 576.6     $ 499.3  
                     
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     194.6       193.4       194.3       193.3  
    Diluted     197.0       194.6       196.3       194.8  
                     
    Adjusted Earnings per Share:                
    Basic   $ 1.05     $ 0.92     $ 2.97     $ 2.58  
    Diluted   $ 1.04     $ 0.91     $ 2.94     $ 2.56  
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Reconciliation of Diluted earnings (loss) per share from Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:                
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from:                
    Net income (loss) attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.10 )
    Discontinued operations, net of tax                        
    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to TransUnion   $ 0.35     $ (1.65 )   $ 1.11     $ (1.09 )
    Adjustments before income tax items:                
    Amortization of certain intangible assets1     0.36       0.37       1.09       1.14  
    Stock-based compensation     0.17       0.14       0.44       0.38  
    Goodwill impairment2           2.13             2.13  
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization3     0.04       (0.03 )     0.09       0.13  
    Accelerated technology investment4     0.11       0.08       0.30       0.27  
    Operating model optimization program5     0.24             0.44        
    Net other6     (0.01 )     0.01       0.04       0.05  
    Total adjustments before income tax items   $ 0.91     $ 2.70     $ 2.40     $ 4.09  
    Total adjustments for income taxes7     (0.22 )     (0.15 )     (0.57 )     (0.44 )
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share   $ 1.04     $ 0.91     $ 2.94     $ 2.56  
     

    Each component of earnings per share is calculated independently, therefore, rounding differences exist in the table above.

     1.  Consists of amortization of intangible assets from our 2012 change-in-control transaction and amortization of intangible assets established in business acquisitions after our 2012 change-in-control transaction.
     2.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $414.0 million related to our United Kingdom reporting unit in our International segment.
     3.  Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Transaction and integration costs   $ 3.6   $ 5.8     $ 7.0   $ 21.0  
      Fair value and impairment adjustments         (10.7 )     0.8     0.8  
      Post-acquisition adjustments     3.7           9.4     5.1  
      Transition services agreement income         (1.1 )         (2.4 )
      Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 7.3   $ (6.0 )   $ 17.1   $ 24.5  
     4.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Foundational Capabilities   $ 9.9   $ 8.0   $ 25.0   $ 27.7
      Migration Management     11.0     7.2     29.9     21.9
      Program Enablement     0.9     1.1     3.8     3.9
      Total accelerated technology investment   $ 21.8   $ 16.3   $ 58.6   $ 53.5
     5.  Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Employee separation   $   $   $ 24.7   $
      Facility exit     40.5         42.1    
      Business process optimization     6.8         19.6    
      Total operating model optimization   $ 47.3   $   $ 86.4   $
     6.  Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023
      Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing   $ 0.1     $ 1.0   $ 9.2     $ 3.1
      Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     (1.7 )     0.8     (0.4 )     6.5
      Other non-operating (income) and expense     (0.5 )         (0.2 )    
      Total other adjustments   $ (2.1 )   $ 1.8   $ 8.6     $ 9.6
     7.  Total adjustments for income taxes represents the total of adjustments discussed to calculate the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes.

    SCHEDULE 4
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (Unaudited)
    (dollars in millions)

      Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 96.8     $ (291.7 )   $ 300.5     $ (139.5 )
    Total adjustments before income tax items from Schedule 3   179.6       525.2       471.3       796.0  
    Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ 276.4     $ 233.5     $ 771.8     $ 656.5  
                   
    Reconciliation of Provision for income taxes to Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes:              
    Provision for income taxes   (24.9 )     (22.2 )     (68.9 )     (60.1 )
    Adjustments for income taxes:              
    Tax effect of above adjustments   (41.8 )     (27.9 )     (108.5 )     (90.1 )
    Eliminate impact of excess tax (benefit) expense for stock-based compensation   (2.3 )     0.7       (1.4 )     2.7  
    Other1   0.9       (2.2 )     (3.0 )     2.2  
    Total adjustments for income taxes $ (43.1 )   $ (29.5 )   $ (112.9 )   $ (85.2 )
    Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes $ (68.0 )   $ (51.7 )   $ (181.8 )   $ (145.3 )
                   
    Effective tax rate   25.7 %     (7.6 )%     22.9 %     (43.1 )%
    Adjusted Effective Tax Rate   24.6 %     22.2 %     23.6 %     22.1 %
                                   

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

      1.  Other adjustments for income taxes include:
          Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
          2024   2023   2024   2023 
      Deferred tax adjustments   $ 3.8     $ (0.2 )   $ (1.4 )   $ 0.6  
      Valuation allowance adjustments     (2.3 )     (1.9 )     (2.1 )     (0.8 )
      Return to provision, audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods     (1.2 )     1.4       1.2       2.6  
      Other adjustments     0.7       (1.6 )     (0.7 )     (0.3 )
      Total other adjustments   $ 0.9     $ (2.2 )   $ (3.0 )   $ 2.2  
     

    SCHEDULE 5
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Leverage Ratio (Unaudited)
    (dollars in millions)

        Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
    Reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:    
    Net income attributable to TransUnion   $ 224.2
    Net interest expense     248.6
    Provision for income taxes     53.6
    Depreciation and amortization     533.8
    EBITDA   $ 1,060.2
    Adjustments to EBITDA:    
    Stock-based compensation   $ 113.0
    Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization1     27.2
    Accelerated technology investment2     75.6
    Operating model optimization program3     164.0
    Net other4     14.4
    Total adjustments to EBITDA   $ 394.3
    Leverage Ratio Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,454.5
         
    Total debt   $ 5,201.4
    Less: Cash and cash equivalents     643.2
    Net Debt   $ 4,558.2
         
    Ratio of Net Debt to Net income attributable to TransUnion     20.3
    Leverage Ratio     3.1

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    1.  Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Transaction and integration costs   $ 16.9  
      Fair value and impairment adjustments     10.3  
      Post-acquisition adjustments     0.1  
      Transition services agreement income     (0.1 )
      Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization   $ 27.2  
    2.  Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Foundational Capabilities   $         33.0        
      Migration Management             37.5        
      Program Enablement             5.1        
      Total accelerated technology investment   $         75.6        
    3.  Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Employee separation   $         96.6        
      Facility exit             45.5        
      Business process optimization             21.9        
      Total operating model optimization   $         164.0        
    4.  Net other consisted of the following adjustments:
          Trailing Twelve
    Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancings   $ 15.4  
      Other debt financing expenses     2.3  
      Currency remeasurement on foreign operations     (2.2 )
      Other non-operating (income) and expense     (1.2 )
      Total other adjustments   $ 14.4  
       

    SCHEDULE 6
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Segment Depreciation and Amortization (Unaudited)
    (in millions)

      Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,
       2024    2023    2024    2023
                   
    U.S. Markets $ 99.3   $ 99.3   $ 299.4   $ 292.3
    International   33.4     31.0     98.1     95.5
    Corporate   1.0     1.1     3.0     3.3
    Total depreciation and amortization $ 133.6   $ 131.3   $ 400.5   $ 391.1
     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    SCHEDULE 7
    TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Guidance (Unaudited)
    (in millions, except per share data)

      Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024
      Low   High   Low   High
    Guidance reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted EBITDA:              
    Net income attributable to TransUnion $ 65     $ 77     $ 284     $ 295  
    Interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization   216       219       868       872  
    EBITDA $ 281     $ 296     $ 1,152     $ 1,167  
    Stock-based compensation, mergers, acquisitions divestitures and business optimization-related expenses and other adjustments1   79       79       336       336  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 360     $ 375     $ 1,488     $ 1,503  
                   
    Net income attributable to TransUnion margin   6.4 %     7.4 %     6.8 %     7.1 %
    Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin2   35.5 %     36.2 %     35.8 %     36.0 %
                   
    Guidance reconciliation of Diluted earnings per share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:              
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.34     $ 0.39     $ 1.45     $ 1.51  
    Adjustments to diluted earnings per share1   0.58       0.58       2.42       2.42  
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share $ 0.92     $ 0.98     $ 3.87     $ 3.93  
     

    As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

    1. These adjustments include the same adjustments we make to our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income as discussed in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of our Earnings Release.
    2. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Investment Survey 2024: More than 60% of European companies have invested in climate mitigation and adaptation and more than 70% in their digital transformation

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EU businesses lead way in investments in climate mitigation and adaptation, with 61% having already invested and 53% planning to do so.
    • Use of advanced digital technologies on the rise as 74% of European firms embrace advanced technologies to enhance competitiveness.
    • Faced with trade shocks, firms are investing in more resilient and secure supply chains.

    Companies in the European Union weathered relatively well the health, price and trade shocks of the last four years and have increased their ambitions for green and digital transformation, according to a survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB).  

    The EIB’s Investment Survey 2024 , released today at the World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, paints a picture of leadership of EU businesses in the green transition and the reinforcement of their supply chains in the face of heightened geopolitical risks and supply-chain disruptions.

    Many firms in Europe are satisfied with their investment levels over the past three years and are committed to tackling climate change and embracing digital technologies, the survey shows. It covers a total of around 12,000 companies in all EU countries as well as a comparison sample in the United States.

    While the share of EU companies expecting to increase rather than decrease investment has halved to a net balance of 7% in 2024, compared with last year, businesses in Europe continue to outpace their US counterparts and lead in investments to slash emissions that cause climate change or cope with the impact of severe weather. The latest Investment Survey shows that 61% of EU firms have invested in tackling climate change, compared to 56% in 2023 and 53% in 2022. The green transition impose transformation, but also brings opportunities. More than a quarter of EU firms –27%– view the transition to a net-zero economy, as an opportunity over the next five years.

    “The commitment of EU firms to the green and digital transitions illustrates the potential of the European economy,” said EIB President Nadia Calviño. “The survey confirms that public-private partnership is at the heart of strategic investments to sustain the competitiveness, security and autonomy of the EU in global markets.”

    Around 90% of EU and US firms have taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key strategies adopted include investment in waste reduction and recycling and energy efficiency. EU companies are more likely than US ones to have enacted sustainable transport options, opted for renewable-energy generation and set emissions-reduction targets. One in three EU companies –34%– sees the green transition as a business risk compared with 42% in the US. 

    In the EU, 37% of total investments by businesses are directed towards intangible assets such as research, skills and know-how, highlighting a strategic focus on innovation and digital solutions.74% of EU businesses reported using digital technologies, marking a 4% increase from last year. Meanwhile, the US continues to lead at 81%.

    Looking ahead to the next three years, however, many European companies are prioritising replacement investments over capacity expansion, with only 26% of EU firms planning to expand operations in the next three years compared with 47% of US firms.

    “The focus of EU companies on innovation is welcome and must be supported”, added EIB President Nadia Calviño. “That is why the EIB Group is working on new Action Plan to reinforce the integration of Europe´s Capital Markets and thereby channel private savings into productive investment in Europe”.

    The business environment remains a concern for firms in the European Union and the United States, with lack of skilled labour and uncertainty about the future as one of the key concerns in both regions. Business investment is still hindered by high energy costs, which pose significant obstacles for 46% of EU businesses.

    The majority (60%) of EU exporters report that they still have to comply with different standards and consumer protection rules from one Member State to the next, highlighting that market fragmentation persists.

    “European firms are making strides in addressing both climate change and the digital transformation,” said EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella. “But boosting EU investment requires a less fragmented EU single market.”

    The survey also underscores the importance of robust supply chains. Concerns about trade disruptions have eased compared to last year, but firms did not see improvements in terms of new regulations, tariffs or trade restriction. EU companies are well integrated into global trade and substantially benefited from it in the past. In a new world with rising geopolitical tensions, EU firms are reacting by enhancing the resilience of their supply chains in looking at economic security and efficiency.

    The 2024 report serves policymakers, economists and business leaders by providing insights into the investment landscape and identifying actions needed to foster economic growth and resilience. For more information and the full report, visit our website here.

     Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union and is owned by its Member States. It provides finance and expertise for projects that contribute to the EU’s policy objectives. The EIB works closely with public and private-sector partners to support sustainable investment, job creation, economic growth and innovation across Europe.

    On October 7th, European Union Finance ministers have welcomed an Action Plan to be deployed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, to support the development of the EU’s Capital Markets Union. One key objective of the Action Plan is closing the funding gap throughout the company and innovation cycle; the EIB Group plans to scale up support for the EU venture capital and private equity markets, to help retain the most innovative scale-ups in Europe.

    About the report

    The EIB Group Survey on Investment, which has been carried out since 2016, is a unique annual survey of some 12,000 firms. Data for the latest edition was collected in mid-2024 from companies in all EU Member States. The survey also includes a sample of businesses in the United States. The survey collects data on company characteristics and performance, past investment activities and future plans, sources of finance, financing hurdles and other business challenges such as climate change, digitalisation and international trade.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launches retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans

    Source: Government of India

    Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launches retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans

    Chana Dal at MRP Rs.70 per kg and Chana Whole at Rs.58 per kg is made available to consumers from 3 lakh ton of Chana stock

    Government of India committed towards ensuring availability of essential food items to consumers at affordable prices: Shri Pralhad Joshi

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 1:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched the retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED and Kendriya Bhandar here today, in the presence of Ministers of State, Shri B.L. Verma and Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya.

    In Phase – II of Bharat Chana Dal, 3 lakh tons of Chana stock from the price stabilisation buffer is being converted to Chana Dal and Chana Whole for retail sale to consumers at MRP of Rs.70 per kg and Rs.58 per kg, respectively. Apart from Chana, the government had also expanded the Bharat brand to Moong and Masur Dals. The Bharat Moong Dal is retailed at Rs.107 per kg, Bharat Moong Sabut at Rs.93 per kg and Bharat Masur Dal at Rs.89 per kg. The resumption of Bharat Chana Dal at this time will enhance the supplies to consumers of Delhi-NCR in this festive season.

    While interacting with media persons during the event, Shri Joshi stated that the initiative is an affirmation of the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential food to the consumers at affordable prices. Direct interventions through retail sale of basic food items such as rice, atta, dals and onion have also helped in maintaining stable price regime.

    The Centre has taken various policy measures to ensure availability of pulses. In order to encourage domestic production, the government has raised the MSP of pulses year after year, and also announced the policy to procure Tur, Urad and Masur without ceiling for 2024-25 season. During Kharif 2024-25 sowing season, NCCF and NAFED had conducted awareness campaigns, seed distribution and pre-registration of farmers for assured procurement, and the same activities are being continued in upcoming Rabi sowing season. To augment domestic production and facilitate seamless import, the government has allowed duty free import of Tur, Urad, Masur and Chana till 31st March, 2025 and Yellow Peas import till 31st December, 2024. Enhanced area coverage of Kharif pulses this year, together with continuous inflow of imports have led to declining trend in the prices of most pulses since July, 2024. The retail prices of Tur dal, Urad dal, Moong dal and Masur dal have either declined or remained stable during the past three months.

    In respect of vegetables, the government had procured 4.7 lakh tonnes onions from the rabi crop for price stabilisation buffer through NCCF and NAFED. The government started the disposal of onions from the buffer from 5th September, 2024 and till date, 1.15 lakh tonnes has been disposed. NCCF has disposed onions in 77 centres across 21 States and NAFED in 43 centres in 16 States. To augment the pace of disposal, bulk transportation of onions by rail rakes have been adopted for the first time. NCCF had transported 1,600 MT (42 BCN wagons i.e. approximately 53 trucks) by Kanda Express from Nashik which arrived at Delhi on 20th October, 2024. NAFED has also arranged the transportation of 800 – 840 MT of onions to Chennai by rail rake. The rail rake to Chennai has left Nashik on 22nd October, 2024.

    Indent for shipments by rail rake to Lucknow and Varanasi has been placed by NCCF. The Department of Consumer affairs has also requested Indian Railways to allow transportation of onion rakes from Nashik to multiple locations across the North-eastern region which would include (i) NJP: New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri), (ii) DBRG- Dibrugarh, (iii) NTSK- New Tinsukia, and (iv) CGS: Changsari. This will ensure wider availability of onions in different regions of India ensuring its availability at a very reasonable price to consumers.

    ***

    Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2067286) Visitor Counter : 105

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Committee on Market Access holds third thematic session on supply chain resilience

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Committee on Market Access holds third thematic session on supply chain resilience

    The moderator of the session, Mr Iain Fifer of the United Kingdom, emphasized the critical role of trade data in analyzing and enhancing the resilience of supply chains. He noted the challenges in gathering reliable, timely and relevant data, and underlined how such information can inform decision-making.
    Thailand highlighted logistical challenges related to train freight routes from Thailand to Europe. While rail transport is faster than ocean freight and cheaper than air freight, it faces significant obstacles such as customs clearance issues at multiple borders, a lack of harmonized standards, and higher costs compared to sea freight. Additionally, it stressed how limitations in rail infrastructure add complexity.
    China emphasized the importance of multilateral and bilateral trade frameworks, such as those supported by the WTO, in ensuring smooth supply chain operations. It underscored technological advances, particularly in big data and green energy, as key influencers of the development of global supply chains. China also announced the upcoming release of its Global Supply Chain Connectivity Index at the second China International Supply Chain Expo in November 2024. The document will provide a quantitative assessment of the resilience and stability of global supply chains.
    India focused on the three fundamental pillars of supply chains — production, logistics and markets. It also underlined the importance of digital infrastructure in bolstering supply chain resilience. Additionally, India discussed initiatives such as the Unified Logistics Interface Platform and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which utilize geospatial data to enhance infrastructure connectivity and logistics efficiency.
    The United States introduced its newly established Supply Chain Center within the Department of Commerce, designed to enhance supply chain resilience. The unit’s “Scale” tool assesses risks across sectors of the US economy by evaluating more than 40 indicators of criticality, vulnerability and resiliency in supply chains. The tool provides an in-depth view of current risks to better inform policy decisions, the United States underlined.
    Switzerland presented an initiative led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) aimed at improving the transparency and resilience of medical supply chains. The initiative was prompted by the supply shortages experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Switzerland’s project involves a monitoring mechanism designed to increase visibility in global medical supply chains and address future disruptions through international cooperation and the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
    In his conclusion, the moderator emphasized the importance of data design and collection in creating a comprehensive understanding of various supply chains. He stressed that data sharing and collaboration were central themes of the discussion, noting that swift and accurate exchange of information between stakeholders and governments is essential. Additionally, he acknowledged the significant analytical work required after data collection and pointed out that once data analysis is completed, it must be effectively utilized to guide policymaking. The session also featured examples of ongoing policy initiatives shaped by data-driven projects.
    The interim Chair of the Market Access Committee, Ms Nicola Waterfield of Canada, expressed appreciation for the presentations and highlighted the importance of the discussions. She also announced that the Committee’s next formal meeting is scheduled for 19-20 November 2024.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Rose Announces Changes to Senior District Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    COOKEVILLE, TN—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) announced two key changes to his Tennessee staff. Ray Render, who has served as Deputy District Director since 2019, has been promoted to District Director. Rep. Rose is also pleased to welcome back Leah Grider to the team as Deputy Chief of Staff.

    Rep. Rose released the following statement:

    Ray Render and Leah Grider have shown up for the good people of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District every day since joining my team,” Rep. Rose said.They both reflect the best of Tennessee, and I have no doubt they will continue to work diligently to meet the needs of our constituents, from East Nashville to East Tennessee.”

    About Ray Render

    Ray Render was born and raised in Madison, Tennessee, where he graduated from Madison High School in 1985. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1989. In 1993, he completed a Master of Business Administration from Belmont University.

    Following a long career at Bridgestone, Ray took on the role of Deputy District Director for Rep. Rose in 2019. At that time, he served those living in the western counties of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, including Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson. In 2023, when a significant section of eastern Davidson County was added to the 6th district and Robertson County was removed from the district due to redistricting by the state legislature, he ensured relationships with all new stakeholders were formed. From Madison to Lebanon to Gallatin, Ray is known by local elected officials, business owners, civic leaders, and other constituents as someone who can be counted on to help. 

    Ray’s community involvement extends far beyond his official duties. In fact, his dedication to service earned him the of title of 2023 Wilsonian of the Year. He is involved with Leadership Wilson, Leadership Middle Tennessee, Wilson Rides, Habitat for Humanity, Compassionate Hands and Various Chambers of Commerce. Most recently, Ray served as president of the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club.

    About Leah Grider

    Grider, a Smith County native, spent more than four years serving the 6th District from the Washington, D.C. office. Her new role for Team Rose will be based in Tennessee, primarily serving counties on the eastern end of the district, including Cumberland, Putnam, Fentress Pickett, and Scott. 

    Leah was raised in Carthage and is a graduate of Smith County High School. She is also an alumna of Tennessee Technological University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting.

    Prior to her work with Representative Rose, Bane worked as an Economic Development Planner for the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), where she collaborated with elected officials, key stakeholders and community leaders from across Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District in both banking and economic development job roles.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: UP Fintech Announces Pricing of Follow-on Public Offering of American Depositary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UP Fintech Holding Limited (Nasdaq: TIGR) (“UP Fintech” or the “Company”), a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors, today announced the pricing of a public offering of 15,000,000 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing 15 Class A ordinary shares of the Company, at a public offering price of US$6.25 per ADS. The underwriters will have an option to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,250,000 additional ADSs from the Company at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, exercisable within 20 days from the date of the prospectus supplement.

    The ADS offering is expected to close on October 24, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

    The Company expects to use the net proceeds of approximately US$90.0 million from the ADS offering for strengthening the Company’s capital base and furthering the Company’s business development initiatives.

    Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and US Tiger Securities, Inc. are acting as the joint bookrunners for the proposed ADS offering.

    The ADS offering has been made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The ADS offering has been made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus included in the Form F-3. The Form F-3 and the prospectus supplement are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The final prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained by contacting Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, Level 60, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong; China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited 29/F, One International Finance Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong; or, US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10022, United States of America.

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

    About UP Fintech Holding Limited

    UP Fintech Holding Limited is a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. The Company’s proprietary mobile and online trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. The Company offers innovative products and services as well as a superior user experience to customers through its “mobile first” strategy, which enables it to better serve and retain current customers as well as attract new ones. The Company offers customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, IPO subscription, ESOP management, investor education, community discussion and customer support. The Company’s proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses.

    For more information on the Company, please visit: https://ir.itigerup.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “aim,” “likely to,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements or expressions. Among other statements, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, the Company’s strategic and operational plans and expectations regarding growth and expansion of its business lines, and the Company’s plans for future financing of its business contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties, including the earnings conference call. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s ability to effectively implement its growth strategies; trends and competition in global financial markets; changes in the Company’s revenues and certain cost or expense accounting policies; and governmental policies and regulations affecting the Company’s industry and general economic conditions in China, Singapore and other countries. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 22, 2024. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Investor Relations Contact
    UP Fintech Holding Limited
    Email: ir@itiger.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Lloyds Bank PLC: 2024 Q3 Interim Management Statement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Lloyds Bank plc
    Q3 2024 Interim Management Statement
    23 October 2024

    Member of the Lloyds Banking Group

    FINANCIAL REVIEW

    Income statement

    The Group’s profit before tax for the first nine months of 2024 was £3,927 million, 27 per cent lower than the same period in 2023. This was driven by lower net interest income and higher operating expenses, partly offset by a lower impairment charge. Profit after tax was £2,727 million (nine months to 30 September 2023 £3,975 million).

    Total income for the first nine months of 2024 was £12,613 million, a decrease of 8 per cent on the same period in 2023. Within this, net interest income of £9,378 million was 10 per cent lower on the prior year, driven by a lower margin. The lower margin reflected anticipated headwinds due to deposit churn and asset margin compression, particularly in the mortgage book as it refinances in a lower margin environment. These factors were partially offset by benefits from higher structural hedge earnings as balances are reinvested in the higher rate environment.

    Other income amounted to £3,235 million in the nine months to 30 September 2024 compared to £3,268 million in the same period in 2023, with improved UK Motor Finance performance, reflecting growth following the acquisition of Tusker in the first quarter of 2023, increased fleet size and higher average rental value, partially offset by the impact of changes to commission arrangements with Scottish Widows.

    Operating expenses of £8,392 million were 13 per cent higher than in the prior year. This includes the impacts of higher operating lease depreciation, largely as a result of fleet growth, the depreciation of higher value vehicles and declines in used electric car prices, alongside higher ongoing strategic investment, accelerated severance charges and inflationary pressure. It also includes c.£0.1 billion relating to the sector-wide change in the charging approach for the Bank of England Levy taken in the first quarter. In the nine months to 30 September 2024, the Group recognised remediation costs of £118 million (nine months to 30 September 2023: £127 million), largely in relation to pre-existing programmes, with no further charges in respect of the FCA review of historical motor finance commission arrangements. The FCA confirmed in September 2024 its intention to set out next steps in its review in May 2025, including its assessment of the outcome of the Judicial Review and Court of Appeal decisions involving other market participants; the Group will assess the impact, if any, of these decisions.

    The impairment charge was £294 million compared with a £881 million charge in the nine months to 30 September 2023. The decrease reflects a larger credit from improvements to the Group’s economic outlook in the first half of the year, notably house price growth and through changes to the severe downside scenario methodology. The charge also benefitted from strong portfolio performance, a large debt sale write-back, and a release in Commercial Banking from loss rates used in the model. Asset quality remains strong with resilient credit performance.

    Balance sheet

    Total assets were £4,207 million higher at £609,612 million at 30 September 2024 compared to £605,405 million at 31 December 2023. Financial assets at amortised cost were £15,406 million higher at £503,477 million compared to £488,071 million at 31 December 2023 with increases in reverse repurchase agreements of £11,128 million and loans and advances to customers of £7,355 million, partly offset by a reduction in loans and advances to banks of £2,919 million. The increase in reverse repurchase agreements and the decrease in cash and balances at central banks by £17,984 million to £39,925 million reflected a change in the mix of liquidity holdings. The increase in loans and advances to customers included growth in UK mortgages, UK Retail unsecured loans, credit cards and the European retail business, partly offset by government-backed lending repayments in Commercial Banking. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income were £5,032 million higher reflecting a change in the mix of liquidity holdings. Other assets increased by £1,864 million to £28,925 million, driven by higher settlement balances and higher operating lease assets reflecting continued motor finance growth.

    Total liabilities were £4,390 million higher at £569,364 million compared to £564,974 million at 31 December 2023. Customer deposits at £446,311 million have increased by £4,358 million since the end of 2023, driven by inflows to limited withdrawal and fixed term savings products, partly offset by a reduction in current account balances and an expected significant outflow in Commercial Banking. In addition, repurchase agreements at £41,370 million have increased by £3,668 million since the end of 2023. Debt securities in issue at amortised cost decreased by £7,369 million to £45,080 million at 30 September 2024. Amounts due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings increased by £1,510 million to £4,442 million at 30 September 2024. Other liabilities increased by £3,042 million to £12,926 million, driven by higher settlement balances.

    Total equity was £40,248 million at 30 September 2024 was broadly stable compared to £40,431 million at 31 December 2023, with the profit for the period largely offset by interim dividends of £3.4 billion, pension revaluations and movements in the cash flow hedging reserve.

    FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

    Capital

    The Group’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio reduced to 13.6 per cent at 30 September 2024 (31 December 2023: 14.4 per cent). This largely reflected profit for the period, offset by the payment of interim ordinary dividends, the accrual for foreseeable ordinary dividends and an increase in risk-weighted assets.

    The Group’s total capital ratio reduced to 19.8 per cent (31 December 2023: 20.5 per cent). The issuance of AT1 and Tier 2 capital instruments was more than offset by the reduction in CET1 capital, the reduction in eligible provisions recognised through Tier 2 capital, the impact of regulatory amortisation and foreign exchange on Tier 2 capital instruments and the increase in risk-weighted assets.

    Risk-weighted assets have increased by £2,350 million to £184,910 million at 30 September 2024 (31 December 2023: £182,560 million). This reflects the impact of Retail lending growth, Retail secured CRD IV model updates and other movements, partly offset by optimisation including capital efficient securitisation activity.

    The Group’s UK leverage ratio reduced to 5.3 per cent (31 December 2023: 5.6 per cent). This reflected both the reduction in the total tier 1 capital position and an increase in the leverage exposure measure, principally related to the increase in securities financing transactions and other balance sheet movements.

     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)
     
      Nine
    months ended
    30 Sep
    2024
    £m
        Nine
    months ended
    30 Sep
    2023
    £m
     
           
    Net interest income 9,378     10,432  
    Other income 3,235     3,268  
    Total income 12,613     13,700  
    Operating expenses (8,392 )   (7,457 )
    Impairment (294 )   (881 )
    Profit before tax 3,927     5,362  
    Tax expense (1,200 )   (1,387 )
    Profit for the period 2,727     3,975  
           
    Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 2,454     3,708  
    Profit attributable to other equity holders 256     249  
    Profit attributable to equity holders 2,710     3,957  
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interests 17     18  
    Profit for the period 2,727     3,975  
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
     
      At 30 Sep
    2024

    £m
        At 31 Dec
    2023
    £m
     
               
    Assets          
    Cash and balances at central banks 39,925     57,909  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 1,990     1,862  
    Derivative financial instruments 2,926     3,165  
    Loans and advances to banks 5,891     8,810  
    Loans and advances to customers 440,479     433,124  
    Reverse repurchase agreements 43,879     32,751  
    Debt securities 12,569     12,546  
    Due from fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings 659     840  
    Financial assets at amortised cost 503,477     488,071  
    Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income 32,369     27,337  
    Other assets 28,925     27,061  
    Total assets 609,612     605,405  
               
    Liabilities          
    Deposits from banks 3,474     3,557  
    Customer deposits 446,311     441,953  
    Repurchase agreements 41,370     37,702  
    Due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings 4,442     2,932  
    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss 4,964     5,255  
    Derivative financial instruments 3,583     4,307  
    Debt securities in issue at amortised cost 45,080     52,449  
    Other liabilities 12,926     9,884  
    Subordinated liabilities 7,214     6,935  
    Total liabilities 569,364     564,974  
               
    Equity          
    Share capital 1,574     1,574  
    Share premium account 600     600  
    Other reserves 2,904     2,395  
    Retained profits 29,667     30,786  
    Ordinary shareholders’ equity 34,745     35,355  
    Other equity instruments 5,428     5,018  
    Non-controlling interests 75     58  
    Total equity 40,248     40,431  
    Total equity and liabilities 609,612     605,405  
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     

    1.  Basis of presentation

    This release covers the results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Group) for the nine months ended 30 September 2024.

    Accounting policies

    The accounting policies are consistent with those applied by the Group in its 2023 Annual Report and Accounts

    2.  Capital

    The Group’s Q3 2024 Interim Pillar 3 Disclosures can be found at http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/investors/financial-downloads.html.

    3.  UK economic assumptions

    Base case and MES economic assumptions

    The Group’s base case scenario is for a slow expansion in GDP and a modest rise in the unemployment rate alongside small gains in residential and commercial property prices. Following a reduction in inflationary pressures, cuts in UK Bank Rate are expected to continue during 2024 and 2025. Risks around this base case economic view lie in both directions and are largely captured by the generation of alternative economic scenarios.

    The Group has taken into account the latest available information at the reporting date in defining its base case scenario and generating alternative economic scenarios. The scenarios include forecasts for key variables as of the third quarter of 2024. Actuals for this period, or restatements of past data, may have since emerged prior to publication and have not been included, including specifically in the Quarterly National Accounts release of 30 September 2024. The Group’s approach to generating alternative economic scenarios is set out in detail in note 19 to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. For September 2024, the Group continues to judge it appropriate to include a non-modelled severe downside scenario for ECL calculations as explained in note 12 of the Group’s 2024 Half-Year news release.

    UK economic assumptions – base case scenario by quarter

    Key quarterly assumptions made by the Group in the base case scenario are shown below. Gross domestic product is presented quarter-on-quarter. House price growth, commercial real estate price growth and CPI inflation are presented year-on-year, i.e. from the equivalent quarter in the previous year. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are presented as at the end of each quarter.

    At 30 September 2024 First
    quarter
    2024
    %
      Second
    quarter
    2024
    %
      Third
    quarter
    2024
    %
      Fourth
    quarter
    2024
    %
    First
    quarter
    2025
    %
    Second
    quarter
    2025
    %
    Third
    quarter
    2025
    %
    Fourth
    quarter
    2025
    %
                     
    Gross domestic product 0.7   0.6   0.3   0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4
    Unemployment rate 4.3   4.2   4.3   4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.8
    House price growth 0.4   1.8   5.3   3.1 3.2 3.6 2.4 2.0
    Commercial real estate price growth (5.3 ) (4.7 ) (2.5 ) 0.3 1.4 1.9 1.6 1.7
    UK Bank Rate 5.25   5.25   5.00   4.75 4.50 4.25 4.00 4.00
    CPI inflation 3.5   2.1   2.1   2.7 2.4 2.9 2.7 2.3
                           

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    3.  UK economic assumptions (continued)

    UK economic assumptions – scenarios by year

    Key annual assumptions made by the Group are shown below. Gross domestic product and CPI inflation are presented as an annual change, house price growth and commercial real estate price growth are presented as the growth in the respective indices within the period. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are averages for the period.

    At 30 September 2024 2024
    %
      2025
    %
      2026
    %
      2027
    %
      2028
    %
      2024-2028
    average
    %
                 
    Upside            
    Gross domestic product 1.2   2.4   1.9   1.5   1.4   1.7  
    Unemployment rate 4.2   3.3   2.8   2.7   2.8   3.1  
    House price growth 3.5   4.6   7.1   6.4   5.1   5.3  
    Commercial real estate price growth 1.6   9.0   4.2   1.8   0.7   3.4  
    UK Bank Rate 5.06   5.08   5.16   5.34   5.58   5.24  
    CPI inflation 2.6   2.7   2.4   2.8   2.8   2.7  
                 
    Base case            
    Gross domestic product 1.1   1.3   1.5   1.5   1.5   1.4  
    Unemployment rate 4.3   4.7   4.7   4.5   4.5   4.5  
    House price growth 3.1   2.0   1.0   1.5   2.1   2.0  
    Commercial real estate price growth 0.3   1.7   2.1   0.7   0.3   1.0  
    UK Bank Rate 5.06   4.19   3.63   3.50   3.50   3.98  
    CPI inflation 2.6   2.6   2.1   2.2   2.1   2.3  
                 
    Downside            
    Gross domestic product 1.0   (0.3 ) 0.4   1.3   1.5   0.8  
    Unemployment rate 4.4   6.5   7.3   7.3   7.1   6.5  
    House price growth 2.9   (0.2 ) (6.1 ) (5.8 ) (2.9 ) (2.5 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (0.7 ) (6.2 ) (1.7 ) (1.9 ) (1.9 ) (2.5 )
    UK Bank Rate 5.06   3.11   1.48   0.96   0.65   2.25  
    CPI inflation 2.6   2.6   1.9   1.5   1.1   2.0  
                 
    Severe downside            
    Gross domestic product 0.9   (2.0 ) (0.1 ) 1.1   1.4   0.2  
    Unemployment rate 4.6   8.6   9.9   9.9   9.7   8.5  
    House price growth 2.3   (2.5 ) (13.5 ) (12.6 ) (8.3 ) (7.1 )
    Commercial real estate price growth (2.7 ) (16.5 ) (6.5 ) (6.5 ) (5.1 ) (7.6 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 5.06   1.83   0.23   0.06   0.02   1.44  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 5.13   3.67   2.55   2.16   1.88   3.08  
    CPI inflation – modelled 2.6   2.6   1.5   0.7   0.1   1.5  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 2.6   3.5   1.8   1.3   0.9   2.0  
                 
    Probability-weighted            
    Gross domestic product 1.1   0.8   1.1   1.4   1.4   1.2  
    Unemployment rate 4.3   5.2   5.4   5.3   5.3   5.1  
    House price growth 3.1   1.7   (0.7 ) (0.6 ) 0.5   0.8  
    Commercial real estate price growth 0.1   (0.3 ) 0.7   (0.5 ) (0.8 ) (0.1 )
    UK Bank Rate – modelled 5.06   3.90   3.10   2.95   2.92   3.59  
    UK Bank Rate – adjusted1 5.07   4.08   3.33   3.15   3.11   3.75  
    CPI inflation – modelled 2.6   2.6   2.0   2.0   1.8   2.2  
    CPI inflation – adjusted1 2.6   2.7   2.1   2.1   1.9   2.3  
                             

    1 The adjustment to UK Bank Rate and CPI inflation in the severe downside is considered to better reflect the risks to the Group’s base case view in an economic environment where the risks of supply and demand shocks are seen as more balanced.

    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

    4.  Loans and advances to customers and expected credit loss allowance

    At 30 September 2024 Stage 1
    £m
        Stage 2
    £m
        Stage 3
    £m
        POCI
    £m
        Total
    £m
        Stage 2
    as % of
    total
      Stage 3
    as % of
    total
                               
    Loans and advances to customers
                               
    UK mortgages 271,138     28,389     4,545     6,949     311,021     9.1   1.5
    Credit cards 13,429     2,620     262         16,311     16.1   1.6
    Loans and overdrafts 8,839     1,374     173         10,386     13.2   1.7
    UK Motor Finance 14,390     2,314     119         16,823     13.8   0.7
    Other 16,702     513     150         17,365     3.0   0.9
    Retail 324,498     35,210     5,249     6,949     371,906     9.5   1.4
    Small and Medium Businesses 26,393     3,430     1,303         31,126     11.0   4.2
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 37,564     2,306     637         40,507     5.7   1.6
    Commercial Banking 63,957     5,736     1,940         71,633     8.0   2.7
    Other1 260                 260      
    Total gross lending 388,715     40,946     7,189     6,949     443,799     9.2   1.6
    ECL allowance on drawn balances (764 )   (1,228 )   (1,106 )   (222 )   (3,320 )        
    Net balance sheet carrying value 387,951     39,718     6,083     6,727     440,479          
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn)
                               
    UK mortgages 86     321     339     222     968          
    Credit cards 207     351     129         687          
    Loans and overdrafts 170     242     111         523          
    UK Motor Finance2 169     105     68         342          
    Other 15     18     42         75          
    Retail 647     1,037     689     222     2,595          
    Small and Medium Businesses 138     190     160         488          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 126     125     259         510          
    Commercial Banking 264     315     419         998          
    Other                          
    Total 911     1,352     1,108     222     3,593          
                               
    Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn) as a percentage of loans and advances to customers
                               
    UK mortgages     1.1     7.5     3.2     0.3          
    Credit cards 1.5     13.4     49.2         4.2          
    Loans and overdrafts 1.9     17.6     64.2         5.0          
    UK Motor Finance 1.2     4.5     57.1         2.0          
    Other 0.1     3.5     28.0         0.4          
    Retail 0.2     2.9     13.1     3.2     0.7          
    Small and Medium Businesses 0.5     5.5     12.3         1.6          
    Corporate and Institutional Banking 0.3     5.4     40.7         1.3          
    Commercial Banking 0.4     5.5     21.6         1.4          
    Other                          
    Total 0.2     3.3     15.4     3.2     0.8          
                                         

    1 Contains central fair value hedge accounting adjustments.

    2 UK Motor Finance includes £170 million relating to provisions against residual values of vehicles subject to finance leases.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the business, strategy, plans and/or results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Lloyds Bank Group) and its current goals and expectations. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about the Lloyds Bank Group’s or its directors’ and/or management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as, without limitation, ‘believes’, ‘achieves’, ‘anticipates’, ‘estimates’, ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘should’, ‘intends’, ‘aims’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘potential’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘considered’, ‘likely’, ‘may’, ‘seek’, ‘estimate’, ‘probability’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘deliver’, ‘endeavour’, ‘prospects’, ‘optimistic’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements concern or may affect future matters, including but not limited to: projections or expectations of the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial position, including profit attributable to shareholders, provisions, economic profit, dividends, capital structure, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk-weighted assets (RWAs), expenditures or any other financial items or ratios; litigation, regulatory and governmental investigations; the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs; the Lloyds Bank Group’s ESG targets and/or commitments; statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Lloyds Bank Group or its management and other statements that are not historical fact and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy, targets, plans and/or results (including but not limited to the payment of dividends) to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions in the UK and internationally; acts of hostility or terrorism and responses to those acts, or other such events; geopolitical unpredictability; the war between Russia and Ukraine; the conflicts in the Middle East; the tensions between China and Taiwan; political instability including as a result of any UK general election; market related risks, trends and developments; changes in client and consumer behaviour and demand; exposure to counterparty risk; the ability to access sufficient sources of capital, liquidity and funding when required; changes to the Lloyds Bank Group’s or Lloyds Banking Group plc’s credit ratings; fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, stock markets and currencies; volatility in credit markets; volatility in the price of the Lloyds Bank Group’s securities; tightening of monetary policy in jurisdictions in which the Lloyds Bank Group operates; natural pandemic and other disasters; risks concerning borrower and counterparty credit quality; risks affecting defined benefit pension schemes; changes in laws, regulations, practices and accounting standards or taxation; changes to regulatory capital or liquidity requirements and similar contingencies; the policies and actions of governmental or regulatory authorities or courts together with any resulting impact on the future structure of the Lloyds Bank Group; risks associated with the Lloyds Bank Group’s compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations; assessment related to resolution planning requirements; risks related to regulatory actions which may be taken in the event of a bank or Lloyds Bank Group or Lloyds Banking Group failure; exposure to legal, regulatory or competition proceedings, investigations or complaints; failure to comply with anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, anti-bribery and sanctions regulations; failure to prevent or detect any illegal or improper activities; operational risks including risks as a result of the failure of third party suppliers; conduct risk; technological changes and risks to the security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other attacks; technological failure; inadequate or failed internal or external processes or systems; risks relating to ESG matters, such as climate change (and achieving climate change ambitions) and decarbonisation, including the Lloyds Bank Group’s or the Lloyds Banking Group’s ability along with the government and other stakeholders to measure, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively, and human rights issues; the impact of competitive conditions; failure to attract, retain and develop high calibre talent; the ability to achieve strategic objectives; the ability to derive cost savings and other benefits including, but without limitation, as a result of any acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions; inability to capture accurately the expected value from acquisitions; and assumptions and estimates that form the basis of the Lloyds Bank Group’s financial statements. A number of these influences and factors are beyond the Lloyds Bank Group’s control. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Lloyds Bank plc with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, for a discussion of certain factors and risks. Lloyds Bank plc may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in other written materials and in oral statements made by the directors, officers or employees of Lloyds Bank plc to third parties, including financial analysts. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of today’s date, and the Lloyds Bank Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable law or an offer to sell any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or financial instruments.

    CONTACTS

    For further information please contact:

    INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS

    Douglas Radcliffe
    Group Investor Relations Director
    020 7356 1571
    douglas.radcliffe@lloydsbanking.com

    Nora Thoden
    Director of Investor Relations – ESG
    020 7356 2334
    nora.thoden@lloydsbanking.com

    Tom Grantham
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07851 440 091
    thomas.grantham@lloydsbanking.com

    Sarah Robson
    Investor Relations Senior Manager
    07494 513 983
    sarah.robson2@lloydsbanking.com

    CORPORATE AFFAIRS

    Grant Ringshaw
    External Relations Director
    020 7356 2362
    grant.ringshaw@lloydsbanking.com

    Matt Smith
    Head of Media Relations
    07788 352 487
    matt.smith@lloydsbanking.com

    Copies of this News Release may be obtained from:
    Investor Relations, Lloyds Banking Group plc, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
    The statement can also be found on the Group’s website – http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com

    Registered office: Lloyds Bank plc, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
    Registered in England No. 2065

    This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit http://www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: United Community Banks, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENVILLE, S.C. , Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) (United) today announced net income for the 2024 third quarter of $47.3 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income of $74.2 million. The result included the previously announced strategic decision to sell $318 million in manufactured housing loans, which negatively impacted the quarter by $21.4 million after-tax, or $0.18 per share. Diluted earnings per share of $0.38 for the quarter represented a decrease of $0.01, or 3%, from the third quarter a year ago and a decrease of $0.16, or 30%, from the second quarter of 2024.

    On an operating basis, United’s diluted earnings per share of $0.57 was up 27% from the year-ago quarter. The primary drivers of the increased earnings per share year-over-year were higher net interest income and a lower provision for credit losses. The $0.57 result includes a $9.9 million Hurricane Helene related loan loss provision to increase the reserve on $383 million of loans in nine North Carolina counties impacted by the hurricane to 3.5% of loans.

    United’s return on assets was 0.67%, or 1.01% on an operating basis. Return on common equity was 5.20% and return on tangible common equity on an operating basis was 11.17%. On a pre-tax, pre-provision basis, operating return on assets was 1.50% for the quarter. At quarter-end, tangible common equity to tangible assets was 8.93%, up 15 basis points from the second quarter of 2024.

    Chairman and CEO Lynn Harton stated, “We continue to focus on growth and the third quarter saw the return of modest loan and strong deposit growth. Excluding the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio, announced in early September, loan balances were up 1.5% annualized. Customer deposits, which exclude brokered deposits, were up $262 million, or 5% annualized. Our balance sheet remains highly liquid and our internal capital generation rate is running well in excess of our current capital needs. We maintained robust capital ratios with our preliminary CET1 moving to 13.1% and we opportunistically redeemed $8 million of relatively expensive Trust Preferred securities. The increase in liquidity and capital place us in a great position to take advantage of growth opportunities as we move into 2025.”

    Mr. Harton continued, “We elected to sell our manufactured housing loan book, a business that was part of our Reliant Bancorp, Inc. acquisition in January of 2022, as a natural conclusion of our exit from the business, as we ceased originating loans in the third quarter of 2023. The transaction reduces our risk profile and allows us to allocate capital to other growth opportunities.”

    United’s net interest margin decreased four basis points to 3.33% from the second quarter. The average yield on United’s interest-earning assets was down four basis points to 5.55%, while its cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased two basis points, leading to the four-basis point reduction in net interest margin. Net charge-offs were $23.7 million, or 0.52% of average loans, during the quarter, up 26 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024 due to transaction-related losses resulting from the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio. NPAs were 42 basis points relative to total assets, down one basis point from the second quarter.

    Mr. Harton concluded, “We are pleased with our operating performance this quarter, but we were also reminded this quarter of the importance of community. Many of our employees, customers, and communities have been impacted by the recent hurricanes. We are actively involved in the recovery process through volunteer hours and financial support and will be ready to lead the rebuilding process, when and as needed. Many thanks to our employees throughout the company that have responded, in sometimes heroic ways, to support each other and our customers.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Net income of $47.3 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income of $74.2 million
    • EPS down 3% compared to third quarter 2023 on a GAAP basis and up 27% on an operating basis; compared to second quarter 2024, EPS down 30% on a GAAP basis and down 2% on an operating basis
    • The GAAP results were impacted by the decision to sell the manufactured housing loan book at a $21.4 million after-tax loss, or $0.18, approximately one year after making the strategic decision to cease originations
    • Return on assets of 0.67%, or 1.01% on an operating basis
    • Pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets of 1.50% on an operating basis
    • Return on common equity of 5.20%
    • Return on tangible common equity of 11.17% on an operating basis
    • A provision for credit losses of $14.4 million, which includes $9.9 million to establish a special reserve for expected credit losses from Hurricane Helene
    • Net charge-offs of $23.7 million, or 52 basis points as a percent of average loans, which included $11.0 million, or 24 basis points, of transaction-related losses from the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio
    • Nonperforming assets of 0.42% of total assets, down one basis point compared to June 30, 2024
    • Loan production of $1.2 billion
    • Customer deposits were up $262 million from the second quarter, with most of the growth in NOW and money market deposits
    • Net interest margin of 3.33% decreased by four basis points from the second quarter mostly due to lower purchased loan accretion, the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio, and changing composition of our earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
    • Mortgage closings of $239 million compared to $211 million a year ago; mortgage rate locks of $306 million compared to $304 million a year ago
    • Noninterest income was down $28.5 million on a linked quarter basis with $27.2 million due to losses from the sale of manufactured housing loans. The remaining decrease was primarily driven by the mark on our mortgage servicing rights asset.
    • Noninterest expenses decreased by $4.0 million compared to the second quarter on a GAAP basis and were up $0.3 million on an operating basis
    • Efficiency ratio of 65.5%, or 57.4% on an operating basis
    • Maintained robust capital ratios with preliminary CET1 increasing to 13.1% and opportunistically redeemed $8 million of relatively expensive Trust Preferred securities
    • Quarterly common dividend of $0.24 per share declared during the quarter, up 4% year-over-year

    Conference Call
    United will hold a conference call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the contents of this press release and to share business highlights for the quarter. Participants can pre-register for the conference call by navigating to https://dpregister.com/sreg/10193157/fd9f74293a. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling 1-866-777-2509. Participants are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes prior to the call start time. The conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed by selecting “Events and Presentations” under “News and Events” within the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, http://www.ucbi.com.

    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Selected Financial Information
    (In thousands, except per share data)
      2024   2023     Third
    Quarter
    2024-
    2023
    Change
        For the Nine Months
    Ended September 30,
         YTD
    2024-
    2023
    Change
     
        Third
    Quarter
          Second
    Quarter
          First
    Quarter
          Fourth
    Quarter
          Third
    Quarter
            2024       2023    
    INCOME SUMMARY                                                        
    Interest revenue $ 349,086     $ 346,965     $ 336,728     $ 338,698     $ 323,147             $ 1,032,779     $ 898,409          
    Interest expense 139,900     138,265     137,579     135,245     120,591             415,744     284,097          
    Net interest revenue 209,186     208,700     199,149     203,453     202,556       3 %   617,035     614,312       %
    Provision for credit losses 14,428     12,235     12,899     14,626     30,268             39,562     74,804          
    Noninterest income 8,091     36,556     39,587     (23,090 )   31,977       (75 )   84,234     98,573       (15 )
    Total revenue 202,849     233,021     225,837     165,737     204,265       (1 )   661,707     638,081       4  
    Noninterest expenses 143,065     147,044     145,002     154,587     144,474       (1 )   435,111     416,686       4  
    Income before income tax expense 59,784     85,977     80,835     11,150     59,791           226,596     221,395       2  
    Income tax expense 12,437     19,362     18,204     (2,940 )   11,925       4     50,003     47,941       4  
    Net income 47,347     66,615     62,631     14,090     47,866       (1 )   176,593     173,454       2  
    Non-operating items 29,385     6,493     2,187     67,450     9,168             38,065     21,444          
    Income tax benefit of non-operating items (6,276 )   (1,462 )   (493 )   (16,714 )   (2,000 )           (8,231 )   (4,775 )        
    Net income – operating(1) $ 70,456     $ 71,646     $ 64,325     $ 64,826     $ 55,034       28     $ 206,427     $ 190,123       9  
    Pre-tax pre-provision income(5) $ 74,212     $ 98,212     $ 93,734     $ 25,776     $ 90,059       (18 )   $ 266,158     $ 296,199       (10 )
    PERFORMANCE MEASURES                                                        
    Per common share:                                                        
    Diluted net income – GAAP $ 0.38     $ 0.54     $ 0.51     $ 0.11     $ 0.39       (3 )   $ 1.43     $ 1.44       (1 )
    Diluted net income – operating(1) 0.57     0.58     0.52     0.53     0.45       27     1.67     1.58       6  
    Cash dividends declared 0.24     0.23     0.23     0.23     0.23       4     0.70     0.69       1  
    Book value 27.68     27.18     26.83     26.52     25.87       7     27.68     25.87       7  
    Tangible book value(3) 19.66     19.13     18.71     18.39     17.70       11     19.66     17.70       11  
    Key performance ratios:                                                        
    Return on common equity – GAAP(2)(4) 5.20 %   7.53 %   7.14 %   1.44 %   5.32 %           6.61 %   6.69 %        
    Return on common equity – operating(1)(2)(4) 7.82     8.12     7.34     7.27     6.14             7.76     7.35          
    Return on tangible common equity – operating(1)(2)(3)(4) 11.17     11.68     10.68     10.58     9.03             11.18     10.65          
    Return on assets – GAAP(4) 0.67     0.97     0.90     0.18     0.68             0.85     0.86          
    Return on assets – operating(1)(4) 1.01     1.04     0.93     0.92     0.79             0.99     0.95          
    Return on assets – pre-tax pre-provision – operating(1)(4)(5) 1.50     1.54     1.40     1.33     1.44             1.48     1.60          
    Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)(4) 3.33     3.37     3.20     3.19     3.24             3.30     3.41          
    Efficiency ratio – GAAP 65.51     59.70     60.47     66.33     61.32             61.76     58.06          
    Efficiency ratio – operating(1) 57.37     57.06     59.15     59.57     57.43             57.84     55.07          
    Equity to total assets 12.45     12.35     12.06     11.95     11.85             12.45     11.85          
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(3) 8.93     8.78     8.49     8.36     8.18             8.93     8.18          
    ASSET QUALITY                                                        
    Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) $ 114,960     $ 116,722     $ 107,230     $ 92,877     $ 90,883       26     $ 114,960     $ 90,883       26  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans 205,290     213,022     210,934     208,071     201,557       2     205,290     201,557       2  
    Allowance for credit losses – total 215,517     224,740     224,119     224,128     219,624       (2 )   215,517     219,624       (2 )
    Net charge-offs 23,651     11,614     12,908     10,122     26,638             48,173     42,121          
    Allowance for credit losses – loans to loans 1.14 %   1.17 %   1.15 %   1.14 %   1.11 %           1.14 %   1.11 %        
    Allowance for credit losses – total to loans 1.20     1.23     1.22     1.22     1.21             1.20     1.21          
    Net charge-offs to average loans(4) 0.52     0.26     0.28     0.22     0.59             0.35     0.32          
    NPAs to total assets 0.42     0.43     0.39     0.34     0.34             0.42     0.34          
    AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)                                                        
    Loans $ 17,964     $ 18,211     $ 18,375     $ 18,319     $ 18,203       (1 )   $ 17,964     $ 18,203       (1 )
    Investment securities 6,425     6,038     5,859     5,822     5,701       13     6,425     5,701       13  
    Total assets 27,373     27,057     27,365     27,297     26,869       2     27,373     26,869       2  
    Deposits 23,253     22,982     23,332     23,311     22,858       2     23,253     22,858       2  
    Shareholders’ equity 3,407     3,343     3,300     3,262     3,184       7     3,407     3,184       7  
    Common shares outstanding (thousands) 119,283     119,175     119,137     119,010     118,976           119,283     118,976        

    (1) Excludes non-operating items as detailed on Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation on next page. (2) Net income less preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). (3) Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization. (4) Annualized. (5) Excludes income tax expense and provision for credit losses.

    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
    (in thousands, except per share data)
      2024   2023   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        Third
    Quarter
          Second
    Quarter
          First
    Quarter
          Fourth
    Quarter
          Third
    Quarter
          2024       2023  
                                             
    Noninterest income reconciliation                                        
    Noninterest income (GAAP) $ 8,091     $ 36,556     $ 39,587     $ (23,090 )   $ 31,977     $ 84,234     $ 98,573  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 27,209                     27,209      
    Gain on lease termination         (2,400 )           (2,400 )    
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss             51,689              
    Noninterest income – operating $ 35,300     $ 36,556     $ 37,187     $ 28,599     $ 31,977     $ 109,043     $ 98,573  
                                             
    Noninterest expense reconciliation                                        
    Noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 143,065     $ 147,044     $ 145,002     $ 154,587     $ 144,474     $ 435,111     $ 416,686  
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     (5,100 )               (5,100 )    
    FDIC special assessment     764     (2,500 )   (9,995 )       (1,736 )    
    Merger-related and other charges (2,176 )   (2,157 )   (2,087 )   (5,766 )   (9,168 )   (6,420 )   (21,444 )
    Noninterest expenses – operating $ 140,889     $ 140,551     $ 140,415     $ 138,826     $ 135,306     $ 421,855     $ 395,242  
                                             
    Net income to operating income reconciliation                                        
    Net income (GAAP) $ 47,347     $ 66,615     $ 62,631     $ 14,090     $ 47,866     $ 176,593     $ 173,454  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 27,209                     27,209      
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss             51,689              
    Gain on lease termination         (2,400 )           (2,400 )    
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     5,100                 5,100      
    FDIC special assessment     (764 )   2,500     9,995         1,736      
    Merger-related and other charges 2,176     2,157     2,087     5,766     9,168     6,420     21,444  
    Income tax benefit of non-operating items (6,276 )   (1,462 )   (493 )   (16,714 )   (2,000 )   (8,231 )   (4,775 )
    Net income – operating $ 70,456     $ 71,646     $ 64,325     $ 64,826     $ 55,034     $ 206,427     $ 190,123  
                                             
    Net income to pre-tax pre-provision income reconciliation                                        
    Net income (GAAP) $ 47,347     $ 66,615     $ 62,631     $ 14,090     $ 47,866     $ 176,593     $ 173,454  
    Income tax expense 12,437     19,362     18,204     (2,940 )   11,925     50,003     47,941  
    Provision for credit losses 14,428     12,235     12,899     14,626     30,268     39,562     74,804  
    Pre-tax pre-provision income $ 74,212     $ 98,212     $ 93,734     $ 25,776     $ 90,059     $ 266,158     $ 296,199  
                                             
    Diluted income per common share reconciliation                                        
    Diluted income per common share (GAAP) $ 0.38     $ 0.54     $ 0.51     $ 0.11     $ 0.39     $ 1.43     $ 1.44  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 0.18                     0.18      
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss             0.32              
    Gain on lease termination         (0.02 )           (0.02 )    
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     0.03                 0.03      
    FDIC special assessment         0.02     0.06         0.01      
    Merger-related and other charges 0.01     0.01     0.01     0.04     0.06     0.04     0.14  
    Diluted income per common share – operating $ 0.57     $ 0.58     $ 0.52     $ 0.53     $ 0.45     $ 1.67     $ 1.58  
                                             
    Book value per common share reconciliation                                        
    Book value per common share (GAAP) $ 27.68     $ 27.18     $ 26.83     $ 26.52     $ 25.87     $ 27.68     $ 25.87  
    Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (8.02 )   (8.05 )   (8.12 )   (8.13 )   (8.17 )   (8.02 )   (8.17 )
    Tangible book value per common share $ 19.66     $ 19.13     $ 18.71     $ 18.39     $ 17.70     $ 19.66     $ 17.70  
                                             
    Return on tangible common equity reconciliation                                        
    Return on common equity (GAAP) 5.20 %   7.53 %   7.14 %   1.44 %   5.32 %   6.61 %   6.69 %
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 2.43                     0.82      
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss             4.47              
    Gain on lease termination         (0.22 )           (0.07 )    
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     0.46                 0.16      
    FDIC special assessment     (0.07 )   0.23     0.86         0.05      
    Merger-related and other charges 0.19     0.20     0.19     0.50     0.82     0.19     0.66  
    Return on common equity – operating 7.82     8.12     7.34     7.27     6.14     7.76     7.35  
    Effect of goodwill and other intangibles 3.35     3.56     3.34     3.31     2.89     3.42     3.30  
    Return on tangible common equity – operating 11.17 %   11.68 %   10.68 %   10.58 %   9.03 %   11.18 %   10.65 %
                                             
    Return on assets reconciliation                                        
    Return on assets (GAAP) 0.67 %   0.97 %   0.90 %   0.18 %   0.68 %   0.85 %   0.86 %
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 0.31                     0.10      
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss             0.57              
    Gain on lease termination         (0.03 )           (0.01 )    
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     0.06                 0.02      
    FDIC special assessment     (0.01 )   0.03     0.11         0.01      
    Merger-related and other charges 0.03     0.02     0.03     0.06     0.11     0.02     0.09  
    Return on assets – operating 1.01 %   1.04 %   0.93 %   0.92 %   0.79 %   0.99 %   0.95 %
                                             
    Return on assets to return on assets- pre-tax pre-provision reconciliation                                        
    Return on assets (GAAP) 0.67 %   0.97 %   0.90 %   0.18 %   0.68 %   0.85 %   0.86 %
    Income tax (benefit) expense 0.19     0.29     0.27     (0.04 )   0.18     0.25     0.25  
    Provision for credit losses 0.21     0.18     0.19     0.21     0.45     0.19     0.38  
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans 0.40                     0.13      
    Bond portfolio restructuring loss             0.75              
    Gain on lease termination         (0.04 )           (0.01 )    
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     0.08                 0.03      
    FDIC special assessment     (0.01 )   0.04     0.15         0.01      
    Merger-related and other charges 0.03     0.03     0.04     0.08     0.13     0.03     0.11  
    Return on assets – pre-tax pre-provision – operating 1.50 %   1.54 %   1.40 %   1.33 %   1.44 %   1.48 %   1.60 %
                                             
    Efficiency ratio reconciliation                                        
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 65.51 %   59.70 %   60.47 %   66.33 %   61.32 %   61.76 %   58.06 %
    Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans (7.15 )                   (2.25 )    
    Gain on lease termination         0.60             0.21      
    Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)     (2.07 )               (0.73 )    
    FDIC special assessment     0.31     (1.05 )   (4.29 )       (0.24 )    
    Merger-related and other charges (0.99 )   (0.88 )   (0.87 )   (2.47 )   (3.89 )   (0.91 )   (2.99 )
    Efficiency ratio – operating 57.37 %   57.06 %   59.15 %   59.57 %   57.43 %   57.84 %   55.07 %
                                             
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation                                        
    Equity to total assets (GAAP) 12.45 %   12.35 %   12.06 %   11.95 %   11.85 %   12.45 %   11.85 %
    Effect of goodwill and other intangibles (3.20 )   (3.24 )   (3.25 )   (3.27 )   (3.33 )   (3.20 )   (3.33 )
    Effect of preferred equity (0.32 )   (0.33 )   (0.32 )   (0.32 )   (0.34 )   (0.32 )   (0.34 )
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets 8.93 %   8.78 %   8.49 %   8.36 %   8.18 %   8.93 %   8.18 %
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Loan Portfolio Composition at Period-End
      2024   2023    
    Linked
    Quarter
    Change
         
    Year over
    Year
    Change
     
     (in millions)   Third
    Quarter
          Second
    Quarter
          First
    Quarter
          Fourth
    Quarter
          Third
    Quarter
         
    LOANS BY CATEGORY                                
    Owner occupied commercial RE $ 3,323     $ 3,297     $ 3,310     $ 3,264     $ 3,279     $ 26     $ 44  
    Income producing commercial RE   4,259       4,058       4,206       4,264       4,130     201     129  
    Commercial & industrial   2,313       2,299       2,405       2,411       2,504     14     (191 )
    Commercial construction   1,785       2,014       1,936       1,860       1,850     (229 )   (65 )
    Equipment financing   1,603       1,581       1,544       1,541       1,534     22     69  
    Total commercial   13,283       13,249       13,401       13,340       13,297     34     (14 )
    Residential mortgage   3,263       3,266       3,240       3,199       3,043     (3 )   220  
    Home equity   1,015       985       969       959       941     30     74  
    Residential construction   189       211       257       302       399     (22 )   (210 )
    Manufactured housing   2       321       328       336       343     (319 )   (341 )
    Consumer   188       183       180       181       180     5     8  
    Other   24       (4 )           2           28     24  
    Total loans $ 17,964     $ 18,211     $ 18,375     $ 18,319     $ 18,203     $ (247 )   $ (239 )
                                                       
    LOANS BY MARKET                                                  
    Georgia $ 4,470     $ 4,411     $ 4,356     $ 4,357     $ 4,321     $ 59     $ 149  
    South Carolina   2,782       2,779       2,804       2,780       2,801     3     (19 )
    North Carolina   2,586       2,591       2,566       2,492       2,445     (5 )   141  
    Tennessee   1,848       2,144       2,209       2,244       2,314     (296 )   (466 )
    Florida   2,423       2,407       2,443       2,442       2,318     16     105  
    Alabama   996       1,021       1,068       1,082       1,070     (25 )   (74 )
    Commercial Banking Solutions   2,859       2,858       2,929       2,922       2,934     1     (75 )
    Total loans $ 17,964     $ 18,211     $ 18,375     $ 18,319     $ 18,203     $ (247 )   $ (239 )
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.                                    
    Credit Quality                                    
    (in thousands)                                    
          2024                        
        Third
    Quarter
      Second
    Quarter
      First
    Quarter
                           
    NONACCRUAL LOANS                                    
    Owner occupied RE   $ 7,783     $ 4,820     $ 2,310                          
    Income producing RE     31,222       34,285       29,186                          
    Commercial & industrial     28,856       17,335       20,134                          
    Commercial construction     7,356       6,854       1,862                          
    Equipment financing     9,123       8,341       8,829                          
    Total commercial     84,340       71,635       62,321                          
    Residential mortgage     21,851       18,473       16,569                          
    Home equity     4,111       3,779       4,984                          
    Residential construction     118       163       1,244                          
    Manufactured housing     1,808       20,356       19,797                          
    Consumer     152       72       54                          
    Total nonaccrual loans     112,380       114,478       104,969                          
    OREO and repossessed assets     2,580       2,244       2,261                          
    Total NPAs   $ 114,960     $ 116,722     $ 107,230                          
          2024  
        Third Quarter   Second Quarter   First Quarter
    (in thousands)   Net Charge-
    Offs
        Net Charge-
    Offs to
    Average Loans
    (1)
        Net Charge-
    Offs
      Net Charge-
    Offs to
    Average
    Loans
    (1)
      Net Charge-
    Offs
      Net Charge-
    Offs to
    Average
    Loans
    (1)
    NET CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES) BY CATEGORY                            
    Owner occupied RE   $ (184 )     (0.02 )%   $ 163       0.02 %   $ 202       0.02 %
    Income producing RE     1,409       0.13       2,968       0.29       205       0.02  
    Commercial & industrial     4,577       0.79       1,281       0.22       3,906       0.65  
    Commercial construction     36       0.01       (48 )     (0.01 )     20        
    Equipment financing     5,268       1.32       5,502       1.42       6,362       1.66  
    Total commercial     11,106       0.33       9,866       0.30       10,695       0.32  
    Residential mortgage     32             (107 )     (0.01 )     (16 )      
    Home equity     36       0.01       (27 )     (0.01 )     (54 )     (0.02 )
    Residential construction     111       0.22       26       0.04       119       0.17  
    Manufactured housing     11,556       28.51       1,150       1.43       1,569       1.90  
    Consumer     810       1.74       706       1.57       595       1.33  
    Total   $ 23,651       0.52     $ 11,614       0.26     $ 12,908       0.28  
                                 
    (1)Annualized.                            
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)   September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    ASSETS        
    Cash and due from banks   $ 202,644     $ 200,781  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks     537,395       803,094  
    Cash and cash equivalents     740,039       1,003,875  
    Debt securities available-for-sale     4,023,455       3,331,084  
    Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $2,060,729 and $2,095,620, respectively)     2,401,877       2,490,848  
    Loans held for sale     49,800       33,008  
    Loans and leases held for investment     17,964,099       18,318,755  
    Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases     (205,290 )     (208,071 )
    Loans and leases, net     17,758,809       18,110,684  
    Premises and equipment, net     396,696       378,421  
    Bank owned life insurance     345,703       345,371  
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net     975,117       990,087  
    Other assets     681,636       613,873  
    Total assets   $ 27,373,132     $ 27,297,251  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Liabilities:        
    Deposits:        
    Noninterest-bearing demand   $ 6,222,518     $ 6,534,307  
    NOW and interest-bearing demand     5,951,900       6,155,193  
    Money market     6,301,956       5,600,587  
    Savings     1,113,168       1,207,807  
    Time     3,490,399       3,649,498  
    Brokered     173,161       163,219  
    Total deposits     23,253,102       23,310,611  
    Long-term debt     316,363       324,823  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     396,987       400,292  
    Total liabilities     23,966,452       24,035,726  
    Shareholders’ equity:        
    Preferred stock; $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,662 shares Series I issued and
    outstanding; $25,000 per share liquidation preference
        88,266       88,266  
    Common stock, $1 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized,
    119,282,762 and 119,010,319 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
        119,283       119,010  
    Common stock issuable; 588,296 and 620,108 shares, respectively     12,661       13,110  
    Capital surplus     2,707,266       2,699,112  
    Retained earnings     668,965       581,219  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (189,761 )     (239,192 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     3,406,680       3,261,525  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 27,373,132     $ 27,297,251  
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Interest revenue:                
    Loans, including fees   $ 291,574     $ 273,781     $ 867,152     $ 760,696  
    Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,713, $1,722, $5,133 and $5,563, respectively     52,997       44,729       149,496       125,775  
    Deposits in banks and short-term investments     4,515       4,637       16,131       11,938  
    Total interest revenue     349,086       323,147       1,032,779       898,409  
                     
    Interest expense:                
    Deposits:                
    NOW and interest-bearing demand     43,401       35,613       133,522       80,809  
    Money market     56,874       46,884       160,883       105,430  
    Savings     672       868       2,065       2,108  
    Time     35,202       33,368       107,925       75,464  
    Deposits     136,149       116,733       404,395       263,811  
    Short-term borrowings     27       189       87       3,186  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances                       5,761  
    Long-term debt     3,724       3,669       11,262       11,339  
    Total interest expense     139,900       120,591       415,744       284,097  
    Net interest revenue     209,186       202,556       617,035       614,312  
    Provision for credit losses     14,428       30,268       39,562       74,804  
    Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses     194,758       172,288       577,473       539,508  
                     
    Noninterest income:                
    Service charges and fees     10,488       10,315       30,372       28,791  
    Mortgage loan gains and other related fees     3,520       6,159       17,830       17,264  
    Wealth management fees     6,338       6,451       19,037       17,775  
    Net (losses) gains from sales of other loans     (25,700 )     2,688       (22,867 )     6,909  
    Lending and loan servicing fees     3,512       2,985       11,050       9,979  
    Securities losses, net                       (1,644 )
    Other     9,933       3,379       28,812       19,499  
    Total noninterest income     8,091       31,977       84,234       98,573  
    Total revenue     202,849       204,265       661,707       638,081  
                     
    Noninterest expenses:                
    Salaries and employee benefits     83,533       81,173       254,336       236,121  
    Communications and equipment     12,626       10,902       36,534       31,654  
    Occupancy     11,311       10,941       33,466       31,024  
    Advertising and public relations     2,041       2,251       6,401       6,914  
    Postage, printing and supplies     2,477       2,386       7,376       7,305  
    Professional fees     6,432       7,006       18,464       19,670  
    Lending and loan servicing expense     2,227       2,697       6,068       7,546  
    Outside services – electronic banking     4,433       2,561       10,163       8,646  
    FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges     5,003       4,314       17,036       12,457  
    Amortization of intangibles     3,528       4,171       11,209       11,120  
    Merger-related and other charges     2,176       9,168       6,420       21,444  
    Other     7,278       6,904       27,638       22,785  
    Total noninterest expenses     143,065       144,474       435,111       416,686  
    Income before income taxes     59,784       59,791       226,596       221,395  
    Income tax expense     12,437       11,925       50,003       47,941  
    Net income     47,347       47,866       176,593       173,454  
    Preferred stock dividends, net of discount on repurchases     1,573       832       4,719       4,270  
    Earnings allocated to participating securities     272       259       988       939  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 45,502     $ 46,775     $ 170,886     $ 168,245  
                     
    Net income per common share:                
    Basic   $ 0.38     $ 0.39     $ 1.43     $ 1.44  
    Diluted     0.38       0.39       1.43       1.44  
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:                
    Basic     119,818       119,506       119,736       116,925  
    Diluted     119,952       119,624       119,827       117,084  
    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
    For the Three Months Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    (dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate
    Assets:                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans, net of unearned income (FTE)(1)(2)   $ 18,051,741     $ 291,164       6.42 %   $ 18,055,402     $ 273,800       6.02 %
    Taxable securities(3)     6,182,164       51,284       3.32       5,933,708       43,007       2.90  
    Tax-exempt securities (FTE)(1)(3)     361,359       2,292       2.54       368,148       2,313       2.51  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets     505,792       5,440       4.28       538,039       5,093       3.76  
    Total interest-earning assets (FTE)     25,101,056       350,180       5.55       24,895,297       324,213       5.17  
                             
    Noninterest-earning assets:                        
    Allowance for credit losses     (215,008 )             (209,472 )        
    Cash and due from banks     206,995               225,831          
    Premises and equipment     399,262               367,217          
    Other assets(3)     1,615,468               1,568,824          
    Total assets   $ 27,107,773             $ 26,847,697          
                             
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Interest-bearing deposits:                        
    NOW and interest-bearing demand   $ 5,797,845       43,401       2.98     $ 5,285,513       35,613       2.67  
    Money market     6,342,455       56,874       3.57       5,622,355       46,884       3.31  
    Savings     1,126,774       672       0.24       1,301,047       868       0.26  
    Time     3,465,980       34,560       3.97       3,473,191       31,072       3.55  
    Brokered time deposits     50,364       642       5.07       209,119       2,296       4.36  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     16,783,418       136,149       3.23       15,891,225       116,733       2.91  
    Federal funds purchased and other borrowings     1,899       27       5.66       44,164       189       1.70  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     11                                
    Long-term debt     323,544       3,724       4.58       324,770       3,669       4.48  
    Total borrowed funds     325,454       3,751       4.59       368,934       3,858       4.15  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     17,108,872       139,900       3.25       16,260,159       120,591       2.94  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     6,239,926               6,916,272          
    Other liabilities     391,574               435,592          
    Total liabilities     23,740,372               23,612,023          
    Shareholders’ equity     3,367,401               3,235,674          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 27,107,773             $ 26,847,697          
                             
    Net interest revenue (FTE)       $ 210,280             $ 203,622      
    Net interest-rate spread (FTE)             2.30 %             2.23 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)(4)             3.33 %             3.24 %

    (1) Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans includes a taxable-equivalent adjustment to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The FTE adjustment totaled $1.09 million and $1.07 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The tax rate used to calculate the adjustment was 25% in 2024 and 26% in 2023, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
    (2) Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
    (3) Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $295 million in 2024 and $430 million in 2023 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
    (4) Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

    UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
    For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    (dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate   Average Balance   Interest   Average Rate
    Assets:                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans, net of unearned income (FTE)(1)(2)   $ 18,187,790     $ 866,502       6.36 %   $ 17,377,210     $ 760,802       5.85 %
    Taxable securities(3)     5,988,368       144,363       3.21       5,982,615       120,212       2.68  
    Tax-exempt securities (FTE)(1)(3)     363,692       6,876       2.52       386,499       7,470       2.58  
    Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets     559,786       18,256       4.36       490,703       13,103       3.57  
    Total interest-earning assets (FTE)     25,099,636       1,035,997       5.51       24,237,027       901,587       4.97  
                             
    Non-interest-earning assets:                        
    Allowance for loan losses     (214,372 )             (186,428 )        
    Cash and due from banks     210,982               249,411          
    Premises and equipment     392,561               347,514          
    Other assets(3)     1,613,118               1,518,503          
    Total assets   $ 27,101,925             $ 26,166,027          
                             
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Interest-bearing deposits:                        
    NOW and interest-bearing demand   $ 5,913,566       133,522       3.02     $ 4,891,214       80,809       2.21  
    Money market     6,092,649       160,883       3.53       5,349,265       105,430       2.64  
    Savings     1,159,982       2,065       0.24       1,341,033       2,108       0.21  
    Time     3,535,343       106,199       4.01       2,936,873       65,856       3.00  
    Brokered time deposits     50,343       1,726       4.58       280,293       9,608       4.58  
    Total interest-bearing deposits     16,751,883       404,395       3.22       14,798,678       263,811       2.38  
    Federal funds purchased and other borrowings     2,001       87       5.81       98,884       3,186       4.31  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     5                   166,355       5,761       4.63  
    Long-term debt     324,414       11,262       4.64       324,737       11,339       4.67  
    Total borrowed funds     326,420       11,349       4.64       589,976       20,286       4.60  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     17,078,303       415,744       3.25       15,388,654       284,097       2.47  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     6,306,919               7,226,096          
    Other liabilities     394,323               393,048          
    Total liabilities     23,779,545               23,007,798          
    Shareholders’ equity     3,322,380               3,158,229          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 27,101,925             $ 26,166,027          
                             
    Net interest revenue (FTE)       $ 620,253             $ 617,490      
    Net interest-rate spread (FTE)             2.26 %             2.50 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)(4)             3.30 %             3.41 %
                             

    (1) Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans includes a taxable-equivalent adjustment to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The FTE adjustment totaled $3.22 million and $3.18 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The tax rate used to calculate the adjustment was 25% in 2024 and 26% in 2023, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
    (2) Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
    (3) Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $320 million in 2024 and $413 million in 2023 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
    (4) Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

    About United Community Banks, Inc.
    United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of September 30, 2024, United Community Banks, Inc. had $27.4 billion in assets, 202 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2024, United Community became a 10-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. In 2023, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the seventh consecutive year and was recognized in the Greenwich Excellence and Best Brands Awards, receiving 15 awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction in small business banking and middle market banking. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    This press release, including the accompanying financial statement tables, contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. This financial information includes certain operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other charges that are not considered part of recurring operations, such as “noninterest income – operating”, “noninterest expense – operating”, “operating net income,” “pre-tax, pre-provision income,” “operating net income per diluted common share,” “operating earnings per share,” “tangible book value per common share,” “operating return on common equity,” “operating return on tangible common equity,” “operating return on assets,” “return on assets – pre-tax, pre-provision – operating,” “return on assets – pre-tax, pre-provision,” “operating efficiency ratio,” and “tangible common equity to tangible assets.” These non-GAAP measures are included because United believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating United’s underlying performance trends. These measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. To the extent applicable, reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP are included with the accompanying financial statement tables.

    Caution About Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “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. In general, forward-looking statements usually may be identified through use of words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to general competitive, economic, political and market conditions. Further information regarding additional factors which could affect the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be found in the cautionary language included under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other documents subsequently filed by United with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    Many of these factors are beyond United’s ability to control or predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, shareholders and investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, and United undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for United to predict their occurrence or how they will affect United.

    United qualifies all forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

    For more information:
    Jefferson Harralson
    Chief Financial Officer
    (864) 240-6208
    Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Stock Yards Bancorp Reports Third Quarter Earnings of $29.4 Million or $1.00 Per Diluted Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBT), parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, with offices in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets, today reported earnings of $29.4 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. This compares to net income of $27.1 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2023. Continued strong loan growth and net interest margin expansion fueled third quarter operating results.

                           
                           
    (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data) 3Q24
      2Q24
      3Q23
    Net income $ 29,360     $ 27,598     $ 27,092  
    Net income per share, diluted   1.00       0.94       0.92  
           
    Net interest income $ 64,979     $ 62,022     $ 61,315  
    Provision for credit losses(1)   4,325       1,300       2,775  
    Non-interest income   24,797       23,655       22,896  
    Non-interest expenses   48,452       49,109       46,702  
           
    Net interest margin   3.33 %     3.26 %     3.34 %
    Efficiency ratio(2)   53.92 %     57.26 %     55.38 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(3)   8.79 %     8.42 %     7.69 %
    Annualized return on average assets(4)   1.39 %     1.35 %     1.38 %
    Annualized return on average equity(4)   12.83 %     12.64 %     13.26 %
                           
                           

    “Stock Yards delivered the best third quarter in our history, highlighted by strong loan demand and production, solid contributions from our non-interest income revenue sources and linked quarter net interest margin expansion,” commented James A. (Ja) Hillebrand, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Total loans increased $661 million, or 12%, over the last 12 months, with $207 million of growth generated during the third quarter. We experienced growth within all loan categories and across all markets. Deposit balances expanded $323 million, or 5%, over the past 12 months, with balances growing $157 million, or 2%, during the third quarter. Deposit growth was also spread across all markets, enhanced by strategic time deposit marketing efforts. We continue to focus on organic growth, while avoiding brokered deposits and improving our funding position, which is contributing meaningfully to our net interest margin expansion.”

    “Non-interest revenue once again contributed to our strong operating results for the third quarter of 2024, led by expansion in several categories,” Hillebrand continued. “Treasury management fees continued to benefit from customer base growth and increased transaction volume. WM&T income was boosted by estate fees and solid market conditions. In addition, mortgage, brokerage and card income all posted meaningful contributions. As previously mentioned, we are encouraged by our net interest margin improvement and prospects for continued expansion. Third quarter net interest margin expanded seven basis points on the linked quarter, boosted by substantial loan growth, higher interest earning asset yields and a moderating cost of funds expansion.”

    As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $8.44 billion in assets, $6.28 billion in loans and $6.73 billion in total deposits. The Company’s combined enterprise, which encompasses 72 branch offices across three contiguous states, will continue to benefit from a diversified geographic footprint.

    Key factors contributing to the third quarter of 2024 results included:

    • Total loans increased $661 million, or 12%, over the last 12 months, while growing $207 million, or 3%, on the linked quarter. Broad based loan growth during the quarter included increases in all markets and across all loan categories, with Construction Land & Development (CL&D) growth of $88 million posting the largest gain. The yield earned on loans increased to 6.17% for the third quarter of 2024, benefiting primarily from significant average loan balance growth.
    • Deposit balances expanded $323 million, or 5%, over the last 12 months, with the deposit mix continuing to shift from non-interest bearing and low interest-bearing deposits into higher cost deposits. Non-interest-bearing demand accounts declined $207 million, or 12%, while interest-bearing deposits grew $530 million, or 11%, led by time deposit growth. On the linked quarter, total deposits expanded $157 million, or 2%. Non-interest-bearing demand accounts increased $26 million, or 2%, while total interest-bearing deposit accounts increased $131 million, or 3%.
    • Net interest income increased $3.7 million, or 6%, for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter a year ago, with net interest margin compressing one basis point to 3.33%. On the linked quarter, net interest income increased $3.0 million, or 5%, while net interest margin expanded 7 basis points to 3.33%.
    • Provision for credit loss expense(1) of $4.3 million was recorded for the third quarter of 2024, primarily attributed to strong loan growth and deterioration within the Federal Reserve Bank’s unemployment rate forecast used in the CECL allowance model. Traditional credit quality statistics remained strong for the quarter.
    • Non-interest income increased $1.9 million, or 8%, over the third quarter of 2023. WM&T income expanded $901,000, or 9%, to $10.9 million, with strong estate fees and improved market conditions more than offsetting a decline in net new business expansion. Treasury management fees grew $304,000, or 12%, over the last 12 months to a record $2.9 million. Card income increased $213,000, or 4% over the third quarter of 2023 consistent with increased transaction volume. Other non-interest income increased $315,000 over the third quarter of 2023, mainly due to increased swap fees collected.
    • Total non-interest expenses increased $1.8 million, or 4%, during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, and decreased $657,000, or 1%, on the linked quarter. Overall, non-interest expenses continued to track closely to management expectations.
    • Tangible common equity per share(3) was $24.58 on September 30, 2024, compared to $23.22 on June 30, 2024, and $20.17 on September 30, 2023.

    Hillebrand concluded, “In September, we were one of only 30 banks in the U.S. to be named a “Sm-All Star” in Piper Sandler’s annual list of top-performing small-cap banks and thrifts in its “Class of 2024.” This elite annual list reflects the top banks in the industry across various metrics including growth, profitability, credit quality and capital strength. We are honored to be recognized by Piper Sandler as one of the top performing community banks in the nation, a testament to the solid foundation we have built to generate long term growth. Being named to this prestigious group is a noteworthy recognition of the hard work and dedication of the entire Stock Yards team.” Stock Yards Bancorp has been named to Piper Sandler’s Sm-All Stars list six times in 2008, 2011, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.

    Results of Operations – Third Quarter 2024, Compared with Third Quarter 2023

    Net interest income, the Company’s largest source of revenue, increased by $3.7 million, or 6%, to $65.0 million. Strong organic loan growth and correlating interest income expansion contributed to net interest income growth.

    • Total interest income increased by $16.8 million, or 19%, to $105.7 million.
      • Interest income and fees on loans increased $17.5 million, or 22%, over the prior year quarter. Consistent with the $688 million, or 13%, increase in average loans and interest rate expansion, the average quarterly yield earned on loans increased 51 basis points over the past 12 months to 6.17%.
      • Interest income on securities decreased $1.1 million, or 13%, compared to the third quarter of 2023. While average securities balances have declined $235 million, or 14%, over the past 12 months, the rate earned on securities improved three basis points to 2.07%. Over the past 12 months, cash flows from investment portfolio maturities and pay downs have been utilized to fund loan growth and in lieu of redeployment into the portfolio.
      • Interest income on overnight funds increased $306,000, or 19%, consistent with the $24 million quarter over prior year quarter average balance increase.
         
    • Total interest expense increased $13.1 million, or 48%, to $40.7 million, as the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 68 basis points to 2.84%. For the sixth consecutive linked quarter end, the pace of expansion of total interest-bearing liability costs has slowed.
      • Interest expense on deposits increased $12.6 million over the past 12 months, as the overall cost of interest- bearing deposits increased to 2.68% in the third quarter of 2024 from 1.88% in the third quarter of 2023. Interest expense expansion was spread over most deposit categories, with time deposits and money market interest expense expanding the most at $5.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
      • Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances increased $292,000, or 6%, with the cost of funds declining 37 basis points to 4.49%. Consistent with third quarter investment securities maturities, the Bank relied less on overnight advances during the third quarter of 2024.

    For the third quarter of 2024, consistent with strong loan growth, a deterioration in unemployment rate projections and a slight increase in net charge-offs, offset by a reduction in specific reserves and other factors within the CECL allowance model, the Company recorded provision expense (1) of $4.3 million for loans. In addition, no provision expense for off balance sheet exposures was recorded. For the third quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $2.3 million in provision expense for loans and $475,000 of provision expense for off balance sheet exposures associated with expansion of C&LD and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) lines of credit.

    Non-interest income increased $1.9 million, or 8%, to $24.8 million compared to the third quarter of 2023.

    • WM&T income ended the third quarter of 2024 at $10.9 million, increasing $901,000, or 9%, over the third quarter of 2023. Despite positive equity market performance and strong estate fee revenue, WM&T income was muted by negative net new business.
    • Compared to the third quarter of 2023, treasury management fees increased $304,000, or 12%, to a record $2.9 million. The consistent treasury management growth has been driven by strong transaction volume, organic growth, modified fee schedules, strong foreign exchange income and new product sales.
    • Card income increased $213,000, or 4%, over the third quarter of 2023. Credit card interchange income and annual merchant incentives drove credit card income to a record $1.7 million. In addition, debit card income also posted growth over the prior period.
    • Other non-interest income, which includes swap fees, letter of credit fees and OREO activity, increased by $315,000. While swap fee income was strong in the third quarter of 2024, the Company’s Insurance Captive, which was not renewed in 2024, contributed approximately $302,000 to other non-interest income in the third quarter of 2023.

    Non-interest expenses, which tracked closely with management expectations, increased $1.8 million, or 4%, compared to the third quarter of 2023, to $48.5 million.

    • Compensation and benefits expense increased $2.3 million, or 9%, compared to the third quarter of 2023, consistent with annual merit-based increases and increased bonus levels, partially offset by lower health insurance claims.
    • Technology and communication expenses, which include computer software amortization, equipment depreciation and expenditures related to investments in technology needed to maintain and improve the quality of customer delivery channels, information security and internal resources, increased $264,000, or 6%, consistent with software upgrades and increased compliance-related expense.
    • Card processing expense increased $208,000, or 13%. Debit card interchange expense increased $103,000 while credit card expense increased $105,000, consistent with transaction growth and fraud mitigation efforts.
    • Amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships declined $323,000 compared to the third quarter of 2023. Effective January 1, 2024, the Bank adopted ASU 2023-02 and began booking tax credit amortization expense for all income tax credit projects as a component of tax expense via the proportional amortization method.
    • Other non-interest expenses declined $831,000, or 31%, compared to the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to modifications made to the corporate credit card reward program and significant declines in check and card losses, as well as the Company’s strategic decision to exit its Insurance Captive, which contributed $275,000 in expense to the third quarter of 2023.

    Financial Condition – September 30, 2024, Compared with September 30, 2023

    Total assets increased $534 million, or 7%, year over year to $8.44 billion.

    Total loans increased $661 million, or 12%, to $6.28 billion, with growth spread across all categories and markets. Total line of credit usage ended at 43.2% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 38.8% as of September 30, 2023, boosted by increased CL&D and C&I line usage. C&I line of credit usage expanded to 31.8% as of period end.

    Total investment securities decreased $229 million, or 16%, year over year. The overall portfolio yield was 2.07% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.04% for the third quarter of 2023. Over the past 12 months, cash flows from the investment portfolio have been utilized to fund loan growth and provide liquidity in lieu of redeployment.

    Total deposits increased $323 million, or 5%, over the past 12 months, with the deposit mix continuing to shift from non-interest bearing and low interest-bearing deposits into higher cost deposits. Non-interest-bearing demand accounts declined $207 million, or 12%, while interest-bearing deposits grew $530 million, or 11%, led by $313 million of time deposit growth and $174 million of growth in money market balances.

    Non-performing loans totaled $17 million, or 0.27% of total loans outstanding on September 30, 2024, compared to $17 million, or 0.31% of total loans outstanding on September 30, 2023. The ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans ended at 1.36% on September 30, 2024, compared to 1.39% on September 30, 2023.

    As of September 30, 2024, the Company continued to be “well-capitalized,” the highest regulatory capital rating for financial institutions, with all capital ratios experiencing meaningful growth. Total equity to assets(3) was 11.07% and the tangible common equity ratio(3) was 8.79% on September 30, 2024, compared to 10.21% and 7.69% on September 30, 2023, respectively.

    In August 2024, the board of directors increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.31 per common share. The dividend was paid October 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of September 16, 2024.

    No shares have been purchased since 2020, and approximately 741,000 shares remain eligible for repurchase under the current buy-back plan, which expires in May 2025.

    Results of Operations – Third Quarter 2024, Compared with Second Quarter 2024

    Net interest margin improved seven basis points on the linked quarter to 3.33%, boosted by strong loan growth, higher interest earning asset yields and a slow-down in cost of funds expansion.

    Net interest income increased $3.0 million, or 5%, over the prior quarter to $65.0 million.

    • Total interest income increased $5.4 million, or 5%.
      • Interest income, including fees, on loans increased $5.7 million, or 6%. Average loans increased $201 million, or 3%, and the corresponding yield earned increased 11 basis points to 6.17%.
    • Total interest expense increased $2.5 million, or 6%.
      • Interest expense on deposits increased $2.4 million, or 8%, led by a $76 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits concentrated within the time and money market categories.

    The Company recorded $4.3 million in provision for credit losses on loans(1) and no credit loss expense for off-balance sheet exposures during the third quarter of 2024. During the second quarter of 2024, the Company recorded $1.3 million in provision for credit losses, which included a $1.1 million provision for credit losses on loans and $225,000 of credit loss expense for off-balance sheet exposures.

    Non-interest income increased $1.1 million, or 5%, on the linked quarter, with increases in nearly every category.

    Non-interest expenses decreased $657,000 to $48.5 million, as increases in compensation expense were more than offset by decreases in employee benefits, marketing and business development and technology and communication expenses.

    Financial Condition – September 30, 2024, Compared with June 30, 2024

    Total assets increased $122 million, or 1%, on the linked quarter to $8.44 billion.

    Total loans expanded $207 million, or 3%, on the linked quarter, led by increases in nearly every loan category. Total line of credit usage was 43.2% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 41.1% as of June 30, 2024. C&I line of credit usage totaled 31.8% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 30.8% as of June 30, 2024.

    Total deposits increased $157 million, or 2%, on the linked quarter. Non-interest-bearing demand accounts increased $26 million, or 2%, while total interest-bearing deposit accounts increased $131 million, or 3%. Time deposits increased by $119 million and money market balances increased by $82 million on the linked quarter.

    About the Company

    Louisville, Kentucky-based Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., with $8.44 billion in assets, was incorporated in 1988 as a bank holding company. It is the parent company of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, which was established in 1904. The Company’s common shares trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “SYBT.”

    This report contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the Company’s management believes the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of these assumptions could be inaccurate. Therefore, there can be no assurance the forward-looking statements included herein will prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: economic conditions both generally and more specifically in the markets in which the Company and its banking subsidiary operates; competition for the Company’s customers from other providers of financial services; changes in, or forecasts of, future political and economic conditions, inflation and efforts to control it; government legislation and regulation, which change and over which the Company has no control; changes in interest rates; material unforeseen changes in liquidity, results of operations, or financial condition of the Company’s customers; and other risks detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Refer to Stock Yards’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as its other filings with the SEC for a more detailed discussion of risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.

                           
    Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Financial Information (unaudited)
    Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release
    (In thousands unless otherwise noted)
                           
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
    Income Statement Data 2024   2023   2024   2023
                           
    Net interest income, fully tax equivalent (5) $ 65,064     $ 61,437     $ 187,344     $ 185,757  
    Interest income:                      
    Loans $ 95,689     $ 78,234     $ 271,547     $ 219,329  
    Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks (1,946 )   (1,640 )   (6,199 )   (4,885 )
    Mortgage loans held for sale 47     55     152     173  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock 663     499     1,601     939  
    Investment securities 7,377     8,497     23,072     26,129  
    Total interest income 105,722     88,925     302,571     251,455  
    Interest expense:                      
    Deposits 33,997     21,360     97,486     51,940  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 937     597     2,639     1,429  
    Federal funds purchased 120     157     395     504  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 5,209     4,917     13,469     10,613  
    Subordinated debentures 480     579     1,511     1,653  
    Total interest expense 40,743     27,610     115,500     66,139  
    Net interest income 64,979     61,315     187,071     185,316  
    Provision for credit losses (1) 4,325     2,775     7,050     7,750  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses 60,654     58,540     180,021     177,566  
    Non-interest income:                      
    Wealth management and trust services 10,931     10,030     32,497     29,703  
    Deposit service charges 2,314     2,272     6,630     6,622  
    Debit and credit card income 5,083     4,870     14,688     14,064  
    Treasury management fees 2,939     2,635     8,389     7,502  
    Mortgage banking income 1,112     814     3,077     2,882  
    Net investment product sales commissions and fees 915     791     2,580     2,345  
    Bank owned life insurance 634     569     1,817     1,677  
    Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment (59 )   302     (39 )   75  
    Other 928     613     2,084     2,933  
    Total non-interest income 24,797     22,896     71,723     67,803  
    Non-interest expenses:                      
    Compensation 25,534     23,379     74,389     67,382  
    Employee benefits 4,629     4,508     15,591     14,622  
    Net occupancy and equipment 3,775     3,821     11,264     11,234  
    Technology and communication 4,500     4,236     14,463     12,706  
    Debit and credit card processing 1,845     1,637     5,402     4,762  
    Marketing and business development 1,438     1,357     4,109     4,236  
    Postage, printing and supplies 901     938     2,740     2,701  
    Legal and professional 968     1,049     3,268     2,665  
    FDIC insurance 1,095     937     3,368     2,851  
    Capital and deposit based taxes 825     629     2,128     1,875  
    Intangible amortization 1,052     1,167     3,155     3,519  
    Amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships     323         970  
    Other 1,890     2,721     6,645     8,293  
    Total non-interest expenses 48,452     46,702     146,522     137,816  
    Income before income tax expense 36,999     34,734     105,222     107,553  
    Income tax expense 7,639     7,642     22,377     23,749  
    Net income $ 29,360     $ 27,092     $ 82,845     $ 83,804  
                           
    Net income per share – Basic $ 1.00     $ 0.93     $ 2.83     $ 2.87  
    Net income per share – Diluted 1.00     0.92     2.82     2.86  
    Cash dividend declared per share 0.31     0.30     0.91     0.88  
                           
    Weighted average shares – Basic 29,299     29,223     29,277     29,208  
    Weighted average shares – Diluted 29,445     29,336     29,396     29,347  
                           
              September 30,
    Balance Sheet Data             2024   2023
                           
    Investment securities             $ 1,236,744     $ 1,465,463  
    Loans             6,278,133     5,617,084  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans             85,343     78,075  
    Total assets             8,437,280     7,903,430  
    Non-interest bearing deposits             1,508,203     1,714,918  
    Interest bearing deposits             5,217,870     4,687,889  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances             325,000     350,000  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)             (75,273 )   (127,905 )
    Stockholders’ equity             934,094     806,918  
                           
    Total shares outstanding             29,414     29,323  
    Book value per share (3)             $ 31.76     $ 27.52  
    Tangible common equity per share (3)             24.58     20.17  
    Market value per share             61.99     39.29  
                           
    Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Financial Information (unaudited)
    Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release
                           
      Three Months Ended
      Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
      September 30,
    Average Balance Sheet Data 2024   2023   2024   2023
                           
    Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks $ 148,818     $ 124,653     $ 153,755     $ 132,421  
    Mortgage loans held for sale 4,862     7,112     5,230     7,333  
    Investment securities 1,424,815     1,659,888     1,498,092     1,710,838  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock 31,193     27,290     27,364     22,663  
    Loans 6,174,309     5,486,262     5,986,366     5,337,493  
    Total interest earning assets 7,783,997     7,305,205     7,670,807     7,210,748  
    Total assets 8,384,605     7,805,154     8,262,017     7,660,658  
    Non-interest bearing deposits 1,510,515     1,731,724     1,508,947     1,796,586  
    Interest bearing deposits 5,047,771     4,509,411     5,026,185     4,468,160  
    Total deposits 6,558,286     6,241,135     6,535,132     6,264,746  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 156,865     127,063     156,392     120,740  
    Federal funds purchased 8,480     11,776     9,585     13,857  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 461,141     401,630     392,609     305,220  
    Subordinated debentures 26,806     26,606     26,802     26,508  
    Total interest bearing liabilities 5,701,063     5,076,486     5,611,573     4,934,485  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (88,362 )   (112,329 )   (94,560 )   (107,374 )
    Total stockholders’ equity 910,274     810,710     883,267     796,172  
                           
    Performance Ratios                      
    Annualized return on average assets (4) 1.39 %   1.38 %   1.34 %   1.46 %
    Annualized return on average equity (4) 12.83 %   13.26 %   12.53 %   14.07 %
    Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent 3.33 %   3.34 %   3.26 %   3.44 %
    Non-interest income to total revenue, fully tax equivalent 27.59 %   27.15 %   27.69 %   26.74 %
    Efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent (2) 53.92 %   55.38 %   56.56 %   54.35 %
                           
    Capital Ratios                      
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets (3)             11.07 %   10.21 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3)             8.79 %   7.69 %
    Average stockholders’ equity to average assets             10.69 %   10.39 %
    Total risk-based capital             12.73 %   12.71 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital             11.16 %   11.17 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital             11.52 %   11.57 %
    Leverage             10.05 %   9.80 %
                           
    Loan Segmentation                      
    Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied             $ 1,686,448     $ 1,508,615  
    Commercial real estate – owner occupied             949,538     945,122  
    Commercial and industrial             1,379,293     1,251,027  
    Residential real estate – owner occupied             783,337     696,162  
    Residential real estate – non-owner occupied             381,051     350,386  
    Construction and land development             674,918     480,120  
    Home equity lines of credit             236,819     203,184  
    Consumer             143,684     143,703  
    Leases             16,760     14,710  
    Credit cards             26,285     24,055  
    Total loans and leases             $ 6,278,133     $ 5,617,084  
                           
    Asset Quality Data                      
    Non-accrual loans             $ 16,288     $ 17,227  
    Modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty                  
    Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing             870     1  
    Total non-performing loans             17,158     17,228  
    Other real estate owned             10     427  
    Total non-performing assets             $ 17,168     $ 17,655  
    Non-performing loans to total loans             0.27 %   0.31 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets             0.20 %   0.22 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans             1.36 %   1.39 %
    Allowance for credit  losses on loans to average loans             1.43 %   1.46 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans             497 %   453 %
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries $ (1,137 )   $ (1,935 )   $ (606 )   $ (2,156 )
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans (6) -0.02 %   -0.04 %   -0.01 %   -0.04 %
                           
    Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Financial Information (unaudited)  
    Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release  
                                 
      Quarterly Comparison
    Income Statement Data 9-30-24   6-30-24   3-31-24   12-31-23   9-30-23
                                 
    Net interest income, fully tax equivalent  (5) $ 65,064     $ 62,113     $ 60,167     $ 62,112     $ 61,437  
    Net interest income $ 64,979     $ 62,022     $ 60,070     $ 62,016     $ 61,315  
    Provision for credit losses (1) 4,325     1,300     1,425     6,046     2,775  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses 60,654     60,722     58,645     55,970     58,540  
    Non-interest income:                            
    Wealth management and trust services 10,931     10,795     10,771     10,099     10,030  
    Deposit service charges 2,314     2,180     2,136     2,244     2,272  
    Debit and credit card income 5,083     4,923     4,682     5,374     4,870  
    Treasury management fees 2,939     2,825     2,625     2,531     2,635  
    Mortgage banking income 1,112     1,017     948     823     814  
    Loss on sale of securities             (44 )    
    Net investment product sales commissions and fees 915     800     865     860     791  
    Bank owned life insurance 634     595     588     576     569  
    Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment (59 )   20         (105 )   302  
    Other 928     500     656     2,059     613  
    Total non-interest income 24,797     23,655     23,271     24,417     22,896  
    Non-interest expenses:                            
    Compensation 25,534     24,634     24,221     24,494     23,379  
    Employee benefits 4,629     5,086     5,876     3,829     4,508  
    Net occupancy and equipment 3,775     3,819     3,670     5,150     3,821  
    Technology and communication 4,500     4,894     5,069     4,612     4,236  
    Debit and credit card processing 1,845     1,811     1,746     1,719     1,637  
    Marketing and business development 1,438     1,596     1,075     1,754     1,357  
    Postage, printing and supplies 901     913     926     903     938  
    Legal and professional 968     1,185     1,115     1,293     1,049  
    FDIC insurance 1,095     1,161     1,112     1,060     937  
    Capital and deposit based taxes 825     673     630     601     629  
    Intangible amortization 1,052     1,051     1,052     1,167     1,167  
    Amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships             324     323  
    Other 1,890     2,286     2,469     3,107     2,721  
    Total non-interest expenses 48,452     49,109     48,961     50,013     46,702  
    Income before income tax expense 36,999     35,268     32,955     30,374     34,734  
    Income tax expense 7,639     7,670     7,068     6,430     7,642  
    Net income $ 29,360     $ 27,598     $ 25,887     $ 23,944     $ 27,092  
                                 
                                 
    Net income per share – Basic $ 1.00     $ 0.94     $ 0.89     $ 0.82     $ 0.93  
    Net income per share – Diluted 1.00     0.94     0.88     0.82     0.92  
    Cash dividend declared per share 0.31     0.30     0.30     0.30     0.30  
                                 
    Weighted average shares – Basic 29,299     29,283     29,250     29,226     29,223  
    Weighted average shares – Diluted 29,445     29,383     29,361     29,331     29,336  
                                 
      Quarterly Comparison
    Balance Sheet Data 9-30-24   6-30-24   3-31-24   12-31-23   9-30-23
                                 
    Cash and due from banks $ 108,825     $ 85,441     $ 71,676     $ 94,466     $ 79,538  
    Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks 144,241     118,910     88,547     171,493     113,499  
    Mortgage loans held for sale 4,822     6,438     6,462     6,056     6,535  
    Investment securities 1,236,744     1,342,354     1,379,212     1,471,016     1,465,453  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock 29,419     31,462     24,675     16,236     26,241  
    Loans 6,278,133     6,070,963     5,849,715     5,771,038     5,617,084  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans 85,343     82,155     80,897     79,374     78,075  
    Goodwill 194,074     194,074     194,074     194,074     194,074  
    Total assets 8,437,280     8,315,325     8,123,128     8,170,102     7,903,430  
    Non-interest bearing deposits 1,508,203     1,482,514     1,481,217     1,548,624     1,714,918  
    Interest bearing deposits 5,217,870     5,086,724     5,127,863     5,122,124     4,687,889  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 149,852     152,948     162,528     152,991     113,894  
    Federal funds purchased 6,442     10,029     9,961     12,852     11,518  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 325,000     400,000     200,000     200,000     350,000  
    Subordinated debentures 26,806     26,806     26,806     26,740     26,641  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (75,273 )   (94,980 )   (95,054 )   (92,798 )   (127,905 )
    Stockholders’ equity 934,094     894,535     874,711     858,103     806,918  
                                 
    Total shares outstanding 29,414     29,388     29,393     29,329     29,323  
    Book value per share (3) 31.76     $ 30.44     $ 29.76     $ 29.26     $ 27.52  
    Tangible common equity per share (3) 24.58     23.22     22.50     21.95     20.17  
    Market value per share 61.99     49.67     48.91     51.49     39.29  
                                 
    Capital Ratios                            
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets (3) 11.07 %   10.76 %   10.77 %   10.50 %   10.21 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (3) 8.79 %   8.42 %   8.36 %   8.09 %   7.69 %
    Average stockholders’ equity to average assets 10.86 %   10.65 %   10.56 %   10.07 %   10.39 %
    Total risk-based capital 12.73 %   12.62 %   12.69 %   12.56 %   12.71 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital 11.16 %   11.07 %   11.11 %   11.04 %   11.17 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital 11.52 %   11.43 %   11.49 %   11.43 %   11.57 %
    Leverage 10.05 %   9.95 %   9.82 %   9.62 %   9.80 %
                                 
    Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Financial Information (unaudited)   
    Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release   
                                 
      Quarterly Comparison
    Average Balance Sheet Data 9-30-24   6-30-24   3-31-24   12-31-23   9-30-23
                                 
    Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks $ 148,818     $ 158,512     $ 153,990     $ 258,950     $ 124,653  
    Mortgage loans held for sale 4,862     6,204     4,629     5,305     7,112  
    Investment securities 1,424,815     1,491,865     1,578,401     1,618,799     1,659,888  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock 31,193     29,735     21,121     20,519     27,290  
    Loans 6,174,309     5,973,801     5,808,924     5,676,193     5,486,262  
    Total interest earning assets 7,783,997     7,660,117     7,567,065     7,579,766     7,305,205  
    Total assets 8,384,605     8,246,735     8,153,364     8,116,569     7,805,154  
    Non-interest bearing deposits 1,510,515     1,515,708     1,500,602     1,663,962     1,731,724  
    Interest bearing deposits 5,047,771     4,971,804     5,058,743     5,025,240     4,509,411  
    Total deposits 6,558,286     6,487,512     6,559,345     6,689,202     6,241,135  
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 156,865     147,327     164,979     130,148     127,063  
    Federal funds purchased 8,480     10,127     10,161     13,606     11,776  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances 461,141     441,484     274,451     205,435     401,630  
    Subordinated debentures 26,806     26,806     26,794     26,706     26,606  
    Total interest bearing liabilities 5,701,063     5,597,548     5,535,128     5,401,135     5,076,486  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (88,362 )   (99,640 )   (95,747 )   (125,843 )   (112,329 )
    Total stockholders’ equity 910,274     878,233     861,029     817,682     810,710  
                                 
    Performance Ratios                            
    Annualized return on average assets (4) 1.39 %   1.35 %   1.28 %   1.17 %   1.38 %
    Annualized return on average equity (4) 12.83 %   12.64 %   12.09 %   11.62 %   13.26 %
    Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent 3.33 %   3.26 %   3.20 %   3.25 %   3.34 %
    Non-interest income to total revenue, fully tax equivalent 27.59 %   27.58 %   27.89 %   28.22 %   27.15 %
    Efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent (2) 53.92 %   57.26 %   58.68 %   57.80 %   55.38 %
                                 
    Loans Segmentation                            
    Commercial real estate – non-owner occupied $ 1,686,448     $ 1,652,614     $ 1,609,483     $ 1,561,689     $ 1,508,615  
    Commercial real estate – owner occupied 949,538     943,013     931,973     907,424     945,122  
    Commercial and industrial 1,379,293     1,356,970     1,293,696     1,307,128     1,251,027  
    Residential real estate – owner occupied 783,337     749,870     723,234     708,893     696,162  
    Residential real estate – non-owner occupied 381,051     365,846     360,958     358,715     350,386  
    Construction and land development 674,918     586,820     532,183     531,324     480,120  
    Home equity lines of credit 236,819     223,304     212,443     211,390     203,184  
    Consumer 143,684     151,221     145,022     145,340     143,703  
    Leases 16,760     17,258     16,619     15,503     14,710  
    Credit cards 26,285     24,047     24,104     23,632     24,055  
    Total loans and leases $ 6,278,133     $ 6,070,963     $ 5,849,715     $ 5,771,038     $ 5,617,084  
                                 
    Asset Quality Data                            
    Non-accrual loans $ 16,288     $ 17,371     $ 13,984     $ 19,058     $ 17,227  
    Modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty                  
    Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing 870     186     106     110     1  
    Total non-performing loans 17,158     17,557     14,090     19,168     17,228  
    Other real estate owned 10     10     10     10     427  
    Total non-performing assets $ 17,168     $ 17,567     $ 14,100     $ 19,178     $ 17,655  
    Non-performing loans to total loans 0.27 %   0.29 %   0.24 %   0.33 %   0.31 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.20 %   0.21 %   0.17 %   0.23 %   0.22 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans 1.36 %   1.35 %   1.38 %   1.38 %   1.39 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to average loans 1.38 %   1.38 %   1.39 %   1.40 %   1.42 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans 497 %   468 %   574 %   414 %   453 %
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries $ (1,137 )   $ 183     $ 348     $ (4,472 )   $ (1,935 )
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans (6) -0.02 %   0.00 %   0.01 %   -0.08 %   -0.04 %
                                 
    Other Information                            
    Total WM&T assets under management (in millions) $ 7,317     $ 7,479     $ 7,496     $ 7,160     $ 6,670  
    Full-time equivalent employees 1,068     1,051     1,062     1,075     1,056  
                                 
    (1) – Detail of Provision for credit losses follows:
      Quarterly Comparison
    (in thousands) 9-30-24   6-30-24   3-31-24   12-31-23   9-30-23
    Provision for credit losses – loans $ 4,325     $ 1,075     $ 1,175     $ 5,771     $ 2,300  
    Provision for credit losses – off balance sheet exposures     225     250     275     475  
    Total provision for credit losses $ 4,325     $ 1,300     $ 1,425     $ 6,046     $ 2,775  
                                 
    (2) – The efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP measure, equals total non-interest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and non-interest income.
      Quarterly Comparison
    (Dollars in thousands) 9-30-24   6-30-24   3-31-24   12-31-23   9-30-23
    Total non-interest expenses  (a) $ 48,452     $ 49,109     $ 48,961     $ 50,013     $ 46,702  
                                 
    Total net interest income, fully tax equivalent $ 65,064     $ 62,113     $ 60,167     $ 62,112     $ 61,437  
    Total non-interest income 24,797     23,655     23,271     24,417     22,896  
    Total revenue – Non-GAAP (b) 89,861     85,768     83,438     86,529     84,333  
                                 
    Efficiency ratio – Non-GAAP (a/b) 53.92 %   57.26 %   58.68 %   57.80 %   55.38 %
                                 
    (3) – The following table provides a reconciliation of total stockholders’ equity in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders’ equity, a non-GAAP disclosure. Bancorp provides the tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP measure, in addition to those defined by banking regulators, because of its widespread use by investors as a means to evaluate capital adequacy:
      Quarterly Comparison
    (In thousands, except per share data) 9-30-24   6-30-24   3-31-24   12-31-23   9-30-23
    Total stockholders’ equity – GAAP (a) $ 934,094     $ 894,535     $ 874,711     $ 858,103     $ 806,918  
    Less: Goodwill (194,074 )   (194,074 )   (194,074 )   (194,074 )   (194,074 )
    Less: Core deposit and other intangibles (17,149 )   (18,201 )   (19,252 )   (20,304 )   (21,471 )
    Tangible common equity – Non-GAAP (c) $ 722,871     $ 682,260     $ 661,385     $ 643,725     $ 591,373  
                                 
    Total assets – GAAP (b) $ 8,437,280     $ 8,315,325     $ 8,123,128     $ 8,170,102     $ 7,903,430  
    Less: Goodwill (194,074 )   (194,074 )   (194,074 )   (194,074 )   (194,074 )
    Less: Core deposit and other intangibles (17,149 )   (18,201 )   (19,252 )   (20,304 )   (21,471 )
    Tangible assets – Non-GAAP (d) $ 8,226,057     $ 8,103,050     $ 7,909,802     $ 7,955,724     $ 7,687,885  
                                 
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets – GAAP (a/b) 11.07 %   10.76 %   10.77 %   10.50 %   10.21 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets – Non-GAAP (c/d) 8.79 %   8.42 %   8.36 %   8.09 %   7.69 %
                                 
    Total shares outstanding (e) 29,414     29,388     29,393     29,329     29,323  
                                 
    Book value per share – GAAP (a/e) $ 31.76     $ 30.44     $ 29.76     $ 29.26     $ 27.52  
    Tangible common equity per share – Non-GAAP (c/e) 24.58     23.22     22.50     21.95     20.17  
                                 
    (4) – Return on average assets equals net income divided by total average assets, annualized to reflect a full year return on average assets. Similarly, return on average equity equals net income divided by total average equity, annualized to reflect a full year return on average equity.
                                 
    (5) – Interest income on a FTE basis includes the additional amount of interest income that would have been earned if investments in certain tax-exempt interest earning assets had been made in assets subject to federal, state and local taxes yielding the same after-tax income.
                                 
    (6) – Quarterly net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans ratios are not annualized.
                                 
    Contact: T. Clay Stinnett
      Executive Vice President,
      Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
      (502) 625-0890
       

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mindful Money – Use your KiwiSaver for climate action

    Source: Mindful Money

    On International Day of Climate Action 2024, New Zealand charity Mindful Money is calling on Kiwis to drive climate action with their investments’. Most of us want to do our bit to help avoid climate chaos. A crucial – and easy – step that Kiwis can take is to reduce the emissions that result from their KiwiSaver and other investments.

    Mindful Money is highlighting three actions that Kiwis can take to reduce the emissions financed by their investments.

    Climate action 1: Avoid funding the fossil fools

    Everyone with a KiwiSaver fund has the power to ensure their money doesn’t fuel climate change. There is over a billion dollars of KiwiSaver funds invested in hard core climate polluters that are still increasing their emissions, instead of transitioning to renewable energy.

    Mindful Money Co-CEO Barry Coates explained: “This year’s Climate Action Day comes at a time when floods, fires, lethal heat and cyclones are devastating the lives of millions of vulnerable people, and wreaking havoc on our oceans, glaciers, forests and species. Kiwis can reduce their own contribution by choosing not to invest in the companies causing the most damage.”

    The highest emissions are from the major coal, oil and gas companies that have made billions of dollars in profits while denying the problem and delaying and obstructing climate policy. A mere 57 oil, gas, coal and cement producers are directly linked to 80% of the world’s global fossil CO2 emissions since the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

    The public companies, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP and TotalEnergies were the five largest emitters between 2016 and 2022.

    New Zealanders still invest large amounts in these fossil fools. Analysis by Mindful Money across all 376 KiwiSaver funds shows that $3.75 billion was invested in fossil fuel companies at end March 2024. More than a third of that was invested in the companies that are still expanding their production, instead of transitioning to renewable energy.

    Investors in fossil fuel expanders are also taking financial risks from future declines in demand for fossil fuels and stranded assets – the reserves and production infrastructure that will become worthless as renewable energy replaces fossil fuels.

    Barry Coates commented: “Surveys show that 71% of Kiwis want to avoid fossil fuels companies in their investment funds. But most KiwiSaver funds invest in fossil fuels, including those the companies that are still expanding their production. Everyone with a KiwiSaver or some kind of investment can play their part in cutting off investment into the worst climate polluters.”

    ACTION (estimated 15 minutes): Members of the public can go to Mindful Money’s website to find out if their KiwiSaver fund is invested in these companies. It’s quick, easy and free to check your fund, and then find a fund that is better for the climate. https://mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/checker/

    Climate action 2: Don’t fall for the greenwashing

    Over half of Kiwis surveyed are concerned about greenwashing – misleading claims that companies or funds are ‘climate friendly’ or ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’. There has been growing international pressure on companies and funds that make empty promises in order to boost their profits, but little action in New Zealand.

    The EU, UK and other governments are introducing rules on green claims by companies and funds to prevent greenwashing, and regulators are taking action. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has taken 47 regulatory actions against greenwashing over the past 15 months. 

    There have been three court cases including a fine of $14 million for global fund manager, Vanguard. New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has repeatedly warned they will take action against misleading claims but has yet to take action. Meanwhile KiwiSaver and investment funds are still claiming green credentials while investing in the fossil fools.

    Barry Coates commented: “It is not surprising the New Zealand public is concerned about greenwashing. Most funds in New Zealand claim to use some form of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management in their investment. But these ESG claims are not consistent with investment portfolios that contain companies destroying the world’s climate and facing huge financial risks.”

    “The New Zealand government is still failing to tackle greenwashing by the providers of KiwiSaver and other funds whose claims are not backed up by their actual investments. Investors need to take action themselves to ensure that their investments are not adding fuel to the climate fire.”

    Without government action in New Zealand, the responsibility for avoiding greenwash falls on individual investors. It is now easy for members of the public to get free information about the reality of where their money goes. Mindful Money’s website not only shows the fossil fuel investments for all KiwiSaver and investment funds, but identifies those that are still expanding their production.

    ACTION: Those with KiwiSaver and investment funds should call on their fund providers to provide evidence of their ESG or sustainability claims, including specifics about the companies they invest in. Information provided by the fund providers can be checked out with the investment listing on Mindful Money. http://www.mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/checker/  

    Climate Action 3: Add your voice for change

    International cooperation in the form of a Fossil Fuel Treaty is needed to stop the major fossil fuel companies from blocking progress towards investment in renewable energy. International treaties have been developed to phase out other forms of harmful products, including landmines and nuclear weapons. The  Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is being proposed to manage a global transition to a safe and affordable energy future for all.  It has been endorsed by 14 governments (not including New Zealand) and thousands of leaders from across civil society and local government, including Wellington City Council and Kāpiti Coast District Council.

    ACTION: Members of the public are encouraged to work with organisations, networks, faiths, academic institutions and Councils to support the treaty, and to sign the treaty themselves. https://fossilfueltreaty.org/

    Barry Coates concluded: “The Treaty is important to focus government attention on the fossil fuel industry. For the third year in a row, the next climate summit in December 2024 will be held in a country producing oil and gas (Azerbaijan). Fossil fuel lobbyists will again be given privileged access. The Fossil Fuel Treaty is a way to bring the issues of fossil fuel phaseout into the climate negotiations.”

    Notes:

    International Climate Day of Action is on Thursday 24th October. It is a time for citizens around the world to consider the actions they can take to help avoid the worsening climate crisis.

    Mindful Money’s Fund Checker enables members of the public to check the investments in their KiwiSaver and investment funds. It is quick, easy and free.
    https://mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/checker/

    The research report ‘In Transition or in denial’ explains the categorisation of fossil fuel companies into those transitioning to renewable energy and those still expanding their oil and gas production. 

    https://mindfulmoney.nz/learn/fossil-fuel-investment-in-transition-or-in-denial/

    The Mindful Money Fund Finder helps members of the public to find a fund that aligns with their values. https://mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/finder/

    The website provides a list of funds that do not invest in fossil fuel companieshttps://mindfulmoney.nz/invest-climate-action/fossil-free-funds/

    Research on capital expenditure by the major coal, oil and gas companies is published by the international research institute, InfluenceMap. 

    This week, a greenwashing action has been launched against the world’s largest fund manager, BlackRock. 
    The complaint to the French financial regulator shows the US investment giant’s so-called “sustainable” funds have poured over a billion dollars into fossil fuel expanders, including ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, Chevron and BP. 

    International research shows the large passive funds that are claiming to invest sustainably are still investing in the oil and gas companies that are expanding their production. 70% of the 430 ‘sustainable’ passive funds analysed by international researcher Reclaim Finance were exposed to companies expanding their fossil fuels. These included big oil and gas developers (e.g. ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell) and big coal developers (e.g. Adani, Mitsubishi, Glencore). 
    Greenwash can take different forms. Some funds claim to be green by investing in the fossil fuel companies and then influencing them towards sustainability. 
    But the latest progress report from the umbrella engagement forum, Climate Action 100+, shows continued empty promises and little action. Only one of 37 major oil and gas companies subject to engagement is making adequate progress towards net zero. Seven years after Climate Action 100+ was formed, most of the coal, oil and gas companies are still expanding their oil and gas production instead of transitioning to renewable energy. 
    The only New Zealand case on greenwashing has been a civil case. Consumer NZ, the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) and Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand Inc (LCANZI) are seeking declarations from the High Court that Z Energy has breached the Fair Trading Act by misleading New Zealanders with its public messaging that it is“getting out of the petrol business” and it is “well on track to achieving [its] carbon reduction targets” when in fact its emissions have been increasing. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: New AIG Office Hub to Create 600 Metro Atlanta Jobs

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a leading global insurance company, will establish a new innovation hub in DeKalb County. The facility will triple AIG’s current Atlanta-area office space to accommodate over 1,000 employees, including the creation of more than 600 new roles over the next five years.

    “Again and again, job creators are choosing the No. 1 state for business not just for first-time investment, but for expansion as well,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “AIG’s decision to grow their footprint here in Georgia is just the latest confirmation that we have what businesses want and are leveraging those assets to their fullest so we can bring new opportunity to all parts of the state. I want to thank our local and state partners who made this project possible, and I look forward to it’s long-lasting, positive impacts.”

    With operations and network partners in more than 190 countries and jurisdictions, AIG provides insurance solutions that help businesses and individuals protect their assets and manage risks. AIG’s new Atlanta innovation hub, set to open in 2026, will be designed as a collaborative workspace where teams representing every aspect of AIG’s business will work together to test new processes and incubate digital capabilities to build value for clients and partners.

    “For many years, AIG has been a part of Atlanta’s thriving business community, and we look forward to creating more than 600 high-quality jobs that will provide rewarding opportunities for the talented and skilled local workforce,” said Peter Zaffino, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, AIG. “This investment is part of our commitment to continue to enhance our expertise to help our clients and partners navigate complex and emerging risks, while building additional capabilities for the future.”

    The company will hire for various roles across underwriting, claims, operations, data engineering, and AI. Interested individuals can learn more about open roles and careers with AIG at http://www.aig.com/careers. For more information about AIG’s new Atlanta hub, visit http://www.aig.com/newsroom.

    “Known for its highly regarded universities, hospitals, and healthcare industry, DeKalb County is renowned for fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Ranked as a top Fortune 100 company and recognized on Forbes’ first-ever list of America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers, we are delighted that AIG will bring additional business investment and employment opportunities to our county.”

    “The quality of a company like AIG and the caliber of the employees that will call it home is a perfect fit for Brookhaven’s Perimeter Summit,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park. “Job creation is extremely important in any economy, and we appreciate the leadership and collaboration of GDEcD and Decide DeKalb to bring AIG to Brookhaven.”

    “AIG’s expansion is a testament to what we’ve been saying for years: this region was built for business,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “The new Brookhaven location strengthens AIG’s presence in metro Atlanta and creates new jobs for Georgians as the company builds on its continued success.”

    Assistant Director of Statewide Projects John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with Decide DeKalb, Georgia Power, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the University System of Georgia.

    “For years, we lost some of our best and brightest talent to out-of-state opportunities. That’s no longer the case,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “AIG’s office hub is a great example of the type of investment that will keep our well-educated, diverse talent engaged here at home after graduation.”

    About American International Group, Inc. (AIG)

    American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) is a leading global insurance organization. AIG provides insurance solutions that help businesses and individuals in approximately 190 countries and jurisdictions protect their assets and manage risks through AIG operations and network partners. For additional information, visit http://www.aig.com

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Clinical ink Announces the Promotion of John Pappadakis to Chief Commercial Officer and Megan Petrylak to Chief Operating Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Winston Salem, NC, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clinical ink, a global life science technology company, announces the promotion of John Pappadakis from EVP, Global Business Development to Chief Commercial Officer and Megan Petrylak from EVP, Clinical Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Jonathan Goldman MD, CEO of Clinical ink commented: “I am delighted to announce the promotion of two of our most seasoned and experienced executives.  With John Pappadakis as CCO, and Megan Petrylak as COO, Clinical ink has the ideal leadership team to drive us to the next phase of growth.  Our unwavering focus on quality and innovation make us the partner of choice for our biopharmaceutical partners and the patients they serve.”

    John Pappadakis, Chief Commercial Officer

    John Pappadakis has 34 years of experience in sales and marketing leadership roles within the pharma industry. His career includes commercial and R&D positions at Oracle and IMS Health, following positions of increasing seniority at Pfizer and Parke-Davis where he launched over 30 new molecular entities.

    As Clinical ink’s EVP, Global Business Development, John devised an innovative go-to-market strategy centered around the addition of scientific and medical expertise, and the incorporation of new FDA requirements into the Clinical ink technology platform.  His vision inspired the creation of the company’s newest integrated cardiometabolic product, GlucoseReady™ Under his leadership, the company recruited a world-class commercial team and demonstrated record levels of key BD metrics.

    As Chief Commercial Officer, John will further diversify Clinical ink’s customer base with the addition of new large, medium and small biopharmaceutical companies, whilst solidifying the company’s CRO relationships and other industry alliances.  His plans include the deepening of the therapeutic area focus on cardiometabolic, CNS, immunology and oncology, the introduction of an end-to-end decentralized/digital health platform centered around eCOA and EDCXtra™, as well as new licensing-based business models.  Moving forward, John will be announcing novel and transformative AI-driven clinical trial innovations.

    Megan Petrylak, Chief Operating Officer

    Megan Petrylak has over 14 years of clinical trial experience in senior operational leadership roles. She has particularly focused on driving successful outcomes in phase 1-3 clinical trials for a wide range of global biopharmaceutical and CRO customers. Prior to her 6 year tenure at Clinical ink, Megan served as Director of Project Delivery at Worldwide Clinical Trials. Prior to that role, she headed Bioclinica’s centers for imaging and eClinical project management.

    As EVP, Clinical Operations, Megan oversaw Clinical ink’s entire customer, site, and patient-facing operations function.  She augmented the team with deep expertise in data management and data quality, mandating a quality-first culture. This resulted in impressive increases in customer satisfaction, complemented by significant reductions in all study build and execution metrics and excellent quality outcomes.  In addition, Megan’s team successfully launched new products including GlucoseReady™ and EDCXtra™ and has developed a range of industry partnerships including TransPerfect for translations and eClinical Solutions for complex data solutions.  Her deep subject matter expertise in eCOA and data management has been recognized at numerous industry consortia and she has served as an expert speaker at meetings such as the Society of Clinical Data Management.

    In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Megan will oversee significant growth in Clinical ink’s revenue, broadening the customer base and expanding the range of integrated solutions. Her plans include upscaling the team to support the planned growth in revenue and margin profile, aided by automation of key operational and data processes. Megan will continue to prioritize quality to drive operational excellence and ensure exceptional delivery to clients.  

    About Clinical ink

    Clinical ink is the global life science company bringing data, technology, and patient-centric research together. Our deep therapeutic-area expertise, coupled with behavioral science, eDC/Direct Data Capture, eCOA, eConsent, telehealth, and digital biomarkers advancement (including the use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for detection of hypoglycemia), support the next generation of clinical trials and ultimately, the clinical management of patients.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: FTC Solar to Supply Approximately 1GW of Projects for Sandhills Energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI), a leading provider of solar tracker systems, and Sandhills Energy (“Sandhills”) announced today that FTC will be supplying its innovative 1P Pioneer trackers for 1 gigawatt of projects over three sites.

    The projects include a 448-megawatt project in Burt County, Nebraska, a 320-megawatt project in Cass County, Nebraska, both about 50 miles outside of Omaha, and the previously announced 225-megawatt project in Butler County, Nebraska.

    “We’re pleased to have selected FTC Solar for these key projects, based on their innovative and differentiated 1P tracker technology and strong support of our objectives,” said Eric Johnson, President of Sandhills Energy. “The high-density design is a major benefit for our projects. These three projects are expected to be among the largest to be built in Nebraska, supporting the growth of renewables in our home state. FTC has proven to be a very strong partner for us.”

    Yann Brandt, FTC Solar’s President and CEO, commented, “We’re looking forward to supporting these projects with our Pioneer 1P tracker and continuing to grow our relationship with Sandhills Energy. Market interest in Pioneer continues to grow, driven by key features such as its fast assembly time, high energy density, reduced pile count, and shorter embedment depth.”

    Tracker delivery in support of these projects is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and continue into the fourth quarter of 2026.

    The aggregate value of these projects was included in the contracted portion of the backlog disclosed on August 8, 2024.

    About FTC Solar Inc.
    Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a leading provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.

    Sandhills Energy, LLC
    Sandhills Energy is a renewable energy development company based in Nebraska and Iowa. Founded in 2012, the company has extensive commercial, municipal and utility generation experience from project identification through development, engineering, construction, and operations. Sandhills Energy is rapidly expanding its presence across the Midwest and beyond to support its multi-gigawatt renewables development pipeline.

    FTC Solar Investor Contact:
    Bill Michalek 
    Vice President, Investor Relations 
    FTC Solar
    T: (737) 241-8618
    E: IR@FTCSolar.com

    Sandhills Energy Contact:
    Raphael Martinez
    Director, Business Relations
    Sandhills Energy
    T: (219) 895-1028
    E: rmartinez@sandhillsenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on our current expectations and projections regarding our business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  In addition, this press release contains statements about third parties and their commercial activity.  We have not independently verified or confirmed such statements and have instead relied on the veracity of information as provided to us by such third parties related to such statements.  You should not rely on our forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities as predictions of future events, as actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities because of several factors, including those described in more detail above and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained therein. FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

    Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

    HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you are eligible for disaster assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) you may receive additional FEMA funds within the grant to help you take specific mitigation measures to make your home stronger and more durable. Why the additional funds? Because mitigation works! Mitigation is an action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to hazards. It is part of FEMA’s commitment to make communities more resilient to disaster.In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration may increase an approved disaster loan by twenty percent of the verified loss for mitigation improvements.Homeowners who suffer losses from a presidentially-declared disaster and apply for FEMA assistance will be informed if they qualify for Home Repair Assistance that provides for: Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage. Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid flood damage. FEMA believes that incorporating proven techniques which make buildings more resistant to disaster can lessen the cost of restoring the property and shorten the time survivors are out of their homes.  If you are interested in learning more about mitigation techniques, you can refer to a FEMA brochure, “Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards, Jan. 2013.” (https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/fema-mitigation-ideas_02-13-2013.pdf ) The brochure covers hazards from drought and earthquake to flood and wildfire.Whatever technique you choose, remember to get the proper permits required in your locality, and to build back safely, up to local codes and professional standards.                                                                                          ###                                                                                             FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
    erika.osullivan
    Wed, 10/23/2024 – 12:02

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Foundry Bancorp Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ:BLFY) (the “Company”), the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.11 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The Company continues to maintain its strong capital position and access to liquidity. We executed on our share repurchase program and increased our tangible book value to $14.74 per share.”

    Mr. Nesci also noted, “Deposit growth continued in the third quarter. Increases in our construction and commercial and industrial portfolios drove loan growth during the third quarter as we remain focused on growing our commercial portfolio. Credit quality remained strong highlighted by a 17% improvement in non-performing loans. Our 84 basis point allowance for credit losses now covers non-performing loans by over 2.5 times.”

    Highlights for the third quarter of 2024:

    • Deposits increased $7.5 million to $1.32 billion compared to the prior quarter.
    • Uninsured deposits to third-party customers totaled approximately 12% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024.
    • Interest income for the quarter was $21.5 million, an increase of $240 thousand, or 1.1%, compared to the prior quarter.
    • Interest expense for the quarter was $12.4 million, an increase of $726 thousand, or 6.2%, compared to the prior quarter.
    • Net interest margin decreased 14 basis points from the prior quarter to 1.82%.
    • Provision for credit losses of $248 thousand was primarily due to the increase in unused lines of credit partially offset by releases of provision for loans of $5 thousand and for securities of $11 thousand.
    • Book value per share was $14.76 and tangible book value per share was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • 521,685 shares were repurchased under our share repurchase plans at a weighted average share price of $10.52 per share.

    Loans

    The Company continues to focus on diversifying its lending portfolio by growing its commercial portfolios. While total loans decreased by $9.7 million during the first nine months of 2024, our construction portfolio increased by $19.7 million and our commercial real estate portfolio increased by $9.2 million, of which $7.1 million was on owner-occupied properties. In addition, our consumer and other loans increased by $7.7 million as we took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a consumer loan participation at an attractive rate with credit enhancements. The residential and multifamily portfolios decreased by $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively.

    The details of the loan portfolio are below:

        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (In thousands)
    Residential   $ 516,754   $ 526,453   $ 540,427   $ 550,929   $ 567,384
    Multifamily     666,304     671,185     671,011     682,564     689,966
    Commercial real estate     241,711     241,867     244,207     232,505     236,325
    Construction     80,081     71,882     63,052     60,414     45,064
    Junior liens     24,174     23,653     22,052     22,503     22,297
    Commercial and industrial     14,228     12,261     13,372     11,768     9,904
    Consumer and other     7,731     83     56     47     50
    Total loans     1,550,983     1,547,384     1,554,177     1,560,730     1,570,990
    Less: Allowance for credit losses     13,012     13,027     13,749     14,154     13,872
    Loans receivable, net   $ 1,537,971   $ 1,534,357   $ 1,540,428   $ 1,546,576   $ 1,557,118
                                   

    Deposits

    As of September 30, 2024, deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million, or 5.93%, from December 31, 2023, mostly due to the increases of $104.6 million in time deposits partially offset by decreases in savings, non-interest bearing deposits and NOW and demand accounts of $21.8 million, $5.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Company’s strategy is to focus on attracting the full banking relationship of small- to medium-sized businesses through an extensive suite of deposit products. While there is strong competition for deposits in the northern New Jersey market, we were able to increase customer deposits during the quarter. Brokered deposits remain unchanged since year end 2023.

    The details of deposits are below:

        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (In thousands)
    Non-interest bearing deposits   $ 22,254   $ 24,733   $ 25,342   $ 27,739   $ 23,787
    NOW and demand accounts     357,503     368,386     373,172     361,139     378,268
    Savings     237,651     246,559     250,298     259,402     278,665
    Core deposits     617,408     639,678     648,812     648,280     680,720
    Time deposits     701,262     671,478     642,372     596,624     572,384
    Total deposits   $ 1,318,670   $ 1,311,156   $ 1,291,184   $ 1,244,904   $ 1,253,104
                                   

    Financial Performance Overview:

    Third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024

    Net interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 as the increase in interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities outpaced the increase in interest received on interest-earning assets.
    • Net interest margin decreased by 14 basis points to 1.82%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased five basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased nine basis points to 3.03%.
    • Average interest-earning assets increased by $20.9 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $29.3 million.

    Non-interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest income decreased $149 thousand primarily due the absence of the gain of $123 thousand on the sale of REO property, which was recorded in the second quarter.

    Non-interest expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • Non-interest expense increased $52 thousand primarily driven by increases in professional fees, data processing expense and FDIC insurance premiums of $190 thousand, $77 thousand and $42 thousand, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $329 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses and $32 thousand in occupancy and equipment.

    Income tax expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2024 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023

    Net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was largely due to increases in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which outpaced rates received on interest-earning assets.
    • Net interest margin decreased by 12 basis points to 1.82%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 35 basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 54 basis points to 3.03%.
    • Average interest-earning assets decreased by $32.6 million and average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $4.1 million. Average FHLB advances decreased by $48.3 million, while average interest-bearing deposits increased by $44.1 million.

    Non-interest expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • Non-interest expense was $13.3 million, an increase of $873 thousand driven by increases of $666 thousand, $167 thousand and $126 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses, professional services and occupancy and equipment expenses, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $61 thousand in data processing and $27 thousand in FDIC insurance premiums.

    Income tax expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

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

    Net interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Net interest income was $28.1 million, a decrease of $4.6 million.
    • Net interest margin decreased 28 basis points to 1.90%.
    • The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 39 basis points to 4.30% while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 78 basis points to 2.93%.
    • Average interest-earning assets decreased by $39.1 million and average interest-bearing deposits increased by $37.0 million.
    • Average borrowings decreased by $43.3 million.

    Non-interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Non-interest income increased $141 thousand primarily due to the gain on the sale of REO property during the second quarter of 2024.

    Non-interest expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • Non-interest expense was $39.7 million, an increase of $705 thousand.
    • Compensation and benefits expense increased by $938 thousand and occupancy and equipment costs increased by $474 thousand. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $475 thousand and $224 thousand for data processing expense and fees for professional services, respectively.

    Income tax expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

    • The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
    • The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

    Balance Sheet Summary:

    September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023

    Cash and cash equivalents:

    • Cash and cash equivalents increased $30.1 million to $76.1 million.

    Securities available-for-sale:

    • Securities available-for-sale increased $7.0 million to $290.8 million due to the decrease in unrealized losses of $7.8 million. The favorable impact of the change in the unrealized loss position was partially offset as maturities, calls and paydowns outpaced purchases during the period.

    Other investments:

    • Other investments decreased $2.1 million due to a decrease in FHLB stock as a result of a reduction in FHLB borrowings.

    Total loans:

    • Total loans held for investment decreased $9.7 million to $1.55 billion.
    • Residential loans and multifamily loans decreased $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively, partially offset by increases in construction loans of $19.7 million, commercial real estate loans of $9.2 million and consumer loans of $7.7 million to further diversify our loan portfolio.
    • The Company purchased a consumer loan participation of $8.0 million and residential loans totaling $7.8 million during the third quarter.

    Deposits:

    • Deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million from December 31, 2023. This was largely the result of a $104.6 million increase in certificate of deposits.
    • Core deposits (defined as non-interest bearing checking, NOW and demand accounts and savings accounts) represented 46.8% of total deposits, compared to 52.1% at December 31, 2023.
    • Brokered deposits totaled $125.0 million at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    • Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits to third-party customers were $159.6 million, or 12% of total deposits, at the end of the third quarter.

    Borrowings:

    • FHLB borrowings decreased $49.0 million to $348.5 million as deposit growth outpaced asset growth.
    • As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $255.7 million of additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and $78.2 million of other unsecured lines of credit.

    Capital:

    • Shareholders’ equity decreased $16.3 million to $339.3 million. The decrease was primarily driven by the repurchase of shares, including net shares, at a cost of $14.4 million. Additionally, the year-to-date loss, partially offset by favorable changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, also contributed to the decrease.
    • Tangible equity to tangible assets was 16.50% and tangible common equity per share outstanding was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    • The Bank’s capital ratios remain above the FDIC’s “well capitalized” standards.

    Asset quality:

    • As of September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans as a percentage of gross loans was 0.84%.
    • The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $248 thousand for the third quarter of 2024 and a net release of provision for credit losses of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, there was a provision of $264 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments, offset by a release of $5 thousand in the ACL for loans and $11 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there was a release of $1.1 million in the ACL for loans and $36 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities, offset by a provision of $94 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments. The release was driven by the impact of the economic forecasts for the key drivers of our loan segments partially offset by an increase in off-balance-sheet commitments.
    • Non-performing loans totaled $5.1 million, or 0.33% of total loans compared to $5.9 million, or 0.38% of total loans at December 31, 2023.
    • Net charge-offs were $11 thousand and $36 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
    • Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans was 252.86% at September 30, 2024 compared to 239.98% at December 31, 2023.

    About Blue Foundry

    Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call covering Blue Foundry’s third quarter 2024 earnings announcement will be held today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). To listen to the live call, please dial 1-833-470-1428 (toll free) or +1-404-975-4839 (international) and use access code 725750. The webcast (audio only) will be available on ir.bluefoundrybank.com. The conference call will be recorded and will be available on the Company’s website for one month.

    Contact:
    James D. Nesci
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    BlueFoundryBank.com
    jnesci@bluefoundrybank.com
    201-972-8900

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein 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 (the “Exchange Act”) and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on certain current assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase in the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make; general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; our ability to implement and change our business strategies; competition among depository and other financial institutions; adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, capital requirements and insurance premiums; changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios; technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyber-attacks; the inability of third party providers to perform as expected; our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic environment; our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related there to; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; our ability to retain key employees; the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events; the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits; and changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
                     
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited)
        (Dollars in Thousands)
    ASSETS                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 76,109   $ 60,262   $ 53,753   $ 46,025
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     290,806     297,790     265,191     283,766
    Securities held to maturity     33,119     33,169     33,217     33,254
    Other investments     18,203     17,942     17,908     20,346
    Loans, net     1,537,971     1,534,357     1,540,428     1,546,576
    Real estate owned, net             593     593
    Interest and dividends receivable     8,386     7,882     8,001     7,595
    Premises and equipment, net     30,161     30,858     31,696     32,475
    Right-of-use assets     24,190     24,596     24,454     25,172
    Bank owned life insurance     22,399     22,274     22,153     22,034
    Other assets     13,749     16,322     30,393     27,127
    Total assets   $ 2,055,093   $ 2,045,452   $ 2,027,787   $ 2,044,963
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Liabilities                
    Deposits   $ 1,318,670   $ 1,311,156   $ 1,291,184   $ 1,244,904
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     348,500     342,500     342,500     397,500
    Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance     9,909     9,875     9,368     8,929
    Lease liabilities     25,870     26,243     26,081     26,777
    Other liabilities     12,845     10,081     8,498     11,213
    Total liabilities     1,715,794     1,699,855     1,677,631     1,689,323
    Shareholders’ equity     339,299     345,597     350,156     355,640
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,055,093   $ 2,045,452   $ 2,027,787   $ 2,044,963
                             
    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
             
        Three months ended   Nine months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest income:                    
    Loans   $ 17,646     $ 17,570     $ 16,728     $ 52,408     $ 48,778  
    Taxable investment income     3,850       3,686       3,339       11,150       9,663  
    Non-taxable investment income     36       36       106       108       329  
    Total interest income     21,532       21,292       20,173       63,666       58,770  
    Interest expense:                    
    Deposits     9,712       9,132       7,034       27,257       16,361  
    Borrowed funds     2,733       2,587       3,263       8,332       9,686  
    Total interest expense     12,445       11,719       10,297       35,589       26,047  
    Net interest income     9,087       9,573       9,876       28,077       32,723  
    Provision for (release of) credit losses     248       (762 )     (717 )     (1,049 )     (597 )
    Net interest income after provision for (release of) credit losses     8,839       10,335       10,593       29,126       33,320  
    Non-interest income:                    
    Fees and service charges     272       296       291       897       833  
    Gain on sale of loans                       36       159  
    Other income     115       240       78       441       241  
    Total non-interest income     387       536       369       1,374       1,233  
    Non-interest expense:                    
    Compensation and employee benefits     7,306       7,635       6,640       22,490       21,552  
    Occupancy and equipment     2,230       2,262       2,104       6,684       6,210  
    Data processing     1,412       1,335       1,473       4,134       4,609  
    Advertising     87       52       85       211       234  
    Professional services     813       623       646       2,166       2,390  
    Federal deposit insurance     236       194       263       629       599  
    Other     1,183       1,114       1,183       3,410       3,425  
    Total non-interest expense     13,267       13,215       12,394       39,724       39,019  
    Loss before income tax expense     (4,041 )     (2,344 )     (1,432 )     (9,224 )     (4,466 )
    Income tax expense                              
    Net loss   $ (4,041 )   $ (2,344 )   $ (1,432 )   $ (9,224 )   $ (4,466 )
    Basic loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.18 )
    Diluted loss per share   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.18 )
    Weighted average shares outstanding                    
    Basic     21,263,482       21,735,002       23,278,490       21,695,895       24,289,599  
    Diluted (1)     21,263,482       21,735,002       23,278,490       21,695,895       24,289,599  

    (1) The assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units had an antidilutive effect on diluted earnings per share due to the Company’s net loss for the 2024 and 2023 periods.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)
         
        Three months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Performance Ratios (%):                    
    Return on average assets     (0.79 )     (0.47 )     (0.56 )     (0.57 )     (0.27 )
    Return on average equity     (4.68 )     (2.71 )     (3.23 )     (3.25 )     (1.55 )
    Interest rate spread (1)     1.29       1.43       1.40       1.33       1.48  
    Net interest margin (2)     1.82       1.96       1.92       1.84       1.94  
    Efficiency ratio (3) (4)     140.04       130.73       134.19       128.41       120.98  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     121.37       122.28       122.50       122.93       123.05  
    Tangible equity to tangible assets (4)     16.50       16.88       17.25       17.37       17.07  
    Book value per share (5)   $ 14.76     $ 14.70     $ 14.61     $ 14.51     $ 14.27  
    Tangible book value per share (4)(5)   $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60     $ 14.49     $ 14.24  
                         
    Asset Quality:                    
    Non-performing loans   $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 6,691     $ 5,898     $ 6,139  
    Real estate owned, net                 593       593       593  
    Non-performing assets   $ 5,146     $ 6,208     $ 7,284     $ 6,491     $ 6,732  
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans (%)     0.84       0.84       0.88       0.91       0.88  
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans (%)     252.86       209.84       205.48       239.98       225.97  
    Non-performing loans to total loans (%)     0.33       0.40       0.43       0.38       0.39  
    Non-performing assets to total assets (%)     0.25       0.30       0.36       0.32       0.33  
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period (%)                             0.01  

    (1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) Efficiency ratio represents adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income.
    (4) See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
    (5) September 30, 2024 per share metrics computed using 22,990,908 total shares outstanding.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
         
        Three Months Ended,
        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
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                                    
    Loans (1)   $ 1,548,962   $ 17,646   4.53 %   $ 1,550,736   $ 17,570   4.56 %   $ 1,577,173   $ 16,728   4.21 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     181,596     1,186   2.60 %     167,219     960   2.31 %     170,326     840   1.96 %
    Other investment securities     173,008     1,527   3.51 %     175,394     1,688   3.87 %     194,953     1,507   3.07 %
    FHLB stock     17,666     406   9.15 %     17,223     447   10.44 %     21,047     456   8.60 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     61,507     767   4.96 %     51,290     627   4.92 %     51,884     642   4.91 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,982,739     21,532   4.32 %     1,961,862     21,292   4.37 %     2,015,383     20,173   3.97 %
    Non-interest earning assets     61,787             56,826             58,042        
    Total assets   $ 2,044,526           $ 2,018,688           $ 2,073,425        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                                    
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 598,048     1,925   1.28 %   $ 611,931     1,955   1.28 %   $ 684,228     2,123   1.23 %
    Time deposits     688,570     7,787   4.50 %     655,755     7,177   4.40 %     558,252     4,911   3.49 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,286,618     9,712   3.00 %     1,267,686     9,132   2.90 %     1,242,480     7,034   2.25 %
    FHLB advances     347,076     2,733   3.13 %     336,742     2,587   3.09 %     395,359     3,263   3.27 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,633,694     12,445   3.03 %     1,604,428     11,719   2.94 %     1,637,839     10,297   2.49 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     23,421             25,076             25,540        
    Non-interest bearing other     43,713             41,061             44,628        
    Total liabilities     1,700,828             1,670,565             1,708,007        
    Total shareholders’ equity     343,698             348,123             365,418        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,044,526           $ 2,018,688           $ 2,073,425        
    Net interest income       $ 9,087           $ 9,573           $ 9,876    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.29 %           1.43 %           1.48 %
    Net interest margin (3)           1.82 %           1.96 %           1.94 %

    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Analysis of Net Interest Income
    (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)
         
        Nine Months Ended September 30,
        2024   2023
        Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average
    Yield/Cost
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets:                        
    Loans (1)   $ 1,551,734   $ 52,408   4.50 %   $ 1,571,204   $ 48,778   4.15 %
    Mortgage-backed securities     169,765     3,022   2.37 %     174,742     2,789   2.13 %
    Other investment securities     177,455     4,867   3.65 %     197,522     4,523   3.06 %
    FHLB stock     18,335     1,345   9.77 %     21,343     1,106   6.93 %
    Cash and cash equivalents     54,810     2,024   4.92 %     46,363     1,574   4.54 %
    Total interest-earning assets     1,972,099     63,666   4.30 %     2,011,174     58,770   3.91 %
    Non-interest earning assets     59,245             56,762        
    Total assets   $ 2,031,344           $ 2,067,936        
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:                        
    NOW, savings, and money market deposits   $ 608,677   $ 5,816   1.27 %   $ 753,419   $ 6,350   1.13 %
    Time deposits     654,639     21,441   4.36 %     472,866     10,011   2.83 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,263,316     27,257   2.87 %     1,226,285     16,361   1.78 %
    FHLB advances     352,544     8,332   3.15 %     395,800     9,686   3.27 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,615,860     35,589   2.93 %     1,622,085     26,047   2.15 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits     24,992             23,092        
    Non-interest bearing other     42,120             44,572        
    Total liabilities     1,682,972             1,689,749        
    Total shareholders’ equity     348,372             378,187        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,031,344           $ 2,067,936        
    Net interest income       $ 28,077           $ 32,723    
    Net interest rate spread (2)           1.37 %           1.76 %
    Net interest margin (3)           1.90 %           2.18 %

    (1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
    (2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    This press release contains certain supplemental financial information, described in the table below, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) that management uses in its analysis of Blue Foundry’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding Blue Foundry’s financial results. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and Blue Foundry strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. 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.

    Net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the provision for credit losses and income tax expense, while pre-provision net revenue does not.

        Three months ended
        September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Pre-provision net revenue and efficiency ratio:                
    Net interest income   $ 9,087     $ 9,573     $ 9,417     $ 9,196     $ 9,876  
    Other income     387       536       451       572       369  
    Total revenue     9,474       10,109       9,868       9,768       10,245  
    Operating expenses     13,267       13,215       13,242       12,543       12,394  
    Pre-provision net loss   $ (3,793 )   $ (3,106 )   $ (3,374 )   $ (2,775 )   $ (2,149 )
    Efficiency ratio     140.0 %     130.7 %     134.2 %     128.4 %     121.0 %
                         
    Core deposits:                    
    Total deposits   $ 1,318,670     $ 1,311,156     $ 1,291,184     $ 1,244,904     $ 1,253,104  
    Less: time deposits     701,262       671,478       642,372       596,624       572,384  
    Core deposits   $ 617,408     $ 639,678     $ 648,812     $ 648,280     $ 680,720  
    Core deposits to total deposits     46.8 %     48.8 %     50.2 %     52.1 %     54.3 %
                         
    Total assets   $ 2,055,093     $ 2,045,452     $ 2,027,787     $ 2,044,963     $ 2,101,055  
    Less: intangible assets     300       386       473       557       644  
    Tangible assets   $ 2,054,793     $ 2,045,066     $ 2,027,314     $ 2,044,406     $ 2,100,411  
                         
    Tangible equity:                    
    Shareholders’ equity   $ 339,299     $ 345,597     $ 350,156     $ 355,640     $ 359,149  
    Less: intangible assets     300       386       473       557       644  
    Tangible equity   $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683     $ 355,083     $ 358,505  
                         
    Tangible equity to tangible assets     16.50 %     16.88 %     17.25 %     17.37 %     17.07 %
                         
    Tangible book value per share:                    
    Tangible equity   $ 338,999     $ 345,211     $ 349,683     $ 355,083     $ 358,505  
    Shares outstanding     22,990,908       23,505,357       23,958,888       24,509,950       25,174,412  
    Tangible book value per share   $ 14.74     $ 14.69     $ 14.60     $ 14.49       14.24  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Trio Petroleum Corp. Announces Appointment of James Blake to its Board of Directors, Strengthening Financial and Strategic Expertise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bakersfield, CA, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trio Petroleum Corp. (NYSE American: “TPET”, “Trio” or the “Company”), a California-based oil and gas company, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Blake to its Board of Directors. James brings with him 30 years of experience in the financial industry and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), with a distinguished career, having recently retired from a major Canadian bank where he managed over $750 million in assets as a portfolio manager. His expertise in financial markets, investment strategies, and risk management will be an invaluable asset to Trio Petroleum.

    In addition to his extensive financial experience, James has been deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, both as an investor and in raising capital for early-stage companies across various sectors. His capacity to identify high-potential ventures, coupled with his financial acumen, equips him with a diverse perspective that will benefit Trio as the company looks to strengthen its position in the energy market.

    “James Blake’s wealth of knowledge in financial management and his entrepreneurial insights align perfectly with Trio’s strategic goals for growth and innovation,” said Robin Ross, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Trio Petroleum Corp. “His leadership and experience will be instrumental in supporting our drive for sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and long-term shareholder value. We are excited to welcome James to our board.”

    With his forward-thinking approach and a strong track record in both traditional finance and the startup space, James Blake’s appointment strengthens Trio Petroleum’s commitment to corporate governance, strategic direction, and the creation of sustainable value for its investors.

    About Trio Petroleum Corp.

    Trio Petroleum Corp. is an oil and gas exploration and development company headquartered in Bakersfield, California, with operations in Monterey County, California, and Uintah County, Utah. In Monterey County, Trio owns an 85.75% working interest in 9,245 acres at the Presidents and Humpback oilfields in the South Salinas Project, and a 21.92% working interest in 800 acres in the McCool Ranch Field. In Uintah County, Trio owns a 2.25% working interest in 960 acres and options to acquire up to a 20% working interest in the 960 acres, in an adjacent 1,920 acres, and in the greater 30,000 acres of the Asphalt Ridge Project.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements in this press release of Trio Petroleum Corp. (“Trio”) and its representatives and partners that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Acts”). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words “estimates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “intends,” “on-track”, “plans,” “anticipates,” or “may,” and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Acts and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Acts. Any statements made in this press release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Trio’s control, that could cause actual results to materially and adversely differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Trio’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Amendment No. 1 thereto, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies are of such documents are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Trio undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Redwood Empire Financial Communications
    Michael Bayes
    (404) 809 4172
    michael@redwoodefc.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Vimeo Delivers Spatial App Experience Built for Apple Vision Pro Enabling Users to View, Upload, and Share Spatial Videos

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vimeo (NASDAQ: VMEO), the world’s most innovative video experience platform, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking app for Apple Vision Pro. This immersive app brings viewers into the content and empowers Vision Pro users to view, upload, and share their spatial videos with others to enjoy. The free app is now available to download on the visionOS App Store.

    With its ability to add remarkable depth and dimension to a scene, spatial video delivers an innovative way to tell powerful stories, as it offers a more engaging and immersive experience for both personal and professional use cases. Spatial videos can be recorded on Apple Vision Pro, the iPhone 16 line, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Canon has also announced the development of a new stereoscopic lens, the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Lens, compatible with the popular EOS R7 camera body that will capture gorgeous spatial video.

    With the Vimeo app for Vision Pro, users can relive previous moments and experiences in ways never before possible, or explore the growing library of content from the Vimeo community. After capturing spatial video, users can upload their content and share it privately or with the Vimeo community. Users can upload and catalog their spatial videos to their Vimeo library from the Vimeo app for iOS, visionOS, or vimeo.com. Professional content creators and video pros also gain an innovative new way to tell stories and engage with their audiences. Businesses can leverage spatial videos to bring their customers to new places, provide immersive training experiences for their employees, and even showcase new products in a truly unique way. Apple has announced an update to Final Cut Pro later this year that will enable creators to edit spatial videos on their Mac and add dynamic titles and effects to their projects.

    “Vimeo has always been known for supporting video creators with the highest quality formats and most innovative technologies to tell their stories,” said Philip Moyer, CEO at Vimeo. “The launch of our Apple Vision Pro app marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to push the boundaries of video experiences. This kind of spatial content is the future of storytelling, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

    To celebrate the launch of its Vision Pro app, Vimeo has partnered with award-winning filmmaker and Staff Pick winner Jake Oleson to create exclusive content that demonstrates the experiences made possible by spatial video, and to inspire others to experiment with it themselves.  

    For more information and to download the Vimeo App on the visionOS App Store, please click here.

    About Vimeo
    Vimeo (NASDAQ: VMEO) is the world’s most innovative video experience platform. We enable anyone to create high-quality video experiences to better connect and bring ideas to life. We proudly serve our community of millions of users – from creative storytellers to globally distributed teams at the world’s largest companies – whose videos receive billions of views each month. Learn more at http://www.vimeo.com.

    Contact:
    Frank Filiatrault
    Director of Communications
    frank.filiatrault@vimeo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Global Manufacturer and Distributor Chooses Bridgeline’s AI-Powered HawkSearch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOBURN, Mass., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bridgeline Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLIN), a provider of AI-driven marketing technology, announced a leading manufacturer and distributor of life safety gear, equipment, and training for first responders and law enforcement selected HawkSearch to improve their on-site search and merchandising powered by Salesforce Commerce Cloud.

    The distributor will use HawkSearch to enhance website performance by delivering a more tailored search experience. They were particularly drawn to features like advanced merchandising for promoting or boosting specific products, burying out-of-stock items, and adjusting ranking and sort order. The scope also includes incorporating Instant Engage for surfacing trending items, categories, and content as soon as the user clicks on the search box.

    HawkSearch will also power product category landing pages for consistency between browsing and searching, along with natural language search capabilities. These enhancements will help deliver a more engaging customer experience, aligning with marketing goals and improving traffic, conversion rates, and order values.

    Ari Kahn, CEO of Bridgeline, said, “We’re excited to support this global leader in optimizing their search experience. HawkSearch will enhance their digital performance and help achieve key business outcomes.”

    About Bridgeline Digital

    Bridgeline helps companies grow online revenue by increasing traffic, conversion rates, and average order value. To learn more, please visit http://www.bridgeline.com.

    Contact:
    Danielle Colvin
    SVP of Marketing
    Bridgeline Digital
    press@bridgeline.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Global Cloud Storage Market Expected to Reach $234 Billion By 2028 as Tech Stocks Chase Big Opportunities in Big Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The cloud storage market is witnessing significant growth due to the expanding realms of IoT and big data. Cloud storage services offer an agile, flexible, and scalable model for data storage on the Internet, managed and operated by service providers. This model provides enterprises with advantages such as rapid deployment, scalability, reduced CAPEX, and uninterrupted business continuity. A report from MarketsAndMarkets projected that the global Cloud Storage Market size is expected to grow to USD $234.9 Billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8% during the forecast period. The report said: “The rising investments by governments and investors in tailored Cloud Storage solutions offerings along with the increasing need for flexible, scalable, efficient storage and disaster recovery, backup solutions and services, are expected to drive the market growth. The demand across enterprises worldwide for Cloud Storage solutions in a shift to cloud-based technologies from on premises is expected to drive the market growth. Surge in demand to provide remote work force with omnipresent access to data and files has been a key driving factor to foster market adoption largely.” Active tech companies in the markets this week include: Scope Carbon Corp. (OTCQB: SCPCF) (CSE: SCPE), Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL), Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD).

    MarketsAndMarkets continued: “Based on use cases, Backup & Recovery will hold the highest market share in the Cloud Storage market during the forecast period. Backup & Recovery is crucial in safeguarding data and ensuring business continuity. These applications are purpose-built to address the unique challenges of modern, dynamic, and often distributed IT environments. By seamlessly integrating with cloud technologies and containerized workloads, they provide a layer of resilience that protects data against loss, corruption, or disasters. These solutions enable organizations to efficiently create backups, perform granular recoveries, and maintain data integrity, thereby supporting cloud applications and services reliable and uninterrupted operation. In an era where data is a paramount asset, Backup & Recovery applications in cloud storage are indispensable for mitigating risks and ensuring the availability and integrity of critical information.”

    Scope Carbon Corp. (CSE: SCPE) (OTCQB: SCPCF) Launches Subscription Model for Round-Trip Encrypted, Quantum-Resilient Cloud Storage for Individuals and Small Businesses Scope Carbon Corp. (“Scope” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the official launch of its subscription model, now offering individuals and small businesses full access to its industry-leading round-trip encrypted and quantum-resilient decentralized cloud storage solutions.

    This launch builds on Scope Technologies’ commitment to providing top-tier, next-generation data security. With the QSE (Quantum Security Entropy) platform, individuals and small businesses can now leverage the same advanced encryption and decentralized storage infrastructure that Scope delivers to mid-sized and enterprise clients, ensuring their data remains safe from current and future cyber threats. The platform is designed for seamless scalability, allowing users to expand their storage and security needs as they grow, without compromising performance or protection. Additionally, QSE’s efficiency-driven model ensures competitive pricing, reflecting our ability to deliver premium security solutions with exceptional value. Readers are encouraged to visit Scope Technologies’ QSE platform at: https://www.qse.group/#services

    A New Era of Data Security for Individuals and Small Businesses

    Following the successful completion of platform updates and closed-group testing, individuals and small business users now have access to QSE’s cloud storage services, featuring:

    • Quantum-Proof Encryption: Utilizing quantum entropy to generate encryption keys that remain unbreakable, even by future quantum computing power.
    • Immutable, Decentralized Storage: A decentralized infrastructure ensures data is protected from ransomware, over-encryption, or tampering, offering a significant advantage over traditional cloud backups.
    • Seamless Integration: Easy-to-use APIs allow for quick setup and smooth integration with existing data systems, providing flexibility and scalability.
    • Accessible Pricing Plans: Tiered subscription options make enterprise-grade security affordable and accessible for both individuals and small businesses.

    “Data protection should not be a luxury,” said Sean Prescott, Founder and CTO of Scope Technologies Corp. “With this launch, we’re making the same round-trip, quantum-resistant encryption and decentralized storage vaults available to individuals and small businesses that we already provide to mid-sized and enterprise corporations. Now everyone can protect their data from today’s risks and the future challenges posed by quantum computing.” CONTINUED… Read this full release and more for Scope Technology at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-scpe/

    In other tech industry news of interest:

    Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ: ORCL) – To ease patient settlement and payment reconciliation, Oracle recently announced Oracle Health Payments. With the end-to-end payment solution, including gateway routing, processing, and acquiring under a single agreement, healthcare facilities can help reduce costly, unexpected service fees. It also makes it easier for patients to cover a copay, elective surgery, or an existing bill using a variety of payment options including, traditional chip and pin pay methods, or simply tapping to pay with the latest digital options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

    Payment processing costs can vary widely between payment providers, card brands, or payment types. Compliance and service fees can also make it difficult for healthcare facilities to estimate and factor these costs into their financial planning. Built on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle Health Payments offers a payment card industry (PCI)-compliant, fixed-rate pricing model with no additional service or convenience fees. Integrated with Oracle’s point-of-sale hardware and Oracle Health Patient Accounting, Oracle Health Payments uses end-to-end encryption and tokenization, empowering health systems to securely capture payments and automate revenue posting, which helps reduce fraud and collection costs.

    Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), the AI Data Cloud company, recently announced the launch of the AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality, uniting Snowflake’s data platform, AI capabilities, and industry-specific solutions to deliver best-in-class data insights for the travel and hospitality industry. Snowflake empowers airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel technology providers to harness data and artificial intelligence to improve operations and power five-star customer experiences across the sector.

    As the travel and hospitality industry transitions from recovery to stable growth, businesses face new challenges and opportunities. Snowflake is uniquely positioned to support this growth, offering a unified platform that streamlines AI and ML development, providing top-tier security and governance capabilities, and democratizing data access. With robust data collaboration capabilities and effortless scalability, Snowflake enables organizations to harness their data’s full potential.

    NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) recently announced that it has contributed foundational elements of its NVIDIA Blackwell accelerated computing platform design to the Open Compute Project (OCP) and broadened NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ support for OCP standards.

    At this year’s OCP Global Summit, NVIDIA will be sharing key portions of the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system electro-mechanical design with the OCP community — including the rack architecture, compute and switch tray mechanicals, liquid-cooling and thermal environment specifications, and NVIDIA NVLink™ cable cartridge volumetrics — to support higher compute density and networking bandwidth.

    NVIDIA has already made several official contributions to OCP across multiple hardware generations, including its NVIDIA HGX™ H100 baseboard design specification, to help provide the ecosystem with a wider choice of offerings from the world’s computer makers and expand the adoption of AI.

    Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) and Intel Corp. (INTC) recently announced the creation of an x86 ecosystem advisory group bringing together technology leaders to shape the future of the world’s most widely used computing architecture. x86 is uniquely positioned to meet customers’ emerging needs by delivering superior performance and seamless interoperability across hardware and software platforms. The group will focus on identifying new ways to expand the x86 ecosystem by enabling compatibility across platforms, simplifying software development, and providing developers with a platform to identify architectural needs and features to create innovative and scalable solutions for the future.

    For over four decades, x86 has served as the bedrock of modern computing, establishing itself as the preferred architecture in data centers and PCs worldwide. In today’s evolving landscape—characterized by dynamic AI workloads, custom chiplets, and advancements in 3D packaging and system architectures—the importance of a robust and expanding x86 ecosystem is more crucial than ever.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Scope Technology Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC reaches arbitration milestone with case 29,000

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC reaches arbitration milestone with case 29,000

    The milestone case involves Brazilian parties from the power and energy sector, governed by Brazilian law, with a tribunal to be seated in Rio de Janeiro. The parties had initially agreed to ad hoc arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules, with ICC as the appointing authority. They then modified that agreement in favour of arbitration under the ICC Rules of Arbitration. 

    Alexander G. Fessas, Secretary General of the ICC Court and Director of ICC Dispute Resolution Services, said: 

    “When the Secretariat’s São Paolo’s office opened seven years ago, we pledged to provide long-term support to the ever-developing disputes landscape in Brazil and Latin America. We now celebrate the success of that pledge with the registration of our 29,000th case, and the trust parties place in ICC Arbitration.” 

    In 2023, ICC Arbitration involved 80 Brazilian parties (including 12 state-owned entities) in newly registered cases, and the ICC Court confirmed or appointed 60 arbitrators coming from Brazil. Brazil ranks sixth globally in terms of the nationality of parties and arbitrators.  

    Parties from Latin America and the Caribbean account for approximately 15% of all parties in arbitrations registered with ICC. Brazil has traditionally been the leading jurisdiction in Latin America and is the fifth most used seat of arbitration worldwide. In terms of applicable laws in newly registered cases in Latin America, Brazil came second (29 cases), just behind Mexico (35 cases).  

    Same-nationality party disputes represented 29% of the ICC Court’s new caseload in 2023, with 21 cases involving only parties coming from Brazil. This makes Brazil the second top jurisdiction resorting to ICC Arbitration for domestic disputes in 2023. 

    The energy sector traditionally generates the second largest number of ICC cases, slightly behind the construction and engineering sector, accounting for over 20.6% of all new cases registered in 2023. 

    Ana Serra e Moura, Deputy Secretary General of ICC International Court of Arbitration, said: 

    “The registration of the 29,000th case involving Brazilian parties highlights ICC’s consistent growth in Brazil and beyond, in one of the most important industry sectors. It is now time to pause and celebrate the trust of our users and the relentless work of our teams on ensuring that ICC Dispute Resolution Services meet the needs of global business.” 

    Efforts to expand ICC Dispute Resolution Services in Latin America began with the establishment of a dedicated case management team in São Paulo in 2017, following the inauguration of ICC Brazil in 2014. Since then, the ICC Secretariat’s case management team in Brazil has administered over 650 cases, in recent years surpassing 100 cases annually, further solidifying Brazil’s importance in ICC operations.  

    As ICC continues to strengthen its presence in Latin America, key regional developments will be discussed at the upcoming 22nd ICC Miami Conference on International Arbitration from 1 to 3 December 2024, including significant updates from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Ecuador. 

    For an in-depth breakdown of the numbers behind the continued growth of ICC Arbitration in Brazil and Latin America, please visit ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2023 – ICC – International Chamber of Commerce (iccwbo.org) 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Debates – Monday, 21 October 2024 – Strasbourg – Provisional edition

    Source: European Parliament

    Verbatim report of proceedings
     413k  815k
    Monday, 21 October 2024 – Strasbourg Provisional edition

       

    IN THE CHAIR: ROBERTA METSOLA
    President

     
    1. Resumption of the session

     

      President. – I declare resumed the session of the European Parliament adjourned on Thursday, 10 October 2024.

     

    2. Opening of the sitting

       

    (The sitting opened at 17:03)

     

    3. Statements by the President

     

      President. – Dear colleagues, on the results of the presidential election and referendum in Moldova, the people in Moldova have chosen their future: they chose hope, stability, opportunity. They chose Europe.

    (Applause)

    The European Parliament strongly condemns any activities and interferences in Moldova’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration.

    We are proud to be one of Moldova’s strongest allies and supporters. We understand that Moldova’s future lies within the European Union and we fully support its EU accession path.

    President Maia Sandu and her government have already made remarkable progress in implementing reforms. And while the road ahead may not always be easy, I want to assure our European Moldovan friends that the European Parliament will continue to be with them every step of the way.

    Also, dear colleagues, on 16 October we marked 7 years since the brutal assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese investigative journalist who exposed corruption and organised crime. Those who thought they could silence her were wrong. In fact, her work sparked a movement that echoes in every corner where we pursue a Europe that protects journalists, that respects the rule of law.

    I am grateful to have known Daphne beyond her writing: as a woman battling the odds; as a mother who was so proud of the men her boys grew into; as a daughter, wife and sister who wanted more from her country. And she raised the bar for all of us in politics. But most of all, today I think about how we must keep Daphne’s memory alive; how the European Parliament will keep pushing for the truth, for justice and for accountability.

    It is for this reason that the European Parliament is proud to be hosting the fourth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for outstanding journalism. And I take this moment to encourage you to attend the award ceremony this Wednesday in the Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room, to honour the bravery of all those who continue to carry her legacy forward.

    This House remembers her and we honour her legacy.

    (Applause)

     

    4. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

     

      President. – The minutes and the texts adopted of the sitting of 10 October 2024 are available. Are there any comments? No? The minutes are therefore approved.

     

    5. Composition of Parliament

     

      President. – The competent authorities of Poland have notified me of the election of Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz to the European Parliament, replacing Marcin Kierwiński with effect from 10 October 2024.

    I wish to welcome our new colleague and recall that she takes her seat in Parliament and its bodies in full enjoyment of her rights, pending the verification of her credentials.

     

    6. Composition of committees and delegations

     

      President. – The PfE Group has notified me of decisions relating to changes to appointments within the committees and delegations. These decisions will be set out in the minutes of today’s sitting and take effect on the date of this announcement.

     

    7. Negotiations ahead of Council’s first reading (Rule 73)

     

      President. – The TRAN Committee has decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations ahead of Council’s first reading, pursuant to Rule 73 of the Rules of Procedure.

    The positions adopted by Parliament at first reading, which constitute the mandates for those negotiations, are available on the plenary webpage, and their titles will be published in the minutes of this sitting.

     

    8. Corrigenda (Rule 251)

     

      President. – The competent committees have transmitted nine corrigenda to texts adopted by Parliament.

    Pursuant to Rule 251, these corrigenda will be deemed approved unless, no later than 24 hours after their announcement, a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold that they be put to the vote.

    The corrigenda are available on the plenary webpage. Their titles will be published in the minutes of this sitting.

     

    9. Signing of acts adopted in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (Rule 81)




     

      Marc Botenga (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, vous savez que, sur la base de l’article 188, les députés européens gagnent facilement 14 000 euros par mois. Pourtant, chaque année, notre groupe demande de baisser ces salaires pour que les députés soient un tout petit peu plus en phase avec la réalité des travailleurs, qui, eux, peinent à boucler les fins de mois. Chaque année, ce vote permet de démasquer les députés qui, d’une part, prêchent l’austérité et la misère pour les travailleurs, mais, d’autre part, s’octroient, eux, un salaire généreux de 14 000 euros par mois.

    Mais aujourd’hui, en coulisses, vous nous dites que ce n’est plus acceptable et vous voulez empêcher ce vote – je sais bien, chers collègues, que vous ne voulez pas que l’on touche à vos privilèges. Vous nous dites que ces revenus sont garantis par d’autres textes. Mais justement, en refusant aujourd’hui de voter le budget nécessaire, nous pouvons ouvrir cette porte pour faire le premier pas et revoir tout cela.

    L’année dernière, vous aviez permis ces amendements. Qu’est-ce qui a changé, qui ne serait plus vrai aujourd’hui? Serait-ce parce que la campagne électorale est terminée? Madame la Présidente, je vous prie, revoyez cette décision. La politique sert à servir et non à se servir.

     
       

     

      President. – Thank you very much, Mr Botenga. I will give you the explanation.

    You file a point of order under Rule 188, which is actually a point of order, but I will answer you. The amendments tabled by your group on the lines and figures of the general budget 2025 concerning salaries and allowances, etc., have been examined and declared inadmissible, simply because we want to apply the rules.

    And I will tell you why: it is because they are in contradiction with the existing regulations, in other words, the Statute for Members of the European Parliament and the Council Regulation determining the emoluments of EU high-level public office holders, based on Articles 243 TFEU and 223 TFEU. So the right procedure would be to call on the responsible institutions to amend the mentioned regulations.

    However, you will have seen as well, in this spirit, that the corresponding amendment that you tabled to the resolution on the general budget calling for this change has been declared admissible, because that can be declared admissible.

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhora Presidente, quero expressar o meu total desacordo com a sua decisão discricionária e sem fundamento de recusar, sem justificação, a proposta de debate sobre o agravamento da situação humanitária em Gaza, na sequência das declarações do coordenador especial da ONU para o processo de paz no Médio Oriente. Na quinta-feira, a ONU declarou que mais de um milhão e oitocentos mil palestinianos enfrentam fome extrema. Ontem mesmo, aquele coordenador especial da ONU emitiu um comunicado falando de pesadelo, cenas horripilantes na zona norte, ataques israelitas implacáveis e uma crise humanitária cada vez pior e, cito, que «nenhum lugar é seguro em Gaza», condenando os contínuos ataques contra civis. Aquele responsável disse: «A guerra tem de parar agora».

    Apesar de tudo isto ter acontecido em condições que permitiam que o debate aqui fosse feito, a senhora presidente recusou aceitar sequer a proposta. Desafio-a a colocar à votação este pedido de debate. Enquanto continuarem a chover bombas em Gaza, a morrer crianças, mulheres e civis, este debate será sempre urgente e imprescindível.

     
       


     

      Virginie Joron (PfE). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, chers démocrates, chers légalistes, je souhaite faire un rappel au règlement. Son article 219 prévoit le respect de l’égalité des genres dans la composition des bureaux des commissions. Cette égalité n’est pourtant pas respectée, pas plus que le résultat des urnes, c’est-à-dire de la démocratie.

    En effet, Madame la Présidente, vous avez accepté de ne pas respecter la démocratie en accordant une dérogation au principe de l’égalité des genres pour M. Weber dans plusieurs bureaux de commissions, ignorant par là même plus de 20 millions de nos électeurs.

    Comment pouvez-vous accepter que la commission CONT, qui contrôle le budget de l’Union européenne – et qui doit donner l’exemple –, continue de ne pas respecter nos règles? Vous souhaitez exporter l’égalité des genres jusqu’au Kazakhstan ou encore lui consacrer une semaine en décembre, mais ce principe n’est déjà pas respecté au sein de la commission CONT, au cœur même de notre institution. En ne disposant pas d’une quatrième vice-présidence, la composition du bureau de la commission CONT viole notre règlement.

    Madame la Présidente, je vous remercie de faire le nécessaire pour mettre un terme à cette hypocrisie et respecter notre devise, «Unie dans la diversité».

     
       


     

      Manon Aubry (The Left). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, ça tombe bien, j’avais envie de vous parler de démocratie et de faire un rappel au règlement sur la base de l’article 154, qui traite des accords interinstitutionnels, pour évoquer l’état des négociations entre l’Union européenne et le Mercosur. Je vais commencer, chers collègues, par une question assez simple: qui trouve normal que le plus important accord de libre-échange jamais conclu par l’Union européenne soit en train d’être signé en catimini, sans que notre Parlement ait la moindre information, quelle qu’elle soit? Allez-y, dites-moi qui est d’accord avec cela et levez la main.

    Vous le voyez bien – et j’ai fait le compte –, cela fait exactement cinq ans que la Commission européenne n’a pas donné ni publié le moindre compte-rendu officiel sur l’état des négociations. Bien entendu, cet accord de libre-échange aura un impact désastreux sur nos agriculteurs, qui souffrent déjà, sur la santé et sur la planète.

    Mes chers collègues, c’est aussi un scandale démocratique. Comment accepter d’être ainsi tenus à l’écart? C’est pourquoi, Madame la Présidente, je vous prierais de demander des comptes à la Commission européenne afin qu’elle nous tienne enfin informés, parce qu’on ne peut pas se laisser ainsi «bananer». Il est temps!

     
       


     

      President. – As you can see, your colleagues agree with you. This is something that has been an outstanding issue and we can put pressure on the incoming Commission to respect the deadlines that we have set.

     

    10. Order of business


     

      Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group. – Madam President, dear colleagues, last Friday, an Italian court invalidated the detention of 16 asylum applicants sent to Albania by the Italian Government. Italy is a democracy, with an independent judiciary and courts that can freely rule on existing cases, also to stop illegal actions by the government. Still, members of the ruling far-right coalition, including members of the government, attacked this independent judiciary and the judges that ruled in this case.

    Colleagues, we cannot stay silent on this: rule of law, including separation of powers, is a key fundament of the European Union. We have waited for far too long regarding Hungary to speak up. We cannot make the same mistake again. That is why my group requests a debate with the following title: ‘Commission statement regarding the ruling of the Italian court related to the agreement between Italy and Albania on migration’.

     
       



     

      Tomas Tobé (PPE). – Madam President, I think it is clear and already stated that this request should not be supported. It’s very clear. It’s not about a protocol about Italy and Albania, as you say in what you’re asking for. Also, it’s not even a final decision in the court, and it’s also a decision based on an EU directive that actually will be replaced once the new migration pact is fully adopted.

    I think it’s also about the general question, because we had a request in plenary before, from the Patriots, about another decision. We could, of course, make this Chamber nothing else than debating different court decisions. I think when it comes to migration policy, we should be serious, we should be balanced, and we should use our time to actually debate real things and not only try to make court decisions that you may like or not like to be in favour of them.

    So that is why the EPP will reject this request.

     
       


     

      Fabienne Keller, au nom du groupe Renew. – Madame la Présidente, nous savons que le nouveau pacte sur la migration et l’asile et la politique migratoire ont occupé l’essentiel du Conseil européen de la fin de la semaine dernière. C’est un sujet de préoccupation pour nos concitoyens.

    Nous sommes fiers, tous ici dans cette Chambre, d’avoir adopté un pacte, d’avoir trouvé un équilibre pour traiter la question de la migration illégale, tout en respectant nos valeurs. Nous savons aussi, chers collègues, qu’il nous faudra encore deux années pour le mettre en œuvre. Nous ne pouvons dès lors pas accepter qu’un État membre utilise une voie détournée pour contourner ce que prévoit le pacte et les règles précises que nous avons définies ensemble.

    C’est pourquoi nous proposons de rebondir sur la proposition des Verts et d’ajouter la dimension «mise en œuvre du pacte» dans son ensemble, c’est-à-dire vis-à-vis de ses devoirs, de l’application de ses règles, mais aussi des garanties des droits de l’homme et du respect des droits fondamentaux que nous y avons intégrés. C’est dans cet esprit que nous proposons ce débat amendé.

     
       

     

      President. – Ms Reintke, do you agree with the alternative proposal? So the Green Group does not. Therefore, I will put the original request by the Green Group to a vote by roll call.

    (Parliament rejected the request)

    I now ask Ms Keller: do you want to keep your request? Yes, Ms Keller wants to keep the request, so the proposal from the Renew Group is now put to a vote by roll call.

    (Parliament rejected the request)

    So the agenda remains unchanged.

    The agenda is now adopted and the order of business is thus established.

     

    11. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (debate)

     

      President. – The first item is the debate on Parliament’s statement on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (2024/2881(RSP)).

    Dear colleagues, last week, on 17 October, we marked the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty. Poverty is not inevitable. It is a challenge that we can – and we must – overcome. Across the world, far too many people still struggle. Far too many people do not have access to clean water, to clothing, shelter, health care or education. And far too many people are excluded from society, denied the possibility of a dignified job, not given the opportunities to achieve their potential. Given that 1 in 5 Europeans and 1 in 4 children under the age of 18 in the European Union is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the reality is as serious as it is alarming.

    Here in the European Parliament, we refuse to be bystanders. We are proud of all the work we have done already in making our Europe a front-liner in the fight against poverty, and yet more work remains. Poverty is a symptom of inequality, and we understand the responsibility that we bear to ensure that every person – no matter who they are or where they come from – has a chance to live with dignity, with purpose.

    This is why the European Parliament is looking forward to seeing the European Union’s first anti-poverty strategy that was announced in the 2024-2029 Political Guidelines of the European Commission. This is a positive step forward. By investing in education, affordable housing and job creation, by ensuring our social safety net works, we can lift millions out of poverty.

    This House will continue turning our policies into concrete action, and we will continue to fight for fairness, for dignity and for opportunity for all.

     
       


     

      Gabriele Bischoff, im Namen der S&D-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, werte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! In der Tat: Wir sprechen inzwischen von 100 Millionen Menschen, die in Europa, einem der reichsten Kontinente, von Armut und sozialer Ausgrenzung bedroht sind; Frau Präsidentin hat es gesagt: mehr als jeder fünfte Mensch hier in Europa. Und dieser Internationale Tag zur Abschaffung der Armut, der muss wirklich ein Weckruf hier sein, weil wir mehr brauchen.

    Ja, wir brauchen eine Armutsstrategie, aber wir brauchen auch konkrete Politiken, und eine davon ist in der Tat, dass wir ein festes Budget von 20 Milliarden in einem eigenen ESF+ für die Kindergarantie brauchen, um die 19 Millionen Kinder – 19 Millionen, denen die Zukunft gestohlen wurde – besser vor Armut zu schützen, und wir brauchen Maßnahmen.

    Aber wir dürfen nicht nur national bleiben, sondern nach den Verträgen ist Armutsbekämpfung auch das Hauptziel der europäischen Entwicklungspolitik. Das muss so bleiben und muss unser Kompass sein zur Bekämpfung der Armut auf der ganzen Welt.

     
       

     

      Malika Sorel, au nom du groupe PfE. – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, 34 % des Européens renoncent à des soins médicaux, et nombre de jeunes, de nos jeunes, sont en grande souffrance. C’est la tiers-mondisation de nos nations. L’Europe d’Hippocrate, de Pasteur et de Marie Curie n’est même plus capable de soigner les siens, tandis qu’elle érige en dogme la préférence extra-européenne.

    Alors que la pauvreté touche chacune de nos nations, la Commission va verser 1,8 milliard d’euros à la Moldavie. De plus, l’immigration issue des couches sociales les plus pauvres bat des records. Pour Enrico Letta, aucune réforme, aucun progrès ne sera possible sans la participation des citoyens. Cette participation, je vous le dis, est impossible, car ces conditions ne sont pas réunies.

    Relisons Jean-Jacques Rousseau: «Voulons-nous que les peuples soient vertueux? Commençons donc par leur faire aimer la patrie: mais comment l’aimeront-ils si la patrie ne leur accorde que ce qu’elle ne peut refuser à personne?». Nous sommes là au cœur du mal qui détruit l’Europe. Chers collègues, j’aimerais comprendre: est-ce l’indifférence – ou pire: le cynisme – qui conduit à nous lamenter sur une pauvreté que nous organisons?

     
       

     

      Chiara Gemma, a nome del gruppo ECR. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la povertà non è soltanto una questione economica: è una piaga sociale che mina la dignità e la speranza delle persone. Combatterla è un dovere morale e una responsabilità politica che deve impegnarci tutti, senza eccezioni.

    C’è un aspetto che merita una particolare attenzione e che troppo spesso viene trascurato: la condizione delle persone con disabilità, che sono tra le più esposte al rischio di povertà. I dati parlano chiaro: il 28,8% delle persone con disabilità in Europa vive in condizioni di povertà e di esclusione sociale.

    Questo dato è inaccettabile, soprattutto se pensiamo che stiamo parlando di una categoria già vulnerabile, che deve affrontare non solo le difficoltà economiche, ma anche le barriere strutturali, culturali e sociali che la società impone.

    Non possiamo tollerare che in un’Europa che si proclama “paladina dei diritti umani e dell’inclusione”, quasi un terzo delle persone con disabilità viva in condizioni di disagio economico. La nostra forza si misura dalla capacità di includere chi è già più debole.

     
       

     

      Charles Goerens, au nom du groupe Renew. – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, la lutte contre la pauvreté doit se manifester tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur de l’Union européenne. Cela étant, la pratique semble confirmer ce propos.

    L’Union européenne n’a certes pas réussi à éliminer la pauvreté, comme chacun de nous le souhaiterait. À sa décharge, rappelons que ses compétences sont insuffisantes pour régler ce problème. Les États membres, par contre, disposent de moyens ô combien supérieurs à ceux dont dispose la Commission. À ce propos, l’on constate que les États membres qui ont de meilleurs résultats en matière de lutte contre la misère chez eux sont souvent les mêmes que ceux qui s’impliquent le plus dans la coopération au développement en faveur des pays du Sud.

    Cette corrélation n’est pas anodine. Elle nous fait penser que la solidarité est indivisible. C’est donc une question de cohérence, une question d’équité, qui s’applique dans le même esprit tant à l’intérieur qu’à l’extérieur de l’Union européenne. Pour appuyer mon propos, il suffit de lire les rapports annuels du Programme des Nations unies pour le développement et d’en comparer les résultats à ceux obtenus en matière de lutte contre la misère au sein des États membres.

     
       


     

      Leila Chaibi, au nom du groupe The Left. – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur le Commissaire, chers collègues, en France, 1 jeune sur 4 vit sous le seuil de pauvreté, et 1 étudiant sur 2 est obligé de sauter un repas par jour. Vous vous souvenez de ces files d’attente interminables devant l’aide alimentaire pendant la pandémie de COVID-19? Ces images, elles avaient fait le tour du monde. C’était il y a quatre ans. Et que s’est il passé depuis? Rien.

    Pourquoi l’Union européenne ne demande-t-elle pas aux gouvernements de proposer le repas à 1 euro pour les étudiants? Pourquoi continuons-nous à agir comme si la pauvreté était un phénomène météorologique, une espèce de catastrophe naturelle? Non, la pauvreté ne tombe pas du ciel. Sans inégalités, il n’y a pas de pauvreté. Bernard Arnault, l’homme le plus riche du monde, a vu sa fortune dépasser les 200 milliards d’euros, soit plus que le PIB de la Slovaquie. Imaginez ce qu’on pourrait faire avec cette somme. On pourrait faire 200 000 hôpitaux, 40 000 écoles.

    Vous voulez agir contre la pauvreté? Taxez les plus riches, taxez les multinationales, allez chercher l’argent là où il est.

     
       

     

      Petar Volgin, от името на групата ESN. – Скъпи колеги, дълго време силните на деня обясняваха, че когато глобализацията окончателно победи, когато бъдат премахнати всички държавни граници и всички държавни пречки пред бизнеса, ние ще станем богати и щастливи. Разказваха ни, че когато милионерът стане милиардер, това ще направи и нас, обикновените хора богати. Защото нали според постулатите на така наречената „трикъл даун” икономика („trickle down economy“) или икономика на просмукването, приливът повдигал всички лодки. Само че действителността се оказа много по-различна.

    Да, богатите ставаха още по-богати, милионерите ставаха милиардери, но лодките на обикновенните хора не се повдигаха, даже много от тях потънаха. Колкото повече държавата минаваше на заден план, толкова повече се увеличаваха неравенствата и бедността. Има само един начин, по който може да бъде преодоляно това. Държавата отново трябва да стане активна. Тя трябва да създаде такива правила, които да помагат на работещите хора да живеят по-добре. Наднационалните институции няма да направят това. Те се грижат за интересите на мега корпорациите. Нужна ни е повече държава и по-малко транснационални институции.

     
       


     

     

      Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), în scris. – Prin acțiunile sale, Uniunea Europeană s-a declarat responsabilă pentru înverzirea Globului, pentru eliminarea surplusului de carbon, pentru tot ce e „eco” și „bio” la nivel mondial, pentru salvarea migranților, precum și pentru încetarea unor războaie din afara granițelor UE.

    Totuși, când vine vorba de sărăcia în care trăiesc unii dintre europeni, mai ales despre construirea unor programe concrete și asigurarea unui buget corespunzător pentru acest lucru, rămânem la stadiul de discuții frumoase. Iată că marcăm o zi oficială pentru eradicarea sărăciei, în loc să o eradicăm efectiv. În România, unul din cinci cetățeni trăiește sub pragul sărăciei, cifrele fiind mult mai ridicate în rândul tinerilor. Pe acești oameni, ziua internațională a eradicării sărăciei nu îi ajută. Este nevoie de bani și de măsuri concrete.

    Sigur, e onorabil să avem o astfel de zi, nu ne opunem, dar haideți să ne concentrăm mai mult pe fapte și mai puțin pe discursuri pompoase, care au zero efect în asigurarea hranei copiilor săraci ai Europei sau în oferirea unor programe care să-i încurajeze să-și continue studiile.

     

    12. Address by Enrico Letta – Presentation of the report ‘Much More Than a Market’

     

      President. – The next item is the debate on the address by Enrico Letta – presentation of the report ‘Much more than a market’.

    We have today with us former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta to present his report ‘Much more than a market’. Caro Enrico, welcome back to the European Parliament. Your report came at an extremely timely moment.

    As we embark on a new legislative term, this House recognises that the future of Europe will be defined by our ability to make ourselves more competitive; how we are able to grow our economies and pay back our debts, to fuel our innovation and turn seemingly impossible challenges into opportunities, to create jobs and futures with dignity. That is what our people are asking from us. It is why Europeans went to the polls last June, and what our voters are expecting us to deliver on.

    To do all this, we do not need to reinvent the wheel. We already have many tools in place. For over 30 years, the single market has been our Union’s unique growth model, a powerful engine of convergence and our most valuable asset. But we are again at a moment where the single market is in need of a boost.

    The time is now for us to renew our engagement to it, to deepen it, especially when it comes to energy, to finance, telecoms, banking, capital markets and services – to bring it back on par with the needs of the current context.

    Boosting it also means doing more to level the playing field, to reduce excessive bureaucracy and to cut red tape. This is how our single market works best. So, Mr Letta, dear Enrico, the European Parliament is eager to hear your findings and recommendations on how we can bolster our single market and make Europe more competitive.

     
       

     

      Enrico Letta, author of the report ‘Much more than a market’. – Madam President, esteemed Members, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to President Roberta Metsola, the Members of the European Parliament and the groups. It is a particularly emotional moment for me to do so in this Chamber once chaired by David Sassoli. The last time I spoke from this very place was to commemorate him some days after his death. His legacy and his commitment to European values continues to guide and inspire all of us.

    I must also express my deep gratitude to those who commissioned this report and entrusted me with the responsibility to undertake it: the Belgian and Spanish presidencies of the Council of the European Union, along with the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council. It is a great honour for me to be here today, especially after a year of engaging with the European Parliament: more than 20 meetings, groups, committees – the IMCO Committee in particular, subcommittees fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

    This is a decisive moment for the life of the report. The pragmatic proposals it contains can only make a real impact if this very Chamber embraces and advances them.

    This report is not mine. I bear full responsibility for it, of course, but above all, it is the result of a collective exercise developed during a journey that spanned almost the entire European Union, reaching out also to candidate countries for accession and non-EU countries that share with us the single market. Throughout this journey across Europe, I visited 65 cities and took part in over 4 400 meetings, I engaged open social dialogue with all stakeholders. This was not an ideological pursuit, but a pragmatic endeavour. I traveled across Europe and engaged with all stakeholders to find common ground for tangible solutions. And there is one thing I want to stress out here: all the proposals contained in the report do not require Treaty changes. They are very concrete and can be implemented immediately.

    Madame la Présidente, par cette méthode j’ai cherché à honorer l’esprit même du projet d’intégration européenne. Un projet qui s’épanouit dans le dialogue entre les grands et les petits pays, entre les grandes villes et les petites communes, entre des modèles divers de relations industrielles, ainsi qu’entre différentes cultures et histoires. C’était la vision de Jacques Delors, à la mémoire duquel ce rapport est dédié.

    Jacques Delors visait à poser une base solide sur laquelle les grands idéaux européens pourraient prospérer. Il reconnaissait que la passion seule ne pouvait bâtir l’Europe. Il fallait des projets pragmatiques, qui améliorent concrètement la vie des citoyens. Jacques Delors croyait fermement que le succès de l’intégration européenne ne se mesurait pas à l’aune des bénéfices pour les États, mais à l’amélioration de la vie des citoyens. C’est cette approche que j’ai poursuivie et qui m’a inspiré en rédigeant ce rapport.

    The single market has been our greatest achievement. It has fuelled prosperity and it embodies our values. But it was born in a very different era, an era in which both the European Union and the world were smaller, simpler and far less interconnected. More than 20 years ago, we succeeded in integrating our currencies. We created the euro. We integrated this critical dimension which carries important emotional and practical significance for our citizens.

    However, we have not achieved the same level of integration in other key strategic sectors that, paradoxically, would have been far less difficult to integrate: sectors that are now vital for the future of the European economy, in particular. At the inception, three sectors were deliberately kept outside the single market, considered too strategic to extend beyond national borders: finance, electronic communications and energy. In reality, when it comes to these issues, Europe is merely a geographical expression. We are 27, not 1, on telecommunication. We have 27 financial markets, not 1 financial market. The exclusion of these sectors from the completion of the single market was motivated by the belief at that time that domestic control would better serve strategic interests.

    In an increasingly interconnected world and a vastly larger global market, the national dimension is no longer sufficient. It is becoming a ceiling in these sectors. We need to address this paradox, which is one of the main drivers of the current gap with other global powers, and we must act now. Inertia or inaction on this front risks reducing our choices to a single question: whether we want to become a colony of the United States or of China in ten years’ time. Telecommunications, energy and financial markets must be integrated, as we did for the euro. The integration of these sectors is a precondition for our competitiveness and security. There can be no security without independence in connectivity, energy and finance.

    In the report, I propose a roadmap for telecommunications to move from 27 separate markets to 1, from the approximately 80 operators of today to 10, 20 operators. I am not suggesting that we mimic the American or Chinese models here in Europe. These models do not adequately protect consumers as we aim to do in the European Union, but with a single telecoms market, 10, 20 operators can compete while ensuring consumer protection. At the same time, they will be larger and stronger on the global stage. That is what is not happening today with the fragmentation in 27 different markets.

    For energy, the key mission is to invest in interconnections. We must reduce the energy prices in Europe, and the only way is to maximise the diversification of energy sources through a highly interconnected European system. We win through cooperation, not through fragmentation. However, the most important sector to integrate is the financial one, which is in reality today the sum of 27 separate financial markets. This fragmentation is a major factor in Europe’s loss of competitiveness, creating the paradox of having a single currency, the euro, without a fully integrated financial market. We are falling behind the US, which has surged ahead in this sector over the last 15 years, and we are paying a steep price for it. Without a unified financial system, we will be unable to create a new paradigm for economic development, unable to innovate and unable to ensure our security.

    Having unified and significantly larger financial markets would allow Europe to invest in innovation and support its real economy. It would also enable Europe to effectively finance the Green Deal.

    During my journey, one topic has emerged as a priority everywhere: how to support and finance the just, green and digital transition. Let’s be very clear: the Green Deal remains the top priority for the coming years. It is no longer a question of whether Europe will pursue it, but rather how it will be achieved. The legislative term began with a debate on how to approach the Green Deal. In the report, I propose solutions for implementing it that reduce the potential social and economic consequences for Europe. We cannot allow the Green Deal to become a luxury that only the wealthy can afford in our societies. The social and economic dimensions of the Green Deal are essential.

    If we are committed to this, we must also clearly outline how we intend to finance it. Otherwise, we risk engaging in an unrealistic declaration of intent. Without a concrete plan on how to finance it, political backlash and delays are inevitable – outcomes that neither the EU nor the planet can afford. That is why all our energy must be focused on financially supporting the transition. We need an innovative set of tools that can leverage both public and private financing, as both are crucial to meet our massive investment needs.

    There are differing views within the European Union on how to address this funding challenge. We have to be honest: there are often opposing views on this matter. It makes no sense to ignore or hide these differences. But I firmly believe that the single market is not only a fundamental tool, but also the common ground where these diverse positions can converge.

    The initial priority should be to mobilise private capital, where the EU lags behind and has enormous untapped potential. Let me offer two clear as significant examples. Each year, EUR 300 billion of European savings cross the Atlantic to fuel the American financial markets and their real economy. This happens because our financial markets, fragmented as they are, are unable to absorb these resources. But the effect is a paradox. This money ultimately strengthens American companies, which then return to Europe to buy our European companies with our European savers’ money.

    We need a change in mindset. The current lack of integration of Europe’s financial markets is unacceptable. Take also the case of international payment systems: every day, each of us makes several credit or debit card transactions, billions of transactions in total. Yet Italians aren’t happy using a French system. The French aren’t happy using a German system. The Germans aren’t happy to use a Spanish one. As a result, we are all end up being happy to rely on an American system. This example alone highlights the inefficiency of our fragmented approach.

    We have to be pragmatic, not ideological. The fragmentation of Europe’s financial markets plays directly into the hands of other global players, keeping Wall Street and China satisfied and very happy. And this is why, in the report, I proposed the creation of the savings and investments union, building on the incomplete capital markets union. By fully integrating financial markets, the savings and investments union aims to close the gap in a sector where we have enormous potential and provide a concrete tool to finance our ambitions.

    What I want to emphasise is the importance of forging a strong link between the fair, green and digital transition and the financial integration of the single market. One of the main reasons the capital markets union failed to succeed is that it was seen as an end in itself. True financial market integration in Europe will only be achieved when both citizens and policymakers recognise that this integration is not just beneficial for the financial sector, but it is essential for achieving broader, more critical goals such as the fair, green and digital transition.

    Ultimately, progress in the area of private investments will enable us to tackle the role, structures and regulations governing public investments. As I have noted, this is a divisive issue, but it is essential that we confront it openly. Closing the current gap in private investments is a critical first step in moving this debate forward. The massive investment needs of the European Union require both private and public sources of funding. We must strike a balance between different sensibilities and pave the way for a more constructive, integrated and efficient funding strategy.

    This also extends to the debate on state aid. In the report, I have presented some ideas to overcome the current impasse. We need new solutions that can swiftly mobilise targeted national public support for industry, while also preventing fragmentation of the single market and ensuring a level playing field.

    Combining private resources and public investments, considering various instruments, is the only way to achieve a compromise in this chamber and within the European Council. Finance, energy and telecommunications are interconnected and serve as critical boost within a broader concept of security. However, the current geopolitical situation compels us to accelerate the strengthening of our common defence capabilities.

    Greater integration within our common market can serve as a pivotal tool to overcome existing duplications and inefficiencies, yet substantial investments are required. We need to act on this front, and we must do swiftly in order to preserve a crucial level of autonomy in our foreign security and defence policy.

    The EU must continue its unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom, while also striving to play a pivotal role in ending the conflict in the Middle East. Both are essential steps towards securing long-term peace and stability. To address this significant challenge, we must consider innovative financing mechanisms here as well. In the report, I propose several options, but I believe, and I want to underline here, the most pragmatic and impactful approach involves the use of the ESM, the European Stability Mechanism.

    One of the consequences of fragmentation and the lack of unity in key sectors is the difficulty we are facing in terms of innovation. The EU has not yet developed a robust industry capable of harnessing the benefits of the new wave of technological advancements. As a result, we have become increasingly reliant on external technologies that are now critical to European companies. It is essential that we unlock the full potential of the single market, and to do so, we need to leverage our unexploited common strength in research and development.

    The single market, as we know, was built on four fundamental freedoms: the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. However, this structure is outdated and too closely aligned with the 20th century vision. I believe something is missing in today’s complex and dynamic environment, something intangible yet vital. The economy of the future will be driven by innovation, knowledge and tangible assets, a dimension that is vital to our progress.

    In the report, I argue for the addition of a fifth freedom, one that encompasses a range of essential fields: research, data, skills, knowledge, education. This is possible within the framework of the existing Treaties, as demonstrated in the report. This new fifth freedom will not just be about facilitating the movement of research and innovation outputs; it will embed the drivers of research and innovation at the heart of the single market. With this framework, the EU will not only better position itself as a global leader in setting ethical standards for innovation, but also as a creator and pioneer of new technologies.

    The EU’s ability to innovate depends also on creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive. This is why the simplification of the single market rules is a central theme. It is a topic that I have heard repeatedly during my travels. However, when we speak of simplification, too frequently, these words are not followed by concrete, actionable proposals. In the report, I present two pragmatic proposals to significantly ease businesses’ access to the benefits of the single market. The first proposal is that EU institutions should unequivocally prioritise the use of regulations over directives when setting single market rules. This would reduce uncertainty and eliminate barriers. The second proposal is the idea of the ’28th regime’ to operate within the single market, a virtual 28th state that companies could choose for smoother, more practical operation at the European level. Both these proposals cover regulatory aspects that help to reduce bureaucracy without in an in any way undermining social standards, on which we do not want to see any race to the bottom. I’m very happy to speak on behalf and in front of the Commission on these topics.

    I conclude, Madam President: Jacques Delors always insisted on the crucial point of the importance of a single market with convergence, and the success of the single market is fundamental. If we add to the freedom to move the freedom to stay, the freedom to stay is fundamental for the people who want to stay in their own regions, with the idea to be allowed to grow up there and to have services of general interest across all the EU regions and also in the periphery regions.

    My conclusion: President von der Leyen’s decision to outline an ambitious plan for reform and relaunch of the European project, drawing on some of these ideas from both my report and that of Mario Draghi opens a window of opportunity we cannot afford to miss. In a time when divisions among us – between countries, political parties and populations are growing – I stand before you to affirm that the single market is what keeps us united. We must rally around it and remain firm in our commitment to the relaunch and completion of the single market. The question before us is clear: if not now, when? Now more than ever, we must defend, strengthen and relaunch the single market.

    I hope that with all these arguments, I have convinced you that, as I wrote in the title of my report, the single market is really much more than a market.

     
       

       

    PRZEWODNICTWO: EWA KOPACZ
    Wiceprzewodnicząca

     
       

     

      President. – Thank you very much, Mr Letta.

     

    13. Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens (debate)


     

      Andreas Schwab, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, lieber Enrico Letta, Herr Kommissar! Zunächst einmal im Namen der EVP-Fraktion einen großen Glückwunsch für diese intensive Arbeit und auch für die Präsentation der Ergebnisse hier.

    Es ist deutlich geworden, dass der Bericht und auch Sie ganz persönlich, Herr Letta, nochmals in Erinnerung rufen, dass der Binnenmarkt der Motor unseres europäischen Wohlstandes ist. Das finde ich beachtlich, weil natürlich ein Stück weit in den vergangenen Jahren in Vergessenheit geraten ist, dass der wirtschaftliche Austausch – egal ob es um Waren oder Dienstleistungen, egal ob es um Autos oder um Tourismus geht – im Zentrum dessen steht, was uns als Europäerinnen und Europäer reich und viele auch zufrieden macht.

    Deswegen, glaube ich, muss man an dieser Stelle noch einmal sagen: Der Binnenmarkt kann eben am besten entscheiden, was die richtige Leistung ist. Deswegen sollten wir den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern auch die Möglichkeit geben, dass sie entscheiden können in einem offenen Markt in Europa, welche Leistung, welchen Tourismusort, welches Auto sie kaufen können. Dafür ist der Titel vielleicht ein bisschen gefährlich, denn mehr als ein Markt bedeutet ja im Umkehrschluss, dass wir einen echten Binnenmarkt vollständig schon haben. Da, glaube ich, müssen wir sagen, gibt es noch einiges zu tun.

    Es gibt noch einiges zu tun, damit Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer problemlos von einem Land in ein anderes fahren können. Auch wenn sie das Recht, dort zu bleiben, wo sie sein wollen, behalten sollen, müssen sie die Freiheit genießen können – in der Überarbeitung der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 883/2004 –, die Grenze zu überschreiten. Deswegen, liebe Freundinnen und Freunde, meine Damen und Herren, glaube ich, die Anpassung an eine neue geopolitische Bedingung, die rasche Entbürokratisierung und die Kapitalmarktunion sind sicher Kernforderungen des Berichts, die wir alle unterstützen.

    Ich bin froh, dass Enrico Letta in die gleiche Richtung wie Mario Draghi gegangen ist. Deswegen, glaube ich, gilt es jetzt, dass die Europäische Kommission liefert: ein 28. Regime dort, wo es notwendig ist, eine neue Grundfreiheit und einen einheitlichen Telekommunikationsbinnenmarkt. Es gibt viel zu tun.

     
       

     

      Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Madam President and dear Enrico Letta, I think it is very important that we still keep a vision of what we could do and what is possible, but where we lack the courage so far to do so. Jacques Delors always said that no one falls in love with the common market. That was true in the past, it’s also true today, but you show that it’s not only a single market, but it is what it does for people, how it enables people. And therefore we really have to boost the common market indeed, but also – in the spirit of Jacques Delors – to always have in mind that this always needs a strong social dimension going for it, if we want to also convince the citizens that it’s in their interest to do so.

    But I also have to say I could comment on many things, because your report is very rich. I want to highlight the fifth freedom, a fair mobility, a new push here for innovation, and to deliver for our citizens.

     
       



     

      Svenja Hahn, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin! Liebe Kollegen, wenn wir in der Welt über Werte wie Demokratie reden, hat man uns zugehört, weil wir ein attraktiver Markt waren. Der Binnenmarkt ist das Herzstück der EU – er hat uns wirtschaftlich stark werden und zusammenwachsen lassen. Doch der Binnenmarkt kränkelt vor sich hin, auch weil die Kommission zu wenig für seine Zukunft getan hat.

    Herr Letta gibt uns eine lange To-do-Liste mit: allem voran sind es massive Überregulierung, hohe Energiekosten, Steuern und Abgaben und on top noch ein mindset, das Innovation und unternehmerischem Erfolg misstraut. Das ist Gift für unseren Binnenmarkt, das ist Gift für Wirtschaftswachstum.

    Und wer jetzt die Lösung in neuen Steuern, Umverteilung und Subventionen sieht, ist doch aus der Zeit gefallen. Wir machen die EU nicht fit für die Zukunft mit Ideen von gestern, sondern mit strukturellen Reformen. Für mehr Wirtschaftswachstum brauchen wir jetzt einen radikalen Bürokratieabbau und eine Fastenkur für neue EU-Gesetze. Und es muss Schluss sein mit Protektionismus in unserem Binnenmarkt.

    Wachstum muss das Ziel sein, denn eine starke Wirtschaft schafft Arbeitsplätze, finanziert Bildung und unseren Sozialstaat und sorgt auch dafür, dass wir uns verteidigen können. Ein starker Binnenmarkt ist die Grundlage für unsere Gesellschaft, unseren Zusammenhalt und unsere Sicherheit.

     
       

     

      Anna Cavazzini, im Namen der Verts/ALE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Lieber Enrico Letta, erst einmal vielen Dank für deinen Bericht und die gute Zusammenarbeit mit diesem Haus, insbesondere mit dem Ausschuss für Binnenmarkt und Verbraucherschutz. Einige Leute sind ja fest davon überzeugt – und Gabriele hat es schon gesagt –, dass man sich nicht in einen EU-Binnenmarkt verlieben kann; einer davon hieß Jacques Delors.

    Aber ich muss schon sagen, dass die aktuelle Binnenmarktgesetzgebung ziemlich attraktiv ist, ein Schlüssel gegen die multiplen Krisen unserer Zeit. Mit dem Gesetz über digitale Dienste und dem Gesetz über digitale Märkte legen wir demokratische Regeln für die Onlinewelt fest. Mit der Gesetzgebung für die Kreislaufwirtschaft und dem Recht auf Reparatur machen wir Nachhaltigkeit zur Norm auf dem Binnenmarkt. Und – das ist wirklich ein Projekt zum Verlieben – das gemeinsame Ladekabel macht endlich Schluss mit unserem Kabelsalat in den Schubladen. Diese Beispiele zeigen, dass sich die Aufgabe, einen gemeinsamen europäischen Markt zu schaffen, in den letzten 30 Jahren weiterentwickelt hat.

    Von der Veränderung des Marktes mit seinen vier Freiheiten – Waren, Dienstleistungen, Kapital und Menschen – nutzen wir ihn heute immer mehr, um unsere gemeinsamen politischen Ziele zu erreichen: Souveränität, die Regulierung von großen Tech-Unternehmen, die Stärkung von Rechten von Verbrauchern und vor allem auch der Schutz unseres Planeten und des Klimas.

    Und das ist auch die Geschichte – finde ich –, die wir den Bürgern heute erzählen müssen. Tatsächlich wird sich niemand in die abstrakte Idee der wirtschaftlichen Integration verlieben. Aber die Bürgerinnen und Bürger in der EU wollen hohe Verbraucherschutzstandards, eine gesunde Wirtschaft, Umweltschutz; und der Binnenmarkt und unsere Binnenmarktregeln können all das liefern, wenn wir es richtig machen.

    Ich finde, wenn wir die Unterstützung unserer Bürger erhalten wollen, muss der Binnenmarkt sie schützen. Riesige Proteste in ganz Europa und zwei gescheiterte EU-Verfassungsreferenden waren damals die Folge, als die Kommission bei der Marktintegration mit der Dienstleistungsrichtlinie zu weit gegangen ist. Dieses Parlament hat damals, 2006, den Vorschlag geändert und ausgewogener gestaltet. Wir haben in den vergangenen Jahren erfolgreich für eine stärkere soziale Dimension des Binnenmarktes gekämpft und müssen dies auch weiterhin tun.

    Ja, viele unsinnige Hürden im Binnenmarkt müssen schnellstens abgebaut werden. Aber Marktintegration darf niemals, aber auch niemals zum Abbau von Schutzstandards führen.

     
       

     

      Νικόλας Φαραντούρης, εξ ονόματος της ομάδας The Left. – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, αγαπητέ κύριε Letta, σας καλωσορίζω στο Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο. Καλωσορίζουμε κάποιες από τις προτάσεις σας, όπως αυτές για μια κοινή φορολογική πολιτική ή για μια κοινή ευρωπαϊκή βιομηχανική πολιτική. Δεν με βρίσκει όμως σύμφωνο η περαιτέρω απορρύθμιση των εργασιακών σχέσεων και η αποκλειστική έμφαση μονάχα στην κινητικότητα των επενδύσεων.

    Επίσης, σας καλώ, εσάς και την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, να λάβετε υπόψη σας το γεγονός ότι ένας βασικός πυλώνας της εσωτερικής αγοράς από δημιουργίας της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, η πολιτική ανταγωνισμού, οι κανόνες ανταγωνισμού και η αντιμονοπωλιακή νομοθεσία, σε πολλές χώρες της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και στην ίδια την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση δεν λειτουργεί. Υπάρχουν χώρες, όπως για παράδειγμα η δική μου χώρα, η Ελλάδα, όπου είναι απολύτως καρτελοποιημένοι κάποιοι κρίσιμοι κλάδοι της οικονομίας, όπως επίσης και κλάδοι βασικών κοινωνικών αγαθών. Γι’ αυτό, θα πρέπει να ενταθούν οι προσπάθειες, ξανά από την αρχή, ώστε οι βασικοί πυλώνες της εσωτερικής αγοράς, όπως είναι οι κανόνες ανταγωνισμού, να γίνονται σεβαστοί και εφαρμόζονται αυστηρά.

    Καλώ, λοιπόν, την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, στο πλαίσιο του ευρωπαϊκού δικτύου ανταγωνισμού, να δείξει μεγαλύτερη προσοχή σε καρτελοποιημένες αγορές και να δώσει μεγαλύτερη έμφαση στην κοινωνική διάσταση της εσωτερικής αγοράς.

     
       

     

      René Aust, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin! Der Binnenmarkt ist eine der größten Errungenschaften der europäischen Zusammenarbeit. Er ist ein lebendiges Beispiel dafür, wie souveräne Nationen gemeinsam ihre Ziele erreichen können, wenn sie ihre Kräfte in einem wichtigen Bereich bündeln. Der Binnenmarkt hat Innovationen angeregt und für zusätzlichen Wohlstand in Europa gesorgt.

    Doch heute sehen wir leider, dass sich die Europäische Union immer weiter von diesen zentralen Aufgaben entfernt. Statt sich auf ihre wenigen, aber entscheidenden Aufgaben zu konzentrieren, wie eben den Binnenmarkt, den Schutz unserer gemeinsamen europäischen Außengrenzen oder auch die Koordination einer gesamteuropäischen Verteidigungsgemeinschaft, mischt sie sich in immer mehr Lebensbereiche ein, in denen sie eigentlich nichts zu suchen hat.

    Anstatt den Schwerpunkt auf grenzüberschreitende Herausforderungen wie Handel, Wettbewerb, Innovation oder gemeinsame Sicherheitsstandards zu legen, wird die EU zunehmend zu einem Gemischtwarenladen, der sich um alles Mögliche kümmert, vom Weltklima bis zur Genderideologie, aber das Wesentliche vernachlässigt. Diese Überdehnung der EU-Aufgaben schreckt private Investoren und Entrepreneure ab und schadet damit ganz Europa. Doch jede Kritik an dieser Entwicklung wird sofort als antieuropäisch verunglimpft und sehr schnell in die Ecke der Europafeinde gesteckt.

    Dabei braucht Europa eine Rückbesinnung auf das, was wirklich wichtig ist, und nationale Souveränität ist eine Voraussetzung für eine funktionierende europäische Zusammenarbeit. Darum kann man uns Patrioten auch die Zukunft Europas anvertrauen, weil wir eben verstanden haben, dass mehr nicht immer besser ist. Wir wollen eine handlungsfähige Gemeinschaft europäischer Nationalstaaten, die den Binnenmarkt fortentwickelt, die Außengrenzen sichert und unseren Kontinent schützt.

     
       

     

      Lídia Pereira (PPE). – Senhora Presidente, a participação da União Europeia na economia global está a cair. As economias asiáticas ultrapassam‑nos a uma velocidade vertiginosa, tal como o relatório de Enrico Letta e o relatório de Mário Draghi o confirmam. As condições de vida dos europeus estão a degradar‑se. O PIB per capita nos Estados Unidos cresceu o dobro do europeu desde que foi criado o Mercado Único, em 1993. Portanto, não podemos continuar a ficar para trás.

    E o mais chocante é a nossa produção de bens essenciais, incluindo em áreas como a saúde, que desceu de 53 % para menos de 25 % em pouco mais de duas décadas. Estamos dependentes de outros, quando nunca precisámos tanto de garantir a nossa autonomia estratégica.

    Enrico Letta disse‑o ainda há pouco, mas continuamos, infelizmente, a ver mais de 300 mil milhões de EUR das poupanças dos europeus serem desviadas para fora da Europa. É trágico, porque estamos a financiar a economia dos outros, em vez de fortalecermos a nossa.

    Queremos ter um mercado mais competitivo, então precisamos de uma união bancária completa. Queremos proteger as poupanças dos nossos cidadãos e relançar a inovação, precisamos de uma união de mercado de capitais. E, acima de tudo, precisamos mesmo de reformar o mercado único europeu, acrescentando‑lhe a livre circulação do conhecimento, porque só com investigação e inovação seremos capazes de ter mais empresas competitivas a nível global.

    Creio que já temos relatórios o quanto basta. Precisamos mesmo é de decisões, e está na hora de as tomarmos.

    (A oradora aceita responder a uma pergunta «cartão azul»)

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left), Pergunta segundo o procedimento «cartão azul». – Senhora Presidente, fazer a defesa do mercado único a partir da apologia da política de concorrência, ignorando a concentração e a centralização a que essa política e esse mercado têm conduzido, não nos serve de muito. Basta olhar para o setor bancário português e perceber que, sem o aprofundamento do mercado único, ficaram os bancos todos nas mãos de capital estrangeiro, com exceção da Caixa Geral de Depósitos, que, por ser pública, continua a ser nacional.

    Trazer aqui a defesa do mercado único a partir da ideia de que é isso que permite reduzir os preços – quando o setor energético mostra exatamente o contrário, com o aumento dos custos da energia – ou agora a partir do setor financeiro, achando que é isso que resolve os problemas, pode servir às multinacionais, mas não serve um país como Portugal, Senhora Deputada.

     
       


     

      Camilla Laureti (S&D). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, grazie a Enrico Letta per il rapporto. Alexander Langer diceva che la conversione ecologica potrà affermarsi solo se apparirà socialmente desiderabile: per questo in Europa servono investimenti comuni, perché il Green Deal è una rivoluzione necessaria che impatta sul modello di sviluppo e sulla vita delle persone, e nelle persone può generare paura.

    Se sapremo realizzarlo, avremo i cittadini al nostro fianco, le aziende più competitive e un’Europa più forte. Gli Stati Uniti, la Cina e l’India stanno andando veloci e in questa direzione – l’Europa non può permettersi di restare indietro. La risposta è un sistema comunitario di aiuti di Stato: dobbiamo integrare i principi dell’economia circolare per spingere sostenibilità e competitività.

    La libertà di muoversi, dice anche Letta nel rapporto, deve essere una scelta – oggi non lo è. Un terzo della popolazione europea vive in regioni che da anni sono immobili: le aree interne d’Europa. Qui si vince la sfida della crescita sostenibile, fatta di investimenti comuni, capaci di garantire i servizi di interesse generale per non lasciare indietro nessuno.

     
       

     

      Enikő Győri (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Asszony! Az egységes piac az Unió legközérthetőbb értéke. Az olcsóbb repülés, vagy annak előnye, hogy otthoni szeretteinkkel ingyen telefonálhatunk, nem szorul magyarázatra. Persze szereztünk keserű tapasztalatokat is. Szolgáltatási irányelv, kiküldött munkavállalók, mobilitási csomag. Ezek elfogadásakor a Bizottság mindig a nyugat-európaiak érdekét tartotta előbbre valónak.

    Ahol az EU keleti fele versenyképesebb, ott nem akarta lebontani az akadályokat. A feladat tehát csak, hogy olyan területeken mélyítsük az egységes piacot, mely fokozza a versenyképességet, és földrajzi helytől függetlenül megkönnyíti a polgárok és cégek életét. Ne központosítsunk ott, ahol a kisebbek vagy fejletlenebbek rosszul állnak. Több összeköttetés tehát, de például az energia- vagy telekommunikációs szektor centralizáltásával bánjunk csínján, ne tűnjenek el a helyi szereplők, ne dráguljon a szolgáltatás. A pénzügyi piacok közötti átjárhatóság jó irány, de legyünk óvatosak a nemzeti felügyeletek egységesítésével, ne fojtsuk meg a kisebb nemzeti tőkepiacokat, amelyek nélkül nincs helyi ökoszisztéma.

    Elnök úr említette az ötödik szabadságot, a tudás mozgását. Ez nagyon klassz. Csak kérdezem, hogy az Európai Bizottság miért blokkolja a magyar kutatók részvételét a Horizont programban, vagy a magyar diákok mozgását az Erasmus program keretein belül? Regionális különbségek kiegyenlítése nélkül nincs versenyképesség. Az agyelszívás ellen tenni kell. Ösztönözni kell a helyben boldogulást. Tartsuk meg a kohéziós politikát, hiszen ezt az egységes piac ellensúlyozására találták ki, hol nehézségeket okozott. Ezt fenn kell tartani kondicionalitás nélkül, mert az durva politikai eszközzé vált a Bizottság kezében.

     
       

     

      Denis Nesci (ECR). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, Presidente Letta, la relazione che discutiamo oggi mette in luce una delle sfide cruciali: il rafforzamento del mercato unico è senza dubbio un obiettivo fondamentale per il futuro dell’Unione europea.

    Tuttavia, non possiamo ignorare le criticità evidenti. Le eccessive regolamentazioni burocratiche rappresentano un ostacolo reale che rischia di soffocare l’innovazione e la crescita delle PMI. Se poi ci troviamo di fronte a perfidie come quella della direttiva ETS, giusto per citarne una, che mette a rischio la competitività delle infrastrutture portuali del Mediterraneo – come il porto di Gioia Tauro – con forti ricadute anche sul livello occupazionale, non parliamo di mercato unico, bensì di un distorto mercato unico.

    Per rilanciare la nostra competitività nell’ambito del mercato unico abbiamo bisogno di una politica economica adeguata e solidale, accompagnata da regole che vadano incontro alle esigenze di tutti gli Stati membri. Per questo è essenziale che il mercato unico non diventi un vantaggio riservato solo ad alcune aree: serve un mercato unico realmente inclusivo, che possa offrire opportunità anche alle regioni meno sviluppate, mettendo al centro l’uomo e non le “eco-follie”, e che sia a favore di famiglie, consumatori e imprese.

     
       

     

      Sandro Gozi (Renew). – Madame la Présidente, chers collègues, caro Enrico, le plus grand succès de l’Union, le marché unique, doit être renouvelé et complété. «Rico» Letta l’affirme avec force, et il a raison.

    Renouvelé, car il est impossible de réussir la transition écologique et numérique sans rendre le marché unique plus durable et plus simplifié pour les producteurs et pour les consommateurs. Complété, car il faut éliminer tous les obstacles qui empêchent les PME d’en profiter pleinement et qui nous empêchent d’avoir une union de l’énergie, des télécoms, des capitaux et des investissements. Le coût de la «non-Europe» est trop grand pour ne pas agir. L’approfondissement du marché européen pourrait générer jusqu’à 1,1 trillion d’euros de production économique supplémentaire par an.

    Il est aussi urgent – le rapport le dit très bien – de dégager les ressources sociales et économiques nécessaires à l’accompagnement du pacte vert et de la transition numérique.

    Enfin, nous devons développer une dimension extérieure du marché unique en lien avec notre politique commerciale. Dans ce cadre, nous devons également réformer les marchés publics, qui doivent aussi nous aider à réduire notre dépendance vis-à-vis des pays tiers. Cela doit être notre grande mission pour l’innovation et la compétitivité.

     
       


     

      Marcin Sypniewski (ESN). – Pani Przewodnicząca, Szanowni Państwo, jestem posłem od kilku miesięcy i jestem szczerze zdumiony, że w tym krótkim czasie po raz kolejny debatujemy nad nowym sprawozdaniem, które ma nam wskazać, jak mamy stać się bardziej konkurencyjni, bogatsi, silniejsi czy piękniejsi. Najwyraźniej oprócz biegunki legislacyjnej mamy również do czynienia z biegunką ekspertyz, analiz i sprawozdań. Zamiast tego polecam poczytać Rothbarda, Misesa czy Hayeka, których dzieła przetrwały próbę czasu we wskazywaniu, co jest dobre dla rozwoju gospodarczego i wolności jednostki.

    Noblista Fryderyk von Hayek wskazuje, że wiedza w swojej naturze jest rozproszona. To rynek za pośrednictwem cen przesyła informacje do przedsiębiorców i konsumentów. Dzięki temu rynek samodzielnie się stabilizuje i dostosowuje się do zmieniających się warunków i potrzeb. Politycy i urzędnicy nie są do tego w ogóle potrzebni. Alternatywą dla takiego spontanicznego i rozproszonego działania jest centralne planowanie, które wielokrotnie wprowadzane zawsze zawodziło, ponieważ politycy nigdy nie posiądą całości rozproszonej wiedzy.

    Rynek nie jest tabelką w Excelu, ale żywym, dynamicznie zmieniającym się organizmem, a prawdziwymi przywódcami na rynku są konsumenci. To ich wymagania starają się spełnić przedsiębiorcy. Rozwiązaniem, które ewentualnie pobudziłoby rynek, jest porzucenie praw własności intelektualnej w postaci chociażby patentów. Informacja może przecież znajdować się w kilku miejscach jednocześnie, bez wzajemnej szkody. Nie jest to dobro rzadkie, dlatego nie powinno być chronione jak własność prywatna. Własność intelektualna to sztuczny twór, a jej ochrona jest fikcją prawną. Chcecie bogactwa i dobrej przyszłości? Postawcie na rynek, a nie na biurokrację i na sprawozdania.

     
       


     

      Mohammed Chahim (S&D). – Voorzitter, de heer Letta is vrij helder in zijn analyse, net zoals de heer Draghi kort daarna. Het gaat echt ergens over, namelijk hoe kunnen we onze interne markt versterken? Hoe kunnen we de eenheid van Europa versterken? Hoe zorgen we ervoor dat we een sterke concurrentie krijgen binnen Europa, maar vooral ook met de rest van de wereld? En dit gebaseerd op een gelijk speelveld, op innovatie en op vergroening?

    Simpel gezegd zijn er twee stromingen in Europa: enerzijds conservatief rechts, dat de ontwikkelingen buiten de EU negeert, blind is voor de massale groene investeringen in de VS en wegkijkt van de modernisering van de Chinese economie; anderzijds een stroming die deze ontwikkelingen wil inhalen door meer – en niet minder – op Europese schaal samen te werken, te investeren in groene technologieën en ons niet te blijven blindstaren, zoals Draghi zei, op onze deels verouderde industrie.

    De keuze is simpel. Kiezen we voor modernisering en vergroening en dus voor vooruitgang? Of kiezen we voor nostalgie en stilstand?

    (De spreker stemt ermee in om te antwoorden op een “blauwe kaart”-vraag)

     
       



     

      Roman Haider (PfE). – Frau Präsidentin! Der Letta-Bericht benennt viele Probleme des Binnenmarkts richtig: steigende Energiepreise, mangelhafte Infrastruktur, vor allem bei den Hochleistungsbahnstrecken, Rückstand bei den Zukunftstechnologien, Überbürokratisierung vor allem. Das ist alles richtig; es ist nicht neu, aber es stimmt. So richtig aber die Analyse und die Diagnose im Letta-Bericht ist, so falsch sind leider die Vorschläge zur Verbesserung. Das war beim Draghi-Bericht so, und das ist auch beim Letta-Bericht so.

    Den beiden fällt zur Lösung der Probleme der EU nur eines ein: noch mehr EU, noch mehr Kompetenzen für Brüssel, noch mehr EU-Institutionen, eine neue Fiskalkapazität, die Kapitalunion, und dabei ist aber genau das das Problem. Noch mehr Kompetenzen für Brüssel bedeuten noch mehr Bürokratie, noch mehr unnütze Vorschriften, noch weniger Flexibilität für die Mitgliedstaaten.

    Es ist höchst an der Zeit für neue Wege, für weniger Zentralismus, für weniger EU, für mehr Flexibilität für die Mitgliedstaaten, mehr Subsidiarität und mehr Freiheit.

     
       

     

      Kosma Złotowski (ECR). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Panie Premierze! Od sukcesu jednolitego rynku zależy przyszłość Unii Europejskiej. Ten bardzo dobry projekt gospodarczy wciąż jest jednak daleki od ideału, gdyż ogranicza potencjał rozwojowy wszystkich państw członkowskich. Wreszcie możemy o tym głośno mówić.

    Istnieje wiele barier dla firm, zwłaszcza małych i średnich, które chcą prowadzić działalność ponad granicami w sektorze usług, transporcie, budownictwie czy handlu internetowym. Już zidentyfikowane problemy, takie jak geoblocking, gold-plating czy nadmierne i uciążliwe kontrole, skutecznie należy zwalczać. Europejski Zielony Ład jest wyłącznie kolejną taką barierą dla wzrostu gospodarczego.

    Nierealistyczne cele klimatyczne w takich obszarach jak rolnictwo, motoryzacja, transport czy budownictwo muszą zostać w tej kadencji Parlamentu zmienione. Zacznijmy w końcu deregulować, umożliwiać małym i średnim przedsiębiorstwom dostęp do rynków zagranicznych, wspierać innowacje i cyfryzację. To przełoży się na wzrost zatrudnienia oraz niższe ceny towarów i usług dla Europejczyków.

     
       

     

      Billy Kelleher (Renew). – Madam President, the Letta report and the Draghi report are a wake-up call for the European Union in terms of digitisation, the Green Deal, our knowledge economy, investing in innovation, research and development, ensuring that we have growth and competitiveness. The single market, the internal market, is a cornerstone on which all of this is built, and we have to protect it and ensure that it prospers and flourishes.

    The fact of the matter is, at the moment we are very short on capital in the European Union to invest in all of the above. So we have to advance the Capital Markets Union and the Banking Union to ensure that we have the capital to invest in the knowledge economy, in the Green Deal and other areas of research and development.

    The free movement of people, goods and services and capital is the cornerstone. Of course, we do have some in this Chamber who are even trying to undermine the basic principle of free movement of people. We have to be very conscious that we can’t cherry‑pick the Single Market – free movement of capital, goods, services and people is the cornerstone and we must all defend it to the last.

    More broadly, over the next number of months, we have to ensure that we respond to the Letta report and the Draghi report in what they observe are the challenges ahead for our competitiveness.

     
       


     

      Fulvio Martusciello (PPE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, come sottolineato nella sua relazione e in quella di Mario Draghi, un solido mercato unico europeo è essenziale per la competitività delle imprese, perché può stimolare la crescita economica e l’innovazione, garantendo accesso al mercato ed eliminando la burocrazia inutile.

    L’Europa però ha bisogno di una forte strategia industriale per le tecnologie e le catene del valore, che promuova competitività, sostenibilità e innovazione. Questa strategia deve sviluppare una visione coerente, che dia priorità ad un quadro normativo, con politiche basate su dati scientifici e valutazioni di impatto approfondite, fornendo alle imprese la stabilità di cui hanno bisogno. Da questo punto di vista riteniamo molto positive le lettere di missione sulla creazione di una vera e propria economia circolare competitiva.

    Negli ultimi decenni le aziende europee hanno infatti investito miliardi di euro in tecnologie all’avanguardia, hanno generato enormi progressi nell’eco-design di prodotti, nella sicurezza dei consumatori e nell’industria del riciclo, dove l’Italia e l’Europa detengono posizioni di leadership mondiale, sia in termini di innovazione industriale che di sostenibilità ambientale.

    Purtroppo, l’eccesso di regolamentazione degli ultimi anni ha generato un’enorme incertezza, spingendo interi settori industriali a posticipare i propri investimenti, compromettendo gli obiettivi di crescita complessivi, con spreco di tempo e di risorse.

    In questo mandato sarà dunque necessario evitare a tutti i costi di produrre ulteriori iniziative legislative motivate da logiche falsamente ambientaliste e non basate su evidenze scientifiche, che rischiano di penalizzare le imprese europee. Sarà imperativo garantire la conformità con le norme europee da parte dei Paesi terzi, garantendo standard che riducano la dipendenza dai fornitori esteri e rafforzino la competitività dell’industria e delle economie europee per affrontare le sfide delle concorrenze globali di Cina e Stati Uniti.

     
       

     

      Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señor Letta, señorías, treinta años después de su creación, el informe Letta nos brinda una oportunidad única para avanzar hacia el futuro del mercado único en tres aspectos clave:

    En primer lugar, inspirados por Jacques Delors, apoyamos su idea de añadir una nueva libertad a la libertad de movimiento, que es la libertad de permanecer en el rincón de la Unión Europea que queramos. No queremos solo una Unión donde podamos movernos libremente en busca de una vida mejor: también queremos cohesión, oportunidades y desarrollo en todas las regiones de la Unión Europea, y acceso a la vivienda para proteger las zonas rurales y las más pobladas.

    En segundo lugar, necesitamos profundizar en la integración del mercado de capitales y el de las telecomunicaciones porque, como bien dice el señor Letta, no es coherente que compartamos una moneda única, pero tengamos aún fronteras digitales y prefijos nacionales.

    Y, en tercer lugar, la quinta libertad, la del conocimiento y la innovación. Nos quedan cinco años para profundizar en el mercado único y hacer que más europeos se enamoren de esta idea, tal como quería Jacques Delors, en contra de la extrema derecha que está aquí en esta Cámara sentada.

     
       

     

      Roberts Zīle (ECR). – Priekšsēdētājas kundze! Godātais Lettes kungs, es pilnīgi piekrītu jūsu ziņojumam, ka vienotais tirgus ir kaut kas vairāk kā tirgus, un arī jūsu norādītām nepilnībām gan sektoru ziņā: finanses, enerģētika, telekomunikācijas un it īpaši privātā kapitāla izvietošana.

    Ja kopumā Eiropā ir 33 triljonu eiro uzkrātā kapitāla un katru gadu 300 miljardi eiro tiek investēti ārpus Eiropas Savienības, Amerikā un citās vietās, tad kaut kas nav kārtībā ar šo. Un ar publisko naudu vien mēs nespēsim izdarīt tos uzdevumus, kas ir nepieciešami Eiropas Savienībai gan militārās industrijas jomā, gan zaļā kursa, gan paplašināšanās, gan citās jomās.

    Jūsu ieteiktās zāles arī ļoti vērā ņemamas par piekto pamatbrīvību, par Uzkrājumu un investīciju savienību. Bet dažas zāles, kā, teiksim, radīt siltumnīcas apstākļos Eiropas čempionus, kas var kļūt par globāliem čempioniem, es ļoti baidos, ka tas to nesasniegs. Vēl jo vairāk tas var noplicināt no perifērijas gan naudas resursus, gan arī cilvēku – gudrāko cilvēku – resursus uz dažiem centriem Eiropā, kas varbūt nebūs Eiropas Savienības veiksmes stāsts.

     
       


     

      Regina Doherty (PPE). – Madam President, Mr Letta, you’re absolutely right when you say that the single market is the best tool that we have to increase opportunities, improve our well-being and the living standards for all of the citizens across the European Union. And we absolutely can’t take it for granted, because if we do, it’s going to fail. Your report, which is really welcome, helps to illuminate many of the current problems that we are seeing and that the single market is facing.

    Europe’s economy is not growing strongly enough. Our small businesses are not given the opportunity to grow and to scale up. Approximately 30 % of the high-value companies founded in the EU between 2008 and 2021 relocated their headquarters out of the EU, and mostly to the US. Some 60 % of the issues that we identified by businesses in 2002 still exist in the European market today, because progress on removing the barriers has been so slow, and it’s particularly true in the case of our service industry.

    We see the distorting effects of current rules around the EU state aid rules, which allow larger countries to subsidise businesses at the expense of smaller ones, like my own, Ireland. In 2023, almost 80 % of EU state aid came from just two Member States, and 85 % from three Member States.

    Europe will not be able to spend its way out to growth. Instead, we must reduce the unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy that everybody has been speaking about daily since I arrived here in June. But it’s also vital to avoid EU protectionism in the form of high external tariffs, a hostility towards investment from third countries and an over-reliance on those subsidies.

     
       

     

      Estelle Ceulemans (S&D). – Madame la Présidente, Monsieur Letta, Mesdames et Messieurs les Commissaires, chers collègues, il est aussi bon de rappeler que le rapport de M. Letta sera – Mme von der Leyen l’a elle-même dit – l’un des fils rouges de la prochaine Commission. Il était donc vraiment important que vous veniez nous le présenter et que nous puissions en débattre aujourd’hui.

    Merci, Monsieur Letta, de reprendre les mots de Jacques Delors, artisan du marché unique, qui nous dit que le marché n’est pas une fin en soi: il est là pour améliorer la vie des citoyens, qui ne sont pas que des consommateurs. Le marché unique a en effet permis de développer la prospérité et la compétitivité, mais il a aussi creusé les disparités et la pauvreté – comme cela a été dit dans le débat précédent, qui nous rappelle que, malheureusement, 1 Européen sur 5 fait face à un risque de pauvreté.

    Merci, donc, Monsieur Letta, de rappeler que le marché ne peut fonctionner que sur la base de politiques sociales fortes, et de rappeler aussi qu’il faut, sous cette législature, investir dans les deux transitions, pour qu’elles soient justes. Je voudrais rappeler aussi que nous attendons de la prochaine Commission qu’elle s’engage, tout comme l’a fait M. Nicolas Schmit, sur des matières sociales importantes.

     
       

     

      Adrian-George Axinia (ECR). – Doamnă președintă, piața unică europeană este o idee foarte bună, care, din păcate, în anumite domenii de activitate nu funcționează așa cum trebuie. Vă dau trei exemple: piața de energie, acolo unde România, care produce mai multă electricitate decât consumă, plătește cele mai mari facturi din Uniunea Europeană. A doua disfuncționalitate, care este încă nerezolvată, ține de agricultură. În continuare, cerealele și anumite produse alimentare exportate din Ucraina ajung pe piața românească, bulgărească sau poloneză și creează o concurență neloială producătorilor agricoli autohtoni.

    Merită subliniat și refuzul implementării procesului de convergență externă, care ar trebui să ducă la egalizarea subvențiilor pentru fermieri în toate țările Uniunii Europene. Nu în ultimul rând, recent, Curtea de Justiție a Uniunii Europene a declarat nelegale mai multe prevederi din pachetul de mobilitate orientate împotriva transportatorilor din România, ceea ce confirmă raportul Draghi. Există în continuare o suprareglementare a pieței unice și aceasta afectează competiția liberă. Aș mai puncta și faptul că uciderea spațiului Schengen de către țările care introduc controale generale la frontieră și statele care țin încă România și Bulgaria pe margine afectează în continuare buna funcționare a pieței unice.

     
       

     

      Ľudovít Ódor (Renew). – Vážená pani predsedajúca, tak ako vidíme aj z tejto diskusie, skutočný jednotný trh je niečo, na čom vieme stavať aj v tomto Parlamente, a musíme v najbližších rokoch urobiť maximum pre to, aby sme tento koncept rozšírili aj na ďalšie sektory. Rád by som upozornil na tri veci, ktoré sú pre mňa prioritné. Po prvé, svet sa zmenšil a trhy sa trošku zmenili. V digitálnom svete dominujú tí najlepší. Víťaz berie takmer všetko, dosť dobre už nestačí. Potrebujeme naozaj silných európskych globálnych hráčov, a nie desiatky trpaslíkov. Po druhé, svet inovácií je aj o riziku. Bohužiaľ, náš bankami dominovaný finančný systém, a ako aj občania preferujú menej rizika, a preto bez Únie, úspor a investícií, ako aj lepšej finančnej gramotnosti to tak aj zostane. Peniaze máme, no nevieme ich dostať k inovatívnym firmám. A po tretie, pri dobrých nápadoch a podnikaní nemôžeme tolerovať bariéry pri prechode každej vnútornej hranice.

     
       


     

      Marc Angel (S&D). – Madam President, the single market is the crown jewel of the European construction, and in my eyes gives the EU a competitive advantage. A stronger single market means a more competitive Europe.

    Mr Letta, as your excellent report shows, we can improve a lot and we must perfect it. We need better implementation of the existing rules. We need to ensure that it contributes to a more sustainable and a more social Europe, and we need to consider strengthening integration in crucial sectors, as a stronger single energy market, for example, driven notably by better interconnectivity, can lead to more secure and affordable energy and cheaper electricity bills for companies and our citizens.

    Furthermore, for the S&D Group, more integration means more competitiveness for our companies, better consumer protection and more prosperity for Europeans – while adopting national solutions will lead to more fragmentation and ultimately a weaker Europe.

    Further harmonisation of rules also means less bureaucracy and a reduced administrative burden for our companies, especially for SMEs, which will no longer have to navigate through a jungle of 27 different sets of national rules.

    So let us leverage the power of integration to tap into the full potential of the single market.

     
       

     

      Ivars Ijabs (Renew). – Madam President, thank you, Mr Letta, for your excellent report. Well, of course, the single market is a strength of the EU: it’s the main instrument. This is how we achieve our goals. But what are actually our goals today? Let me remind you that the Russian aggression in Ukraine is still going on. And the Russian attack on an EU country is possibly, still, a question of the nearest future.

    And that’s why I really like the part in your report which deals with a common market for security and defence industries. This is a real necessity for the EU right now. Some 80 % of the military help to Ukraine is right now spent on non-European materials.

    But how to achieve that common market? European investment in defence is lagging. It is very seriously hindered by red tape, by excessive regulatory requirements, by fragmentation. There is an immense potential of a single market in defence industry, but one must have a political will to implement it – and quickly. Time is running out.

     
       

     

      Salvatore De Meo (PPE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la relazione Letta, unitamente a quella del Presidente Draghi, arrivano all’inizio di questa legislatura, che io vorrei diventasse riformatrice, ambiziosa, coraggiosa ma responsabile, perché l’Unione europea non sia più spettatrice in una scena globale ma diventi protagonista.

    E abbiamo gli strumenti per farlo: un mercato unico che in questi anni non solo è stato strumento di integrazione ma ha consentito la nostra crescita economica e la prosperità, uno strumento che va semplificato da un punto di vista burocratico, ma soprattutto rafforzato, per esprimere ulteriormente le sue potenzialità e affrontare le nuove opportunità.

    Così come è necessario arrivare a un mercato unico dell’energia, un mercato finanziario che permetta ovviamente di garantire condizioni di competitività. E allora noi abbiamo davanti a noi sfide importanti, per le quali solo un mercato unico forte potrà garantirci un futuro all’altezza delle nostre ambizioni climatiche, sociali e produttive.

     
       

     

      Jonás Fernández (S&D). – Señora presidenta, señor comisario, señor Letta, es un placer tenerle aquí en un momento en el que estamos empezando a definir las prioridades de este mandato y, sin duda, acelerar la integración del mercado único —especialmente en el ámbito de los servicios, donde aún tenemos relevantes problemas, como ha expuesto en su informe— es absolutamente necesario.

    Pero me va a permitir decirle que lo que más me ha llamado la atención del informe es la exigencia de evitar la huida de ahorro europeo a otras jurisdicciones. Porque algunos llevamos años en esta Cámara pidiendo reducir los superávits por cuenta corriente de algunos países —superávits por cuenta corriente que, en algunos casos, llegan a dos dígitos en relación con el PIB de esos países— y, ciertamente, en los debates que teníamos aquí en estos años, nadie o muy pocos me seguían.

    Y yo creo que es importante que, ahora que pedimos que el ahorro se invierta en Europa, seamos capaces de explicar a la Cámara que lo que estamos pidiendo es más demanda interna y reducir los superávits por cuenta corriente que ahogan el crecimiento de la Unión Europea.

     
       

     

      Biljana Borzan (S&D). – Poštovana predsjedavajuća, zajedničko tržište jedno je od najvećih europskih postignuća.

    Svaka kriza produbljuje nejednakosti na tržištu, bogati se još više bogate, siromašni postaju još siromašniji. Troškovi života najveći su problem u cijeloj Europskoj uniji, a nejednakosti između i unutar država članica u cijenama, plaćama, mirovinama i stopi siromaštva se samo povećavaju.

    Izvješće ističe zaštitu potrošača kao jedan od uvjeta za pošteno tržište, ali geoblocking, teritorijalne barijere, viši rast cijena hrane u istočnoj Europi samo su neki od gorućih problema. Izvješće hvali Zakon o osnaživanju potrošača u zelenoj tranziciji na koju sam i sama ponosna, ali rješenje je provedba naših pravila u svakom dijelu Europske unije. Više od 80 posto građana moje zemlje smatra da su potrošači nezaštićeni protiv tržišnih igrača.

    Moramo ojačati europske alate, potrošačke udruge, inspekcijski nadzor i svijest građana o vlastitim pravima. Ne smijemo biti oni tamo negdje u Bruxellesu. Mi moramo raditi za ljude.

     
       


       

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      Davor Ivo Stier (PPE). – Poštovana predsjedavajuća, gospodin Letta ispravno govori o tome što ubrzanje integracije unutarnjeg tržišta ima jednu geopolitičku važnost u današnjim uvjetima.

    Ja bih to nadopunio time što unutarnje tržište moramo isto tako i povezati s procesom proširenja. Pogledajmo, na primjer, situaciju na zapadnom Balkanu, ima puno političkih problema. Ne smijemo čekati da se oni riješe, da te zemlje postanu punopravne članice, nego bismo ih već prije mogli, doduše možda na jedan postupni način, ali već prije mogli integrirati u naše jedinstveno tržište. Kao što, na primjer, činimo kada je u pitanju roaming. Mislim da je to jedan dobar primjer, ali moramo to proširiti i na druge slobode.

    Na taj način će i ljudi u toj regiji imati svoje pravo na ostanak, a Europska unija će imati veći utjecaj i više će pridonijeti stabilnosti tog dijela europskog kontinenta.

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Doamnă președintă, domnule comisar, domnule Letta, vă salut și în această săptămână. Aș spune multe. În primul rând vă felicit: este o radiografie corectă, dar nu numai o radiografie, sunt și măsuri concrete. V-aș întreba, estimați dumneavoastră oare cât din acest raport se va aplica? Pentru că, iată, noua comisie nu are un comisar, nu există un portofoliu pentru piața internă. Cine se ocupă atunci de piața internă? Cum să ne ducem la măsurile concrete pe care le-ați spus dumneavoastră? Ați spus că piața unică ne unește; este oare o piață unică acum?

    Sunt de acord să avem cea de a cincea libertate de mișcare, dar cel puțin o libertate de mișcare ne lipsește acum, domnule Letta. Știți oare cât a pierdut o țară care de 17 ani nu este în spațiul Schengen și are costuri la transport? Cât a pierdut economia țării mele? Apoi, avem acum, când vorbim, îngrădirea în interiorul spațiului Schengen a granițelor. Deci trebuie – toată piața unică, e adevărat, ați spus că ne unește – dar trebuie să luăm cu pragmatism măsuri care să ducă la rezultate și la o viață mai bună a oamenilor.

     
       

     

      Silvia Sardone (PfE). – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, le istituzioni europee hanno deciso di affidare ad Enrico Letta l’incarico di scrivere una relazione sul futuro dell’Europa. Eh, niente, fa già ridere così.

    Letta è l’ex leader del Partito democratico, ex premier della sinistra in Italia, volto di punta dei socialisti europei: rappresenta praticamente tutti i responsabili del disastro dell’Unione europea degli ultimi anni, tra l’altro sonoramente sconfitti in Italia.

    Per Letta la transizione verde è indispensabile e bisogna accompagnare agricoltori, imprese, industria dell’auto: esattamente ciò che però la sua maggioranza non ha fatto. Anzi, grazie a voi questi settori sono in crisi. Letta ci ricorda che l’Europa non deve cedere sul ruolo di leader nel settore manifatturiero: ma è proprio grazie ai vincoli, tasse e burocrazia volute dall’Europa che ci troviamo in questa condizione.

    Enrico Letta: uno che ha uno strano concetto di democrazia e ci ha tenuto a dire che i cordoni sanitari sono fondamentali per fermare le destre. Lui, proprio lui, che ha ribadito che servono più migranti regolari per lo sviluppo, andando contro diversi Paesi, anche socialisti, che finalmente dicono che bisogna fermare l’immigrazione.

    Insomma, veramente vogliamo farci dare lezioni da Letta, colui che dice che l’ex ministro Fornero è stato un ministro ottimo quando invece ha solo distrutto il nostro Paese?

     
       


     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhora Presidente, visto a partir do conselho de administração de uma multinacional, o aprofundamento do mercado único pode parecer um filão; visto a partir da realidade dos trabalhadores e dos povos, das micro, pequenas e médias empresas, das possibilidades de desenvolvimento de um país como Portugal, o aprofundamento do mercado único é um pesado fardo que nos arrasta para o fundo.

    Há algumas décadas atrás, o militante do PCP e ex‑deputado deste Parlamento, Sérgio Ribeiro, antecipava que a transferência de instrumentos de política para a esfera supranacional, nomeadamente através da transferência da política monetária e financeira para o BCE, conduziria a uma política tendencialmente única. Por meio do mercado único e das políticas que lhe estão associadas, que o senhor Letta hoje adjetiva de motor de mudança da União Europeia, retirou‑se capacidade de decisão aos governos nacionais, abriu‑se mais espaço à concentração e centralização do capital, colocaram‑se sob ataque os direitos sociais e laborais.

    O aprofundamento do mercado único serve às multinacionais, mas não serve ao desenvolvimento económico nem à justiça social.

     
       

     

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Madam President, dear honourable House, dear people of Europe, Mr Letta, before I came here to this Parliament, I finished my law studies at the University of Cologne. During this time, I put a lot of effort into learning the four European freedoms: the freedom to move people, services, goods and capital. And I can tell you, learning all the law-related details – especially the court rulings – that was a pain in the ass, indeed. Names like Dassonville or Cassis de Dijon, who will tell you here nothing, send a shiver down the spine of every law student.

    But at the same time, whenever I opened my books, I felt love for Europe. Because what is Europe if not the idea of freedom? And that’s why, Mr Letta, I would like to take the time to give you my deepest support for one of the main ideas of your report: the implementation of a fifth freedom – the freedom of research, innovation, knowledge and education. Because as Europe is an idea, ideas should roam free on this continent.

     
       

       

    (Koniec zgłoszeń z sali)

     
       


     

     

      Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), per iscritto. – Penso che il Parlamento europeo debba condividere e sostenere la strategia della relazione Letta per modernizzare il mercato unico dell’UE.

    Condivido in particolare che, se vogliamo che il mercato unico migliori davvero la vita della gente, deve avere un’anima che è il dialogo sociale, che deve fare partecipare e coinvolgere le persone, la società, i corpi sociali intermedi, i sindacati dei lavoratori e delle imprese, rilanciando il dialogo sociale come lo ha voluto e praticato con successo Jacques Delors, anche grazie alla collaborazione dell’allora segretario della CES, Emilio Gabaglio.

    La grande sfida da affrontare, credo, sia adesso la promozione di una politica fiscale comune, per sostenere con condizioni fiscali di vantaggio le aree territoriali più deboli, superando le differenze dei sistemi fiscali nazionali che ostacolano la leale concorrenza.

     

    14. Implementation of the Single European Sky (debate)


     

      Jens Gieseke, Berichterstatter. – Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin, sehr geehrter Herr Kommissar Hoekstra, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! 30 000 Flüge täglich, 600 Mio. Passagiere jährlich, über 500 000 Arbeitsplätze bei Fluggesellschaften, weniger als 17 000 Arbeitsplätze in der nationalen Verkehrskontrolle, überlastete Flughäfen, ein Flickenteppich an Strecken aufgrund der Flugsicherung entlang nationaler Grenzen – das ist das Bild des letzten europäischen Monopols: die Flugsicherungsdienste.

    Ich bin heute hier, um Sie zu bitten: Sagen Sie Ja zu kürzeren Strecken, zu mehr Effizienz, zu mehr Leistungen, zu mehr Zusammenarbeit, und Ja zu einem wirklich europäischen einheitlichen Luftraum. Warum gibt es kein Leistungsüberprüfungsgremium? Warum gibt es nicht ein gemeinsames Leistungssystem? Warum gibt es nicht einen europäischen Netzwerkmanager? Das sind alles wichtige Elemente, um die Leistungen der Flugsicherung zu verbessern und den Schaden für die Passagiere zu begrenzen. Fluglotsen behalten ihren Arbeitsplatz, sie werden weniger gestresst arbeiten, sie werden besser arbeiten, weil sie mit ihren Nachbarn zusammenarbeiten. Ich bin hier, um Ihnen zu sagen: Ja, wir können Flüge sicherer, kürzer, umweltfreundlicher und erschwinglicher für den Durchschnittsbürger der Europäischen Union machen.

    Wir haben hier ein riesiges Potenzial. Milliarden Euro wurden sowohl von der Europäischen Union als auch von privaten Interessenträgern im Rahmen des SESAR-Projektes investiert. SESAR liefert den digitalen europäischen Luftraum. Es liegt nun in unserer Hand, aber wir können uns nicht nur auf Investitionen in Technologien verlassen. Während der technologische Fortschritt durch das SESAR-Programm fortgeschritten ist, sind die Strukturreformen, die hier erforderlich sind, um sowohl die Kapazitäts- als auch die Umweltperformance zu erreichen, seit mehr als einem Jahrzehnt ins Stocken geraten und halten uns in der Vergangenheit fest. Hier haben die Mitgliedstaaten auch nicht mitgemacht, die standen auf der Bremse.

    Sehen Sie sich nun allein diesen Sommer an: Von Juni bis August haben die Flugsicherungen in Europa 16,9 Millionen – ich wiederhole: 16,9 Millionen – Minuten an Verspätungen im europäischen Netzwerk angehäuft. Das waren 41 % mehr als im gesamten Sommer 2023. Zum Vergleich: Im Jahr 2017 – im ganzen Jahr – gab es 15,9 Millionen Minuten. Wenn man die wetterbedingten Verspätungen herausnimmt, dann haben sich die Verspätungen im Vergleich zum Sommer 2023 um 82 % erhöht, und nur sieben nationale Flugsicherungen haben 85 % dieser Verspätungen verursacht.

    Das zeigt, dass die Situation von Jahr zu Jahr schlechter wird – leider –, insbesondere jetzt, da der Flugverkehr wieder das Niveau von vor der Pandemie erreicht hat. Diese Reform, die wir nun hier haben, die wird gebraucht, sie wird dringend gebraucht! Die Schaffung eines wirklich einheitlichen europäischen Luftraums wurde viel zu lange von den Mitgliedstaaten blockiert, die nicht bereit waren, sich auf eine Restrukturierung der Flugsicherung zum Wohle der Allgemeinheit, zum Wohle der Passagiere einzulassen.

    Dank der unermüdlichen Arbeit von Herrn Marian-Jean Marinescu, unserem Berichterstatter der EVP, für den einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum und für EASA in den letzten 16 Jahren werden wir nun in der Lage sein, diese neue Luftraumverordnung umzusetzen. Hier möchte ich aber auch an die großartige Arbeit von Herrn David Maria Sassoli, unserem verstorbenen Parlamentspräsidenten, erinnern, mit dem Herr Marinescu zusammen an der EASA-Grundverordnung gearbeitet hat. Ich möchte aber auch meinen sozialistischen Kollegen Bogusław Liberadzki nicht vergessen, der mit Herrn Marinescu stark zusammengearbeitet hat, so wie es jetzt Johan Danielsson mit mir tut.

    Gestatten Sie mir, Frau Präsidentin, die Mitgliedstaaten nun aufzufordern, die Fehler, die wir noch haben, nun zügig bei der Umsetzung umzuarbeiten. Es besteht ein riesiges Potenzial zum Wohle der Bürgerinnen und Bürger und um am Ende auch die Klimaziele einzuhalten. Also, wir müssen weiterarbeiten.

     
       

     

      Johan Danielsson, Föredragande. – Fru talman! Varje år genomförs omkring en miljard resor med flyg inom EU. Över tid har flyget blivit en allt viktigare del av vår vardag och vår ekonomi. För ett land som Sverige är en välfungerande flygtrafik avgörande. Vi har stora avstånd och är glest befolkade. Flyget knyter samman vårt land, vår kontinent och kopplar oss till omvärlden.

    Men sektorn står inför stora utmaningar. Under 2023 var nästan tre av tio flyg mer än 15 minuter försenade. Den genomsnittliga förseningen per flygning i Europa är cirka 18 minuter. Samtidigt står flyget globalt för omkring 2 till 3 % av våra totala koldioxidutsläpp.

    I dag liknar Europas luftrum ett stort pussel där varje land har sin egen bit, och tyvärr passar inte alla bitar ihop. Det leder till omvägar, till väntetider och till onödiga kostnader. Singel European Sky ska lösa delar av detta pussel. Efter mer än ett decennium av förhandlingar har vi äntligen nått fram till en överenskommelse.

    Lagstiftningen handlar om att göra flyget säkrare, punktligare och klimatvänligare. Det gynnar resenärer, det kommer att gynna industrin och det kommer att gynna klimatet. Och det är ett viktigt steg för att modernisera Europas luftrum.

    Jag vill tacka alla som arbetat med det här förslaget. Ett särskilt tack till tidigare föredragande Bogusław Liberadzki och Marian-Jean Marinescu, som jobbade med detta oförtröttligt under den föregående mandatperioden. Och så ett tack till Jens Gieseke, min medföredragande den här gången. Det visar vad vi kan åstadkomma om vi arbetar tillsammans över partigränserna i det här huset.

    Men låt mig vara tydlig: Singel European Sky är ingen revolution – det är en evolution. Det är en kompromiss som tar oss i rätt riktning. Vi kommer att se förbättringar och effektivitet och samordning. Men även om förändringarna kanske inte blev så stora som vi hade tänkt oss, innehåller det viktiga steg framåt.

    Vi stärker till exempel övervakningen på EU-nivå, vilket kommer att vara avgörande för att säkerställa att våra europeiska regler efterföljs. Förändringarna ger oss en god plattform att bygga vidare på mot ett enhetligt, effektivt och hållbart europeiskt luftrum.

    Enligt beräkningarna kan Singel European Sky bidra till att minska koldioxidutsläppen med upp till 10 % per flygning. Det här är ett viktigt steg och en del av lösningen för att också göra flyget mer hållbart.

    Men vi måste fortsätta arbetet på flera fronter. Vi kommer att behöva säkerställa en marknad för hållbara flygbränslen. Vi kommer att behöva fortsätta arbeta med ökad effektivitet i bränsleförbrukningen i flyget. Vi kommer också att se till att de fantastiska innovationer som är på väg fram, inte minst för att elektrifiera regionalflyget, kan få en praktisk omsättning på vår europeiska flygmarknad. Jag ser fram emot en bra debatt i dag och ett bra beslut senare i veckan. Och jag är hoppfull om att resultatet kommer att bli ett bättre europeiskt luftrum.

     
       

     

      Wopke Hoekstra, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, honourable Members, let me start by wholeheartedly thanking Mr Gieseke, Mr Danielsson and the TRAN Committee for all the great work that they have been doing. But let me also thank the former rapporteurs, Mr Marinescu and Mr Liberadzki, who might be with us virtually, for successfully concluding the interinstitutional negotiations with the Council on the regulation on the implementation of the Single European Sky.

    Ladies and gentlemen, our skies – and the two rapporteurs have said that – need fixing for the good of passengers, airlines and the environment. And to illustrate what is really at stake here, let me just recall this summer, when every second flight was delayed. Every second flight was delayed. And we all know how that feels and what it is like.

    Now some of those delays were unavoidable, for example because of bad weather conditions. But if you then go into the details, you will find that many of those delayed and cancelled flights could actually simply have been reduced by improving the way we manage air traffic today. And that is, of course, the ultimate aim. That is the ultimate aim of this new regulation.

    This agreement will update rules which are 15 years old. Let me be clear – and it was said here before – it is not as ambitious as the Commission, and I feel many in this room, would have wanted. And some would consider it far away from our original plan. But what is also true is that it does represent a clear step forward, and it improves the performance of the European airspace and the provision of air navigation services in the years to come.

    The new rules will strengthen the European network, tackling the fragmentation of European airspace, and they will reduce congestion and suboptimal flight routes, which today create delays for our passengers, extra fuel consumption and unnecessary CO2 emissions.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the agreement will also stimulate innovation and facilitate new services for air traffic management. It will create incentives to reduce the environmental footprint of aviation. For example, air navigation service providers will now have to introduce environment and climate performance targets on a wider range of services. The charges that airlines will need to pay for flying over our skies will be more favourable for those carriers emitting fewer CO2 emissions and with less impact on the environment.

    Finally, more know-how will be introduced when we regulate the performance of monopoly air navigation service providers. A new performance review board will be created to support the Commission, bringing independent expertise and improving the temporary solutions that we have today.

    Madam President, honourable Members, please allow me to conclude. More than 10 years have passed since the Commission presented what was then its original proposal. Believe me, it was not an easy task. In order to reap the benefits that the agreement brings, in my view it is now urgent that the Parliament finalises the adoption of the regulation by supporting the Council’s first reading position this week. Implementation work can then start as soon as possible.

    Thank you very much, once again, in particular to the TRAN Committee and the rapporteurs, and I’m very much looking forward to the continuation of our interaction today.

     
       

     

      Sophia Kircher, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wir reisen heute fast grenzenlos durch Europa. Doch über den Wolken, wo die Freiheit wohl grenzenlos scheint, stoßen wir im EU-Luftraum immer noch auf viele unsichtbare Grenzbalken – dadurch wird der europäische Luftverkehr stark eingeschränkt. Flugzeuge fliegen oft unnötige Umwege, weil veraltete nationale Vorschriften das erzwingen. Das führt zu Verspätungen, zu Kosten und 10 % mehr CO2-Ausstoß pro Jahr.

    Der Grund dafür: Der europäische Luftraum gleicht aktuell einem komplizierten Fleckerlteppich aus vielen nationalen Vorschriften. Statt eines gemeinsamen europäischen Systems mit einheitlichen Bestimmungen überwacht derzeit jeder Mitgliedstaat seinen Luftraum eigenständig, ohne eine ausreichende Zusammenarbeit mit anderen EU-Staaten.

    Mit diesem Gesetzespaket schaffen wir nun die Grundlage für mehr Zusammenarbeit mit anderen EU-Staaten, die wir so dringend brauchen, und somit werden wir in Zukunft günstiger, schneller und nachhaltiger fliegen können. Das ist eine Win-win-Situation für uns alle. Trotz dessen bleibt noch viel zu tun. Mit diesem Gesetzespaket gelingt uns ein wichtiger Schritt, aber es liegen noch viele Meilen vor uns.

     
       

     

      Matteo Ricci, a nome del gruppo S&D. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, dopo oltre dieci anni di trattative, siamo finalmente giunti a un accordo sul cielo unico europeo, un tema che incide direttamente sulla vita quotidiana di milioni di cittadini.

    Tuttavia, dobbiamo essere chiari: il testo che adotteremo domani non è all’altezza delle aspettative. L’Europa ha bisogno di uno spazio aereo unificato con una gestione integrata e rotte dirette per ridurre ritardi, costi e soprattutto l’impatto ambientale.

    Oggi la frammentazione del nostro spazio aereo genera inefficienze gravi, costando ai passeggeri tempo e denaro. Ogni ritardo si traduce in maggiori emissioni e questo è un prezzo che il nostro pianeta non può più permettersi di pagare.

    Il regolamento che ci apprestiamo a votare promuove una maggiore cooperazione tra le autorità nazionali ma non impone regole vincolanti per una vera integrazione dello spazio aereo europeo. È un compromesso necessario, ma non sufficiente.

    Personalmente lo considero solo un primo passo. Non dobbiamo fermarci: l’Europa ha bisogno di un cielo unico europeo per essere più competitiva.

     
       

     

      Julien Leonardelli, au nom du groupe PfE. – Madame la Présidente, nous nous défions de tout projet qui penche vers le fédéralisme, à plus forte raison lorsqu’il est placé sous l’égide de la Commission européenne. Cela ne nous empêche pas d’être pragmatiques et responsables. Le projet de ciel unique européen vise, nous dit-on, à faciliter les trajets aériens à l’intérieur de l’Union européenne et à faire économiser 5 milliards d’euros par an de kérosène pour les compagnies aériennes.

    La Commission européenne ne pouvait que briller sur ce sujet technique, qui bénéficie d’un véritable consensus européen. Cette initiative, soutenue par une large majorité, ne devait être qu’une formalité. Mais la Commission, trop occupée à outrepasser ses compétences, en oublie ses objectifs premiers. Ce texte ne verra pas l’instauration d’un ciel unique européen, malgré des années de tractations. La montagne a accouché d’une souris. C’est en tout cas ce qui ressort des positions des professionnels du transport aérien, qui ne cachent pas leur déception à l’égard de ce texte.

    Le maintien d’un millefeuille à la fois administratif et technocratique ne plaît à personne. Pendant que l’Europe brasse du vent et se penche sur un texte ridicule, qui ne change rien tant ces changements sont insignifiants, les Etats-Unis, eux, produisent déjà en très grande partie la nouvelle génération de carburants par des subventions massives dans la recherche et l’industrie. En matière d’industrie comme d’énergie, les pays européens restent à la traîne, et la Commission européenne n’y est pas pour rien. Madame von der Leyen, sur la souveraineté faites preuve de plus de retenue, et sur le ciel unique montrez plus d’ambition.

     
       


       

    PREȘEDINȚIA: VICTOR NEGRESCU
    Vicepreședinte

     
       

     

      Jan-Christoph Oetjen, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, verehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Zehn Jahre hat es gedauert, dass wir dieses Gesetz, diesen einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum, auf den Weg gebracht haben. Nicht etwa, weil wir hier im Parlament lange gebraucht hätten, sondern es hat an den Mitgliedstaaten gelegen, die sich sehr lange hinter nationalen Kompetenzen versteckt haben. Diese nationalen Kompetenzen haben dazu gedient, zu kaschieren, dass es in den Mitgliedstaaten staatliche Monopole in der Flugsicherung gibt, die sie nicht angetastet sehen wollen. Und zur Wahrheit gehört: So richtig antasten tun wir sie jetzt auch nicht. Das, was wir machen, ist keine Reform, sondern ein Reförmchen, aber sie adressiert wichtige Themen.

    Wir kriegen endlich dieses performance review, das heißt endlich ein Benchmark für die Flugsicherung – ob sie gut funktionieren, ob sie genügend Leute haben, wie es klappt mit den Verspätungen, an denen – nicht immer, aber sehr häufig – eben auch die Flugsicherung mit Schuld ist.

    Wir haben eine Kapazitätsfrage, die sich dadurch adressieren lässt, und von daher können wir am Ende dieser Reform zustimmen. Aber sie ist weit von dem entfernt, was wir uns eigentlich erhoffen und was wir bräuchten, damit wir die Verspätungen in Europa endlich in den Griff bekommen.

     
       

     

      Merja Kyllönen, The Left-ryhmän puolesta. – Arvoisa puhemies, yhtenäisellä eurooppalaisella ilmatilalla on pitkä historia. Tavoitteena on vähentää viivytyksiä, lisätä turvallisuutta, lieventää ympäristövaikutuksia ja alentaa palvelujen tarjoamiseen liittyviä kustannuksia ilmailualalla. Euroopan ilmatilan pirstoutumisen vähentäminen tehokkaammalla ilmaliikenteen hallintajärjestelmällä on enemmän kuin tarpeellista. Vaikka politiikka on edennyt, niin SES ei ole onnistunut saavuttamaan täysin siltä odotettua edistystä. Tämän seurauksena Euroopan ilmatila on edelleen valitettavan pirstoutunut, kallis, tehoton ja kapasiteettiongelmat jatkuvat nopeasti kasvavan lentoliikenteen vuoksi. Työn on siis jatkuttava, paikoilleen emme voi jämähtää.

    Nykyinen sääntelykehys on pitkän aikavälin työ. Siinä on ollut mukana monenlaisia toimijoita. Siinä on ollut mukana monenlaista vääntöä sellaisia historian paloja, taisteluita, joita muun muassa Yhdistynyt kuningaskunta ja Espanja kävivät aikanaan, esimerkiksi Gibraltarin osalta. Kun Brexit poisti tämän esteen, komissio on muuttanut alkuperäistä ehdotustaan, ja hyvä niin.

    Jäsenvaltiot tarvitsevat laajaa yhteistyötä ja koordinointia toiminnallisissa ilmatilan lohkoissa, myös yhtenäisen eurooppalaisen ilmatilan sääntelykehyksen luomisen jälkeen. Tässä säädöksessä tunnustetaan olemassa olevien yhteistyöjärjestelyjen arvo ilmatilan hallinnan tehostamisessa ja lentoliikennevirtojen optimoinnissa tietyillä maantieteellisillä alueilla.

    Liikenteessä yleisesti, mutta lentoliikenteessä erityisesti, turvallisuusnäkökulma korostuu ja siksi kaikissa muutoksissa on mentävä ehdottomasti turvallisuusnäkökulma edellä. Safety first! Ja ihan pakko on sanoa rakkaat terveiset aina upealle taisteluparilleni Marinesculle. Ja rakkaat terveiset myös britti Jodie Fosterille, jota ei voi kyllä tämä talo unohtaa. Olisinpa videoinut parhaat palat uusille päättäjille. Piccolino, magnifico, amato David Sassoli.

     
       

     

      Siegbert Frank Droese, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Seit 20 Jahren plant die EU einen einheitlichen Luftraum, aber wenig ist passiert. Wir teilen die Kritik der Airlines an dem Vorschlag der Kommission zum einheitlichen europäischen Luftraum. Es wird zu höheren Steuern führen, mehr Bürokratie, mehr Berichtspflichten – all das wollen wir nicht. Europa ist bisher schon ein sehr sicherer Luftraum. Warum also auf Biegen und Brechen die Kompetenzen der nationalen Flugsicherungsdienste beschneiden und alles in den EU-Topf werfen?

    Es muss nicht alles harmonisiert oder einheitlich zertifiziert werden. Wichtig dagegen wäre für uns die Abschaffung von Sanktionen, z. B. gegenüber Russland. Dann könnten Flugzeuge schneller und vor allem umweltschonender nach Asien fliegen und so CO2 reduzieren. Aber immer neue Steuern und Vorschriften vertreiben Fluggesellschaften aus Europa und verteuern das Fliegen unnötig. Wir wollen, dass auch in Zukunft sich der Arbeiter noch seinen wohlverdienten Urlaubsflug leisten kann und nicht nur die Eurokraten.

    Die Kommission könnte sich unserer Meinung nach mal mit wichtigen Dingen beschäftigen, beispielsweise mit der Migration, oder vielleicht gibt es in Zukunft auch Tausende von Abschiebeflügen zu organisieren – da würden wir gern mal einen schönen Vorschlag hören. Diesem Vorschlag, der hier vorliegt, können wir nicht zustimmen.

     
       

     

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Herr Präsident, verehrte Damen und Herren! Der berühmte deutsche Lyriker Reinhard Mey sang einst „Über den Wolken, da muss die Freiheit wohl grenzenlos sein“, und in diesen Worten steckt aus europapolitischer Sicht endlos viel Wahrheit. Denn über den Wolken gibt es keine Grenzen, da ist man einfach irgendwo über Europa. Deswegen unterstütze ich die Aktualisierung des Einheitlichen Europäischen Luftraums, auch wenn sie halb so lange gedauert hat, wie ich auf dieser Welt bin.

    Gleichzeitig sollten wir aber nicht aufhören, wo wir jetzt angefangen haben, und über weitere Dinge nachdenken. Ich möchte Ihnen da zwei Sachen vorschlagen.

    Zum einen braucht es eine Gebührenanpassung für klimafreundliche Flüge. Wir haben in der Vergangenheit gemerkt, dass wir vor allen Dingen über so etwas die Entwicklung in der Gesellschaft steuern können, und der Klimawandel kennt nun mal keine Grenzen.

    Zum anderen benötigen wir einen einheitlichen europäischen Luft-Datenraum. Wir müssen also den Datenaustausch zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten im Luftverkehr optimieren und damit effizienter machen, denn auch Daten kennen keine Grenzen. Die Arbeit am Einheitlichen Europäischen Luftraum ist wertvoll – sie ist noch nicht vorbei.

     
       

     

      Alvise Pérez (NI). – Señor presidente, ¿de verdad este Parlamento no entiende lo que se pretende hoy aquí, imponiendo el Cielo Único Europeo?

    No se trata de fomentar la competencia, no se trata de mejorar ninguna descentralización ni de ahorrarnos un 10 % más de CO2. Esa es la gran farsa: ¿qué poder en Europa está más centralizado que la propia Comisión Europea? ¿Qué entidad ha centralizado más poder que la Comisión? Ninguna. ¿Y siguen de verdad creyéndose estas iniciativas en pro del supuesto medio ambiente?

    Lo que busca con esto la Comisión es que hasta nuestros cielos dependan de una nueva entidad europea bajo el control férreo de Von der Leyen con la excusa del CO2. El Cielo Único Europeo no es más que un instrumento para expandir la supervisión y la regulación comunitaria imponiendo aún más objetivos ambientales, aún más cargas y aún más tarifas contra los usuarios de este continente. La señora Von der Leyen demuestra un desprecio absoluto por la soberanía de los países, y esta Cámara, también.

    Y aquí, un orgulloso español les responde que el desprecio, evidentemente, es mutuo. Solo que hay una diferencia esencial: quien parasita y esclaviza a nuestro país es ella, mientras que nosotros solo anhelamos libertad.

    Si queremos preocuparnos por el cielo europeo, defendámonos de las intrusiones y las amenazas militares por cielo, mar y aire con las que Marruecos y todas las falsas ONG del sur de Europa están atentando contra nuestro país.

    Esta no era la Europa que nos prometieron. Esta es una Europa mesiánica en la que no nos reconocemos.

     
       

       

    Intervenții la cerere

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Domnule președinte, domnule comisar, stimați colegi, zece ani am fost în Comisia pentru transport și am tot dezbătut nevoia de îmbunătățire a Cerului unic european. Transportul prin aviație este extrem de important. Vorbeam mai devreme la raportul domnului Letta despre conectivitate, despre libera circulație. Domnule comisar, am patru zboruri pe săptămână – nu numai datorită condițiilor meteorologice sunt întârzieri. Întârzierile, așa cum ați spus și dumneavoastră, sunt frecvente și din alte cauze: lipsa de organizare, să stai pe pistă să aștepți că nu ai culoar de zbor.

    Asta înseamnă că este nevoie să aplicăm acest regulament și îl susțin, pentru că s-a lucrat la el, îmbunătățește Cerul unic european și cred că avem nevoie de un transport reformat și pe aviație pentru, sigur, eficiență economică în piața internă și, de ce nu, pentru protejarea drepturilor pasagerilor. Prețurile nu se schimbă când ai întârziere, dar ajungi foarte târziu la destinație și câteodată îți pierzi practic întâlnirile pe care ți le-ai programat.

     
       

     

      Γεάδης Γεάδη (ECR). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, η εισήγηση για δημιουργία ενιαίου ευρωπαϊκού ουρανού αποτελεί μια προσπάθεια για βελτίωση της ασφάλειας, της αποδοτικότητας και της περιβαλλοντικής βιωσιμότητας των αεροπορικών υπηρεσιών, όπως έχει αναφερθεί.

    Όμως, πώς μπορούμε να μιλάμε για ασφάλεια όταν κλείνουμε τα μάτια στις παρανομίες; Θα γίνω πιο συγκεκριμένος. Η λειτουργία του παράνομου αεροδρομίου της κατεχόμενης Τύμπου στην Κύπρο θέτει σε κίνδυνο τις πτήσεις και χιλιάδες πολίτες καθημερινώς, αφού ελλοχεύει τεράστιος κίνδυνος για αεροπορικά ατυχήματα.

    Διερωτώμαι: δεν θα αντιδρούσατε αν λίγα μέτρα από το αεροδρόμιο της Φρανκφούρτης, δίπλα από το αεροδρόμιο στο Παρίσι, πλησίον του αεροδρομίου της Ρώμης, των Βρυξελλών, της Μαδρίτης, του Βερολίνου, λειτουργούσε ένα παράνομο αεροδρόμιο με δικούς του κανόνες; Φυσικά.

    Επομένως, ας αφήσουμε τα λόγια και ας περάσουμε στις πράξεις, που δεν είναι ο συντονισμός και η επικοινωνία με κατοχικές αρχές —κάτι που θα οδηγούσε στην κανονικοποίηση της παρανομίας— αλλά η απαγόρευση της λειτουργίας του, που θα συνοδεύεται με αυστηρότατες κυρώσεις σε αεροπορικές εταιρείες που χρησιμοποιούν το παράνομο αεροδρόμιο.

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhor Presidente, é certo que esta nova versão do Regulamento Céu Único Europeu não vai tão longe como a posição que o Parlamento Europeu havia aprovado, com tudo o que ela representava de ataque sem equívocos à soberania nacional, numa abordagem abertamente mercantilista e de liberalização ainda maior do setor aéreo, visando a sua concentração e centralização. Mas, esses não deixam de ser traços que persistem no documento final, mesmo que de forma matizada, traços que rejeitamos.

    Em nome do que esta proposta não é, não faltará certamente quem procure ir além dela, nomeadamente em Portugal, dando continuidade e consequência às ameaças que têm recaído sobre a NAV, com vista ao desmembramento da sua atividade, com prejuízo para a soberania nacional e para a economia.

    Pela nossa parte, daqui reafirmamos que continuaremos a intervir, rejeitando o caminho de liberalização do controlo aéreo e em defesa da NAV, empresa pública estratégica para o desenvolvimento nacional.

     
       

       

    (Încheierea intervențiilor la cerere)

     
       


     

      Wopke Hoekstra, Member of the Commission. – Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, dear Members, let me mention two quick points in response. The first one is on sovereignty. For those who are concerned about the impacts on the sovereignty of Member States over their airspace, let me be clear, and let me underline that all the provisions aim to foster better coordination within Europe. Member States will continue to decide whether and which parts of their airspace they open or they close. Full stop. It’s that simple. So I feel sovereignty will continue to be fully in place.

    Secondly, in response to the Members who have been speaking, let me reiterate what I said in the first term, and that is that more is needed. More needs to be done, and more today would have been better. But politics is also quite often the art of the possible. We are where we are today. Let’s seal this now and then let’s move forward from there.

     
       

     

      Jens Gieseke, Berichterstatter. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar Hoekstra, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ich danke für diesen konstruktiven Austausch. Obwohl das natürlich ganz rechts und ganz links schwerfällt, bei so einem sachlichen Thema konstruktiv mitzuarbeiten, glaube ich, dass wir insgesamt eine gute Debatte hatten.

    Der einheitliche europäische Luftraum zeigt einmal mehr unser europäisches und auch unser EVP-Engagement für die kontinuierliche Unterstützung der Fluggäste, der Luftfahrtindustrie, der Forschung und Entwicklung, auch im Luftfahrt- und im Raumfahrtsektor, sowie auch die Einhaltung der Umweltversprechen. Wir streben ganz sicher nach effizienteren Flugsicherungsdiensten, weniger Verspätungen, einem geringeren ökologischen Fußabdruck und auch geringeren Kosten für Passagiere und Fluggesellschaften.

    Der einheitliche europäische Luftraum ist ein erster Schritt vorwärts, um die Engpässe im Luftraum zu beseitigen, um endlich einen wirklich einheitlichen EU-Raum zu schaffen, ohne die nationale Souveränität zu beeinträchtigen. Das wird dann auch zu weniger Kosten und zu einer besseren Umweltleistung führen.

    Ich glaube, morgen kann wirklich ein guter Tag werden für Europa. Von daher mein klarer Appell an alle Kolleginnen und Kollegen, morgen pünktlich zur Abstimmung zu kommen und für diese Neufassung zu stimmen. Ich stimme mit dem Kommissarsanwärter, aktuellen Kommissar und demnächst hoffentlich wiedergewählten Kommissar Hoekstra überein: Das ist ein erster Schritt heute, es werden weitere in den nächsten fünf Jahren folgen müssen. Aber für die EVP kann ich sagen: Wir sind bereit, diese Arbeit fortzusetzen. Unsere Bürger werden es sicherlich danken.

     
       

     

      Johan Danielsson, Föredragande. – Herr talman! Jag blir glad över det engagemang som visats under debatten. Avslutningsvis vill jag betona att vårt arbete inom flygsektorn inte slutar här. Vi har, som många konstaterat, fortfarande mycket att göra för att säkerställa en rättvis och hållbar flygsektor i Europa.

    Smidiga gränsöverskridande transporter är viktiga men får aldrig ske på bekostnad av arbetstagares rättigheter. Under denna mandatperiod hoppas jag därför att vi kan ta itu också med andra viktiga frågor som berör sektorn.

    En revidering av EU:s förordning om luftfartstjänster står högt på agendan. För det första måste vi stärka reglerna kring så kallad wet leasing, där flygbolag hyr in plan med besättning. Wet leasing ska naturligtvis kunna användas för att möta oförutsedda händelser, men inte för att konkurrera med löner och arbetsvillkor.

    Utvecklingen – där på ytan seriösa flygbolag skapar dotterbolag med enda syftet att pressa tillbaka personalens arbetsvillkor – är inte värdig och måste få ett slut. För det andra behöver vi tydligare definitioner kring personalens hemmabas. Vi har sett hur bolag i dag utnyttjar skillnader i nationell lagstiftning för att pressa ner lönekostnaderna. Också detta måste få ett slut.

    Med det sagt återstår nu att genomföra Single European Sky. Det kommer att kräva fortsatt hårt arbete från EU-kommissionen i övervakningen av de regler som vi nu ändå får på plats, för att säkerställa att det verkligen blir ett steg framåt och inte ett slag i luften. Jag hoppas att alla är här och röstar för förslaget i morgon.

     
       

     

      President. – The debate is closed.

    The vote will take place tomorrow.

     

    15. A stronger Europe for safer products to better protect consumers and tackle unfair competition: boosting EU oversight in e-commerce and imports (debate)


     

      Didier Reynders, membre de la Commission. – Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs les députés, je suis ravi d’être parmi vous aujourd’hui pour débattre des défis que pose le commerce électronique, tant en matière de protection des consommateurs que de concurrence loyale ou de durabilité. Ces dernières années, des milliards de colis individuels ont été expédiés directement aux consommateurs de l’Union, notamment par voie aérienne, et de nouveaux acteurs du commerce électronique, principalement installés en dehors de l’Union, dominent désormais le marché. Quatre milliards de colis devraient être livrés en 2024.

    La Commission est consciente que cet afflux de marchandises achetées en ligne pose des défis en matière de conformité au cadre juridique applicable et de sécurité, de concurrence déloyale et de durabilité. En effet, bon nombre de ces produits s’avèrent dangereux, non conformes ou contrefaits.

    En raison de l’urgence de la situation, nous devons identifier une réponse européenne collective pour garantir la sécurité et la conformité des produits vendus sur ces plateformes de commerce électronique situées dans des pays tiers, pour préserver les consommateurs de pratiques commerciales déloyales et pour assurer des conditions de concurrence justes et équitables aux entreprises européennes.

    The Commission is ready to act in cooperation with the market surveillance authorities, the consumer protection and customs authorities, as well as with the digital services coordinators under the DSA to effectively enforce Union legislation and increase the controls on those platforms and products. We have instruments at our disposal that we are already using.

    First, the Digital Services Act is a powerful tool and it is a priority to enforce this regulation. The Commission is fully committed to ensuring strong and effective enforcement against very large online platforms, notably marketplaces not complying with all rules, which risk fines up to 6% of their global turnover. The DSA gives the Commission unprecedented enforcement powers that are already available. The recent enforcement action by the Commission, which resulted in TikTok’s commitment to withdraw its ‘lite rewards’ system from the EU market, as it raised concerns of addictiveness, is a good example of what the DSA can deliver for the whole European Union.

    More specifically, regarding e-commerce, the Commission has already launched an investigation in relation to AliExpress’ practices, including on suspicions related to the risk of dissemination of illegal products and the possible negative impact to consumer protection. We have also recently designated Temu and Shein as very large online platforms under the DSA, and already launched investigative actions in relation to these two online marketplaces. Consumer protection and compliance by online marketplaces is and will remain one of our enforcement priorities. We take this responsibility seriously and will not refrain to act decisively. The Commission will also coordinate closely with the digital services coordinators, which are responsible for the smaller online marketplaces, to ensure that smaller online marketplaces also follow the rules, and that these rules are consistently applied in the European Union. The European Board for Digital Services is crucial in this respect.

    Second, customs authorities are the first line of defence when it comes to products imported from third countries. They are also key actors in the supply chain to identify and suspend the release of non-compliant and dangerous goods. The customs reform, proposed by the Commission in 2023, is currently being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council. Under this proposed reform, the implementation of an EU customs data hub would enable risk management at EU level, making the enforcement of compliance with product requirements more targeted and effective. Additionally, the proposal includes an abolition of the current threshold that exempts goods valued at less than EUR 150 from customs duties. These measures would be important tools for combating fraud and abuse. However, customs authorities cannot act alone. It is crucial for them to collaborate with market surveillance authorities and digital services coordinators to combine their tools, capacity and expertise.

    Third, the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network, under the coordination of the Commission, has carried out several enforcement actions in recent years against key market players, such as Amazon and AliExpress, to bring them into line with EU consumer protection legislation. In May, the consumer organisation BEUC informed the Commission about practices of the e-commerce platform Temu and its alleged non-compliance with, among others, EU consumer laws. The Commission has immediately informed the CPC Network about this complaint, and discussions under that format are ongoing. Compliance by major e-commerce players, including those targeting European consumers from third countries, is a top priority for the Commission and national authorities. The Commission will continue to fully support and coordinate the enforcement work of the network.

    Looking ahead, it will be essential to further tackle challenges with e-commerce platforms and strengthen measures to prevent non-EU compliant products from entering the EU market. This would include ensuring an optimal articulation between the General Product Safety Regulation, the Market Surveillance Regulation and the Digital Services Act. To further improve online product safety and compliance with relevant rules, it will be our priority to fully use the enforcement toolbox provided for under these regulations, for example, by organising product safety control to check and improve compliance of the e-commerce sector with EU product safety requirements, organising joint product sampling and testing activities involving online mystery shopping, and facilitating further the cooperation between market surveillance and customs authorities to give an unified response to the challenges of e-commerce.

    To ensure that manufacturers outside the EU comply with all rules, the new GPSR also introduces a new obligation to appoint a responsible person for their products. This will guarantee traceability and responsibility for any goods sold on the open market. To address the issue at its source, it is also paramount to continue cooperating with manufacturing third countries. We are, for example, committed to continue the awareness-raising and training activities on EU product safety rules with Chinese companies. Apart from legal obligations, it is also important to explore voluntary cooperation mechanisms, such as the product safety pledge, which has enabled the removal of close to 60 000 unsafe products listings in the past six months.

    It will also be crucial to further improve the current enforcement framework for cross-border infringement of EU consumer law, in order to preserve the level playing field in the Union and the competitiveness of EU businesses. To achieve this aim, we will continue to explore possible approaches to strengthen the Commission’s role in specific circumstances that affect consumers throughout the Union and to further improve the enforcement cooperation among national authorities. Moreover, the Commission encouraged the swift adoption of some proposed legislative initiatives, namely the ‘VAT in the digital age’ package and the customs reform, that aim to structurally improve the transparency and control on the flow of goods entering and leaving the union, starting by e-commerce goods.

    I thank you for your attention. Of course, I am now looking forward to our debate and to try to collect your proposals, remarks, or maybe some criticism.

     
       

     

      Andreas Schwab, im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Onlineplattformen haben die Art und Weise, wie Verbraucher einkaufen, grundlegend geändert. Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher sind nicht mehr auf lokale Anbieter beschränkt, sondern können Waren bei internationalen Händlern einkaufen, wodurch ihre Auswahl erweitert wird und sie oft bessere Preise finden. Sie haben ja gerade angesprochen, Herr Kommissar: 4 Milliarden Pakete allein in diesem Jahr zeigen, dass die europäischen Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher an internationalen Produkten interessiert sind und auf den besten Preis achten. Aber viele Drittstaatenplattformen stehen in der Kritik wegen mangelhafter Produktqualität, unzureichender Kontrollen und damit unfairer Wettbewerbsbedingungen.

    Deswegen ist es gut, Herr Kommissar, dass Sie den Dreiklang aus Maßnahmen, die greifen können, dargestellt haben. Zoll: Wir haben nach wie vor 27 unterschiedliche Zollsysteme, obwohl das einheitliche europäische Zollrecht angewendet werden muss, und es wird leider unterschiedlich angewendet. Wir haben zum Zweiten die Marktaufsichtsbehörden, die alle in nationaler Hand sind und unterschiedlich stark ausgestattet sind, und wir haben das Gesetz über digitale Dienste. Und hier, Herr Kommissar, hätte ich mir etwas mehr erwartet, denn das Gesetz über digitale Dienste wird jetzt schon zum zweiten Mal gegenüber Temu in Anwendung gebracht – aber immer mit der Bitte um Auskunftserteilung und nicht mit Entscheidungen.

    Hier müssen wir schneller vorankommen, denn mit dem Gesetz über digitale Dienste und dem Gesetz über digitale Märkte hat das Europäische Parlament hier – dieses Haus – in den vergangenen Jahren wichtige Schritte unternommen, um das Vertrauen der Bürger in die Sicherheit des Internets zu stärken und um europäischen Unternehmen fairen Wettbewerb anzubieten. Daran wollen wir festhalten, und deshalb ist die Europäische Kommission gefordert, hier Schritte folgen zu lassen.

     
       

     

      Laura Ballarín Cereza, en nombre del Grupo S&D. – Señor presidente, señor comisario, un 71 % de la población europea compra bienes y servicios en línea. El comercio en línea es cómodo, es barato, pero tiene muchos riesgos. Por ello, regularlo bien es ya inaplazable.

    Sabemos que plataformas de comercio electrónico, como Amazon, Aliexpress, Temu o Shein, están afectando a nuestro comercio en tres aspectos clave.

    En primer lugar, en la seguridad de productos que consumimos: juguetes, ropa, etc. Todos conocemos esos productos que nos llegan a casa y que no cumplen las condiciones mínimas.

    En segundo lugar, en el enorme impacto que tienen sobre el comercio local de nuestros municipios, que está siendo asfixiado por la competencia desleal de estas plataformas a nuestras pymes europeas.

    Y, en tercer lugar, en el medio ambiente, porque sabemos que estas empresas abandonan a su suerte toneladas de paquetes devueltos por clientes en Europa y en otros continentes, lo que pone en riesgo la salud de todo el planeta.

    Para eso tenemos leyes, apliquémoslas: más controles en las aduanas, y comercio y consumo responsable para proteger nuestro medio ambiente, a nuestros consumidores y nuestro comercio local.

     
       

     

      Virginie Joron, au nom du groupe PfE. – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, Monsieur le Commissaire, nous voici en marche vers cinq ans de teutonneries supplémentaires. On avait espéré en 2019 que le premier mandat von der Leyen ferait état d’une gestion saine et honnête. Mais on a eu le matraquage des automobilistes, un dérapage budgétaire et les fourberies de Pfizer.

    Ce soir, nous parlons donc de la surveillance européenne des marchés du commerce en ligne, pendant que nos commerces de proximité ferment les uns après les autres. La vente de produits dangereux, illicites, contrefaits ou volés est encore légion sur les grandes plateformes. Cette lutte, c’était pourtant ce que vous aviez promis lors de l’adoption de toutes les législations précédentes sur la question. Votre slogan? «Le règlement sur les services numériques protégera vos enfants.» Aujourd’hui, ce n’est plus un règlement sur les services numériques, mais un règlement sur la surveillance numérique qui a été mis en place, sous l’impulsion du démissionnaire Thierry Breton. Les associations de consommateurs ont signalé en avril dernier le géant chinois Temu, parce qu’il n’assurait pas l’identification des vendeurs. C’est l’article 30 du règlement sur les services numériques. Ces mêmes associations ont fait état de cas où le consommateur est manipulé par des prix qui changent ou qui ne correspondent pas au produit choisi. C’est l’article 25 du règlement sur les services numériques. On a eu la directive de 1998 sur les indications de prix, la directive de 2005 sur les pratiques commerciales prohibées, les nouvelles règles de sécurité des jouets ou encore la réforme du code des douanes.

    Mais la réalité, c’est une jungle de normes qui empêchent nos entreprises françaises ou européennes de se développer, et des pays tiers, comme la Chine, leader mondial du commerce électronique, qui contournent sans problème nos règles – dixit un inspecteur de l’OLAF – ou, pis, qui bénéficient d’exemptions des frais de douane pour les achats dont la valeur ne dépasse pas 150 euros. Une jungle où, finalement, c’est Bruxelles qui tire une balle dans le pied du commerce électronique européen.

     
       

     

      Piotr Müller, w imieniu grupy ECR. – Panie Przewodniczący! Panie Komisarzu! Szanowni Państwo! Regulacje dotyczące bezpieczeństwa produktów w Europie są niezwykle ważne. One powodują, że z jednej strony konsumenci są bezpieczni, a z drugiej strony, że standaryzujemy pewnego rodzaju rozwiązania produkcyjne w Europie, co oczywiście też przynosi wymierne korzyści i bezpieczeństwo dla konsumentów. Jednak widzimy tę rosnącą konkurencję ze strony w szczególności rynków azjatyckich i moją obawą jest to, że te przepisy w praktyce nie będą obowiązywały właśnie wobec tych krajów, które dostają się na rynek europejski w sposób inny niż produkcja na naszym rodzimym rynku.

    W związku z tym mam pytanie do Pana Komisarza, jakie działania tutaj można byłoby podjąć (chociażby być może zapisując w nowej perspektywie budżetowej, nad którą będziemy pracować, dodatkowe środki dla urzędów, dla instytucji krajowych i unijnych, ale przede wszystkim krajowych, bo one najczęściej kontrolują jakość produktów), aby właśnie rzeczywista kontrola tych produktów, które pochodzą w szczególności z Azji, miała miejsce.

     
       

     

      Svenja Hahn, im Namen der Renew-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Wenn Spielzeuge für Babys so leicht auseinanderfallen, dass sie daran ersticken können, dann haben Eltern zu Recht Angst. Vor allem, wenn Untersuchungen zeigen, dass mehr als die Hälfte von Spielzeugen aus Drittländern wie China gefährlich ist.

    Wenn Designs von kleinen europäischen Designern kopiert werden und die Klamotten aus fragwürdiger Produktion mit giftigen Chemikalien belastet sind und dann auch noch über Plattformen wie Temu und Shein zu Billigpreisen verschleudert werden, dann leiden wir Verbraucher, unsere Umwelt und unsere Unternehmen, die sich an Recht und Gesetz halten.

    Illegale und unsichere Produkte dürfen nicht in unseren Binnenmarkt kommen, am besten, weil sie bereits vor Verkauf gestoppt werden. Die Kommission und die Mitgliedstaaten müssen geltendes Recht rigoros durchsetzen: das Gesetz über digitale Dienste und die neuen Regeln zu Produktsicherheit. Wir müssen gemeinsam unsere Marktüberwachung und unseren Zoll stärken. Vor allem die Digitalisierung des Zolls muss schneller vorangehen, damit wir die digitale Voranmeldung und auch den Wegfall der Freigrenze für illegale Produkte haben können, damit wir illegale Produkte aus unserem Markt fernhalten können.

    Ich baue darauf, dass die Kommission zügig einen Aktionsplan mit den Mitgliedstaaten umsetzen wird, damit unsere Kleinsten sicher sind, damit Shopping weder zur Ausbeutung von Umwelt noch von Menschen führt und Wettbewerb fair ist.

     
       

     

      Saskia Bricmont, au nom du groupe Verts/ALE. – Monsieur le Président, Monsieur le Commissaire, vous l’avez dit: Temu, Shein, AliExpress, Amazon et de plus petites plateformes inondent le marché européen de produits à faible coût. Mais, derrière ces bas prix, il y a des coûts énormes, notamment des techniques de manipulation en ligne incitant à l’hyperconsommation ou des produits de mauvaise qualité pouvant s’avérer dangereux pour la santé et la sécurité.

    Une enquête a même révélé que 80 % des jouets testés ayant été importés par le biais de ces plateformes ne respectaient pas les normes de sécurité européennes. Cela induit aussi une concurrence déloyale pour les entreprises européennes qui respectent les normes sociales, environnementales, de produits, de sécurité. Ces normes existent au niveau européen pour de bonnes raisons: la protection des consommateurs, des travailleurs, de l’environnement. Elles doivent donc être respectées par tout le monde, y compris par les entreprises importatrices et par les plateformes de pays tiers.

    Des centaines de milliers de colis arrivent chez nous tous les jours, en un clic et sans avoir fait l’objet de contrôles. Autant de produits potentiellement dangereux, qui ne respectent pas les normes européennes. Cette concurrence déloyale touche tous les secteurs et constitue souvent un frein au développement de filières locales durables et sociétalement responsables. C’est le cas notamment du secteur textile, où la concurrence déloyale de l’«ultrafast fashion» venant des plateformes chinoises menace l’émergence d’un secteur textile durable en Europe.

    L’Union européenne est bien là pour protéger les consommateurs et nos entrepreneurs: il faut donc assurer effectivement le respect des règles, la transparence et l’information des consommateurs, mais aussi des contrôles douaniers renforcés et les moyens nécessaires à de tels contrôles, des droits de douane même pour les achats de moins de 150 euros, et un renforcement des sanctions à l’égard des plateformes qui ne respectent pas les règles.

     
       

     

      Hanna Gedin, för The Left gruppen. – Herr talman! Jag ska börja med att säga att jag är glad att vi har den här diskussionen, för situationen är ohållbar.

    Från Vänstern har vi länge krävt ett stramare regelverk för e-handelsplattformar. Ett test som nyligen gjordes av leksaksbranschen visar att åtta av tio leksaker som importeras till EU och kan köpas på olika internetsajter riskerar att kväva eller förgifta barn – kväva och förgifta våra barn.

    De uppfyller inte EU:s säkerhetskrav. Vår uppgift som lagstiftare är att se till att minska risken för olyckor, att se till att medborgarna är trygga och säkra. Det gör vi genom att premiera miljövänliga och säkra produkter, samtidigt som vi ser till att arbetsvillkoren för dem som producerar de här sakerna är bra.

    Det är inte bara barn och andra konsumenter i Europa som riskerar att skadas. Det finns återkommande indikationer på att många av de här produkterna, förutom att de är skadliga, dessutom är tillverkade genom tvångsarbete.

    Kommissionen måste agera – inte bara för att den här slapphäntheten mot utländska internetsajter konkurrerar med lägre standarder och sämre arbetsvillkor än varor som produceras i enlighet med EU-lagstiftning. Dagens regelverk leder faktiskt till stora risker för alla medborgare – inte minst för våra barn. Lösningen måste vara att även utländska sajter får samma skyldigheter som inhemska aktörer, att tullen får större resurser och att varor som importeras, till exempel från Kina, inte längre ska subventioneras när det kommer till exempelvis fraktkostnader.

     
       

     

      Zsuzsanna Borvendég, a ESN képviselőcsoport nevében. – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A helyi termelők által helyben előállított termékek védik a környezetet és a nemzetgazdaságot is erősítik, vagyis minden szempontból a társadalom jólétét szolgálják. Emiatt kezdett pártom, a Mi Hazánk Mozgalom hazai termelői vásárokat szervezni Magyarországon, ezzel is népszerűsítve a jó minőségű helyi termékek fogyasztását. Az élelmiszeripar különösen veszélyeztetett ezen a területen. Vissza kell szorítani a globális élelmiszerláncok sokszor gyenge minőségű, földrészeken át utaztatott, agyonvegyszerezett termékeinek dömpingjét.

    A multik gazdasági érdekei nem írhatják felül az emberek egészséges élethez való jogát, de meg kell akadályozni azt is, hogy politikai elfogultság alapján olyan mezőgazdasági termékeknek nyissunk szabad utat, amelyek nem felelnek meg az EU-s előírásoknak, ahogy az számos ukrán termék esetében megtörténik. Azonnali hatállyal meg kell tiltani a harmadik országokból érkező hamisított méz importját is. Ennek érdekében egy előterjesztést is készítettem, amelyet az ESN frakció benyújtott, de az AGRI bizottság napirendre sem volt hajlandó ezt tűzni. Kérem, gondolják ezt át újra!

     
       


     

      Christel Schaldemose (S&D). – Hr. Formand, kommissær. Flere og flere handler på nettet. Legetøj, tøj, gaver. Det er nemt, det er bekvemt, og det er praktisk. Men hvis man handler på platforme som Temu, så kan det altså skade både din sundhed, vores miljø og den europæiske konkurrenceevne, og alt for mange af f.eks. Temu’s produkter de lever simpelthen ikke op til de europæiske regler. De er sundhedsskadelige, miljøskadelige, og så er de også ødelæggende for vores konkurrencesituation for vores europæiske virksomheder. Derfor er der brug for, at der sker noget. Vi har fået mange nye regler, men vi har brug for, at de bliver håndhævet. Derfor vil jeg gerne opfordre EU-Kommissionen til at komme i gang med at håndhæve reglerne og gøre det lidt hurtigere, end det, der sker i dag. Vi har fået nogle gode regler i det, jeg sagde. Spørgsmålet er, om de er gode nok, spørgsmålet er, om der skal mere til. Noget af det, som jeg tror, vi skal kigge på, er, om vi egentlig ikke burde give disse handelsplatforme et importøransvar, så de fik et meget konkret og direkte ansvar for at sikre, at de produkter, de sælger, overholder de europæiske regler. Så hurtigere og bedre, og hvis ikke det er nok, så tror jeg, at vi skal se på, om der skal endnu flere strammere regler til.

     
       

     

      Ernő Schaller-Baross (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A termékbiztonság egyre sürgetőbb kérdés Európában, különösen az e-kereskedelem gyors ütemű terjedése révén. Mondjuk ki őszintén, a piacfelügyelet rendszere ma nem elég hatékony, hogy lépést tartson a digitális világ kihívásaival. A fellépés hiánya komoly kockázatot jelent polgáraink biztonságára nézve, és hosszú távon veszélyezteti Európa versenyképességét is. Az e-kereskedelem gyors üteme és a határokon átnyúló eladások miatt a tagállami hatóságoknak nehéz feladatuk van, hogy minden egyes terméket ellenőrizzenek.

    Így a fogyasztók biztonsága gyakran veszélybe kerül, és a szabályozás átláthatóságának fenntartására s kihívásokkal szembesül. Az Európai Parlament nem blokkolhatja tovább a háromoldalú tárgyalásokat, kezdje el a munkát. Kezdje el a termékbiztonságot érintő javaslatok, többek között a játékbiztonságról szóló szabályok tárgyalását is. Ne hagyjuk, hogy a késlekedés ára az európai polgárok vagy gyermekeink biztonsága legyen! Tegyük meg a szükséges lépéseket közösen, hogy Európa továbbra is az innováció és a biztonságos termékek kontinense lehessen. A jelenlévő vagy nem jelenlévő TISZA párti képviselőknek pedig azt üzenem, hogy ne féljenek, ha kérdést tesznek föl ebben a Házban, ebben a teremben válaszolni is lehet.

     
       

     

      Denis Nesci (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la protezione dei consumatori e la lotta alla concorrenza sleale, soprattutto nel commercio online, sono una questione prioritaria per l’Europa.

    Troppi prodotti non conformi agli standard europei continuano a entrare nel nostro mercato attraverso l’e-commerce, mettendo a rischio la sicurezza dei consumatori e penalizzando le nostre aziende, in particolare le piccole e medie imprese italiane ed europee.

    Non possiamo più accettare che le nostre imprese siano costrette a competere ad armi impari con prodotti di bassa qualità provenienti da paesi che non rispettano le nostre regole. Le aziende che rispettano rigorosamente la normativa europea su sicurezza e qualità sono penalizzate da una concorrenza sleale.

    Dobbiamo rafforzare i controlli alle frontiere, garantire che i prodotti importati rispettino gli stessi standard che le nostre imprese sono tenute a seguire. Chiediamo che l’Unione europea intervenga con decisione: è fondamentale che le piattaforme di e-commerce non diventino un canale privilegiato per la vendita di prodotti non conformi. Questo è un punto essenziale per difendere la sovranità economica italiana e quella europea, proteggendo il nostro tessuto produttivo.

    Come abbiamo spesso sottolineato, la nostra economia non può continuare a subire le conseguenze di politiche commerciali che favoriscono attori esterni a scapito delle nostre eccellenze.

     
       


     

      Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, en dix ans, le chiffre d’affaires du commerce électronique a été multiplié par trois. Rien qu’en France, le chiffre d’affaires du site Shein se monte à 1,63 milliard d’euros. C’est un tsunami économique.

    Alors oui, oui à la protection des consommateurs, oui à la fin de l’exonération des droits de douane en dessous de 150 euros d’achats, oui à une enquête précise sur les soupçons de subventions chinoises et de concurrence déloyale, oui à la fin de la publicité mensongère, oui, encore oui au contrôle sur la toxicité, la propriété intellectuelle et la sécurité des données personnelles.

    Oui, mais quand? Combien d’enseignes et de marques européennes auront fermé entre-temps? Combien de chaussures pour enfants intoxiquées au plomb aurons-nous achetées? Combien de jeunes auront adopté des comportements de consommation détestables pour notre avenir?

    Alors, oui à tout cela, mais quand? Je vous le dis: agissons maintenant!

     
       

     

      Leila Chaibi (The Left). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, des ballons de baudruche à gonfler soi-même bourrés de substances cancérigènes, des jouets comprenant des pièces qui peuvent être avalées, des casques de moto pour enfants qui, en fait ne protègent pas du tout, des détecteurs de fumée qui ne détectent pas la fumée… Ces produits dangereux ne sont pas des exceptions: ils pullulent sur des plateformes de vente en ligne comme Amazon, Temu ou Wish. Les associations de consommateurs les ont testées, et le constat est alarmant.

    Comment est-il possible que ces objets puissent envahir le marché européen? La réponse est simple. Pour les géants du commerce électronique, la priorité c’est: les profits, et le marché européen, c’est le jackpot.

    C’est un triple jackpot, en réalité. D’abord, un jackpot sur les normes de sécurité, car ces plateformes ignorent les normes de sécurité en vigueur chez nous. Elles inondent l’Union européenne de produits qui ne respectent pas les réglementations en matière de sécurité, et mettent donc les Européens en danger.

    C’est un jackpot sur les conditions de travail, car ces produits sont fabriqués dans des conditions inacceptables, en exploitant les travailleurs et en détruisant la planète.

    C’est un jackpot sur les obligations fiscales, car, pour couronner le tout, ces plateformes trouvent le moyen d’échapper à leurs obligations fiscales. Et tout cela permet à ces plateformes de commerce électronique de casser les prix et d’écraser nos entreprises européennes, qui ne peuvent pas rivaliser face à cette concurrence déloyale.

    Chers collègues, il est temps de sonner la fin de la récré pour Amazon, pour Temu, pour Alibaba et compagnie. L’Union européenne passe beaucoup de temps à discuter, à légiférer sur le poids des pommes ou sur la pulpe des poires. Je ne dis pas que ce n’est pas intéressant, que ce n’est pas important, mais je crois qu’il y a plus important et plus urgent en matière de normalisation au sein du marché unique.

    Les plateformes de commerce électronique doivent assumer leurs responsabilités et se soumettre à nos règles communes. Elles doivent être tenues pour responsables des produits qu’elles vendent, comme n’importe quel commerçant en réalité. Si elles veulent jouer dans notre cour, alors elles doivent se conformer à nos règles. Pas de passe-droit. La santé et la sécurité des Européennes et des Européens passent avant leurs profits.

     
       

     

      Kateřina Konečná (NI). – Pane předsedající, kolegyně a kolegové, hračky pro batolata, které se snadno rozbijí na malé kousky, u nichž hrozí vdechnutí, nefungující plynové alarmy či hračky a kosmetika obsahující nebezpečné chemikálie – zkrátka produkty, které ohrožují spotřebitele a které jsou v Evropské unii zakázány vyrábět i prodávat.

    Jenže e-shopy až do této chvíle dokáží naše pravidla zdatně obcházet a společně s nimi je obchází i výrobci ze zemí mimo Evropskou unii. Tyto zdraví i život ohrožující výrobky, jež často cílí na děti, nadále zaplavují evropský trh díky e-shopům a nízkým nákladům na jejich výrobu. Budu ráda, pokud konečně tuto skulinu, jednou provždy, odstraníme. On-line platformy musí také nést odpovědnost za produkty, které na svých stránkách nabízejí. Jejich stahování musí mít jasná pravidla. Informační systémy musí být lépe připraveny a pokuty za jejich prodávání musí být značně vyšší, než byly dosud. Jsem ráda, že alespoň zde se věci mají s novými pravidly ubírat správným směrem.

     
       

     

      Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (PPE). – Panie Komisarzu! Koledzy, koleżanki! Unia Europejska jest liderem we wprowadzaniu regulacji chroniących konsumentów na rynku cyfrowym, a jednocześnie miliony Europejczyków korzystają z niespełniających standardów Unii Europejskiej produktów. Dlaczego? Po pierwsze dlatego, że europejski rynek jest zalewany przez chińskie subsydiowane towary sprzedawane po bezkonkurencyjnie niskich cenach. 2023 rok 2 miliardy paczek, 2024 rok dwa razy tyle paczek – 4 miliardy.

    Po drugie wjeżdżają niebezpieczne produkty. W liście, który otrzymałam od 100 producentów zabawek z Polski, wskazano na sprawozdanie Toy Industries of Europe, z którego dowiadujemy się, że 18 z 19 zabawek kupionych na platformie Temu stanowi rzeczywiste zagrożenie dla bezpieczeństwa dzieci. Po trzecie chińskie platformy sprzedażowe stosują agresywny marketing i manipulują klientami. Często informacje o tym, kto sprzedaje i za ile sprzedaje wymagają dziesiątki kliknięć, a i tak na koniec są podawane po chińsku.

    Co możemy zrobić, żeby przywrócić uczciwą konkurencję? Po pierwsze wprowadzić poza nielicznymi wyjątkami cła na paczki o wartości do 150 euro. Po drugie Komisja musi skutecznie i szybko egzekwować istniejące prawo. Po trzecie działania organów nadzoru krajowych i unijnych muszą być skoordynowane. Musimy to zatrzymać, zanim będzie za późno, zanim miliony produktów niespełniających standardów bezpieczeństwa trafią do naszych domów, do rąk naszych dzieci, zanim setki tysięcy miejsc w Europie znikną. Musimy to zrobić teraz.

     
       

     

      Maria Grapini (S&D). – Domnule președinte, stimați colegi, discutăm de protecția consumatorului și concurența loială în piață, domnule comisar. Sigur, am dezbătut astăzi și dezbatem comerțul online. Avem foarte multe reglementări, le-ați enumerat și dumneavoastră. Întreb: poate un cetățean, un consumator care a achiziționat online un produs să se apere dacă produsul e defect, dacă se îmbolnăvește, dacă produsul nu este conform? Avem reglementare de la etichetare până la dreptul la repararea produselor.

    Totuși, în piața internă sunt extrem de multe produse neconforme din țări terțe și – sigur nu vă dau, cred, o noutate – și în comerțul online avem produse din țări terțe pentru că acordurile nu sunt bine comercial făcute. Nu este subliniată respectarea standardelor de produs, cele europene, și atunci întrebarea este: cum le aplicăm? Reformarea vămilor – pentru prima dată vom avea o autoritate europeană pentru vămi. Problema este de aplicare, nu de reglementare. Am rămas în urmă cu implementarea și cred că aici trebuie să punem accent împreună cu statele membre, evident, ca să protejăm cu adevărat consumatorii.

     
       

     

      Gilles Pennelle (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, nous ne pouvons bien évidemment, au groupe des Patriotes pour l’Europe, que saluer l’intention de protéger les consommateurs européens. Cependant, le rapport Letta nous démontre que nous assistons à une augmentation des fraudes, à une augmentation de la concurrence déloyale et à ces fameuses importations de produits dangereux.

    Alors certes, on a beaucoup parlé des jouets. Je voudrais aussi parler des médicaments, par exemple, qui sont extrêmement dangereux pour la santé lorsqu’ils sont achetés sur des sites que personne ne contrôle. Dans la réalité, vous récoltez, à la Commission et dans cette Union européenne, les fruits de votre politique. C’est le résultat du dogme suprême du libre-échange qui nous amène là où nous en sommes.

    En effet, comment contrôler cette jungle qu’est devenu aujourd’hui le commerce électronique, où les géants du numérique règnent en maîtres. Je pense que les solutions ne sont, comme d’habitude, pas celles que vous proposez. Les solutions sont nationales. Il faut renforcer les douanes nationales pour contrôler ces importations de produits dangereux.

    Je voudrais, puisqu’il me reste quelques secondes, rappeler que, dans la plus grande opacité, dans le plus grand secret, la Commission européenne négocie actuellement le traité de libre-échange avec le Mercosur. Mais, là aussi, nous allons probablement importer des produits dangereux, des viandes de très mauvaise qualité, nourries par des produits interdits dans l’Union européenne.

    Finalement, vous êtes face à vos contradictions. Il est temps de changer de politique.

     
       

     

      Francesco Torselli (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, oggi l’Unione europea sta subendo un vero e proprio attacco da parte di certe nazioni straniere a colpi di prodotti non conformi, di bassissima qualità, spesso anche pericolosi per il consumatore finale.

    Un attacco che sfrutta due falle esistenti nel nostro sistema di difesa: la prima, la possibilità di aggirare facilmente le regole da parte di certe piattaforme online; e la seconda, il fatto che l’Europa negli ultimi anni ha promulgato una serie di regolamenti autolesionisti, che spesso sembravano più favorire chi stava fuori dall’Europa piuttosto che le nostre imprese.

    È essenziale che oggi l’Unione europea intensifichi i controlli alle frontiere, protegga i consumatori, contrasti la concorrenza sleale. Dobbiamo migliorare la cooperazione, responsabilizzare le piattaforme online. Cooperazione e responsabilità: queste sono le ricette per un’Europa più forte che contrasti il commercio illegale.

     
       

     

      Nikola Minchev (Renew). – Mr President, the European Union is a global leader in setting high standards with the aim of ensuring quality and protecting our consumers. ‘Made in the EU’ is not just a label; it’s an unmatched guarantee of quality and safety. Yet we allow unreasonably cheap, low-quality, sometimes even dangerous, products to flood our markets, undercutting our industries. This must change.

    We need stronger enforcement of anti-dumping measures to defend the integrity of our single market. The European Commission has made recent strides, improving trade defence instruments by over 40 % to allow faster investigations and duties on unfair imports. But more action and especially enforcement of the existing rules is needed.

    Take my own country, Bulgaria. As the EU’s sixth largest exporter of electric bikes, our manufacturers face competition from cheap, lower quality imports from non-EU countries. These imports threaten to destabilise the growing sector. Robust enforcement, like recent EU actions against Chinese e-bikes, is essential to protect jobs, innovation and fair competition across Europe.

     
       

     

      Anna Cavazzini (Verts/ALE). – Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Der Teddybär auf der Onlineplattform Temu, der sieht süß und flauschig aus und kostet auch nur zwölf Euro. Aber wenn die Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher diesen Teddy bestellen, besteht die 95-prozentige Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass er den europäischen Vorgaben für Produktsicherheit nicht entspricht. In anderen Worten: Das Kuscheltier ist gefährlich: Seine Augen können verschluckt werden, oder das Fell ist vielleicht giftig.

    Dem immer schneller wachsenden Anteil des Onlinehandels, besonders mit Billigprodukten aus China, stehen Zoll und Marktüberwachung hier in Europa hilflos gegenüber. Dieses Jahr gehen Schätzungen zufolge vier Milliarden Pakete in die Europäische Union ein, die unter der Zollgrenze von 150 Euro liegen, und sie landen direkt bei den Verbraucherinnen und Verbrauchern.

    Es ist allerhöchste Zeit, unseren hohen europäischen Verbraucherschutz auch im Onlinehandel durchzusetzen. Die Kommission muss das Gesetz über digitale Dienste konsequent umsetzen und Online-Marktplätze mehr in die Verantwortung nehmen. Die EU-Zollreform ist der Schlüssel, um Kontrollen an unseren Grenzen zu verbessern. Das Parlament hat seine Hausaufgaben gemacht; der Rat schleicht und blockiert, und wir verlieren kostbare Zeit.

    Wir brauchen endlich mehr rechtliche und finanzielle Verantwortung für die Onlineplattformen. Den großen Wurf hat leider die konservative Seite dieses Parlaments in der letzten Legislatur blockiert; jetzt erkennen alle, glaube ich, dass es ein Fehler war.

     
       

     

      Christian Doleschal (PPE). – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Ein T-Shirt für drei Euro, eine Jacke für sieben oder ein Kinder-Plüschtier für wenige Cents: E-Commerce-Händler wie Temu oder Shein überfluten mit aggressiven Vermarktungsstrategien und Dumpingpreisen unsere Märkte. Allein 2023 exportierten Shein und Temu zusammen täglich 9000 Tonnen Fracht nach Europa. Mit ihren unlauteren Praktiken setzen sie unsere Onlinehändler, aber auch unsere Geschäfte in unseren schönen Innenstädten unter enormen Druck. Während diese sich an strenge europäische Vorschriften halten, verstoßen Temu und Shein gegen Vorgaben zur Produktsicherheit, Arbeitsbedingungen, Nachhaltigkeit, Urheberrecht und Datenschutz – ohne spürbare Konsequenzen.

    Doch eigentlich mangelt es nicht an Regeln, sondern an deren konsequenter Durchsetzung. E-Commerce-Plattformen wie Temu oder Shein nutzen geschickt Lücken in der Marktüberwachung und bei der Wareneinfuhr zu ihrem Vorteil. Fehlende innereuropäische Vernetzung beim Datenaustausch, unzureichende Zollkontrollen und die aktuell noch gültigen Zollbestimmungen begünstigen die oftmals ungeprüfte Einfuhr von Waren aus dem Ausland in massenhaften Paketen mit geringem Warenwert.

    Ja, es ist wichtig, die Aufhebung der Zollbefreiung von Waren unter 150 Euro im Rahmen der EU-Zollreform anzuregen, und dafür danke ich der Kommission. Wir müssen sehen, dass diese neuen Regeln so schnell wie möglich in Kraft treten und durchgesetzt werden. Es geht nicht darum, Protektionismus zu fördern, vielmehr geht es um fairen Wettbewerb – wenn unsere Innenstädte leer gefegt und unsere europäischen Onlinehändler zerstört sind, ist es zu spät.

     
       

     

      Bernd Lange (S&D). – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Die Temu-Schlagzeile „Shoppen wie ein Millionär“ müsste man wahrscheinlich umdichten in „Verkaufen wie ein Milliardär“. Wir haben gehört, vier Milliarden Päckchen kommen dieses Jahr von den Onlineplattformen Temu, Shein und AliExpress, und da frage ich mich schon, Herr Kommissar: Warum haben wir da nicht eine Gleichbehandlung mit Verkäufen innerhalb der Europäischen Union?

    Ich möchte ja nicht den Markt zumachen, überhaupt nicht. Aber es kann doch nicht sein, wenn wir innerhalb der Europäischen Union RAPEX haben, andere Möglichkeiten haben und wenn da ein Laden Produkte verkauft, die nicht akzeptabel sind, wird der Laden zugemacht, und hier fragen wir immer nur nach Informationen und machen im Grunde nicht klar, wenn ein Produkt auf der Plattform ist, und das ist mehrmals passiert, dass diese Plattform eben nicht mehr liefern kann.

    Oder auch – Sie sagen, die 150 Euro müssen fallen. Fallen die 2028, wie die Kommission vorschlägt, oder eben früher? Und was ist mit dem Rat und der Zollreform? Auch hier passiert zu wenig. Nicht nur klagen, sondern auch handeln für einen fairen Wettbewerb.

     
       

     

      Valérie Deloge (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, quand on entend parler de contrefaçons, on ne pense pas tout de suite à la nourriture. Pourtant, rien qu’en 2023, ce sont 1 150 000 produits alimentaires contrefaits qui ont été saisis en France. Yaourts, pâtes, fromages, mais aussi vin, cognac, huîtres et petits pots pour bébé: tout y passe. Ces produits sont faits pour ressembler à s’y méprendre aux originaux, mais ils ne répondent pas à nos normes et peuvent causer des risques pour notre santé. Pis: ces contrefaçons sont souvent 20 % à 70 % moins chères que les originaux. Nombreux sont les consommateurs qui les achètent, pensant profiter d’offres attrayantes sur des lots de déstockage.

    Cette situation est aussi dangereuse qu’intolérable. Elle signifie que nos agriculteurs et nos transformateurs ne sont pas seulement en concurrence avec les pays étrangers qui inondent notre marché à cause d’accords de libre-échange irresponsables, ils sont aussi en concurrence avec ces fraudes, qui ternissent l’image des filières et véhiculent une image négative des produits.

    Après les manifestations de l’an dernier, vous avez dit entendre la colère du monde agricole. Vous prétendez vouloir rétablir la réputation des agriculteurs et défendre les filières européennes: voici une bonne occasion de le faire. Traquez ces produits, contrôlez l’entrée des marchandises de mauvaise qualité ou qui ne répondent pas à nos normes et rendez au consommateur l’assurance qu’en achetant des produits européens ils achèteront de la qualité. La colère des agriculteurs, elle, est toujours là. À vous maintenant de prouver que vous pouvez vraiment agir.

     
       

     

      Nicolas Bay (ECR). – Monsieur le Président, à quoi bon avoir les normes les plus strictes et les plus exigeantes du monde si c’est pour laisser notre marché être inondé par des importations qui ne les respectent pas? À quoi bon étouffer nos producteurs par la paperasse, les taxes, les règles, si c’est pour laisser leurs concurrents tricher?

    Face à la concurrence déloyale, l’Union doit autant protéger ses consommateurs que défendre ses entreprises et ses producteurs. La réciprocité et des conditions équitables de concurrence sont nécessaires pour que le commerce soit bénéfique à tous. Il est impératif de multiplier les contrôles sur les importations et il est surtout impératif de ne pas nouer des accords commerciaux déséquilibrés. Le traité avec le Mercosur, en particulier, que la Commission cherche à conclure dans la précipitation, sacrifiera comme toujours nos agriculteurs. C’est une telle certitude, d’ailleurs, qu’un fonds est déjà prévu pour les indemniser.

    Nos producteurs sont les plus respectueux à la fois des consommateurs, de leurs animaux et de l’environnement. Leurs produits sont les meilleurs au monde. Ils ne veulent pas vivre de la charité. Ils veulent vivre du plus vieux et du plus noble des métiers: le travail de la terre, le travail de nos pères. Libérons-les et laissons-les se battre à armes égales en cessant d’organiser la concurrence déloyale, qui les condamne à la disparition.

     
       

     

      Anna Stürgkh (Renew). – Herr Präsident! Ja, bei fast jeder Diskussion zur EU fällt ein Wort wie das Amen im Gebet: Regulierung. Die EU als Regulierungsweltmeister und die Regulierung als quasi Endgegner der Innovation, ganz nach dem Motto „Du, glückliches Europa, reguliere“. Dabei steckt ja hinter den Regulierungen eigentlich ein wichtiges Ziel: nämlich Menschen und Unternehmen zu schützen und sie zu unterstützen, sicherzugehen, dass sie nicht Produzentinnen und Produzenten ausgeliefert werden, die Gesetze mit Füßen treten und Profit am Ende sogar noch mit dem Leben ihrer Konsumentinnen und Konsumenten machen.

    Dafür müssen wir aber die richtige Regulierung machen, und dafür müssen wir uns auch trauen, manchmal hinderliche Regulierungen wegzulassen. Wir müssen Menschen die Sicherheit geben, dass die Produkte, die sie in Europa auch online kaufen, nicht ihre Gesundheit oder ihr Leben gefährden. Wir müssen dafür sorgen, dass die Regeln, die für europäische Produzentinnen und Produzenten gelten, auch für Produkte gelten, die in unserem Land aus Drittstaaten in unsere Haushalte kommen. Wir müssen sichergehen, dass europäische Regeln auch europäisch gelten und nicht 27-mal unterschiedlich ausgelegt werden.

    Die Ziele sind richtig, der Weg noch holprig. Aber ja, „Du glückliches Europa – reguliere“.

     
       


     

      Δημήτρης Τσιόδρας (PPE). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, οι Ευρωπαίοι πολίτες σε πολλές περιπτώσεις νιώθουν απροστάτευτοι από αθέμιτες πρακτικές, αλλά και από τον τρόπο με τον οποίο γίνονται πολλές συναλλαγές, ιδιαίτερα στο νέο ψηφιακό περιβάλλον.

    Στο ηλεκτρονικό εμπόριο πολλές φορές οι καταναλωτές δεν αισθάνονται ότι έχουν τον πλήρη έλεγχο των συναλλαγών τους λόγω των πολύπλοκων κανόνων και των ρητρών που περιλαμβάνονται στα περιβόητα ψιλά γράμματα. Σε πολλές περιπτώσεις υπάρχουν συγκαλυμμένες χρεώσεις, ενώ ο σχεδιασμός πολλών ψηφιακών υπηρεσιών δημιουργεί εθισμό στα παιδιά και οδηγεί σε πρόσθετες χρεώσεις μέσω βιντεοπαιχνιδιών. Παράλληλα, κάθε χρόνο, καταναλωτές στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση αγοράζουν, χωρίς να το γνωρίζουν, προϊόντα τα οποία δεν πληρούν τα ευρωπαϊκά πρότυπα ποιότητας και ασφάλειας.

    Ένα άλλο σημαντικό θέμα είναι ότι μεγάλες πολυεθνικές εταιρείες εκμεταλλεύονται τη δεσπόζουσα θέση τους στην αγορά για να επιβάλουν γεωγραφικούς εφοδιαστικούς περιορισμούς, επιβάλλοντας αδικαιολόγητα υψηλές τιμές. Ο πρωθυπουργός Κυριάκος Μητσοτάκης έχει στείλει στην Επιτροπή μια σχετική επιστολή και πιστεύω ότι θα πρέπει να επιληφθεί του θέματος. Είναι αναγκαία η αυστηρή τήρηση των κανόνων και, όπου χρειάζεται, περαιτέρω αυστηροποίηση της νομοθεσίας και συνεργασία των αρχών, προκειμένου οι Ευρωπαίοι καταναλωτές να αισθάνονται ότι προστατεύονται.

     
       

     

      Biljana Borzan (S&D). – Gospodine predsjedavajući, potrošačke organizacije čak 17 država prijavile se Europskoj komisiji najnoviji kineski div Temu. Propituje se sigurnost proizvoda, štetnost za zdravlje, pa čak i prodajni lanac u smislu prodaje ilegalnih proizvoda. Temu i dalje prodaje, ljudi i dalje kupuju.

    Prije nekoliko godina 18 potrošačkih organizacija prijavilo je Tik Tok europskim tijelima radi štetnog utjecaja na maloljetnike, koji čine 30 posto njihovih korisnika. Narušavanje mentalnog zdravlja, izazivanje ovisnosti, poticanje nezdravih navika i ponašanja kod djece gorući su problemi koji traže hitnu reakciju. Unatoč tome, promjene na platformi su minimalne.

    Kako prisiliti internetske divove da poštuju europska pravila? Treba dati veće ovlasti Europskoj komisiji u slučaju povrede potrošačkih prava. Pokažimo građanima da nisu sami, da je udar na naše ljude, udar i na naše institucije i da će one brzo i efikasno odgovoriti ondje gdje ih najviše boli. One koji rade greške – udarimo ih po džepu.

     
       

     

      Philippe Olivier (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, la question de la sécurité des produits n’est pas toujours affaire de développement juridique ou de normes, mais de contrôles. Elle pose la question des portes d’entrée de l’Europe, et les portes d’entrée de l’Europe, ce sont les ports. Sur Le Havre, sur 6 000 conteneurs, seuls 5 sont contrôlés. D’une manière générale, tous les ports européens tendent à être pris en main par les mafias, soit par la peur et par la menace, soit par la corruption. Personne ne s’en préoccupe.

    Comment croire que le libre-échange puisse être vertueux quand même les règles les plus élémentaires de surveillance sont en pratique bafouées aux endroits où les contrôles devraient être implacables? Que dire des matières premières qui sont vendues en Europe par des pays qui ne les possèdent pas, mais qui les volent? La République démocratique du Congo est ainsi pillée par son voisin, le Rwanda, et l’Europe commet des actes de recel en achetant à Kigali de telles matières premières.

    Si vous souhaitez ramener un peu d’éthique dans le commerce sans limites et sans règles, rétablissez les contrôles nécessaires.

     
       


     

      Henrik Dahl (PPE). – Hr. Formand. Tak for ordet. Kinesiske online platforme som Temu og Sheen presser det europæiske marked med produkter, der for det første er lodret ulovlige og for det andet er farlige. Disse produkter er for det første en risiko for forbrugerne, men de er også en direkte trussel imod det indre marked. Temu undergraver systematisk de regler, vi har bygget op for at beskytte de europæiske borgere. De regler overholder de europæiske virksomheder i modsætning til Temu. Når Temu udnytter huller i lovgivningen, så får de en unfair konkurrencefordel, som de bruger til at udkonkurrere europæiske virksomheder. EU har skabt et robust regelsæt for forbrugersikkerhed, men uden en effektiv håndhævelse er de regler ikke noget værd. Vi skal ikke tolerere, at kinesiske platforme systematisk bryder reglerne og underminerer europæiske virksomheder. Derfor er det på tide at tage kampen op mod de aktører, der misbruger systemet, skader forbrugerne og fører en form for økonomisk krig imod Europa. Europa skal være stærkt, og derfor skal Europa sanktionere de kinesiske virksomheder, som bevidst bryder reglerne.

     
       

     

      Pierre Jouvet (S&D). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, pour éviter un anniversaire ou un Noël sans cadeaux, des parents achètent à bas prix des jouets sur des sites chinois. Comment leur en vouloir, quand les fins de mois sont devenues si difficiles? C’est pourtant un cadeau empoisonné, parce que ces jouets sont certes peu chers, mais très probablement toxiques. D’après des tests menés en laboratoire, près de 80 % d’entre eux sont dangereux.

    En plus de ces jouets toxiques, combien de parfums irritants, de lunettes de soleil inefficaces, de jeans de contrefaçon seront vendus par ces plateformes chinoises qui inondent le marché? Temu, Shein, AliExpress importeront près de 4 milliards d’articles en Europe cette année. Ce chiffre a triplé en trois ans. Ces plateformes profitent du seuil douanier de 150 euros sur les colis internationaux pour échapper à tout contrôle. Ces entreprises violent les droits des consommateurs et nuisent aux fabricants européens, qui, eux, respectent les normes sociales et environnementales.

    L’Europe doit se réveiller et faire respecter un principe simple: «Notre marché, nos règles.»

     
       

     

      Zala Tomašič (PPE). – Gospod predsednik. V skladu s Temujevo politiko zasebnosti se osebni podatki, kot so ime, priimek, naslov, zgodovina nakupov in lokacija, lahko delijo s tretjimi oglaševalci, ponudniki storitev in poslovnimi partnerji. Temu včasih ponuja storitve, Temu včasih ponuja izdelke celo brezplačno. Ampak potrebno se je zavedati, da nič ni brezplačno.

    V zameno platforma pridobiva osebne podatke in spremlja obnašanje potrošnikov na spletu. Obstajajo pa tudi skrbi, da se ti podatki potem prodajajo tudi naprej. Le malokateri potrošnik pa se tega tudi zaveda.

    Poleg tega je kvaliteta teh izdelkov vprašljiva. Slišali smo že, kako otroške igrače takoj razpadejo na majhne dele, kako detektorji dima dima ne zaznajo. Ampak problem so tudi kozmetični izdelki, ki lahko pustijo nepopravljive poškodbe sluznice in kože.

    Močno podpiram prosti trg in konkurenčnost na trgu, vendar pa moramo zaščititi tako potrošnike pred zlorabo osebnih podatkov in škodljivimi izdelki kot tudi naše podjetnike pred nelojalno konkurenco.

     
       

     

      Maria Guzenina (S&D). – Arvoisa puhemies, komission edustajat, EU:n pitäisi olla maailman turvallisin alue ostaa tavaraa. Meillä on tiukat standardit sille, millaisia tuotteita täällä saa myydä, joten miten ihmeessä on mahdollista, että tuoreissa testeissä jopa 80 prosenttia leluista, joita myydään muun muassa kiinalaisissa verkkokaupoissa, eivät täyttäneet lelujen turvallisuusvaatimuksia. Kyse on kuluttajien, erityisesti lasten terveydestä. Kyse on ympäristömme suojelemisesta. Kyse on turvallisuudesta ja kyse on eurooppalaisten yritysten mahdollisuudesta pärjätä.

    Kiinalaiset säännöistä piittaamattomat jättimäiset verkkokaupat toimittavat kiihtyvällä vauhdilla tavaroita Eurooppaan. Suomen tullin mukaan kiinalaisten pakettien valtava määrä vaarantaa jo tullinkin toimintakyvyn.

    Tuoteturvallisuusdirektiivi, se on hyvä alku, mutta on tärkeää, että me emme lisää vastuullisten eurooppalaisten yritysten sääntelyä, vaan meidän pitää varmistaa, että kiinalaiset kaupat noudattavat eurooppalaisia sääntöjä.

    Tämän asian ratkaisemisella on kiire. Komission on tehtävä tässä tehtävänsä. Euroopan on oltava yhtenäinen tässä asiassa. Kyse on eurooppalaisten terveydestä.

     
       

     

      Niels Flemming Hansen (PPE). – Mr President, dear Commissioner, honourable colleagues, e-commerce has rapidly expanded, offering consumers access to products from around the globe. A recent study found that 30 out of 38 products from the Temu platform failed to meet European safety standards, posing a serious risk to consumers. Some 30 out of 38, my dear friends: that’s 78 %.

    This is not about protectionism. It’s about ensuring fairness and safety. Non-compliance puts the consumers at risk and creates an uneven playing field, especially for European SMEs that follow EU rules. SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy, will suffer the most.

    The scale of e-commerce makes it impossible for national customs to manage alone. In Germany, it’s estimated that there are around 400 000 packages a day from China; 78 % of that is 320 000 packages.

    Finally, this is a test of the EU’s ability to address the challenges of a globalised marketplace. We must be decisive, not only to protect our consumers, but to prove that Europe can enforce its own rules and uphold fairness in the single market.

     
       

     

      Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, caro Commissario, come ha ben sottolineato, è necessario sistemare alcuni aspetti del mercato online e questo va fatto rapidamente.

    Oggi il 70% dei cittadini europei compra beni e servizi online. Eppure esistono due mercati: uno per chi rispetta le regole e uno per chi non le rispetta e le aggira. In molti abbiamo sottolineato come alcuni soggetti sono certamente protagonisti delle violazioni.

    Operatori come Temu, Shein, AliExpress – che insieme contano 300 milioni di utenti in Europa – immettono sul mercato migliaia di prodotti non sicuri a prezzi stracciati. Loro lo sanno bene e sanno che possono farlo, perché non mettiamo ancora in campo azioni strutturali che li rendano corresponsabili.

    Questo è il punto di lavoro principale, perché non possiamo pensare di andare ad inseguire ogni consegna alle dogane. È necessario agire alla fonte nei loro confronti, perché si adoperino per una svolta nei loro comportamenti commerciali.

    Lo dobbiamo ai cittadini europei, che devono sapere che i prodotti che comprano sono sempre sicuri e non essere tentati dalla convenienza del low cost senza regole. E lo dobbiamo alle aziende che invece rispettano le regole e che meritano di non avere questa concorrenza.

     
       


     

      Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D). – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren! Die Digitalisierung und der wachsende E-Commerce haben unsere Märkte grundlegend verändert, und es ist unerlässlich, dass wir als EU entschlossen handeln, um Sicherheit und Fairness zu gewährleisten. Der europäische Handel gerät durch das Onlineangebot aus dem EU-Ausland zunehmend unter Druck, und große Plattformen, vorwiegend aus China, überschwemmen gerade den europäischen Markt mit Billigangeboten und nutzen die bestehenden Schlupflöcher aus, was den Wettbewerb verzerrt und europäische Unternehmen stark benachteiligt und auch europäische Arbeitsplätze kostet und natürlich auch europäische Wertschöpfung.

    Und ich sage Ihnen: Es ist nicht fünf vor zwölf, es ist fünf nach zwölf, weil es hat sich bereits das Kaufverhalten der Menschen erheblich verändert, und es sind bereits zahlreiche Unternehmen im Produktionsbereich und auch im Handelsbereich insolvent. Und hier haben wir in Zukunft mitunter auch ein Problem mit der Versorgungssicherheit.

    Deshalb ist dringendes Handeln, rasches Handeln geboten. Es ist mit dem Gesetz über digitale Dienste und dem Gesetz über digitale Märkte einiges gelungen – aber diese Gesetze gehören auch konsequent umgesetzt, und zwar sofort.

     
       

       

    IN THE CHAIR: ESTEBAN GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

     
       

     

      Regina Doherty (PPE). – Mr President, Commissioner, EU consumer rights are worth absolutely nothing unless they are effectively enforced. We have made some progress with the General Product Safety Regulation, which is going to come into effect later on this year, and we are working on ambitious reforms, but it’s not just about laws.

    The EU’s many market surveillance authorities have to work together in order to take risk-based market surveillance seriously, because when it comes to illegal products coming into EU countries, we should be really, really vigilant. According to the Commission, last year, 2.3 billion items worth less than EUR 150 entered the EU last year. And we’re facing what could only be described as a flood of cheap products. Member State authorities are frequently overwhelmed and sometimes just to verify whether something meets a product safety standard is next to impossible. So we need to support these authorities and make sure that they have the resources they need to do their work online markets such as China’s Temu must meet the standards that we uphold every single European company to in order to have the right to operate in the EU market.

    We don’t want protectionism, we don’t want to reduce global trade. We just want to make sure that the level playing field is level and that the people who are consuming the goods are safe from them.

     
       

     

      Salvatore De Meo (PPE). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, in questi mesi ricorre insistentemente il tema della competitività, soprattutto in quest’Aula. Però leggiamo dalla recente relazione Letta che il 75% dei prodotti pericolosi in circolazione in Europa deriva da Paesi terzi ed è un dato in crescita preoccupante.

    Potete ben capire che questo non solo mette a rischio la competitività delle nostre imprese ma anche la salute dei nostri consumatori, ai quali invece dobbiamo garantire prodotti sicuri con controlli rigorosi, in particolare quelli acquistati sull’e-commerce, piattaforme esplose durante il periodo del COVID.

    Dobbiamo intervenire con urgenza per contrastare l’eccessiva presenza di prodotti dei Paesi terzi, che attraverso le piattaforme riescono a raggiungere con comodità milioni di utenti in tempi rapidissimi. Questa situazione crea una concorrenza sleale che penalizza le nostre imprese, che invece sono obbligate a rispettare norme sempre più stringenti, mentre molti prodotti sono importati senza i dovuti controlli.

    E allora particolare attenzione va rivolta soprattutto ai giocattoli, oppure ai farmaci, perché rivolti ai bambini e alle persone che hanno bisogno di cure. Dobbiamo garantire standard di sicurezza.

    In questo contesto, l’unione doganale può fare ovviamente molto di più e auspichiamo che, ovviamente, la riforma che è stata avviata possa essere portata a termine per garantire una vigilanza più stringente sulle importazioni, proteggendo il nostro mercato e soprattutto i nostri cittadini.

    Solo così potremo assicurare una concorrenza equa e un futuro di crescita e sicurezza per tutti.

     
       

       

    Catch-the-eye procedure

     
       



     

      Lukas Sieper (NI). – Herr Präsident, sehr geehrte Menschen Europas, Hohes Haus! Wir haben heute bereits über die Wichtigkeit des europäischen Binnenmarkts gesprochen. Umso glücklicher bin ich über diese Debatte, denn wir müssen unseren Binnenmarkt auch schützen. Wir können es nicht akzeptieren, wenn Produkte den Markt fluten, die unter Missachtung der Menschenrechte, teilweise sogar von uigurischen Zwangsarbeitern in Konzentrationslagern hergestellt werden. Wir können es nicht hinnehmen, wenn Produkte den Markt fluten, die unseren Sicherheitsstandards nicht gerecht werden. Wir können es nicht tatenlos geschehen lassen, wenn diese Produkte von autoritären Staaten gezielt subventioniert werden.

    Wir können es uns nicht leisten, wenn diese Produkte von internationalen Großkonzernen unter bewusstem Ausnutzen verschiedener Steuersysteme innerhalb der EU vertrieben werden. Schließlich: Wir können es uns nicht leisten, wenn der Binnenmarkt zerstört wird, indem er von ausländischer Konkurrenz ausgespielt wird.

    Die Menschen wollen einen starken Binnenmarkt, nicht einen auf Wish bestellt; und das fängt, wie viele meiner Kollegen zu Recht betont haben, beim Zollsystem an.

     
       


       

    (End of catch-the-eye procedure)

     
       

     

      Didier Reynders, membre de la Commission. – Monsieur le Président, Mesdames et Messieurs les députés, je voudrais d’abord vous remercier pour ce débat sur le marché intérieur et la manière dont des produits arrivent sur ce marché intérieur. Les plateformes jouent un rôle de plus en plus important en la matière. J’entends bien l’ensemble des remarques sur les règles – qui, pour une grande part, existent, même s’il y a encore du travail à faire – et sur le besoin d’un contrôle renforcé.

    Je dirais tout d’abord que nous devons mieux utiliser les outils qui arrivent et qui sont parfois déjà à notre disposition. Je voudrais féliciter les autorités chargées de la protection des consommateurs dans les États membres, que nous avons organisées en réseau. Ce réseau d’acteurs, le réseau CPC, fait déjà aujourd’hui, en relation avec les associations de consommateurs, un travail sur le terrain remarquable pour détecter et retirer des produits régulièrement, non seulement des magasins, mais aussi des plateformes en ligne. Nous avons d’ailleurs développé au sein de la Commission un outil numérique qui permet de vérifier que ces produits ne reviennent pas sur les plateformes.

    Je ne dis pas que nous détectons l’ensemble des produits ou que nous retirons l’ensemble des produits dangereux, que ce soit pour la sécurité proprement dite ou pour la santé des consommateurs, mais je voudrais saluer ce travail, sur lequel il faudra d’ailleurs à nouveau se pencher. Beaucoup ont évoqué le rôle particulier des douanes. Je voudrais confirmer que la Commission souhaite avancer en la matière. Le dossier est entre les mains des colégislateurs pour l’instant. Plusieurs ont évoqué la limite des 150 euros: nous souhaitons l’abolir. J’espère que nous pourrons aboutir prochainement à un accord entre les colégislateurs sur ce sujet. Le travail des douanes est un travail important dans le cadre de la protection des consommateurs.

    Le règlement sur les services numériques est en vigueur. Des pouvoirs ont été octroyés à la Commission, des pouvoirs que nous avons commencé à utiliser, y compris dans les domaines que vous avez évoqués et en particulier dans le cadre de plateformes qui inondent l’Union européenne de produits à bas prix. Le règlement général sur la sécurité des produits, que j’ai évoqué tout à l’heure, entrera en vigueur le 13 décembre. À travers ce règlement, comme plusieurs d’entre vous l’ont évoqué, la responsabilité personnelle des plateformes pourra être mise en cause, non seulement celle des grandes plateformes, mais aussi celle des plus petites, puisque nous avons prévu qu’une personne responsable devait être désignée dans l’Union européenne lorsque des produits sont effectivement importés sur le marché. Mais, je le répète, ce règlement général, que nous avons souhaité mettre en place pour remplacer une directive, entre en vigueur le 13 décembre prochain. Je vous invite donc à utiliser, pour le moment, les outils à disposition ou dont disposeront bientôt les différents acteurs chargés de la protection des consommateurs.

    Pour ce qui est de la poursuite du dialogue avec nos partenaires, j’ai mis en place au cours de la législature écoulée un dialogue avec les autorités américaines, notamment en matière de protection des produits. En ce qui concerne la politique des consommateurs, il y a aux États-Unis trois agences différentes, et la commission américaine chargée de la sécurité des produits est en dialogue constant avec la Commission européenne. Nous développons un dialogue similaire avec le Royaume-Uni, le Canada, le Japon, ou la Corée du Sud.

    Pour la première fois, nous avons tenu, à Paris, au sein de l’OCDE, une réunion ministérielle concernant la politique des consommateurs. Et l’OCDE, pour une fois, s’est penchée non plus seulement sur la production, mais aussi sur la consommation, et donc, réellement, sur la sécurité des produits pour les consommateurs. On voit que ce thème progresse. Nous avons d’ailleurs tenu à Bruxelles, très récemment, une semaine consacrée à la sécurité des produits, avec l’ensemble des acteurs internationaux.

    Il est vrai que nous devons aussi poursuivre le travail entamé avec la Chine. Nous le faisons par un dialogue direct, nous le faisons aussi, parfois, en collaboration avec des partenaires internationaux – nous avons mené une action trilatérale avec nos collègues américains. Je ne suis pas naïf, mais on doit continuer à tenter de convaincre nos partenaires chinois qu’il s’agit aussi d’un enjeu de réputation pour leurs produits et pour leurs entreprises, et probablement pour un nombre croissant de consommateurs chinois, qui souhaitent eux-mêmes une plus grande sécurité de leurs produits. C’est un travail qui a aussi été entamé au cours de ces dernières années.

    Enfin, vous avez évoqué des cas concrets de sécurité des produits sur des plateformes, mais aussi de produits à bas prix – je pense à Temu ou à Shein. Je l’ai dit, des actions sont en cours. Nous avons saisi le réseau des agences chargées de la protection des consommateurs sur ce sujet. Le réseau CPC y travaille. Le règlement sur les services numériques est lui aussi à l’œuvre dans le cadre de procédures visant ces plateformes, lesquelles ne posent pas seulement un problème de sécurité de produits ou de santé des consommateurs, mais aussi, vous l’avez rappelé, de concurrence déloyale, en raison de prix très faibles, de prix particulièrement bas. Elles ne sont pas seulement en concurrence avec la production de nouveaux produits en Europe, elles le sont aussi avec le marché de seconde main.

    Nous avons, avec certains d’entre vous, beaucoup travaillé au développement du droit à la réparation, qui concerne chaque consommateur et qui permet par ailleurs de renforcer le marché de seconde main. Il est clair que nous devons la protéger contre l’évolution de la concurrence déloyale, tout en demandant bien entendu au secteur de la seconde main de garantir la sécurité de ses produits au même titre que le respect d’un certain nombre de règles européennes.

    Alors, bien entendu, je ne voudrais pas conclure sans évoquer un ou deux aspects, notamment une remarque plus personnelle. La Commission a vu ses compétences directes renforcées: aussi bien celles qu’elle détient, depuis longtemps, dans le domaine de la concurrence que celles acquises plus récemment dans celui des plateformes – à travers le règlement sur les services numériques.

    Pour ce qui est des consommateurs, il est peut-être temps aussi de se poser la question, au-delà du réseau des acteurs nationaux, d’une action possible et plus directe de la Commission pour des cas qui le méritent – des cas manifestement transfrontaliers et qui concernent l’ensemble des consommateurs européens. Cela nécessite des moyens, bien entendu. C’est donc un débat qui reviendra, je l’espère, dans les prochaines années: le travail en la matière ne doit plus se limiter aux agences nationales, il doit aussi advenir à l’échelon de la Commission.

    Je terminerai en vous disant que plusieurs ont évoqué la nécessité d’agir vite. J’ai notamment entendu des remarques sur la manière dont on produit un certain nombre de biens vendus sur le marché européen, parfois en violation des règles environnementales ou des droits de l’homme. Nous avons mis cinq ans à faire adopter une directive sur le devoir de vigilance. Maintenant, il faut en entamer la mise en œuvre.

    J’espère donc que la détermination de l’ensemble des acteurs – des colégislateurs comme des États membres – sera très grande pour agir: pas uniquement quand un produit arrive sur le marché européen, mais aussi sur les chaînes d’approvisionnement, en réfléchissant à la manière de faire respecter les règles environnementales aussi bien que celles en matière de droits de l’homme, tant par les entreprises européennes que par les entreprises de pays tiers qui viennent sur le marché intérieur – y compris à travers des plateformes.

    Beaucoup reste à faire, mais je crois que des règles sont en place. Il faut maintenant les rendre effectives et, surtout, renforcer le contrôle, pour une part à l’échelon européen – lorsque c’est nécessaire.

     
       

     

      President. – The debate is closed.

     

    16. One-minute speeches on matters of political importance


     

      Φρέντης Μπελέρης (PPE). – Κύριε Πρόεδρε, αγαπητοί συνάδελφοι, θα ήθελα να μοιραστώ μαζί σας μια όμορφη πρωτοβουλία στην Ελλάδα και συγκεκριμένα στη Φουρνά Ευρυτανίας, ένα ελληνικό χωριό όπου Δήμος, Περιφέρεια και Εκκλησία συνεργάζονται αρμονικά, προσφέροντας μια καλύτερη ζωή σε μέλη νέων οικογενειών με στόχο να τους πείσουν να εγκατασταθούν στον τόπο τους. Θέλω να σας πω ότι αυτές ακριβώς τις μικρές νίκες πρέπει να αναζητούμε απέναντι στη δημογραφική κρίση· τις μάχες, δηλαδή, που δίνονται μεμονωμένα, ώστε η ευρωπαϊκή ύπαιθρος να μη «σβήσει».

    Ας δούμε όμως και τη μεγάλη εικόνα. Είναι αναγκαία η άμεση επανεκκίνηση της ευρωπαϊκής περιφέρειας. Αυτό θα το πετύχουμε με την αξιοποίηση επιτυχημένων πολιτικών και σωστή αναδιάρθρωση του ευρωπαϊκού προϋπολογισμού. Η Ευρώπη δεν πρέπει να επανέλθει στις διαφορετικές ταχύτητες με τις οποίες εξαπλώνεται το δημογραφικό πρόβλημα στα 27 κράτη μέλη, αλλά να χρηματοδοτήσει δράσεις με την ίδια ένταση και να δώσει ουσιαστικά κίνητρα.

    Κλείνοντας, κύριοι συνάδελφοι, οφείλουμε να φροντίσουμε ώστε να μη νιώθουν οι περιφέρειες και τα νησιά μας απομονωμένα. Κάθε κουκκίδα στον ευρωπαϊκό χάρτη που διασυνδέουμε με μια άλλη, είναι αυτομάτως μια μεγάλη κατάκτηση προς τον κοινό μας στόχο: να δώσουμε ξανά πνοή στην ήπειρό μας.

     
       

     

      Gabriela Firea (S&D). – Domnule președinte, vinerea trecută, tocmai a trecut, a marcat Ziua Europeană de Luptă împotriva Traficului de Persoane, o zi care ne amintește cât de fragilă este siguranța pentru multe femei și mulți copii din Europa. Din păcate, traficul de persoane, care este strâns legat de violența domestică, continuă să fie o problemă gravă. Observăm la nivelul Uniunii Europene că se fac pași importanți. A fost adoptată o versiune revizuită a directivei antitrafic, cu măsuri mai stricte pentru combaterea noilor forme de exploatare, inclusiv a celor din mediul online. Programe precum Fondul pentru azil, migrație și integrare și Programul „Cetățeni, egalitate, drepturi și valori” sprijină victimele și încearcă să prevină traficul de persoane.

    Totuși, nu este suficient și este clar că avem nevoie de o mai bună coordonare între statele membre și de o utilizare mai eficientă a fondurilor, inclusiv prin Mecanismul de redresare și reziliență. Este vital să investim mai mult în educație, în prevenție și mai ales în protecția reală a victimelor, iar cei care comit aceste crime să fie aduși în fața justiției, pentru că asta înseamnă să facem dreptate: să-i protejăm pe cei vulnerabili și să nu lăsăm nicio victimă fără voce.

     
       

     

      Julien Sanchez (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, mes chers collègues, le récent rapport de la Cour des comptes européenne sur le fonds fiduciaire d’urgence en faveur de la stabilité et de la lutte contre les causes profondes de la migration irrégulière et du phénomène des personnes déplacées en Afrique, fonds doté rappelons-le de 5 milliards d’euros d’argent public de nos concitoyens, est édifiant et accablant.

    Si les besoins sont réels et la situation préoccupante, les exemples de gaspillage sans aucun contrôle sont hélas innombrables et choquants. Oui, la Commission européenne gère notre argent avec amateurisme et légèreté. Ainsi, en Gambie, des bénéficiaires ont reçu deux fois la même aide pour des projets agricoles qui, en plus, sont des projets fictifs. En Afrique subsaharienne, des mixeurs ont été distribués dans des écoles qui n’ont même pas accès à l’électricité. Il y a des dizaines d’exemples dans ce rapport, que j’invite chacun à lire.

    J’ai trois questions. Ce programme existe-t-il juste pour se donner bonne conscience? Comment peut-on balancer des milliards et se désintéresser à ce point de l’utilisation réelle et concrète de ces fonds? Enfin: n’avez-vous pas honte de voir l’argent des contribuables ainsi dilapidé? Comment tout cela est-il possible, et pourquoi les gens qui laissent faire cela ne sont-ils pas limogés?

     
       






     

      Barry Andrews (Renew). – Mr President, Commissioner and colleagues, we are broadly agreed across this House that nothing we do or say would reward Russia for its aggression and its contempt for human rights. Equally, we are broadly agreed that we would not do or say anything that would reward Iran for its aggression. Yet we are now slowly embarking on a policy to do just that, under the banner of so-called normalisation of relations with Assad’s Syria. This will send a clear message to Russia and Iran.

    Having stood by those who sought freedom, having passed countless resolutions condemning Assad’s prisons and gulags and executions, and his use of chemical warfare, and looking for an end to impunity, now we quietly return to restore normal relations at a time that can only send one clear message: the EU will stand by those who seek freedom, but if autocrats have the patience and seek the protection of Iran and Russia, they might just succeed.

     
       

     

      Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE). – Señor presidente, mientras en este Parlamento, hace unos años, y en el Consejo, justo este mes, se ha aprobado una normativa, la nueva Directiva de calidad del aire ambiente, mucho más restrictiva de acuerdo con los criterios científicos, en la ciudad de Elx, en nuestra tercera ciudad valenciana, el Gobierno da rienda suelta a la contaminación y lo que hace es destruir carriles bici, pervertir la zona de bajas emisiones promoviendo el uso del coche y, además, poner en peligro doce millones de euros de fondos europeos que no va a ejecutar con el fin para el que fueron asignados.

    Por eso, desde aquí queremos lanzar esta denuncia, en relación con todas las denuncias ciudadanas que están luchando contra esta situación en Elx, en la tercera ciudad valenciana, y pedimos a la Comisión Europea que tome cartas en el asunto. Le queremos preguntar si va a seguir permitiendo que se destinen fondos europeos contra la salud de los ilicitanos y las ilicitanas.

     
       



     

      Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI). – Vážený pán predsedajúci, v týchto dňoch si pripomíname osemdesiate výročie Slovenského národného povstania, ktoré vypuklo 29. augusta 1944, a osemdesiate výročie karpatsko-duklianskej operácie, ktorá bola najväčšou horskou bitkou druhej svetovej vojny a najväčšou bitkou v Československu. Bohužiaľ, dnes nás opustil jeden z posledných žijúcich partizánov na Slovensku, pán Karol Kuna, ktorý sa dožil 96 rokov, a tých pamätníkov Slovenského národného povstania máme stále menej a menej. Rada by som citovala pána Kunu, ktorý povedal: Keby nebolo toľkých, ktorí pretrhli putá zotročenia, dnes by sme nežili v slobodnej krajine. Slovenskí partizáni bojovali za hodnoty odboja proti fašizmu, ako bola sloboda, spravodlivosť a rovnosť, a len vďaka nim bolo nakoniec Československo a Slovenská republika slobodnou krajinou, ktorá stála na strane víťazov. Rada by som dnes vzdala česť týmto ľuďom, ktorí padli za našu slobodu. V Slovenskom národnom povstaní padlo približne desaťtisíc ľudí, ktorí boli nielen vojaci, nielen partizáni, ale takisto civilisti, ktorí pomáhali týmto ľuďom prežiť v horách. A takisto pri duklianskej operácii padlo asi 150 tisíc ľudí. Buď stratili svoj život, svoje zdravie, alebo boli zajatí. Česť ich pamiatke.

     
       



     

      Michele Picaro (ECR). – Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, il turismo dentale nei paesi extra-UE è un fenomeno in crescita che solleva importanti preoccupazioni per la salute pubblica.

    Negli ultimi anni molti pazienti europei, in particolare italiani, si sono rivolti a destinazioni come Albania e Turchia per trattamenti odontoiatrici a prezzi competitivi. Tuttavia, un’indagine della British Dental Association ha evidenziato che il 70% dei pazienti che hanno cercato cure all’estero ha sperimentato eventi avversi gravi, come infezioni e ascessi o difficoltà masticatoria, condizioni che hanno compromesso non solo la loro salute, ma anche la durata di protesi e impianti, vanificando così il vantaggio economico iniziale.

    Le norme sanitarie in questi Paesi spesso mancano di una regolamentazione rigorosa. Per questo è necessario promuovere campagne informative che forniscano ai cittadini dati chiari e affidabili sui rischi e i benefici delle cure odontoiatriche all’estero. Informare i pazienti riguardo alle normative sanitarie dei Paesi di destinazione, alla formazione del personale medico, agli standard di qualità delle strutture è cruciale per consentire scelte consapevoli.

    Per tale ragione è imperativo che il Parlamento europeo consideri queste problematiche e promuova iniziative per garantire la sicurezza e la qualità delle cure odontoiatriche. Al contrario, si tratta di garantire ad ogni paziente scelte informate, sicure e supportate da normative adeguate. Solo così potremo garantire e proteggere la salute dei cittadini e mantenere la fiducia nel sistema sanitario.

     
       

     

      Ciaran Mullooly (Renew). – Mr President, reports along the corridors of this building say a trade deal with the Mercosur countries has all but been agreed by our Commission, and talk of compensation for Irish farmers and others is widespread. But I come here this evening to give you one message, and a message back to those who send those briefs. No way! No way will we accept this.

    A study by the Irish Government Department of Enterprise in 2021 indicated that Ireland’s beef sector would lose between EUR 44 million and EUR 55 million if the EU-Mercosur deal goes ahead.

    We are the fifth largest beef exporter in the world and the biggest EU exporter, with more than 90 % traded internationally on an annual basis.

    It is not acceptable that Ireland and key other European Member States incur high environmental food-safety traceability charges, while third countries just sail in here and are simply allowed to avoid such costs and undercut our beef in prime EU markets.

    This Parliament has and must insist on one rule for everyone equally applied to the Mercosur countries, and until this equality rule applies, Ireland says no deal and no sell-out!

     
       




     

      Christophe Clergeau (S&D). – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, jeudi matin, j’étais dans ma ville de Nantes, aux côtés des salariés de General Electric, qui s’apprête à supprimer près de 400 emplois dans son usine et son centre de recherche-développement consacrés à la production d’éoliennes maritimes.

    Il y a plus de dix ans, alors que j’étais vice-président de ma région, j’avais œuvré à la naissance de cette filière et montré aux citoyens que l’écologie pouvait créer des centaines d’emplois: d’ouvriers, de techniciens et d’ingénieurs. Aujourd’hui, je vois ces emplois disparaître parce que l’Europe et la France sont incapables de développer des projets éoliens en mer à un tarif qui permettrait de rémunérer une chaîne de valeur et des emplois européens, incapables d’imposer un contenu européen là où il y a pourtant un soutien public important.

    Nos usines risquent de fermer alors que nous en aurons besoin pour équiper les nouveaux parcs éoliens en mer. Pendant ce temps, les Chinois construisent des usines en Écosse et en Italie pour assembler des éoliennes essentiellement fabriquées en Chine. Nous parlons de politique industrielle et de compétitivité, mais, dans la vie réelle, nous laissons s’effondrer les filières des industries vertes et nous sacrifions les emplois.

    L’Europe va-t-elle enfin se réveiller, ou va-t-elle s’enferrer dans ce lent suicide collectif? Il est temps de réagir et de lutter.

     
       

     

      Mélanie Disdier (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, mes chers collègues, si je m’adresse à vous aujourd’hui, c’est pour vous parler d’une filière en danger: celle du bois.

    En 2020, toutes les grandes centrales syndicales et patronales du secteur de l’industrie de transformation du bois ont pris l’initiative d’une déclaration commune pour dire stop à l’exportation massive de grumes en Asie, et particulièrement en Chine. L’exportation du bois non transformé prend des proportions inquiétantes, et pas uniquement pour le chêne – comme c’est le cas dans la forêt de Mormal, qui m’est chère. Toutes les essences sont concernées ou le seront à court terme. Les menuisiers, artisans, constructeurs, fabricants de parquets sont très nombreux à s’alarmer, car ils sont inquiets pour leur avenir. Si les scieries sont privées d’approvisionnement, c’est toute la filière qui va être touchée à court terme.

    Dans un contexte de pénurie de matériaux, il est donc suicidaire de laisser perdurer la situation sans réagir. Le bois est devenu une ressource stratégique, qui fait partie intégrante de notre souveraineté, et une clé de la neutralité carbone. Il est grand temps que l’Union européenne s’empare de ce dossier. Des milliers d’emplois sont en jeu en France et en Europe.

     
       

     

      Dick Erixon (ECR). – Herr talman! Efter polisrazzior i Öst- och Sydeuropa tidigare i år beslagtogs Rolexklockor, guld, diamanter, smycken, lägenheter, villor, kryptovaluta, Lamborghini, Porsche och en Audi Q8.

    Ett enda kriminellt gäng misstänks ha stulit över sex miljarder kronor från coronafonden Next Generation, med hjälp av experter på bidragsansökningar, AI-verktyg och bluffbolag. När socialdemokrater och moderater släppte igenom coronafonden lovades rigorösa kontroller. Så blev det inte. Den överdimensionerade EU-budgeten göder korruption och slöseri, men hjälper även kriminella som hittat en ny kassako att mjölka genom ekobrottslighet.

    Bidragen är så stora och mottagarna så många att rigorösa kontroller inte är möjliga. Detta måste få ett slut.

     
       

     

      João Oliveira (The Left). – Senhor Presidente, o inquérito pós‑eleitoral feito pelo Parlamento Europeu mostrou que a principal preocupação dos povos é o custo de vida. Este Parlamento deveria estar a discutir as soluções para esse problema, mas nenhum outro grupo político aceitou fazer esse debate. Nenhum outro grupo político quis discutir as opções para combater o aumento do custo de vida, as medidas de controlo e fixação dos preços dos bens essenciais, medidas de combate aos preços especulativos que garantem lucros milionários dos grupos da distribuição da energia e dos combustíveis, das telecomunicações ou da banca.

    Deveríamos também estar a discutir as consequências das novas regras da governação económica. Em Portugal, o Governo acabou de apresentar uma proposta de Orçamento do Estado que mostra bem os impactos dessas novas regras, que mostra os condicionamentos e restrições orçamentais, as limitações nos serviços públicos e nas funções sociais do Estado, as restrições ao investimento; tudo isso em contraste com as políticas de privilégio aos grupos económicos e às multinacionais. Também este debate foi travado, porque, para grande parte deste Parlamento, verdadeiramente as condições de vida dos povos pouco interessam.

     
       

     

      Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D). – Señor presidente, señor comisario, la solidaridad y la cohesión son el modelo social europeo y si hay una amenaza que pende sobre ese modelo es la dificultad de acceso a la vivienda que recorre toda Europa.

    Este último fin de semana en Canarias, de nuevo, miles de personas han vuelto a salir a la calle para protestar contra lo que consideran que es un exceso de presión turística, porque en Canarias se ha producido un incremento de población de un 30 % en los últimos veinte años y porque, además, se han declarado en los últimos años 60 000 ofertas alojativas extrahoteleras, lo que equivale a doce hoteles con 250 camas cada uno. Pero no se han realizado las inversiones correspondientes ni en hospitales, ni en residencias, ni en redes eléctricas, ni en aeropuertos, ni en conexiones marítimas, ni tampoco en el ciclo del agua y en relación con los vertidos al mar.

    Y tenemos puestas nuestras esperanzas en la próxima Comisión Von der Leyen, en la que va a haber por fin un comisario encargado de vivienda, el danés Dan Jørgensen, que podrá movilizar fondos europeos contra los fondos de inversión, contra los fondos buitre, para generar, por fin, oferta de vivienda en alquiler o en venta que permita la emancipación de la gente joven y el acceso a la vivienda de la clase trabajadora. Eso significará una oportunidad de restaurar el modelo social europeo con una política de vivienda europea.

     
       

     

      Csaba Dömötör (PfE). – Tisztelt Elnök Úr! A legutóbbi uniós csúcson a felek arra jutottak, hogy fokozni kell az erőfeszítéseket az uniós versenyképesség növelésére. Ezzel egyet is értünk, de azt is szomorúan állapíthatjuk meg, hogy hiányzik a szókimondó párbeszéd arról, hogy mi is okozza Európa egyre nagyobb leszakadását a versenyképességi versenyben. Sok okot azonosíthatunk, de a legfontosabb mégiscsak az, hogy elszálltak az energiaárak.

    Azért szálltak el, mert Európa a brüsszeli intézmények nyomására ideológiai okokból hátat fordított a vezetékes gáznak. A helyette beszerzett cseppfolyós gáz jóval drágább. A zöld energia a legtöbb esetben sajnos szintén drágább, és ez drasztikus terhet ró az európai vállalatokra, kicsikre és nagyokra is. Nem véletlen, hogy egyre több vállalat helyezi át a termelését máshová. A Draghi-jelentés szerint Európában ma kétszer-háromszor magasabbak az áramárak az Egyesült Államokhoz képest, a gázárak pedig négyszer-ötször. Ha ez tartósan így marad, akkor Európa maradék versenyképessége is megy a levesbe. Nem kell beletörődnünk, hogy ez így legyen, újratervezésre van szükség.

     
       

     

      Thierry Mariani (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, le Liban est en danger de mort. Ni l’Union européenne ni la France ne sont à la hauteur du drame humain qui s’y joue. Face à cette guerre impitoyable, l’Union européenne s’entête dans ses certitudes et refuse de venir en aide à Damas, qui est pourtant en première ligne pour gérer l’accueil des réfugiés dans cette crise.

    Chaque jour, des milliers de personnes traversent la frontière pour chercher refuge et protection en Syrie. Aujourd’hui, ce sont déjà près de 240 000 personnes qui ont fait le choix de passer en Syrie, considérant que ce pays est un territoire sûr. Mais l’Europe et la France restent immobiles, tandis que l’Italie, elle, plaide pour renouer le dialogue avec la République arabe syrienne. La situation au Liban ne fait qu’empirer, et avec elle, si rien n’est fait, plane la menace d’une nouvelle vague migratoire de réfugiés vers l’Europe.

    Les Syriens, derrière Bachar el-Assad, ont résisté vaillamment aux islamistes qu’une partie d’entre vous, dans cet hémicycle, avait soutenus. Il est urgent de renouer les liens avec la Syrie. C’est l’intérêt des réfugiés qu’elle accueille, mais également des pays de la région, et c’est aussi l’intérêt de l’Europe.

     
       



     

      Marko Vešligaj (S&D). – Poštovani predsjedavajući, uvažene kolege, ruralna područja čine 83 posto teritorija Europske unije, a u njima živi 137 milijuna ljudi.

    Ova područja su ključna za proizvodnju temeljnih resursa poput hrane i energije. Ipak, unatoč njihovoj važnosti, ruralne zajednice sustavno se marginaliziraju konkretnim politikama i programima financiranja. Da, postoje dokumenti poput Ruralnog pakta i dugoročne vizije za ruralna područja, koje su dobre smjernice, ali njihova implementacija je spora, a problemi se gomilaju.

    Iseljavanje, manjak javnih usluga, neadekvatna infrastruktura svakodnevica su lokalnih zajednica u ruralnim prostorima, a nedostatak podrške viših razina vlasti stvara neodrživu situaciju. Danas je dodatno ruralna Europa uslijed klimatskih promjena suočena i s prirodnim katastrofama, od klizanja tla, suša, poplava do potresa i požara.

    I za takve situacije trebamo brže i jednostavnije financijske mehanizme. Zato je nužno osigurati izravna i lako dostupna europska sredstva kao garanciju razvoja i održivosti ruralnih područja i ostanka ljudi u njima.

     
       



     

      Angéline Furet (PfE). – Monsieur le Président, sous couvert d’un humanisme totalement dévoyé et de faux bons sentiments, des politiciens traîtres aux peuples européens promeuvent une idéologie fanatique qu’ils ont érigée en dogme: l’immigrationnisme.

    Malheureusement, cette volonté de suicide altruiste imposée aux Européens a des conséquences concrètes au quotidien. La ville du Mans, en France, en est un triste exemple. L’immigration y a plus que doublé en quinze ans et, avec elle, les délits et les crimes. Augmentation des vols de plus de 300 %, augmentation des viols de plus de 500 % et augmentation des attaques au couteau, elle, de 1 000 %, carrément. Oui, dix fois plus qu’avant l’arrivée sur notre sol de ces étrangers délinquants, de ces criminels importés aux frais des Européens que vous appelez les «migrants».

    Le sang des victimes de cette abomination est sur les mains des membres de la Commission européenne qui ont ordonné cette submersion et sur les mains des députés qui l’ont votée.

     
       


     

      President. – That concludes this item.

     

    17. Agenda of the next sitting

     

      President. – The next sitting is tomorrow, Tuesday, 22 October 2024 at 09:00. The agenda has been published and is available on the European Parliament website.

     

    18. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

     

      President. – The minutes of the sitting will be submitted to Parliament for its approval tomorrow, at the beginning of the afternoon.

     

    19. Closure of the sitting

       

    (The sitting closed at 22:02)

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Hanmi Reports 2024 Third Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanmi Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: HAFC, or “Hanmi”), the parent company of Hanmi Bank (the “Bank”), today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

    Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $14.9 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, compared with $14.5 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024. The return on average assets for the third quarter of 2024 was 0.79% and the return on average equity was 7.55%, compared with a return on average assets of 0.77% and the return on average equity of 7.50% for the second quarter of 2024.

    CEO Commentary
    “Our third quarter results were strong, with solid performance across all key operating metrics in the third quarter,” said Bonnie Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hanmi.  “Net interest margin increased five basis points to 2.74% driven by higher yields on interest-earning assets and lower funding costs. Loans grew by 2% driven by a 27% increase in loan production and total deposits were up led by 5% growth in noninterest-bearing demand deposits. These results reflect the continued success of our relationship banking model and our portfolio diversification strategy.”

    “During the quarter, we remained focused on our disciplined credit administration practices and are pleased to report that we resolved several criticized and nonaccrual loans and recognized a recovery on a previously charged-off loan. We also proactively moved three loans to the special mention category to monitor them more closely. These loans are current, and we are confident they are well protected.”

    “Hanmi is well-positioned for a strong close to 2024 with a robust balance sheet, ample liquidity, healthy capital ratios, and a solid loan pipeline. Our team remains committed to delivering the solutions our customers need and results our shareholders expect,” concluded Lee.

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights: 

    • Third quarter net income was $14.9 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, compared with $14.5 million, or $0.48 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2024. The increase reflects a $2.0 million, or 9.4%, increase in pretax, preprovision income, propelled by a 2.9% increase in net interest income.
    • Loans receivable were $6.26 billion at September 30, 2024, up 1.3% from the end of the second quarter of 2024, driven by a 27% increase in loan production to $347.8 million with a weighted average interest rate of 7.92%.
    • Deposits were $6.40 billion at September 30, 2024, up 1.2% from the end of the second quarter of 2024; noninterest-bearing demand deposits were 32.0% of total deposits. During the quarter, noninterest bearing demand deposits grew 4.7%, while time deposits declined 3.2% from the prior quarter.
    • Net interest income for the third quarter was $50.1 million, up 2.9% from the second quarter of 2024, driven by strong operational performance. Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) expanded five basis points to 2.74%, as the average yield on loans increased to 6.00%, while the cost of interest-bearing deposits remained unchanged at 4.27%.
    • Noninterest expense was $35.1 million for the third quarter, down 0.6% from the second quarter of 2024, primarily reflecting the absence of the second quarter $0.3 million branch consolidation charge.
    • Credit loss expense for the third quarter was $2.3 million, compared with $1.0 million for the prior quarter. The allowance for credit losses increased $1.4 million to $69.2 million at September 30, 2024, or 1.11% of loans. For the third quarter, net loan charge-offs of $0.9 million included a $1.1 million charge-off on a nonaccrual loan transferred to held-for-sale and a $1.7 million recovery of a nonaccrual loan.
    • Asset quality included several notable actions: nonaccrual loans fell 18.8% to $15.2 million and included pay-offs of $6.8 million while criticized assets increased, with downgrades to special mention of three loans totaling $129.8 million, offset by the move to the held-for-sale nonaccrual loan category of the previously identified $28.3 million completed construction loan, upgrades of $6.1 million, and additional loan pay-offs of $1.3 million. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Bank completed the sale of the nonaccrual loan.

    For more information about Hanmi, please see the Q3 2024 Investor Update (and Supplemental Financial Information), which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.hanmi.com and via a current report on Form 8-K on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. Also, please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” herein for further details of the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures.

    Quarterly Highlights
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

      As of or for the Three Months Ended     Amount Change  
      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
                                             
    Net income $ 14,892     $ 14,451     $ 15,164     $ 18,633     $ 18,796     $ 441     $ (3,904 )
    Net income per diluted common share $ 0.49     $ 0.48     $ 0.50     $ 0.61     $ 0.62     $ 0.01     $ (0.13 )
                                             
    Assets $ 7,712,299     $ 7,586,347     $ 7,512,046     $ 7,570,341     $ 7,350,140     $ 125,952     $ 362,159  
    Loans receivable $ 6,257,744     $ 6,176,359     $ 6,177,840     $ 6,182,434     $ 6,020,785     $ 81,385     $ 236,959  
    Deposits $ 6,403,221     $ 6,329,340     $ 6,376,060     $ 6,280,574     $ 6,260,072     $ 73,881     $ 143,149  
                                             
    Return on average assets   0.79 %     0.77 %     0.81 %     0.99 %     1.00 %     0.02       -0.21  
    Return on average stockholders’ equity   7.55 %     7.50 %     7.90 %     9.70 %     9.88 %     0.06       -2.33  
                                             
    Net interest margin   2.74 %     2.69 %     2.78 %     2.92 %     3.03 %     0.05       -0.29  
    Efficiency ratio (1)   59.98 %     62.24 %     62.42 %     58.86 %     51.82 %     -2.26       8.16  
                                             
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2)   9.42 %     9.19 %     9.23 %     9.14 %     8.89 %     0.23       0.53  
    Tangible common equity per common share (2) $ 24.03     $ 22.99     $ 22.86     $ 22.75     $ 21.45       1.04       2.58  
                                             
    (1)       Noninterest expense divided by net interest income plus noninterest income.  
    (2)       Refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for further details.  


    Results of Operations

    Net interest income for the third quarter was $50.1 million, up 2.9% from $48.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in loan interest income. The increase in loan interest income was a result of increases in loan yields and average balances. The yield on average loans for the third quarter increased slightly to 6.00% from 5.99% for the second quarter of 2024. Average loans were $6.11 billion for the third quarter of 2024, up 0.4% from $6.09 billion for the second quarter. The cost of interest-bearing deposits was 4.27% for the third quarter of 2024, unchanged from the prior quarter. Average interest-bearing deposits were $4.40 billion for the third quarter, up 0.3%, from $4.38 billion for the prior quarter. Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) for the third quarter was 2.74%, compared with 2.69% for the second quarter of 2024.

      For the Three Months Ended (in thousands)     Percentage Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
    Net Interest Income 2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
                                             
    Interest and fees on loans receivable(1) $ 92,182     $ 90,752     $ 91,674     $ 89,922     $ 85,398       1.6 %     7.9 %
    Interest on securities   5,523       5,238       4,955       4,583       4,204       5.4 %     31.4 %
    Dividends on FHLB stock   356       357       361       341       317       -0.3 %     12.3 %
    Interest on deposits in other banks   2,356       2,313       2,604       2,337       4,153       1.9 %     -43.3 %
    Total interest and dividend income $ 100,417     $ 98,660     $ 99,594     $ 97,183     $ 94,072       1.8 %     6.7 %
                                             
    Interest on deposits   47,153       46,495       45,638       40,277       36,818       1.4 %     28.1 %
    Interest on borrowings   1,561       1,896       1,655       2,112       753       -17.7 %     107.3 %
    Interest on subordinated debentures   1,652       1,649       1,646       1,654       1,646       0.2 %     0.4 %
    Total interest expense   50,366       50,040       48,939       44,043       39,217       0.7 %     28.4 %
    Net interest income $ 50,051     $ 48,620     $ 50,655     $ 53,140     $ 54,855       2.9 %     -8.8 %
                                             
    (1)      Includes loans held for sale.  
      For the Three Months Ended (in thousands)     Percentage Change  
    Average Earning Assets and   Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
    Interest-bearing Liabilities 2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Loans receivable (1) $ 6,112,324     $ 6,089,440     $ 6,137,888     $ 6,071,644     $ 5,915,423       0.4 %     3.3 %
    Securities   986,041       979,671       969,520       961,551       955,473       0.7 %     3.2 %
    FHLB stock   16,385       16,385       16,385       16,385       16,385       0.0 %     0.0 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   183,027       180,177       201,724       181,140       317,498       1.6 %     -42.4 %
    Average interest-earning assets $ 7,297,777     $ 7,265,673     $ 7,325,517     $ 7,230,720     $ 7,204,779       0.4 %     1.3 %
                                             
    Demand: interest-bearing $ 83,647     $ 85,443     $ 86,401     $ 86,679     $ 94,703       -2.1 %     -11.7 %
    Money market and savings   1,885,799       1,845,870       1,815,085       1,669,973       1,601,826       2.2 %     17.7 %
    Time deposits   2,427,737       2,453,154       2,507,830       2,417,803       2,438,112       -1.0 %     -0.4 %
    Average interest-bearing deposits   4,397,183       4,384,467       4,409,316       4,174,455       4,134,641       0.3 %     6.3 %
    Borrowings   143,479       169,525       162,418       205,951       120,381       -15.4 %     19.2 %
    Subordinated debentures   130,403       130,239       130,088       129,933       129,780       0.1 %     0.5 %
    Average interest-bearing liabilities $ 4,671,065     $ 4,684,231     $ 4,701,822     $ 4,510,339     $ 4,384,802       -0.3 %     6.5 %
                                             
    Average Noninterest Bearing Deposits                                        
    Demand deposits – noninterest bearing $ 1,908,833     $ 1,883,765     $ 1,921,189     $ 2,025,212     $ 2,136,156       1.3 %     -10.6 %
                                             
    (1)      Includes loans held for sale.                     
      For the Three Months Ended     Yield/Rate Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
    Average Yields and Rates 2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Loans receivable(1)   6.00 %     5.99 %     6.00 %     5.88 %     5.73 %     0.01       0.27  
    Securities (2)   2.27 %     2.17 %     2.07 %     1.93 %     1.79 %     0.10       0.48  
    FHLB stock   8.65 %     8.77 %     8.87 %     8.25 %     7.67 %     -0.12       0.98  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   5.12 %     5.16 %     5.19 %     5.12 %     5.19 %     -0.04       -0.07  
    Interest-earning assets   5.48 %     5.46 %     5.47 %     5.34 %     5.19 %     0.02       0.29  
                                             
    Interest-bearing deposits   4.27 %     4.27 %     4.16 %     3.83 %     3.53 %     0.00       0.74  
    Borrowings   4.33 %     4.50 %     4.10 %     4.07 %     2.48 %     -0.17       1.85  
    Subordinated debentures   5.07 %     5.07 %     5.06 %     5.09 %     5.07 %     0.00       0.00  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   4.29 %     4.30 %     4.19 %     3.88 %     3.55 %     -0.01       0.74  
                                             
    Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis)   2.74 %     2.69 %     2.78 %     2.92 %     3.03 %     0.05       -0.29  
                                             
    Cost of deposits   2.97 %     2.98 %     2.90 %     2.58 %     2.33 %     -0.01       0.64  
                                             
    (1)      Includes loans held for sale.  
    (2)      Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal tax rate in effect for the periods presented.  

    Credit loss expense for the third quarter was $2.3 million, compared with $1.0 million for the second quarter of 2024. Third quarter credit loss expense included a $2.3 million credit loss expense for loan losses. Third quarter net loan charge-offs were $0.9 million, compared with second quarter net loan charge-offs of $1.8 million. Third quarter net loan charge-offs included a $1.1 million charge-off on a nonaccrual loan transferred to held-for-sale and a $1.7 million recovery on a nonaccrual loan.

    Noninterest income for the third quarter increased $0.3 million to $8.4 million, or 4.7%, from $8.1 million for the second quarter of 2024. Third quarter noninterest income included a $0.9 million gain from the sale and leaseback of a branch property, while second quarter noninterest income included a $0.3 million death benefit on bank-owned life insurance. Gains on sales of SBA loans were $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared with $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. The volume of SBA loans sold in the third quarter decreased to $23.0 million, from $23.5 million for the second quarter of 2024, while trade premiums were 8.54% for the third quarter of 2024, unchanged from the second quarter. Mortgage loans sold in the third quarter were $20.9 million, with a premium of 2.32%, compared with $19.5 million and 2.00% for the second quarter, resulting in income of $0.3 million for the third quarter, compared with $0.4 million for the prior quarter.

      For the Three Months Ended (in thousands)     Percentage Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
    Noninterest Income 2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Service charges on deposit accounts $ 2,311     $ 2,429     $ 2,450     $ 2,391     $ 2,605       -4.9 %     -11.3 %
    Trade finance and other service charges and fees   1,254       1,277       1,414       1,245       1,155       -1.8 %     8.6 %
    Servicing income   817       796       712       772       838       2.6 %     -2.5 %
    Bank-owned life insurance income (expense)   320       638       304       (29 )     280       -49.8 %     14.3 %
    All other operating income   1,008       908       928       853       1,178       11.0 %     -14.4 %
    Service charges, fees & other   5,710       6,048       5,808       5,232       6,056       -5.6 %     -5.7 %
                                             
    Gain on sale of SBA loans   1,544       1,644       1,482       1,448       1,172       -6.1 %     31.7 %
    Gain on sale of mortgage loans   324       365       443                   -11.2 %     100.0 %
    Gain on sale of bank premises   860                         4,000       100.0 %     -78.5 %
    Total noninterest income $ 8,438     $ 8,057     $ 7,733     $ 6,680     $ 11,228       4.7 %     -24.8 %

    Noninterest expense for the third quarter decreased by $0.2 million to $35.1 million from $35.3 million for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease reflects primarily the absence of the $0.3 million branch consolidation expense recognized in the second quarter of 2024. The efficiency ratio for the third quarter was 60.0%, compared with 62.2% for the second quarter of 2024.

      For the Three Months Ended (in thousands)     Percentage Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Noninterest Expense                                        
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 20,851     $ 20,434     $ 21,585     $ 20,062     $ 20,361       2.0 %     2.4 %
    Occupancy and equipment   4,499       4,348       4,537       4,604       4,825       3.5 %     -6.8 %
    Data processing   3,839       3,686       3,551       3,487       3,490       4.2 %     10.0 %
    Professional fees   1,492       1,749       1,893       1,977       1,568       -14.7 %     -4.8 %
    Supplies and communication   538       570       601       613       552       -5.6 %     -2.5 %
    Advertising and promotion   631       669       907       990       534       -5.7 %     18.2 %
    All other operating expenses   2,875       3,251       3,160       3,252       2,852       -11.6 %     0.8 %
    Subtotal   34,725       34,707       36,234       34,985       34,182       0.1 %     1.6 %
                                             
    Branch consolidation expense         301                         -100.0 %     0.0 %
    Other real estate owned expense   77       6       22       15       16       1183.3 %     381.3 %
    Repossessed personal property expense   278       262       189       211       47       6.1 %     491.5 %
    Total noninterest expense $ 35,080     $ 35,276     $ 36,445     $ 35,211     $ 34,245       -0.6 %     2.4 %

    Hanmi recorded a provision for income taxes of $6.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared with $6.0 million for the second quarter of 2024, representing an effective tax rate of 29.5% and 29.3%, respectively.

    Financial Position
    Total assets at September 30, 2024 increased 1.7%, or $126.0 million, to $7.71 billion from $7.59 billion at June 30, 2024. The sequential quarter increase was due to a $125.3 million increase in loans and loans held-for-sale, and a $31.3 million increase in securities, offset partially by a $25.3 million decrease in cash and due from banks.

    Loans receivable, before allowance for credit losses, were $6.26 billion at September 30, 2024, up from $6.18 billion at June 30, 2024.

    Loans held-for-sale were $54.3 million at September 30, 2024, up from $10.5 million at June 30, 2024. At the end of the third quarter, loans held-for-sale consisted of $8.8 million of the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans, $18.3 million of residential mortgage loans and the $27.2 million nonaccrual loan. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Bank completed the sale of this nonaccrual loan.

      As of (in thousands)     Percentage Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Loan Portfolio                                        
    Commercial real estate loans $ 3,932,088     $ 3,888,505     $ 3,878,677     $ 3,889,739     $ 3,773,015       1.1 %     4.2 %
    Residential/consumer loans   939,285       954,209       970,362       962,661       926,326       -1.6 %     1.4 %
    Commercial and industrial loans   879,092       802,372       774,851       747,819       728,792       9.6 %     20.6 %
    Equipment finance   507,279       531,273       553,950       582,215       592,652       -4.5 %     -14.4 %
    Loans receivable   6,257,744       6,176,359       6,177,840       6,182,434       6,020,785       1.3 %     3.9 %
    Loans held for sale   54,336       10,467       3,999       12,013       11,767       419.1 %     361.8 %
    Total $ 6,312,080     $ 6,186,826     $ 6,181,839     $ 6,194,447     $ 6,032,552       2.0 %     4.6 %
      As of  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Composition of Loan Portfolio                            
    Commercial real estate loans   62.3 %     62.9 %     62.7 %     62.8 %     62.5 %
    Residential/consumer loans   14.9 %     15.4 %     15.7 %     15.5 %     15.4 %
    Commercial and industrial loans   13.9 %     13.0 %     12.5 %     12.1 %     12.1 %
    Equipment finance   8.0 %     8.5 %     9.0 %     9.4 %     9.8 %
    Loans receivable   99.1 %     99.8 %     99.9 %     99.8 %     99.8 %
    Loans held for sale   0.9 %     0.2 %     0.1 %     0.2 %     0.2 %
    Total   100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

    New loan production was $347.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 at an average rate of 7.92%, while payoffs were $77.6 million during the quarter at an average rate of 6.63%.

    Commercial real estate loan production for the third quarter of 2024 was $110.2 million. Commercial and industrial loan production was $105.1 million, SBA loan production was $51.6 million, equipment finance production was $40.1 million, and residential mortgage loan production was $40.8 million.

      For the Three Months Ended (in thousands)  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    New Loan Production                            
    Commercial real estate loans $ 110,246     $ 87,632     $ 60,085     $ 178,157     $ 106,151  
    Commercial and industrial loans   105,086       59,007       50,789       52,079       67,907  
    SBA loans   51,616       54,486       30,817       48,432       36,109  
    Equipment finance   40,066       42,594       39,155       57,334       71,075  
    Residential/consumer loans   40,758       30,194       53,115       53,465       55,026  
    Subtotal   347,772       273,913       233,961       389,467       336,268  
                                 
                                 
    Payoffs   (77,603 )     (148,400 )     (86,250 )     (77,961 )     (62,140 )
    Amortization   (151,674 )     (83,640 )     (90,711 )     (106,610 )     (116,411 )
    Loan sales   (43,868 )     (42,945 )     (55,321 )     (29,861 )     (22,496 )
    Net line utilization   9,426       1,929       (4,150 )     (11,609 )     (70,238 )
    Charge-offs & OREO   (2,668 )     (2,338 )     (2,123 )     (1,777 )     (9,369 )
                                 
    Loans receivable-beginning balance   6,176,359       6,177,840       6,182,434       6,020,785       5,965,171  
    Loans receivable-ending balance $ 6,257,744     $ 6,176,359     $ 6,177,840     $ 6,182,434     $ 6,020,785  

    Deposits were $6.40 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2024, up $73.9 million, or 1.2%, from $6.33 billion at the end of the prior quarter. Driving the change was a $91.8 million increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits and a $64.0 million increase in money market and savings deposits, partially offset by a $78.3 million decrease in time deposits. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits represented 32.0% of total deposits at September 30, 2024 and the loan-to-deposit ratio was 97.7%.

      As of (in thousands)     Percentage Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Deposit Portfolio                                        
    Demand: noninterest-bearing $ 2,051,790     $ 1,959,963     $ 1,933,060     $ 2,003,596     $ 2,161,238       4.7 %     -5.1 %
    Demand: interest-bearing   79,287       82,981       87,374       87,452       88,133       -4.5 %     -10.0 %
    Money market and savings   1,898,834       1,834,797       1,859,865       1,734,658       1,576,006       3.5 %     20.5 %
    Time deposits   2,373,310       2,451,599       2,495,761       2,454,868       2,434,695       -3.2 %     -2.5 %
    Total deposits $ 6,403,221     $ 6,329,340     $ 6,376,060     $ 6,280,574     $ 6,260,072       1.2 %     2.3 %
      As of  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Composition of Deposit Portfolio                            
    Demand: noninterest-bearing   32.0 %     31.0 %     30.3 %     31.9 %     34.5 %
    Demand: interest-bearing   1.2 %     1.3 %     1.4 %     1.4 %     1.4 %
    Money market and savings   29.7 %     29.0 %     29.2 %     27.6 %     25.2 %
    Time deposits   37.1 %     38.7 %     39.1 %     39.1 %     38.9 %
    Total deposits   100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

    Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2024 was $736.7 million, up $29.6 million from $707.1 million at June 30, 2024. The increase was due to third quarter net income, net of dividends paid, adding $7.3 million to stockholders’ equity for the period. Additionally, there was a $20.7 million decrease in unrealized after-tax losses on securities available for sale and a $2.2 million decrease in unrealized after-tax losses on cash flow hedges, all due to changes in interest rates during the third quarter of 2024. Hanmi also repurchased 75,000 shares of common stock, or $1.4 million, during the quarter at an average share price of $19.10. At September 30, 2024, 1,255,000 shares remain under Hanmi’s share repurchase program. Tangible common stockholders’ equity was $725.7 million, or 9.42% of tangible assets, at September 30, 2024, compared with $696.0 million, or 9.19% of tangible assets at the end of the prior quarter. Please refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below for more information.

    Hanmi and the Bank exceeded minimum regulatory capital requirements, and the Bank continues to exceed the minimum for the “well capitalized” category. At September 30, 2024, Hanmi’s preliminary common equity tier 1 capital ratio was 11.95% and its total risk-based capital ratio was 15.04%, compared with 12.11% and 15.24%, respectively, at the end of the prior quarter.

      As of     Ratio Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Regulatory Capital ratios (1)                                        
    Hanmi Financial                                        
    Total risk-based capital   15.04 %     15.24 %     15.20 %     14.95 %     15.07 %     -0.20       -0.03  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   12.29 %     12.46 %     12.40 %     12.20 %     12.30 %     -0.17       -0.01  
    Common equity tier 1 capital   11.95 %     12.11 %     12.05 %     11.86 %     11.95 %     -0.16       0.00  
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   10.56 %     10.51 %     10.36 %     10.37 %     10.27 %     0.05       0.29  
    Hanmi Bank                                        
    Total risk-based capital   14.28 %     14.51 %     14.50 %     14.27 %     14.42 %     -0.23       -0.14  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital   13.24 %     13.47 %     13.44 %     13.26 %     13.42 %     -0.23       -0.18  
    Common equity tier 1 capital   13.24 %     13.47 %     13.44 %     13.26 %     13.42 %     -0.23       -0.18  
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   11.43 %     11.41 %     11.29 %     11.32 %     11.25 %     0.02       0.18  
                                             
    (1)      Preliminary ratios for September 30, 2024  


    Asset Quality

    Loans 30 to 89 days past due and still accruing were 0.24% of loans at the end of the third quarter of 2024, compared with 0.22% at the end of the prior quarter.

    Criticized loans totaled $160.0 million at September 30, 2024, up from $70.9 million at the end of the second quarter of 2024.

    During the third quarter, the Bank moved the previously identified $28.3 million completed construction loan for a memory-care and assisted-living facility from the special mention category to the held-for-sale nonaccrual category. In addition, the Bank recognized a $1.1 million charge-off on this loan. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Bank completed the sale of this nonaccrual loan.

    Also, during the third quarter, the Bank downgraded to special mention two commercial real estate loans in the hospitality industry for $109.7 million and a commercial and industrial loan in the health care industry for $20.1 million.  Pay-offs of $8.1 million decreased criticized loans (and classified loans), while upgrades of $6.1 million also decreased criticized loans (and special mention loans). Offsetting the decrease in classified loans were additions of $2.5 million.

    Nonperforming loans were $15.5 million at September 30, 2024, down from $19.2 million at the end of the prior quarter. The decrease primarily reflects pay-offs of $6.8 million, where the pay-off of a previously identified $3.9 million nonperforming loan resulted in a $1.7 million recovery.  Offsetting the decrease were additions of $3.1 million.

    Nonperforming assets were $16.3 million at the end of the third quarter of 2024, down from $20.0 million at the end of the prior quarter. As a percentage of total assets, nonperforming assets were 0.21% at September 30, 2024, and 0.26% at the end of the prior quarter.

    Gross charge-offs for the third quarter of 2024 were $3.8 million, compared with $2.3 million for the preceding quarter. Charge-offs included $1.1 million on the previously identified $28.3 million completed construction loan. Recoveries of previously charged-off loans were $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, and included a $1.7 million recovery on a previously identified $3.9 million commercial loan in the health care industry. As a result, net charge-offs were $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared with net charge-offs of $1.8 million for the prior quarter.

    The allowance for credit losses was $69.2 million at September 30, 2024, compared with $67.7 million at June 30, 2024. Specific allowances for loans decreased $1.6 million, while the allowance for quantitative and qualitative considerations increased $3.1 million. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to loans was 1.11% at September 30, 2024 and 1.10% at June 30, 2024.

      As of or for the Three Months Ended (in thousands)     Amount Change  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,     Q3-24     Q3-24  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     vs. Q2-24     vs. Q3-23  
    Asset Quality Data and Ratios                                        
                                             
    Delinquent loans:                                        
    Loans, 30 to 89 days past due and still accruing $ 15,027     $ 13,844     $ 15,839     $ 10,263     $ 9,545     $ 1,183     $ 5,482  
    Delinquent loans to total loans   0.24 %     0.22 %     0.26 %     0.17 %     0.16 %     0.02       0.08  
                                             
    Criticized loans:                                        
    Special mention $ 131,575     $ 36,921     $ 62,317     $ 65,314     $ 76,473     $ 94,654     $ 55,102  
    Classified   28,377       33,945       23,670       31,367       33,134       (5,568 )     (4,757 )
    Total criticized loans $ 159,952     $ 70,866     $ 85,987     $ 96,681     $ 109,607     $ 89,086     $ 50,345  
                                             
    Nonperforming assets:                                        
    Nonaccrual loans $ 15,248     $ 19,245     $ 14,025     $ 15,474     $ 15,783     $ (3,997 )   $ (535 )
    Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing   242                               242       242  
    Nonperforming loans*   15,490       19,245       14,025       15,474       15,783       (3,755 )     (293 )
    Other real estate owned, net   772       772       117       117       117             655  
    Nonperforming assets** $ 16,262     $ 20,017     $ 14,142     $ 15,591     $ 15,900     $ (3,755 )   $ 362  
                                             
    Nonperforming assets to assets*   0.21 %     0.26 %     0.19 %     0.21 %     0.22 %     -0.05       -0.01  
    Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.25 %     0.31 %     0.23 %     0.25 %     0.26 %     -0.06       -0.01  
                                             
    * Excludes a $27.2 million nonperforming loan held-for-sale.                     
    ** Excludes repossessed personal property of $1.2 million, $1.2 million, $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $1.3 million as of Q3-24, Q2-24, Q1-24, Q4-23, and Q3-23, respectively  
      As of or for the Three Months Ended (in thousands)  
      Sep 30,     Jun 30,     Mar 31,     Dec 31,     Sep 30,  
      2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Allowance for credit losses related to loans:                            
    Balance at beginning of period $ 67,729     $ 68,270     $ 69,462     $ 67,313     $ 71,024  
    Credit loss expense (recovery) on loans   2,312       1,248       404       (2,880 )     5,167  
    Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries   (878 )     (1,789 )     (1,596 )     5,029       (8,878 )
    Balance at end of period $ 69,163     $ 67,729     $ 68,270     $ 69,462     $ 67,313  
                                 
    Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (1)   0.06 %     0.12 %     0.10 %     -0.33 %     0.60 %
    Allowance for credit losses to loans   1.11 %     1.10 %     1.11 %     1.12 %     1.12 %
                                 
    Allowance for credit losses related to off-balance sheet items:                            
    Balance at beginning of period $ 2,010     $ 2,297     $ 2,474     $ 2,463     $ 2,476  
    Credit loss expense (recovery) on off-balance sheet items   (26 )     (287 )     (177 )     11       (13 )
    Balance at end of period $ 1,984     $ 2,010     $ 2,297     $ 2,474     $ 2,463  
                                 
    Unused commitments to extend credit $ 739,975     $ 795,391     $ 792,769     $ 813,960     $ 848,886  
                                 
    (1)      Annualized               


    Corporate Developments

    On July 25, 2024, Hanmi’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on its common stock for the 2024 third quarter of $0.25 per share. Hanmi paid the dividend on August 21, 2024, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 5, 2024.

    Earnings Conference Call
    Hanmi Bank will host its third quarter 2024 earnings conference call today, October 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) to discuss these results. This call will also be webcast. To access the call, please dial 1-877-407-9039 before 2:00 p.m. PT, using access code Hanmi Bank. To listen to the call online, either live or archived, please visit Hanmi’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.hanmi.com/ where it will also be available for replay approximately one hour following the call.

    About Hanmi Financial Corporation
    Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Hanmi Financial Corporation owns Hanmi Bank, which serves multi-ethnic communities through its network of 32 full-service branches and eight loan production offices in California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Colorado, Washington and Georgia. Hanmi Bank specializes in real estate, commercial, SBA and trade finance lending to small and middle market businesses. Additional information is available at http://www.hanmi.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements about our anticipated future operating and financial performance, financial position and liquidity, business strategies, regulatory and competitive outlook, investment and expenditure plans, capital and financing needs and availability, plans and objectives of management for future operations, developments regarding our capital and strategic plans, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation and statements of assumption underlying any of the foregoing. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology. Although we believe that our forward-looking statements to be reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

    Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include the following:

    • a failure to maintain adequate levels of capital and liquidity to support our operations;
    • general economic and business conditions internationally, nationally and in those areas in which we operate, including any potential recessionary conditions;
    • volatility and deterioration in the credit and equity markets;
    • changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
    • availability of capital from private and government sources;
    • demographic changes;
    • competition for loans and deposits and failure to attract or retain loans and deposits;
    • inflation and fluctuations in interest rates that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments, the level of loan originations or prepayments on loans we have made and make, the level of loan sales and the cost we pay to retain and attract deposits and secure other types of funding;
    • our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
    • the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events;
    • the effect of potential future supervisory action against us or Hanmi Bank and our ability to address any issues raised in our regulatory exams;
    • risks of natural disasters;
    • legal proceedings and litigation brought against us;
    • a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyberattacks;
    • the failure to maintain current technologies;
    • risks associated with Small Business Administration loans;
    • failure to attract or retain key employees;
    • our ability to access cost-effective funding;
    • changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of our deposit portfolio and the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio;
    • fluctuations in real estate values;
    • changes in accounting policies and practices;
    • changes in governmental regulation, including, but not limited to, any increase in FDIC insurance premiums and changes in the monetary policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;
    • the ability of Hanmi Bank to make distributions to Hanmi Financial Corporation, which is restricted by certain factors, including Hanmi Bank’s retained earnings, net income, prior distributions made, and certain other financial tests;
    • strategic transactions we may enter into;
    • the adequacy of and changes in the methodology for computing our allowance for credit losses;
    • our credit quality and the effect of credit quality on our credit losses expense and allowance for credit losses;
    • changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers and the ability of our borrowers to perform under the terms of their loans and other terms of credit agreements;
    • our ability to control expenses; and
    • cyber security and fraud risks against our information technology and those of our third-party providers and vendors.

    In addition, we set forth certain risks in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K that we will file hereafter, which could cause actual results to differ from those projected. We undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements except as required by law.

    Investor Contacts:
    Romolo (Ron) Santarosa
    Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    213-427-5636

    Lisa Fortuna
    Investor Relations
    Financial Profiles, Inc.
    lfortuna@finprofiles.com
    310-622-8251

     

    Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)

      September 30,     June 30,     Percentage     September 30,     Percentage  
      2024     2024     Change     2023     Change  
    Assets                            
    Cash and due from banks $ 287,767     $ 313,079       -8.1 %   $ 289,006       -0.4 %
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   908,921       877,638       3.6 %     817,242       11.2 %
    Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value   54,336       10,467       419.1 %     11,767       361.8 %
    Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses   6,188,581       6,108,630       1.3 %     5,953,472       3.9 %
    Accrued interest receivable   21,955       23,958       -8.4 %     20,715       6.0 %
    Premises and equipment, net   21,371       21,955       -2.7 %     20,707       3.2 %
    Customers’ liability on acceptances   67       551       -87.8 %     1,386       -95.2 %
    Servicing assets   6,683       6,836       -2.2 %     7,156       -6.6 %
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net   11,031       11,048       -0.2 %     11,131       -0.9 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost   16,385       16,385       0.0 %     16,385       0.0 %
    Bank-owned life insurance   56,851       56,534       0.6 %     56,364       0.9 %
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   138,351       139,266       -0.7 %     144,809       -4.5 %
    Total assets $ 7,712,299     $ 7,586,347       1.7 %   $ 7,350,140       4.9 %
                                 
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                            
    Liabilities:                            
    Deposits:                            
    Noninterest-bearing $ 2,051,790     $ 1,959,963       4.7 %   $ 2,161,238       -5.1 %
    Interest-bearing   4,351,431       4,369,377       -0.4 %     4,098,834       6.2 %
    Total deposits   6,403,221       6,329,340       1.2 %     6,260,072       2.3 %
    Accrued interest payable   52,613       47,699       10.3 %     50,286       4.6 %
    Bank’s liability on acceptances   67       551       -87.8 %     1,386       -95.2 %
    Borrowings   300,000       292,500       2.6 %     162,500       84.6 %
    Subordinated debentures   130,478       130,318       0.1 %     129,860       0.5 %
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   89,211       78,880       13.1 %     82,677       7.9 %
    Total liabilities   6,975,590       6,879,288       1.4 %     6,686,781       4.3 %
                                 
    Stockholders’ equity:                            
    Common stock   34       34       0.0 %     34       0.0 %
    Additional paid-in capital   589,567       588,647       0.2 %     586,169       0.6 %
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   (55,140 )     (78,000 )     29.3 %     (99,422 )     44.5 %
    Retained earnings   340,718       333,392       2.2 %     308,007       10.6 %
    Less treasury stock   (138,470 )     (137,014 )     -1.1 %     (131,429 )     -5.4 %
    Total stockholders’ equity   736,709       707,059       4.2 %     663,359       11.1 %
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,712,299     $ 7,586,347       1.7 %   $ 7,350,140       4.9 %

     


    Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

      Three Months Ended  
      September 30,     June 30,     Percentage     September 30,     Percentage  
      2024     2024     Change     2023     Change  
    Interest and dividend income:                            
    Interest and fees on loans receivable $ 92,182     $ 90,752       1.6 %   $ 85,398       7.9 %
    Interest on securities   5,523       5,238       5.4 %     4,204       31.4 %
    Dividends on FHLB stock   356       357       -0.3 %     317       12.3 %
    Interest on deposits in other banks   2,356       2,313       1.9 %     4,153       -43.3 %
    Total interest and dividend income   100,417       98,660       1.8 %     94,072       6.7 %
    Interest expense:                            
    Interest on deposits   47,153       46,495       1.4 %     36,818       28.1 %
    Interest on borrowings   1,561       1,896       -17.7 %     753       107.3 %
    Interest on subordinated debentures   1,652       1,649       0.2 %     1,646       0.4 %
    Total interest expense   50,366       50,040       0.7 %     39,217       28.4 %
    Net interest income before credit loss expense   50,051       48,620       2.9 %     54,855       -8.8 %
    Credit loss expense   2,286       961       137.9 %     5,154       -55.6 %
    Net interest income after credit loss expense   47,765       47,659       0.2 %     49,701       -3.9 %
    Noninterest income:                            
    Service charges on deposit accounts   2,311       2,429       -4.9 %     2,605       -11.3 %
    Trade finance and other service charges and fees   1,254       1,277       -1.8 %     1,155       8.6 %
    Gain on sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans   1,544       1,644       -6.1 %     1,172       31.7 %
    Other operating income   3,329       2,707       23.0 %     6,296       -47.1 %
    Total noninterest income   8,438       8,057       4.7 %     11,228       -24.8 %
    Noninterest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits   20,851       20,434       2.0 %     20,361       2.4 %
    Occupancy and equipment   4,499       4,607       -2.3 %     4,825       -6.8 %
    Data processing   3,839       3,686       4.2 %     3,490       10.0 %
    Professional fees   1,492       1,749       -14.7 %     1,568       -4.8 %
    Supplies and communications   538       570       -5.6 %     552       -2.5 %
    Advertising and promotion   631       669       -5.7 %     534       18.2 %
    Other operating expenses   3,230       3,561       -9.3 %     2,915       10.8 %
    Total noninterest expense   35,080       35,276       -0.6 %     34,245       2.4 %
    Income before tax   21,123       20,440       3.3 %     26,684       -20.8 %
    Income tax expense   6,231       5,989       4.0 %     7,888       -21.0 %
    Net income $ 14,892     $ 14,451       3.1 %   $ 18,796       -20.8 %
                                 
    Basic earnings per share: $ 0.49     $ 0.48           $ 0.62        
    Diluted earnings per share: $ 0.49     $ 0.48           $ 0.62        
                                 
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                            
    Basic   29,968,004       30,055,913             30,251,961        
    Diluted   30,033,679       30,133,646             30,292,872        
    Common shares outstanding   30,196,755       30,272,110             30,410,582        

     


    Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

      Nine Months Ended  
      September 30,     September 30,     Percentage  
      2024     2023     Change  
    Interest and dividend income:                
    Interest and fees on loans receivable $ 274,608     $ 249,888       9.9 %
    Interest on securities   15,717       12,356       27.2 %
    Dividends on FHLB stock   1,075       888       21.1 %
    Interest on deposits in other banks   7,270       9,012       -19.3 %
    Total interest and dividend income   298,670       272,144       9.7 %
    Interest expense:                
    Interest on deposits   139,286       94,431       47.5 %
    Interest on borrowings   5,112       4,755       7.5 %
    Interest on subordinated debentures   4,948       4,828       2.5 %
    Total interest expense   149,346       104,014       43.6 %
    Net interest income before credit loss expense   149,324       168,130       -11.2 %
    Credit loss expense   3,474       7,210       -51.8 %
    Net interest income after credit loss expense   145,850       160,920       -9.4 %
    Noninterest income:                
    Service charges on deposit accounts   7,189       7,756       -7.3 %
    Trade finance and other service charges and fees   3,945       3,586       10.0 %
    Gain on sale of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans   4,669       4,253       9.8 %
    Other operating income   8,425       11,904       -29.2 %
    Total noninterest income   24,228       27,499       -11.9 %
    Noninterest expense:                
    Salaries and employee benefits   62,870       61,336       2.5 %
    Occupancy and equipment   13,643       13,737       -0.7 %
    Data processing   11,076       10,208       8.5 %
    Professional fees   5,134       4,278       20.0 %
    Supplies and communications   1,710       1,866       -8.4 %
    Advertising and promotion   2,207       2,114       4.4 %
    Other operating expenses   10,160       7,777       30.6 %
    Total noninterest expense   106,800       101,316       5.4 %
    Income before tax   63,278       87,103       -27.4 %
    Income tax expense   18,772       25,695       -26.9 %
    Net income $ 44,506     $ 61,408       -27.5 %
                     
    Basic earnings per share: $ 1.47     $ 2.01        
    Diluted earnings per share: $ 1.47     $ 2.01        
                     
    Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
    Basic   30,048,748       30,296,991        
    Diluted   30,117,269       30,338,678        
    Common shares outstanding   30,196,755       30,410,582        

     


    Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

    Average Balance, Average Yield Earned, and Average Rate Paid (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)

      Three Months Ended  
      September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023  
            Interest   Average           Interest   Average           Interest   Average  
      Average     Income /   Yield /     Average     Income /   Yield /     Average     Income /   Yield /  
      Balance     Expense   Rate     Balance     Expense   Rate     Balance     Expense   Rate  
    Assets                                              
    Interest-earning assets:                                              
    Loans receivable (1) $ 6,112,324     $ 92,182     6.00 %   $ 6,089,440     $ 90,752     5.99 %   $ 5,915,423     $ 85,398     5.73 %
    Securities (2)   986,041       5,523     2.27 %     979,671       5,238     2.17 %     955,473       4,204     1.79 %
    FHLB stock   16,385       356     8.65 %     16,385       357     8.77 %     16,385       317     7.67 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   183,027       2,356     5.12 %     180,177       2,313     5.16 %     317,498       4,153     5.19 %
    Total interest-earning assets   7,297,777       100,417     5.48 %     7,265,673       98,660     5.46 %     7,204,779       94,072     5.19 %
                                                   
    Noninterest-earning assets:                                              
    Cash and due from banks   54,843                 55,442                 59,994            
    Allowance for credit losses   (67,906 )               (67,908 )               (70,173 )          
    Other assets   251,421                 252,410                 240,145            
                                                   
    Total assets $ 7,536,135               $ 7,505,617               $ 7,434,745            
                                                   
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                              
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                              
    Deposits:                                              
    Demand: interest-bearing $ 83,647     $ 31     0.15 %   $ 85,443     $ 32     0.15 %   $ 94,703     $ 32     0.13 %
    Money market and savings   1,885,799       17,863     3.77 %     1,845,870       17,324     3.77 %     1,601,826       12,485     3.09 %
    Time deposits   2,427,737       29,259     4.79 %     2,453,154       29,139     4.78 %     2,438,112       24,301     3.95 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,397,183       47,153     4.27 %     4,384,467       46,495     4.27 %     4,134,641       36,818     3.53 %
    Borrowings   143,479       1,561     4.33 %     169,525       1,896     4.50 %     120,381       753     2.48 %
    Subordinated debentures   130,403       1,652     5.07 %     130,239       1,649     5.07 %     129,780       1,646     5.07 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,671,065       50,366     4.29 %     4,684,231       50,040     4.30 %     4,384,802       39,217     3.55 %
                                                   
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity:                                              
    Demand deposits: noninterest-bearing   1,908,833                 1,883,765                 2,136,156            
    Other liabilities   171,987                 162,543                 159,127            
    Stockholders’ equity   784,250                 775,078                 754,660            
                                                   
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,536,135               $ 7,505,617               $ 7,434,745            
                                                   
    Net interest income       $ 50,051               $ 48,620               $ 54,855      
                                                   
    Cost of deposits             2.97 %               2.98 %               2.33 %
    Net interest spread (taxable equivalent basis)             1.19 %               1.16 %               1.64 %
    Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis)             2.74 %               2.69 %               3.03 %
                                                   
    (1)       Includes average loans held for sale        
    (2)       Income calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal tax rate in effect for the periods presented.  

     


    Hanmi Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries

    Average Balance, Average Yield Earned, and Average Rate Paid (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)

      Nine Months Ended  
      September 30, 2024     September 30, 2023  
            Interest   Average           Interest   Average  
      Average     Income /   Yield /     Average     Income /   Yield /  
      Balance     Expense   Rate     Balance     Expense   Rate  
    Assets                              
    Interest-earning assets:                              
    Loans receivable (1) $ 6,113,214     $ 274,608     6.00 %   $ 5,933,525     $ 249,888     5.63 %
    Securities (2)   978,439       15,717     2.17 %     969,146       12,356     1.73 %
    FHLB stock   16,385       1,076     8.77 %     16,385       888     7.25 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   188,290       7,269     5.16 %     247,581       9,012     4.87 %
    Total interest-earning assets   7,296,328       298,670     5.47 %     7,166,637       272,144     5.08 %
                                   
    Noninterest-earning assets:                              
    Cash and due from banks   56,217                 62,354            
    Allowance for credit losses   (68,305 )               (71,236 )          
    Other assets   249,517                 237,111            
                                   
    Total assets $ 7,533,757               $ 7,394,866            
                                   
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                              
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
    Deposits:                              
    Demand: interest-bearing $ 85,158     $ 92     0.14 %   $ 100,997     $ 88     0.12 %
    Money market and savings   1,849,053       51,740     3.74 %     1,506,776       29,687     2.63 %
    Time deposits   2,462,779       87,454     4.74 %     2,355,923       64,656     3.67 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   4,396,990       139,286     4.23 %     3,963,696       94,431     3.19 %
    Borrowings   158,419       5,112     4.31 %     194,530       4,755     3.27 %
    Subordinated debentures   130,244       4,948     5.06 %     129,632       4,828     4.97 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,685,653       149,346     4.26 %     4,287,858       104,014     3.24 %
                                   
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity:                              
    Demand deposits: noninterest-bearing   1,904,611                 2,223,891            
    Other liabilities   166,372                 140,070            
    Stockholders’ equity   777,121                 743,047            
                                   
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,533,757               $ 7,394,866            
                                   
    Net interest income       $ 149,324               $ 168,130      
                                   
    Cost of deposits             2.95 %               2.04 %
    Net interest spread (taxable equivalent basis)             1.21 %               1.84 %
    Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis)             2.74 %               3.14 %
                                   
    (1)       Includes average loans held for sale  
    (2)       Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal tax rate in effect for the periods presented.  


    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio

    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is supplemental financial information determined by a method other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This non-GAAP measure is used by management in the analysis of Hanmi’s capital strength. Tangible common equity is calculated by subtracting goodwill and other intangible assets from stockholders’ equity. Banking and financial institution regulators also exclude goodwill and other intangible assets from stockholders’ equity when assessing the capital adequacy of a financial institution. Management believes the presentation of this financial measure excluding the impact of these items provides useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the capital strength of Hanmi. This disclosure should not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

    The following table reconciles this non-GAAP performance measure to the GAAP performance measure for the periods indicated:

    Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets Ratio (Unaudited)
    (In thousands, except share, per share data and ratios)

      September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     September 30,  
    Hanmi Financial Corporation 2024     2024     2024     2023     2023  
    Assets $ 7,712,299     $ 7,586,347     $ 7,512,046     $ 7,570,341     $ 7,350,140  
    Less goodwill and other intangible assets   (11,031 )     (11,048 )     (11,074 )     (11,099 )     (11,131 )
    Tangible assets $ 7,701,268     $ 7,575,299     $ 7,500,972     $ 7,559,242     $ 7,339,009  
                                 
    Stockholders’ equity (1) $ 736,709     $ 707,059     $ 703,100     $ 701,891     $ 663,359  
    Less goodwill and other intangible assets   (11,031 )     (11,048 )     (11,074 )     (11,099 )     (11,131 )
    Tangible stockholders’ equity (1) $ 725,678     $ 696,011     $ 692,026     $ 690,792     $ 652,228  
                                 
    Stockholders’ equity to assets   9.55 %     9.32 %     9.36 %     9.27 %     9.03 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)   9.42 %     9.19 %     9.23 %     9.14 %     8.89 %
                                 
    Common shares outstanding   30,196,755       30,272,110       30,276,358       30,368,655       30,410,582  
    Tangible common equity per common share $ 24.03     $ 22.99     $ 22.86     $ 22.75     $ 21.45  
                                 
    (1)      There were no preferred shares outstanding at the periods indicated.  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: National Bank Holdings Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Increase to Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) reported:

                                   
        For the quarter(1)   For the year(1)
        3Q24   2Q24   3Q23   2024   2023
    Net income ($000’s)   $ 33,105     $ 26,135     $ 36,087     $ 90,631     $ 108,927  
    Earnings per share – diluted   $ 0.86     $ 0.68     $ 0.94     $ 2.36     $ 2.85  
    Return on average assets     1.32 %     1.06 %     1.46 %     1.22 %     1.50 %
    Return on average tangible assets(2)     1.43 %     1.17 %     1.58 %     1.33 %     1.61 %
    Return on average equity     10.33 %     8.46 %     12.26 %     9.70 %     12.71 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(2)     14.84 %     12.44 %     18.38 %     14.14 %     18.81 %

                                                          

    (1 )   Ratios are annualized.
    (2 )   See non-GAAP reconciliations below.
           

    In announcing these results, Chief Executive Officer Tim Laney shared, “We delivered quarterly earnings of $0.86 per diluted share and a return on average tangible common equity of 14.84%. On the strength of our balance sheet, capital position and earnings, we are pleased to announce a 3.6% increase in our quarterly dividend to $0.29 per share. During the quarter, our disciplined approach to loan and deposit pricing drove 11 basis points of net interest margin expansion to 3.87%. Our teams delivered solid quarterly growth in our core banking fees, and we continued to leverage our diverse revenue streams across our franchise resulting in meaningful year-to-date fee income growth.”

    Mr. Laney added, “We continue to remain vigilant in monitoring our loan portfolio, delivering the lowest non-performing loan ratio since early 2023. Our teams adhere to prudent, disciplined approaches that limit concentrations in our loan book and our depositor base, and we regularly perform robust stress testing on our loan portfolio. We enter the fourth quarter from a position of strength and stability and expect to finish the year strong. We believe our Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 12.88%, ample liquidity position, and diversified funding sources provide optionality for future growth.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Results
    (All comparisons refer to the second quarter of 2024, except as noted)

    Net income increased $7.0 million or 26.7% to $33.1 million or $0.86 per diluted share, compared to $26.1 million or $0.68 per diluted share. The quarter’s increase was driven by net interest income and fee income growth. Included in the prior quarter was $3.9 million of impairment related to venture capital investments. Fully taxable equivalent pre-provision net revenue increased $7.5 million or 20.6% to $43.7 million. The return on average tangible assets increased 26 basis points to 1.43%, and the return on average tangible common equity increased 240 basis points to 14.84%.

    Net Interest Income
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income increased $4.2 million to $89.5 million, driven by a $74.7 million increase in average interest earning assets, a 12 basis point increase in average loan yields and one extra day in the quarter. The fully taxable equivalent net interest margin widened 11 basis points to 3.87%, driven by a 13 basis point increase in earning asset yields which was partially offset by a two basis point increase in the cost of funds.

    Loans
    Loans totaled $7.7 billion at September 30, 2024, consistent with the prior quarter. We generated quarterly loan fundings totaling $359.3 million, led by commercial loan fundings of $219.1 million. The average interest rate on the third quarter’s loan originations was 8.5%.

    Asset Quality and Provision for Credit Losses
    The Company recorded $2.0 million of provision expense for credit losses, compared to $2.8 million in the prior quarter. The current quarter’s provision expense was primarily driven by higher reserve requirements from changes in the CECL model’s underlying economic forecast. Annualized net charge-offs decreased four basis points to 0.18% of average total loans and included the resolution of one previously reserved credit during the quarter. Non-performing loans decreased three basis points to 0.31% of total loans at September 30, 2024, and non-performing assets decreased four basis points to 0.32% of total loans and OREO at September 30, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans totaled 1.23% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.25% in the prior quarter.

    Deposits
    Average total deposits increased $21.3 million to $8.4 billion during the third quarter 2024. The loan to deposit ratio totaled 90.8% at September 30, 2024. Average transaction deposits (defined as total deposits less time deposits) totaled $7.4 billion, consistent with the prior quarter. The mix of transaction deposits to total deposits was 88% at September 30, 2024, consistent with June 30, 2024.

    Non-Interest Income
    Non-interest income increased $4.4 million to $18.4 million driven by increases in our diversified sources of fee revenue. Service charges increased $0.6 million, swap fee income increased $0.3 million and trust fee income increased $0.1 million. These increases were partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in mortgage banking income. Included in the prior quarter was $3.9 million of impairment related to venture capital investments.

    Non-Interest Expense
    Non-interest expense totaled $64.2 million during the third quarter, compared to $63.1 million in the prior quarter. Salaries and benefits increased $0.4 million driven by one additional payroll day in the quarter. Professional fees increased $0.4 million and data processing increased $0.3 million driven by our continued investments in technology. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in occupancy and equipment of $0.4 million. The fully taxable equivalent efficiency ratio, excluding other intangible assets amortization, improved 387 basis points to 57.7% for the third quarter.

    Income tax expense increased $1.2 million to $6.8 million, compared to $5.6 million in the prior quarter, due to the third quarter’s higher pre-tax income. The effective tax rate was 17.0%, compared to 17.7% for the second quarter.

    Capital
    Capital ratios continue to be strong and in excess of federal bank regulatory agency “well capitalized” thresholds. The tier 1 leverage ratio totaled 10.44%, and the common equity tier 1 capital ratio totaled 12.88% at September 30, 2024. Shareholders’ equity totaled $1.3 billion at September 30, 2024, increasing $44.4 million. The third quarter’s net income drove $22.2 million of growth in retained earnings, and changes in the interest rate environment led to a $17.9 million improvement in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

    Common book value per share increased $1.09 to $34.01 at September 30, 2024. Tangible common book value per share increased $1.17 to $24.91 as this quarter’s earnings and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss outpaced the quarterly dividend.

    Dividend Announcement
    The quarterly cash dividend will increase 3.6% from $0.28 per share to $0.29 per share. The dividend will be payable on December 13, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 29, 2024. This is the eighth consecutive semiannual increase to the quarterly dividend since early 2021.

    Year-Over-Year Review
    (All comparisons refer to the first nine months of 2023, except as noted)

    Net income totaled $90.6 million, or $2.36 per diluted share, compared to net income of $108.9 million, or $2.85 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2023. The decrease over the same period prior year was largely driven by lower net interest income, due to an increase in cost of funds outpacing the increase in interest income. Partially offsetting this decrease was a 4.7% increase in non-interest income driven by our diversified sources of fee revenue. Fully taxable equivalent pre-provision net revenue totaled $120.5 million, compared to $144.9 million. The return on average tangible assets totaled 1.33%, compared to 1.61%, and the return on average tangible common equity was 14.14%, compared to 18.81%.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income totaled $260.5 million, compared to $276.9 million. Average earning assets increased $165.0 million, including average loan growth of $296.4 million, which was partially offset by a decrease in average investment securities of $70.2 million. The fully taxable equivalent net interest margin narrowed 32 basis points to 3.80%, as the increase in earning asset yields was more than offset by an increase in the cost of funds. Average interest bearing liabilities increased $555.3 million due to higher deposit balances, and the cost of funds totaled 2.31%, compared to 1.40% in the same period prior year.

    Loans outstanding totaled $7.7 billion, increasing $236.1 million or 3.2%. New loan fundings over the trailing twelve months totaled $1.5 billion, led by commercial loan fundings of $1.0 billion.  

    The Company recorded $4.8 million of provision expense for credit losses for the first nine months of 2024, compared to provision expense of $3.7 million in the same period prior year. Annualized net charge-offs totaled 0.13% of average total loans during the first nine months of 2024, compared to 0.02% of average total loans during the first nine months of 2023. Non-performing loans decreased 13 basis points to 0.31% of total loans at September 30, 2024, and non-performing assets decreased 17 basis points to 0.32% of total loans and OREO at September 30, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans totaled 1.23% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.25% at September 30, 2023.

    Average total deposits increased $418.6 million or 5.3% to $8.3 billion, and average transaction deposits increased $369.2 million or 5.3%. The mix of transaction deposits to total deposits was 88%, consistent with September 30, 2023.

    Non-interest income totaled $50.1 million, an increase of $2.3 million or 4.7%, driven by increases in our diversified sources of fee revenue. Other non-interest income increased $5.2 million, or 63.6%, and included increases in SBA loan income, trust income, Cambr income and swap fee income. Mortgage banking income decreased $2.7 million as the sustained higher-interest rate environment has lowered mortgage volume.

    Non-interest expense totaled $190.1 million, an increase of $10.2 million or 5.7%, largely due to ongoing investments in technology. Salaries and benefits increased $7.6 million, occupancy and equipment increased $2.4 million and data processing increased $2.3 million. Other intangible assets amortization increased $0.6 million due to our Cambr acquisition in April of 2023. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $2.5 million in professional fees.

    Income tax expense totaled $19.9 million, a decrease of $7.9 million from the same period prior year, driven by lower pre-tax income. The effective tax rate was 18.0% for the first nine months of 2024, compared to 20.3%.

    Conference Call
    Management will host a conference call to review the results at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Interested parties may listen to this call by dialing (888) 204-4368 using the participant passcode of 3279876 and asking for the NBHC Q3 2024 Earnings Call. The earnings release and a link to the replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website at http://www.nationalbankholdings.com by visiting the investor relations area.

    About National Bank Holdings Corporation
    National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise, delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of over 90 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the bank’s core footprint. Its trust and wealth management business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Texas, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at http://www.nationalbankholdings.com

    For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com, or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn.

    About Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    Certain of the financial measures and ratios we present, including “tangible assets,” “return on average tangible assets,” “tangible common equity,” “return on average tangible common equity,” “tangible common book value per share,” “tangible common book value, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax,” “tangible common book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax,” “tangible common equity to tangible assets,” “non-interest expense excluding other intangible assets amortization,” “efficiency ratio excluding other intangible assets amortization,” “net income excluding the impact of other intangible assets amortization expense, after tax,” “pre-provision net revenue,” and “fully taxable equivalent” metrics, are supplemental measures that are not required by, or are not presented in accordance with, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We refer to these financial measures and ratios as “non-GAAP financial measures.” We consider the use of select non-GAAP financial measures and ratios to be useful for financial and operational decision making and useful in evaluating period-to-period comparisons. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain expenditures or assets that we believe are not indicative of our primary business operating results or by presenting certain metrics on a fully taxable equivalent basis. We believe that management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, analyzing and comparing past, present and future periods.

    These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP and you should not rely on non-GAAP financial measures alone as measures of our performance. The non-GAAP financial measures we present may differ from non-GAAP financial measures used by our peers or other companies. We compensate for these limitations by providing the equivalent GAAP measures whenever we present the non-GAAP financial measures and by including a reconciliation of the impact of the components adjusted for in the non-GAAP financial measure so that both measures and the individual components may be considered when analyzing our performance. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included at the end of the financial statement tables.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “predict,” “seek,” “potential,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “plan,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “intend” or similar expressions that relate to the Company’s strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve certain important risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the “Risk Factors” referenced in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the SEC, and the following factors: the impact of potential regulatory changes to capital requirements, treatment of investment securities and FDIC deposit insurance levels and costs; our ability to execute our business strategy, including our digital strategy, as well as changes in our business strategy or development plans; business and economic conditions; effects of any potential government shutdowns; economic, market, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with the Company’s business, including increased competition for deposits due to prevailing market interest rates and banking sector volatility; effects of any changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; changes imposed by regulatory agencies to increase capital standards; effects of inflation, as well as interest rate, securities market and monetary supply fluctuations; changes in the economy or supply-demand imbalances affecting local real estate values; changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits; changes in the fair value of our investment securities due to market conditions outside of our control; financial or reputational impacts associated with the increased prevalence of fraud or other financial crimes; with respect to our mortgage business, the inability to negotiate fees with investors for the purchase of our loans or our obligation to indemnify purchasers or repurchase related loans if the loans fail to meet certain criteria, or higher rate of delinquencies and defaults as a result of the geographic concentration of our servicing portfolio; the Company’s ability to identify potential candidates for, obtain regulatory approval for, and consummate, integrate and realize operating efficiencies from, acquisitions, consolidations and other expansion opportunities; our ability to integrate acquisitions or consolidations and to achieve synergies, operating efficiencies and/or other expected benefits within expected timeframes, or at all, or within expected cost projections, and to preserve the goodwill of acquired financial institutions; the Company’s ability to realize anticipated benefits from enhancements or updates to its core operating systems from time to time without significant change in client service or risk to the Company’s control environment; the Company’s dependence on information technology and telecommunications systems of third-party service providers and the risk of systems failures, interruptions or breaches of security, including those that could result in disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary client or other information; the Company’s ability to achieve organic loan and deposit growth and the competition for, and composition of, such growth; changes in sources and uses of funds; increased competition in the financial services industry; regulatory and financial impacts associated with the Company growing to over $10 billion in consolidated assets; increases in claims and litigation related to our fiduciary responsibilities in connection with our trust and wealth management business; the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and other accounting standard setters; the share price of the Company’s stock; the Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets or the need for a valuation allowance, or the effects of changes in tax laws on our deferred tax assets; the effects of tax legislation, including the potential of future increases to prevailing tax rules, or challenges to our positions; continued consolidation in the financial services industry; ability to maintain or increase market share and control expenses; costs and effects of changes in laws and regulations and of other legal and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, changes in regulation that affect the fees that we charge, the resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other government inquiries, and the results of regulatory examinations, reviews or other inquiries, and changes in regulations that apply to us as a Colorado state-chartered bank and a Wyoming state-chartered bank; technological changes, including with respect to the advancement of artificial intelligence; the timely development and acceptance of new products and services, including in the digital technology space our digital solution 2UniFi; changes in our management personnel and the Company’s continued ability to attract, hire and maintain qualified personnel; ability to implement and/or improve operational management and other internal risk controls and processes and reporting system and procedures; regulatory limitations on dividends from our bank subsidiaries; changes in estimates of future credit reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements; financial, reputational, or strategic risks associated with our investments in financial technology companies and initiatives; widespread natural and other disasters, pandemics, dislocations, political instability, acts of war or terrorist activities, cyberattacks or international hostilities through impacts on the economy and financial markets generally or on us or our counterparties specifically; a cybersecurity incident, data breach or a failure of a key information technology system; impact of reputational risk; other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in the Company’s reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items. The Company can give no assurance that any goal or plan or expectation set forth in forward-looking statements can be achieved and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.

    Contacts:
    Analysts/Institutional Investors:
    Emily Gooden, Chief Accounting Officer and Investor Relations Director, (720) 554-6640, ir@nationalbankholdings.com
    Nicole Van Denabeele, Chief Financial Officer, (720) 529-3370, ir@nationalbankholdings.com

    Media:
    Jody Soper, Chief Marketing Officer, (303) 784-5925, Jody.Soper@nbhbank.com 

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    FINANCIAL SUMMARY
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

                                 
      For the three months ended   For the nine months ended
      September 30,       June 30,       September 30,       September 30,       September 30, 
      2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Total interest and dividend income $ 138,003   $ 132,447   $ 126,110   $ 402,182   $ 360,712
    Total interest expense   50,350     48,873     38,333     146,925     88,262
    Net interest income   87,653     83,574     87,777     255,257     272,450
    Taxable equivalent adjustment   1,816     1,711     1,575     5,220     4,432
    Net interest income FTE(1)   89,469     85,285     89,352     260,477     276,882
    Provision expense for credit losses   2,000     2,776     1,125     4,776     3,725
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses FTE(1)   87,469     82,509     88,227     255,701     273,157
    Non-interest income:                            
    Service charges   4,912     4,295     4,849     13,598     13,394
    Bank card fees   4,832     4,882     4,993     14,292     14,721
    Mortgage banking income   2,981     3,296     4,688     8,932     11,614
    Other non-interest income   5,664     1,556     4,835     13,290     8,124
    Total non-interest income   18,389     14,029     19,365     50,112     47,853
    Non-interest expense:                            
    Salaries and benefits   37,331     36,933     35,027     110,784     103,231
    Occupancy and equipment   9,697     10,120     9,167     29,758     27,366
    Professional fees   2,111     1,706     2,215     5,463     7,951
    Data processing   4,398     4,117     3,546     12,581     10,257
    Other non-interest expense   8,648     8,222     8,640     25,523     25,693
    Other intangible assets amortization   1,977     1,977     2,008     5,962     5,378
    Total non-interest expense   64,162     63,075     60,603     190,071     179,876
                                 
    Income before income taxes FTE(1)   41,696     33,463     46,989     115,742     141,134
    Taxable equivalent adjustment   1,816     1,711     1,575     5,220     4,432
    Income before income taxes   39,880     31,752     45,414     110,522     136,702
    Income tax expense   6,775     5,617     9,327     19,891     27,775
    Net income $ 33,105   $ 26,135   $ 36,087   $ 90,631   $ 108,927
    Earnings per share – basic $ 0.86   $ 0.68   $ 0.95   $ 2.37   $ 2.87
    Earnings per share – diluted   0.86     0.68     0.94     2.36     2.85

                                                          

    (1 )      Net interest income is presented on a GAAP basis and fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis, as the Company believes this non-GAAP measure is the preferred industry measurement for this item. The FTE adjustment is for the tax benefit on certain tax exempt loans using the federal tax rate of 21% for each period presented.
           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

                           
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024      December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023
    ASSETS                      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 180,796     $ 144,993     $ 190,826     $ 291,291  
    Investment securities available-for-sale   708,987       691,076       628,829       620,445  
    Investment securities held-to-maturity   538,157       554,686       585,052       600,501  
    Non-marketable securities   72,353       72,987       90,477       87,817  
    Loans   7,714,495       7,722,153       7,698,758       7,478,438  
    Allowance for credit losses   (95,047 )     (96,457 )     (97,947 )     (93,446 )
    Loans, net   7,619,448       7,625,696       7,600,811       7,384,992  
    Loans held for sale   16,765       18,787       18,854       19,048  
    Other real estate owned   1,432       1,526       4,088       3,416  
    Premises and equipment, net   191,889       177,456       162,733       153,553  
    Goodwill   306,043       306,043       306,043       306,043  
    Intangible assets, net   60,390       62,356       66,025       68,283  
    Other assets   297,023       315,245       297,326       330,894  
    Total assets $ 9,993,283     $ 9,970,851     $ 9,951,064     $ 9,866,283  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Liabilities:                      
    Non-interest bearing demand deposits $ 2,268,801     $ 2,229,432     $ 2,361,367     $ 2,483,174  
    Interest bearing demand deposits   1,407,667       1,420,942       1,480,042       1,358,445  
    Savings and money market   3,768,211       3,703,810       3,367,012       3,314,895  
    Total transaction deposits   7,444,679       7,354,184       7,208,421       7,156,514  
    Time deposits   1,052,449       1,022,741       981,970       992,494  
    Total deposits   8,497,128       8,376,925       8,190,391       8,149,008  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   19,517       19,465       19,627       20,273  
    Long-term debt   54,433       54,356       54,200       54,123  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances         35,000       340,000       316,770  
    Other liabilities   130,208       237,461       134,039       162,524  
    Total liabilities   8,701,286       8,723,207       8,738,257       8,702,698  
    Shareholders’ equity:                      
    Common stock   515       515       515       515  
    Additional paid in capital   1,164,395       1,161,804       1,162,269       1,160,706  
    Retained earnings   491,849       469,630       433,126       410,243  
    Treasury stock   (302,277 )     (303,880 )     (306,702 )     (307,026 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (62,485 )     (80,425 )     (76,401 )     (100,853 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   1,291,997       1,247,644       1,212,807       1,163,585  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 9,993,283     $ 9,970,851     $ 9,951,064     $ 9,866,283  
    SHARE DATA                      
    Average basic shares outstanding   38,277,042       38,210,869       38,013,791       37,990,659  
    Average diluted shares outstanding   38,495,091       38,372,777       38,162,538       38,134,338  
    Ending shares outstanding   37,988,364       37,899,453       37,784,851       37,739,776  
    Common book value per share $ 34.01     $ 32.92     $ 32.10     $ 30.83  
    Tangible common book value per share(1) (non-GAAP)   24.91       23.74       22.77       21.43  
    Tangible common book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss(1) (non-GAAP)   26.56       25.86       24.79       24.10  
    CAPITAL RATIOS                      
    Average equity to average assets   12.80 %     12.57 %     11.97 %     11.93 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)   9.81 %     9.35 %     8.96 %     8.50 %
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   10.44 %     10.20 %     9.74 %     9.56 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   12.88 %     12.41 %     11.89 %     11.61 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   12.88 %     12.41 %     11.89 %     11.61 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio   14.79 %     14.32 %     13.80 %     13.49 %

                                                          

    (1 )      Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See non-GAAP reconciliations below.
           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Loan Portfolio
    (Dollars in thousands)

    Period End Loan Balances by Type

                             
              September 30, 2024       September 30, 2024
              vs. June 30, 2024       vs. September 30, 2023
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   % Change   September 30, 2023   % Change
    Originated:                        
    Commercial:                        
    Commercial and industrial $ 1,894,830   $ 1,906,095   (0.6 )%   $ 1,784,188   6.2 %
    Municipal and non-profit   1,096,843     1,063,706   3.1 %     1,012,967   8.3 %
    Owner-occupied commercial real estate   949,330     921,122   3.1 %     827,679   14.7 %
    Food and agribusiness   257,743     248,401   3.8 %     258,609   (0.3 )%
    Total commercial   4,198,746     4,139,324   1.4 %     3,883,443   8.1 %
    Commercial real estate non-owner occupied   1,113,796     1,116,424   (0.2 )%     1,026,133   8.5 %
    Residential real estate   933,644     923,313   1.1 %     897,804   4.0 %
    Consumer   13,600     14,385   (5.5 )%     16,700   (18.6 )%
    Total originated   6,259,786     6,193,446   1.1 %     5,824,080   7.5 %
                             
    Acquired:                        
    Commercial:                        
    Commercial and industrial   116,683     124,104   (6.0 )%     156,012   (25.2 )%
    Municipal and non-profit   282     288   (2.1 )%     305   (7.5 )%
    Owner-occupied commercial real estate   221,928     232,890   (4.7 )%     247,701   (10.4 )%
    Food and agribusiness   43,733     48,061   (9.0 )%     61,551   (28.9 )%
    Total commercial   382,626     405,343   (5.6 )%     465,569   (17.8 )%
    Commercial real estate non-owner occupied   720,384     752,040   (4.2 )%     787,926   (8.6 )%
    Residential real estate   349,916     369,003   (5.2 )%     398,187   (12.1 )%
    Consumer   1,783     2,321   (23.2 )%     2,676   (33.4 )%
    Total acquired   1,454,709     1,528,707   (4.8 )%     1,654,358   (12.1 )%
    Total loans $ 7,714,495   $ 7,722,153   (0.1 )%   $ 7,478,438   3.2 %
                                 

    Loan Fundings(1)

                                 
      Third quarter   Second quarter   First quarter   Fourth quarter   Third quarter
      2024   2024   2024   2023   2023
    Commercial:                            
    Commercial and industrial $ 93,711   $ 241,910   $ 53,978     $ 135,954   $ 89,297
    Municipal and non-profit   35,677     28,785     14,564       79,650     18,657
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   70,517     102,615     35,128       75,631     67,322
    Food and agribusiness   19,205     11,040     (7,204 )     10,646     16,191
    Total commercial   219,110     384,350     96,466       301,881     191,467
    Commercial real estate non-owner occupied   91,809     83,184     73,789       107,738     88,434
    Residential real estate   47,322     36,124     29,468       48,925     42,514
    Consumer   1,010     1,547     234       1,849     1,689
    Total $ 359,251   $ 505,205   $ 199,957     $ 460,393   $ 324,104

                                                          

    (1 )      Loan fundings are defined as closed end funded loans and net fundings under revolving lines of credit. Net fundings (paydowns) under revolving lines of credit were $16,302, $19,281, ($59,523), $16,954 and ($12,877) for the periods noted in the table above, respectively.
           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Summary of Net Interest Margin
    (Dollars in thousands)

                                                           
        For the three months ended   For the three months ended   For the three months ended
        September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
        Average               Average      Average               Average      Average               Average
        balance   Interest   rate   balance   Interest   rate   balance   Interest   rate
    Interest earning assets:                                                      
    Originated loans FTE(1)(2)   $ 6,251,827     $ 108,403     6.90 %   $ 6,074,199     $ 101,794     6.74 %   $ 5,803,157     $ 92,813     6.35 %
    Acquired loans     1,487,002       22,660     6.06 %     1,541,576       23,464     6.12 %     1,671,595       26,115     6.20 %
    Loans held for sale     18,078       319     7.02 %     16,862       318     7.59 %     22,154       383     6.86 %
    Investment securities available-for-sale     790,268       5,132     2.60 %     802,830       5,101     2.54 %     761,892       3,783     1.99 %
    Investment securities held-to-maturity     548,120       2,344     1.71 %     564,818       2,419     1.71 %     611,712       2,685     1.76 %
    Other securities     26,213       405     6.18 %     25,093       377     6.01 %     39,115       701     7.17 %
    Interest earning deposits     70,946       556     3.12 %     92,388       685     2.98 %     130,239       1,205     3.67 %
    Total interest earning assets FTE(2)   $ 9,192,454     $ 139,819     6.05 %   $ 9,117,766     $ 134,158     5.92 %   $ 9,039,864     $ 127,685     5.60 %
    Cash and due from banks   $ 86,887                 $ 100,165                 $ 104,308              
    Other assets     777,758                   771,475                   737,568              
    Allowance for credit losses     (96,369 )                 (97,741 )                 (92,831 )            
    Total assets   $ 9,960,730                 $ 9,891,665                 $ 9,788,909              
    Interest bearing liabilities:                                                      
    Interest bearing demand, savings and money market deposits   $ 5,134,650     $ 40,146     3.11 %   $ 5,109,924     $ 39,681     3.12 %   $ 4,535,183     $ 27,211     2.38 %
    Time deposits     1,039,563       9,220     3.53 %     1,015,371       8,536     3.38 %     992,755       6,212     2.48 %
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     17,146       5     0.12 %     17,449       5     0.12 %     19,288       6     0.12 %
    Long-term debt     54,383       519     3.80 %     54,307       518     3.84 %     54,074       519     3.81 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances     32,641       460     5.61 %     9,505       133     5.63 %     316,723       4,385     5.49 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities   $ 6,278,383     $ 50,350     3.19 %   $ 6,206,556     $ 48,873     3.17 %   $ 5,918,023     $ 38,333     2.57 %
    Demand deposits   $ 2,226,807                 $ 2,254,454                 $ 2,553,619              
    Other liabilities     180,667                   187,499                   149,068              
    Total liabilities     8,685,857                   8,648,509                   8,620,710              
    Shareholders’ equity     1,274,873                   1,243,156                   1,168,199              
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 9,960,730                 $ 9,891,665                 $ 9,788,909              
    Net interest income FTE(2)         $ 89,469               $ 85,285               $ 89,352      
    Interest rate spread FTE(2)                 2.86 %                 2.75 %                 3.03 %
    Net interest earning assets   $ 2,914,071                 $ 2,911,210                 $ 3,121,841              
    Net interest margin FTE(2)                 3.87 %                 3.76 %                 3.92 %
    Average transaction deposits   $ 7,361,457                 $ 7,364,378                 $ 7,088,802              
    Average total deposits     8,401,020                   8,379,749                   8,081,557              
    Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities     146.41 %                 146.91 %                 152.75 %            

                                                          

    (1 )      Originated loans are net of deferred loan fees, less costs, which are included in interest income over the life of the loan.
    (2 )      Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the statutory tax rate of 21%. The tax equivalent adjustments included above are $1,816, $1,711 and $1,575 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Summary of Net Interest Margin
    (Dollars in thousands)

                                   
      For the nine months ended September 30, 2024   For the nine months ended September 30, 2023
      Average              Average   Average              Average
      balance   Interest   rate   balance   Interest   rate
    Interest earning assets:                              
    Originated loans FTE(1)(2) $ 6,124,757     $ 311,112   6.79 %   $ 5,656,309     $ 258,528   6.11 %
    Acquired loans   1,546,482       70,413   6.08 %     1,718,523       79,526   6.19 %
    Loans held for sale   15,661       862   7.35 %     23,494       1,189   6.77 %
    Investment securities available-for-sale   781,454       14,336   2.45 %     786,087       11,655   1.98 %
    Investment securities held-to-maturity   563,975       7,277   1.72 %     629,507       8,364   1.77 %
    Other securities   28,771       1,398   6.48 %     46,480       2,513   7.21 %
    Interest earning deposits   84,920       2,004   3.15 %     120,633       3,369   3.73 %
    Total interest earning assets FTE(2) $ 9,146,020     $ 407,402   5.95 %   $ 8,981,033     $ 365,144   5.44 %
    Cash and due from banks $ 96,510               $ 110,902            
    Other assets   768,521                 724,305            
    Allowance for credit losses   (97,327 )               (91,110 )          
    Total assets $ 9,913,724               $ 9,725,130            
    Interest bearing liabilities:                              
    Interest bearing demand, savings and money market deposits $ 5,064,386     $ 116,240   3.07 %   $ 4,197,603     $ 55,070   1.75 %
    Time deposits   1,015,081       25,340   3.33 %     965,750       14,545   2.01 %
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   17,839       16   0.12 %     19,863       17   0.11 %
    Long-term debt   54,307       1,555   3.82 %     53,997       1,555   3.85 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   89,918       3,774   5.61 %     449,060       17,075   5.08 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities $ 6,241,531     $ 146,925   3.14 %   $ 5,686,273     $ 88,262   2.08 %
    Demand deposits $ 2,253,986               $ 2,751,537            
    Other liabilities   170,005                 141,110            
    Total liabilities   8,665,522                 8,578,920            
    Shareholders’ equity   1,248,202                 1,146,210            
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 9,913,724               $ 9,725,130            
    Net interest income FTE(2)       $ 260,477             $ 276,882    
    Interest rate spread FTE(2)             2.81 %               3.36 %
    Net interest earning assets $ 2,904,489               $ 3,294,760            
    Net interest margin FTE(2)             3.80 %               4.12 %
    Average transaction deposits $ 7,318,372               $ 6,949,140            
    Average total deposits   8,333,453                 7,914,890            
    Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities   146.53 %               157.94 %          

                                                          

    (1 )      Originated loans are net of deferred loan fees, less costs, which are included in interest income over the life of the loan.
    (2 )      Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the statutory tax rate of 21%. The tax equivalent adjustments included above are $5,220 and $4,432 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Allowance for Credit Losses and Asset Quality
    (Dollars in thousands)

    Allowance for Credit Losses Analysis

                     
      As of and for the three months ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Beginning allowance for credit losses $ 96,457     $ 97,607     $ 92,581  
    Charge-offs   (3,505 )     (4,605 )     (540 )
    Recoveries   95       499       280  
    Provision expense for credit losses   2,000       2,956       1,125  
    Ending allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) $ 95,047     $ 96,457     $ 93,446  
    Ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average total loans during the period   0.18 %     0.22 %     0.01 %
    Ratio of ACL to total loans outstanding at period end   1.23 %     1.25 %     1.25 %
    Ratio of ACL to total non-performing loans at period end   403.68 %     370.18 %     281.36 %
    Total loans $ 7,714,495     $ 7,722,153     $ 7,478,438  
    Average total loans during the period   7,714,765       7,582,506       7,443,869  
    Total non-performing loans   23,545       26,057       33,212  
                           

    Past Due and Non-accrual Loans

                     
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Loans 30-89 days past due and still accruing interest $ 31,253     $ 27,159     $ 8,144  
    Loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest   9,509       3,498       154  
    Non-accrual loans   23,545       26,057       33,212  
    Total past due and non-accrual loans $ 64,307     $ 56,714     $ 41,510  
    Total 90 days past due and still accruing interest and non-accrual loans to total loans   0.43 %     0.38 %     0.45 %
                           

    Asset Quality Data

                     
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
    Non-performing loans $ 23,545     $ 26,057     $ 33,212  
    OREO   1,432       1,526       3,416  
    Total non-performing assets $ 24,977     $ 27,583     $ 36,628  
    Total non-performing loans to total loans   0.31 %     0.34 %     0.44 %
    Total non-performing assets to total loans and OREO   0.32 %     0.36 %     0.49 %
                           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Key Metrics(1)

                                 
      As of and for the three months ended   As of and for the nine months ended
      September 30,    June 30,    September 30,    September 30,    September 30, 
      2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Return on average assets   1.32 %     1.06 %     1.46 %     1.22 %     1.50 %
    Return on average tangible assets(2)   1.43 %     1.17 %     1.58 %     1.33 %     1.61 %
    Return on average equity   10.33 %     8.46 %     12.26 %     9.70 %     12.71 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(2)   14.84 %     12.44 %     18.38 %     14.14 %     18.81 %
    Loan to deposit ratio (end of period)   90.79 %     92.18 %     91.77 %     90.79 %     91.77 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits (end of period)   26.70 %     26.61 %     30.47 %     26.70 %     30.47 %
    Net interest margin(3)   3.79 %     3.69 %     3.85 %     3.73 %     4.06 %
    Net interest margin FTE(2)(3)   3.87 %     3.76 %     3.92 %     3.80 %     4.12 %
    Interest rate spread FTE(4)   2.86 %     2.75 %     3.03 %     2.81 %     3.36 %
    Yield on earning assets(5)   5.97 %     5.84 %     5.53 %     5.87 %     5.37 %
    Yield on earning assets FTE(2)(5)   6.05 %     5.92 %     5.60 %     5.95 %     5.44 %
    Cost of interest bearing liabilities   3.19 %     3.17 %     2.57 %     3.14 %     2.08 %
    Cost of deposits   2.34 %     2.31 %     1.64 %     2.27 %     1.18 %
    Non-interest income to total revenue FTE(9)   17.05 %     14.13 %     17.81 %     16.13 %     14.74 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets   2.56 %     2.56 %     2.46 %     2.56 %     2.47 %
    Efficiency ratio   60.51 %     64.62 %     56.56 %     62.24 %     56.16 %
    Efficiency ratio excluding other intangible assets amortization FTE(2)   57.65 %     61.52 %     53.90 %     59.28 %     53.74 %
    Pre-provision net revenue $ 41,880     $ 34,528     $ 46,539     $ 115,298     $ 140,427  
    Pre-provision net revenue FTE(2)   43,696       36,239       48,114       120,518       144,859  
                                 
    Total Loans Asset Quality Data(6)(7)(8)                            
    Non-performing loans to total loans   0.31 %     0.34 %     0.44 %     0.31 %     0.44 %
    Non-performing assets to total loans and OREO   0.32 %     0.36 %     0.49 %     0.32 %     0.49 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.23 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.23 %     1.33 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans   403.68 %     370.18 %     281.36 %     403.68 %     281.36 %
    Net charge-offs to average loans   0.18 %     0.22 %     0.01 %     0.13 %     0.02 %

                                                          

    (1 )      Ratios are annualized.
    (2 )      Ratio represents non-GAAP financial measure. See non-GAAP reconciliations below.
    (3 )   Net interest margin represents net interest income, including accretion income on interest earning assets, as a percentage of average interest earning assets.
    (4 )      Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest earning assets, including FTE income, and the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities. Ratio represents a non-GAAP financial measure.
    (5 )   Interest earning assets include assets that earn interest/accretion or dividends. Any market value adjustments on investment securities or loans are excluded from interest earning assets.
    (6 )   Non-performing loans consist of non-accruing loans and modified loans on non-accrual.
    (7 )   Non-performing assets include non-performing loans and other real estate owned.
    (8 )   Total loans are net of unearned discounts and fees.
    (9 )   Non-interest income to total revenue represents non-interest income divided by the sum of net interest income FTE and non-interest income. Ratio represents a non-GAAP financial measure.
           

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

    Tangible Common Book Value Ratios

                             
        September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024      December 31, 2023   September 30, 2023
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 1,291,997     $ 1,247,644     $ 1,212,807     $ 1,163,585  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets, net     (358,754 )     (360,732 )     (364,716 )     (366,724 )
    Add: deferred tax liability related to goodwill     13,203       12,871       12,208       11,876  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 946,446     $ 899,783     $ 860,299     $ 808,737  
                             
    Total assets   $ 9,993,283     $ 9,970,851     $ 9,951,064     $ 9,866,283  
    Less: goodwill and other intangible assets, net     (358,754 )     (360,732 )     (364,716 )     (366,724 )
    Add: deferred tax liability related to goodwill     13,203       12,871       12,208       11,876  
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 9,647,732     $ 9,622,990     $ 9,598,556     $ 9,511,435  
                             
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets calculations:                        
    Total shareholders’ equity to total assets     12.93 %     12.51 %     12.19 %     11.79 %
    Less: impact of goodwill and other intangible assets, net     (3.12 )%     (3.16 )%     (3.23 )%     (3.29 )%
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)     9.81 %     9.35 %     8.96 %     8.50 %
                             
    Tangible common book value per share calculations:                        
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 946,446     $ 899,783     $ 860,299     $ 808,737  
    Divided by: ending shares outstanding     37,988,364       37,899,453       37,784,851       37,739,776  
    Tangible common book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 24.91     $ 23.74     $ 22.77     $ 21.43  
                             
    Tangible common book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss calculations:                        
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 946,446     $ 899,783     $ 860,299     $ 808,737  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     62,485       80,425       76,401       100,853  
    Tangible common book value, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (non-GAAP)     1,008,931       980,208       936,700       909,590  
    Divided by: ending shares outstanding     37,988,364       37,899,453       37,784,851       37,739,776  
    Tangible common book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (non-GAAP)   $ 26.56     $ 25.86     $ 24.79     $ 24.10  
                                     

    NATIONAL BANK HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
    Return on Average Tangible Assets and Return on Average Tangible Equity

                                   
        As of and for the three months ended   As of and for the nine months ended
        September 30,       June 30,       September 30,       September 30,       September 30, 
        2024      2024      2023      2024      2023
    Net income   $ 33,105     $ 26,135     $ 36,087     $ 90,631     $ 108,927  
    Add: impact of other intangible assets amortization expense, after tax     1,517       1,516       1,541       4,575       4,128  
    Net income excluding the impact of other intangible assets amortization expense, after tax (non-GAAP)   $ 34,622     $ 27,651     $ 37,628     $ 95,206     $ 113,055  
                                   
    Average assets   $ 9,960,730     $ 9,891,665     $ 9,788,909     $ 9,913,724     $ 9,725,130  
    Less: average goodwill and other intangible assets, net of deferred tax liability related to goodwill     (346,757 )     (349,030 )     (356,083 )     (348,717 )     (342,826 )
    Average tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 9,613,973     $ 9,542,635     $ 9,432,826     $ 9,565,007     $ 9,382,304  
                                   
    Average shareholders’ equity   $ 1,274,873     $ 1,243,156     $ 1,168,199     $ 1,248,202     $ 1,146,210  
    Less: average goodwill and other intangible assets, net of deferred tax liability related to goodwill     (346,757 )     (349,030 )     (356,083 )     (348,717 )     (342,826 )
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 928,116     $ 894,126     $ 812,116     $ 899,485     $ 803,384  
                                   
    Return on average assets     1.32 %     1.06 %     1.46 %     1.22 %     1.50 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)     1.43 %     1.17 %     1.58 %     1.33 %     1.61 %
    Return on average equity     10.33 %     8.46 %     12.26 %     9.70 %     12.71 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)     14.84 %     12.44 %     18.38 %     14.14 %     18.81 %
                                             

    Fully Taxable Equivalent Yield on Earning Assets and Net Interest Margin

                                   
        As of and for the three months ended   As of and for the nine months ended
        September 30,    June 30,    September 30,    September 30,    September 30, 
        2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Interest income   $ 138,003        $ 132,447        $ 126,110        $ 402,182     $ 360,712  
    Add: impact of taxable equivalent adjustment     1,816       1,711       1,575       5,220       4,432  
    Interest income FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 139,819     $ 134,158     $ 127,685     $ 407,402     $ 365,144  
                                   
    Net interest income   $ 87,653     $ 83,574     $ 87,777     $ 255,257     $ 272,450  
    Add: impact of taxable equivalent adjustment     1,816       1,711       1,575       5,220       4,432  
    Net interest income FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 89,469     $ 85,285     $ 89,352     $ 260,477     $ 276,882  
                                   
    Average earning assets   $ 9,192,454     $ 9,117,766     $ 9,039,864     $ 9,146,020     $ 8,981,033  
    Yield on earning assets     5.97 %     5.84 %     5.53 %     5.87 %     5.37 %
    Yield on earning assets FTE (non-GAAP)     6.05 %     5.92 %     5.60 %     5.95 %     5.44 %
    Net interest margin     3.79 %     3.69 %     3.85 %     3.73 %     4.06 %
    Net interest margin FTE (non-GAAP)     3.87 %     3.76 %     3.92 %     3.80 %     4.12 %
                                             

    Efficiency Ratio and Pre-Provision Net Revenue

                                   
        As of and for the three months ended   As of and for the nine months ended
           September 30,       June 30,       September 30,       September 30,       September 30, 
           2024      2024      2023      2024      2023
    Net interest income   $ 87,653     $ 83,574     $ 87,777     $ 255,257     $ 272,450  
    Add: impact of taxable equivalent adjustment     1,816       1,711       1,575       5,220       4,432  
    Net interest income FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 89,469     $ 85,285     $ 89,352     $ 260,477     $ 276,882  
                                   
    Non-interest income   $ 18,389     $ 14,029     $ 19,365     $ 50,112     $ 47,853  
                                   
    Non-interest expense   $ 64,162     $ 63,075     $ 60,603     $ 190,071     $ 179,876  
    Less: other intangible assets amortization     (1,977 )     (1,977 )     (2,008 )     (5,962 )     (5,378 )
    Non-interest expense excluding other intangible assets amortization (non-GAAP)   $ 62,185     $ 61,098     $ 58,595     $ 184,109     $ 174,498  
                                   
    Efficiency ratio     60.51 %     64.62 %     56.56 %     62.24 %     56.16 %
    Efficiency ratio excluding other intangible assets amortization FTE (non-GAAP)     57.65 %     61.52 %     53.90 %     59.28 %     53.74 %
    Pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)   $ 41,880     $ 34,528     $ 46,539     $ 115,298     $ 140,427  
    Pre-provision net revenue, FTE (non-GAAP)     43,696       36,239       48,114       120,518       144,859  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Chemung Financial Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2024 Net Income of $5.7 million, or $1.19 per share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ELMIRA, N.Y., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chemung Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) (Nasdaq: CHMG), the parent company of Chemung Canal Trust Company (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $5.7 million, or $1.19 per share, for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $5.0 million, or $1.05 per share, for the second quarter of 2024, and $7.6 million, or $1.61 per share, for the third quarter of 2023.

    “Our balance sheet is well positioned as we enter into this rate cutting cycle. We are seeing the benefit of higher yielding loans driving interest income, while funding costs continue to moderate,” said Anders M. Tomson, President and CEO of Chemung Financial Corporation. “Strong non-interest income production and a stable credit environment were a welcome addition to an already strong quarter,” Tomson added.

    “As we begin operations in our new Williamsville, New York location, we are eager to continue fostering an environment committed to our mission of community-oriented banking, both in Western New York and throughout the Bank’s footprint,” concluded Tomson.

    Third Quarter Highlights:

    • The Corporation opened a full-service branch and regional banking center at 5529 Main Street in Williamsville, New York under the Canal Bank, a division of Chemung Canal Trust Company, name on October 11, 2024.
    • Tangible equity to tangible assets improved by 66 basis points to 7.22% as of September 30, 2024, compared to prior quarter-end, and 77 basis points compared to December 31, 2023.1
    • Cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased by three basis points during the third quarter of 2024, compared to a nine basis points increase during the second quarter of 2024.
    • Dividends declared during the third quarter 2024 were $0.31 per share.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.

    3rd Quarter 2024 vs 2nd Quarter 2024

    Net Interest Income:

    Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $18.4 million compared to $17.8 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.6 million, or 3.4%, driven primarily by increases of $1.1 million in interest income on loans, including fees and $0.1 million in interest income on interest-earning deposits, offset primarily by increases of $0.3 million in interest expense on deposits and $0.1 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, and a decrease of $0.2 million in interest income on taxable securities.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, increased primarily due to an increase of 11 basis points in the average yield on commercial loans, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in the average yield on commercial loans was primarily attributable to higher yielding commercial real estate originations during 2024, and the recognition of $0.2 million in interest income on the payoff of a nonaccrual commercial real estate loan. Average balances of commercial loans increased $14.3 million, compared to the prior quarter. Average yields on residential mortgages and consumer loans increased 21 and 15 basis points, respectively, compared to the prior quarter, while average balances of residential mortgages and consumer loans decreased by $0.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively. The increase in interest income on interest-earning deposits was due to an increase of $5.7 million in the average balances of interest- earning deposits, compared to the prior quarter.

    Interest expense on deposits increased primarily due to growth in the average balances of customer time deposits of $25.5 million and an increase of five basis points in the average interest rate paid on customer time deposits, compared to the prior quarter. Customer time deposits comprised 23.0% of average total deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 21.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Average balances of brokered deposits decreased $35.3 million, compared to the prior quarter, while the average interest rate paid on brokered deposits was flat quarter over quarter. Average balances of savings and money market deposits increased $10.1 million and average interest rates paid on savings and money market deposits increased nine basis points, compared to the prior quarter. Average balances of total interest-bearing deposits increased $6.1 million and the average interest rate paid on total interest-bearing deposits increased two basis points, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in the average balances and average cost of customer time deposits was primarily due to the continuation of CD campaigns in the current quarter. The increase in the average balances and average cost of savings and money market deposits was primarily due to a shift in the composition of deposits towards higher rate money market accounts and additional seasonal municipal deposits.

    The increase in interest expense on borrowed funds was due primarily to an increase in the average cost of total borrowings of four basis points, and an increase in the average balances of borrowed funds of $3.2 million in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The average cost of total borrowings for the current quarter was 5.08%, compared to 5.04% in the prior quarter. Included in average balances of borrowed funds was $30.0 million in FHLB term advances that matured in September 2024. The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was primarily due to lower average balances of SBA pooled loan securities and additional amortization expense on SBA pooled loan securities, both due to paydown activity.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.72% in the current quarter, compared to 2.66% in the prior quarter. Expansion of net interest margin in the current quarter was primarily attributable to an increase of nine basis points in the average yield of total interest-earning assets to 4.78%, offset by an increase of three basis points in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 2.97%, compared to the prior quarter.

    Provision for Credit Losses:

    Provision for credit losses decreased $0.3 million in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. Provisioning in the current quarter was primarily attributable to unfavorable changes in economic forecasts and lower modeled prepayment speeds used in the Bank’s CECL model, as well as lower growth-related provisioning in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. Provisioning in the prior quarter included a $0.2 million specific allocation on a commercial and industrial loan.

    Non-Interest Income:

    Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $5.9 million, compared to $5.6 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.3 million, or 5.4%. The increase was driven primarily by increases of $0.1 million in each of wealth management group fee income, service charges on deposit accounts, change in fair value of equity investments, and gains on sales of loans held for sale.

    The increase in wealth management group fee income was primarily attributable to increases in fee rates effective July 1, 2024. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was primarily attributable to an increase in overdraft transaction volume, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in the change in fair value of equity investments was primarily attributable to an increase in the market value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan, and the increase in gains on sales of loans held for sale was primarily attributable to an increase in the volume of loans sold to the secondary market during the current period, due to an increase in total residential loan originations in the current period.

    Non-Interest Expense:

    Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $16.5 million, compared to $16.2 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.3 million, or 1.9%. The increase was driven primarily by increases of $0.3 million each in salaries and wages and data processing expenses, and $0.2 million in other non-interest expense, partially offset by a decrease of $0.5 million in pension and other employee benefits.

    The increase in salaries and wages compared to the prior quarter was primarily attributable to additional staffing for the Corporation’s newly established Western New York regional banking center, and expense related to an increase in the market value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan. The increase in data processing expense was primarily attributable to the timing of various vendor credits and rebates, and an increase in card procurement expense. The increase in other non-interest expense was primarily attributable to an increase supplies and postage expense, and an increase in charitable contributions. The decrease in pension and other employee benefits was primarily attributable to lower healthcare related expenses in the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter.

    Income Tax Expense:

    Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $1.5 million, compared to $1.3 million for the prior quarter, an increase of $0.2 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter increased to 20.9% from 20.3% in the prior quarter. The increase in income tax expense was primarily attributable to an increase in pretax income.

    3rd Quarter 2024 vs 3rd Quarter 2023

    Net Interest Income:

    Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $18.4 million compared to $18.0 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.4 million, or 2.2%, driven primarily by increases of $3.6 million in interest income on loans, including fees and $0.3 million in interest income on interest-earning deposits, partially offset by increases of $2.3 million in interest expense on deposits and $0.7 million in interest expense on borrowed funds, and a decrease of $0.5 million in interest income on taxable securities.

    Interest income on loans, including fees, increased primarily due to a $134.3 million increase in the average balances of commercial loans and an increase of 36 basis points in the average yield on commercial loans, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in average balances of commercial loans consisted of year over year growth in both commercial and industrial and commercial real estate balances, while the increase in the average yield was primarily due to higher origination yields in 2024. Average balances of residential mortgage loans decreased $9.2 million compared to the same period in the prior year due to an increase in sales of new originations to the secondary market, while the average yield on residential mortgage loans increased 36 basis points compared to the same period in the prior year. Average consumer loan balances decreased $13.9 million compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily due to lower indirect auto loan origination activity during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period, while the average yield on consumer loans increased 60 basis points, primarily due to runoff of older vintage indirect auto loans, replaced by higher yielding new originations. Interest income on interest-earning deposits increased primarily due to a $21.2 million increase in the average balances of interest-earning deposits, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Interest expense on deposits increased primarily due to a 44 basis points increase in the average interest rate paid on total interest-bearing deposits, which included brokered deposits, and an increase of $175.6 million in the average balance of customer interest-bearing deposits. Both the increase in the average interest rate paid and the average balances of customer interest-bearing deposits were primarily attributable to CD campaigns throughout 2024, as well as a general shift in the deposit mix towards higher cost accounts. The average balances of brokered deposits decreased $123.7 million, while the average interest rate paid on brokered deposits increased nine basis points, compared to the same period in the prior year. Average balances of brokered deposits decreased primarily due to the utilization of the Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) and FHLBNY term advances in the current quarter, which were not utilized in the same period in the prior year, as well as lower growth in loan balances during the current quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    The increase in interest expense on borrowed funds was primarily attributable to a $54.8 million increase in the average balances of borrowed funds, partially offset by a decrease of 17 basis points in the average interest rate paid on borrowed funds. Changes in the composition of borrowed funds reflected the Corporation’s shift to the lower cost BTFP, as well as FHLBNY term advances, partially replacing FHLBNY overnight advances in the current quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average balances of FHLBNY overnight advances decreased $17.3 million, while the average interest rate paid on FHLBNY overnight advances decreased 47 basis points, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in interest income on taxable securities was primarily attributable to net paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024 of $54.8 million, and an increase in amortization expense on SBA pooled loan securities, due to paydown activity.

    Fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 2.72% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.73% for the same period in the prior year. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 50 basis points to 2.97%, and the average balances of interest-bearing liabilities increased $106.7 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 38 basis points to 4.78%, and the average balances of interest- earning assets increased $73.0 million, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Provision for Credit Losses:

    Provision for credit losses increased $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to unfavorable changes in FOMC forecasts in the third quarter of 2024, compared to favorable changes to forecasts in the third quarter of 2023, as well as a decline in modeled prepayment speeds. This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in net charge offs in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the third quarter of 2023.

    Non-Interest Income:

    Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $5.9 million compared to $7.8 million for the same period in the prior year, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 24.4%. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of $2.5 million in other non-interest income, partially offset by increases of $0.5 million in wealth management group fee income and $0.2 million in the change in fair value of equity investments. The decrease in other non-interest income was primarily attributable to the recognition of the employee retention tax credit (ERTC) in the third quarter of 2023. The increase in wealth management group fee income was primarily attributable to an increase in the market value of total assets under management or administration and fee rate increases effective in the third quarter of 2024, while the increase in the change in fair value of equity investments was primarily attributable to an increase in the value of assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan.

    Non-Interest Expense:

    Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $16.5 million compared to $15.7 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $0.8 million, or 5.1%. The increase was primarily driven by increases of $0.6 million in salaries and wages and $0.3 million in other non-interest expense, partially offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in pension and other employee benefits.

    The increase in salaries and wages was primarily attributable to an increase in salaries, including additional staffing for the Corporation’s newly opened Western New York regional banking center, as well as an increase in the market value of the assets held for the Corporation’s deferred compensation plan. The increase in other non-interest expense was primarily attributable to increases in supplies and postage expense, and losses recognized on the sale of repossessed vehicles in the current quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in pension and other employee benefits was primarily attributable to a decrease in healthcare related expenses in the current quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Income Tax Expense:

    Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $1.5 million compared to $2.1 million for the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $0.5 million. The effective tax rate for the current quarter was 20.9%, compared to 21.2% for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily attributable to additional income tax expense recognized in the third quarter of 2023 due to filing amended tax returns in relation to the ERTC.

    Asset Quality

    Non-performing loans totaled $10.5 million as of September 30, 2024, or 0.52% of total loans, compared to $10.4 million, or 0.53% of total loans as of December 31, 2023. The slight increase in non-performing loans was primarily attributable to $3.9 million in commercial loan balances added to nonaccrual during the year, offset by $3.8 million in paydowns and payoffs of existing nonaccrual commercial loan balances during the year. Non-performing assets, which are comprised of non-performing loans, other real estate owned, and repossessed vehicles, were $11.1 million, or 0.40% of total assets as of September 30, 2024, compared to $10.7 million, or 0.40% of total assets as of December 31, 2023. Other real estate owned was $0.5 million and repossessed vehicles was $0.1 million as of September 30, 2024.

    Total loan delinquencies as of September 30, 2024 increased compared to December 31, 2023, primarily attributable to increases in residential mortgage and consumer loan delinquency rates during the period. The majority of past due residential mortgage balances were past due between 30-59 days. Commercial loan delinquency rates declined as of September 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023. Annualized net charge-offs to total average loans for the third quarter of 2024 were 0.02%, compared to 0.06% for the second quarter of 2024, and 0.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.05% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Annualized consumer net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 0.31% of average consumer loan balances and 0.18% of average consumer loan balances for the third quarter of 2024, primarily concentrated in indirect auto loans, while commercial loans and residential mortgage loans each had net recovery rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the third quarter of 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses was $21.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and $22.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, a component of other liabilities, was $0.8 million as of September 30, 2024 and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses was primarily attributable to the annual review and update to the loss drivers which the Bank’s CECL model is based upon. Recalibration of loss drivers resulted in a decline in the baseline loss rates which the model utilizes, and were applied beginning in the first quarter of 2024. Partially offsetting these declines were comparatively weaker FOMC projections for economic variables used in the model as of September 30, 2024 compared to as of December 31, 2023, in addition to declines in prepayment speeds between December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024, and loan growth during 2024.

    The allowance for credit losses was 203.33% of non-performing loans as of September 30, 2024 and 216.28% as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.06% as of September 30, 2024 and 1.14% as of December 31, 2023. Provision for credit losses as a percentage of period-end loan balances was 0.03% for the third quarter of 2024.

    Balance Sheet Activity

    Total assets were $2.774 billion as of September 30, 2024 compared to $2.711 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $63.7 million, or 2.3%. The increase was primarily attributable to increases of $56.3 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs, and $43.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by decreases of $30.9 million in total investment securities and $6.9 million in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

    The increase in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs, was concentrated in the commercial loan portfolio, which increased by $76.9 million, or 5.5%, compared to prior year-end. Growth in commercial loans during the current period consisted of growth in both commercial and industrial and commercial real estate balances. Consumer loans decreased by $16.7 million, or 5.4%, primarily driven by lower indirect auto loan origination activity during the current period, and a relatively fast turnover rate in the portfolio. Residential mortgages decreased by $3.9 million, or 1.4%, as the Corporation continued to elect to sell a portion of originations into the secondary market.

    The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to $50.0 million in advances from the Federal Reserve’s BTFP, $41.8 million in paydowns and maturities of available for sale securities, and an increase of $21.7 million in total deposits, primarily offset by an increase of $56.3 million in loans, net of deferred origination fees and costs, and a decrease of $31.9 million in FHLB overnight advances, compared to prior year-end.

    Total investment securities decreased primarily due to a decrease of $29.4 million in securities available for sale, compared to prior year-end. Net paydowns and maturities on securities available for sale for the current period totaled $41.8 million, primarily attributable to paydowns on mortgage-backed securities and SBA pooled-loan securities. The market value of securities available for sale increased by $14.7 million, due to favorable changes in interest rates during the current period. The decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets was primarily due to decreases in interest rate swap assets of $4.2 million, due to a decrease in the market value of swaps, and $3.9 million in deferred tax assets, due to improvements in the market value of the available for sale securities portfolio.

    Total liabilities were $2.554 billion as of September 30, 2024 compared to $2.515 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $38.3 million, or 1.5%. The increase in total liabilities was primarily attributable to increases of $18.8 million in advances and other debt and of $21.7 million in deposits, partially offset by a decrease of $2.2 million in accrued interest payable and other liabilities.

    Total deposits increased by $21.7 million or 0.9%, compared to prior year-end, primarily driven by increases of $102.8 million in customer time deposits, or 21.9%, and $58.2 million in interest bearing demand deposits, or 20.0%. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases of $103.3 million in brokered deposits, or 72.3%, and $37.0 million in non- interest bearing demand deposits, or 5.7%. Additionally, money market deposits increased by $7.2 million, or 1.1% and savings deposits decreased by $6.2 million, or 2.5%. Non-interest bearing deposits comprised 25.1% and 26.9% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    The increase in advances and other debt was primarily attributable to a $50.0 million advance from the Federal Reserve’s BTFP, and an increase of $0.7 million in finance lease obligations, offset by a decrease of $31.9 million in FHLBNY overnight advances. The decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in interest rate swap liabilities of $4.8 million, primarily due to a decrease in the market value of swaps, partially offset by increases in interest payable on borrowed funds of $1.7 million and interest payable on deposits of $1.2 million.

    Total shareholders’ equity was $220.7 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $195.2 million as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $25.4 million, or 13.0%, primarily driven by an increase of $13.3 million in retained earnings and a decrease of $10.9 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The increase in retained earnings was primarily due to net income of $17.8 million, offset by dividends declared of $4.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss was primarily attributable to the favorable impact of interest rates on available for sale securities during the current period.

    The total equity to total assets ratio was 7.95% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 7.20% as of December 31, 2023, and the tangible equity to tangible assets ratio was 7.22% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 6.45% as of December 31, 2023.1 Book value per share increased to $46.22 as of September 30, 2024 from $41.07 as of December 31, 2023. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of those required to be considered well- capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

    1 See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations

    Liquidity

    The Corporation uses a variety of resources to manage its liquidity, and management believes it has the necessary liquidity to allow for flexibility in meeting its various operational and strategic needs. These include short-term investments, cash flow from lending and investing activities, core-deposit growth and non-core funding sources, such as time deposits of $250,000 or greater, brokered deposits, FHLBNY advances, and Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) advances. No new borrowings could be made under the BTFP after March 11, 2024. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis for liquidity purposes or on a long-term basis to fund asset growth. As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s cash and cash equivalents balance was $80.4 million. The Corporation also maintains an investment portfolio of securities available for sale, comprised primarily of US Government treasury securities, SBA loan pools, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds. Although this portfolio generates interest income for the Corporation, it also serves as an available source of liquidity and capital if the need should arise. As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation’s investment in securities available for sale was $554.6 million, $256.1 million of which was not pledged as collateral. Additionally, the Bank’s total advance line capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York was $224.2 million as of September 30, 2024, all of which was available as of September 30, 2024. In January 2024, the Corporation utilized the BTFP with an advance of $50.0 million, which the Corporation paid off in October 2024, without prepayment penalty.

    As of September 30, 2024, uninsured deposits totaled $708.9 million, or 28.9% of total deposits, including $216.2 million of municipal deposits that were collateralized by pledged assets, when appropriate. As of December 31, 2023, uninsured deposits totaled $655.7 million, or 27.0% of total deposits, including $153.2 million of municipal deposits that were collateralized by pledged assets. Due to their fluidity, the Corporation closely monitors uninsured deposit levels when considering liquidity management strategies.

    The Corporation considers brokered deposits to be an element of its deposit strategy, and anticipates it may continue utilizing brokered deposits as a secondary source of funding in support of growth. As of September 30, 2024, the Corporation had entered into brokered deposit arrangements with multiple brokers. As of September 30, 2024, brokered deposits carried terms between 2 and 48 months, totaling $39.5 million. Excluding brokered deposits, total deposits increased $125.0 million compared to December 31, 2023, due primarily to ongoing CD campaigns and seasonal inflows associated with municipal deposits.

    Other Items

    The market value of total assets under management or administration in our Wealth Management Group was $2.316 billion as of September 30, 2024, including $367.8 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, compared to $2.242 billion as of December 31, 2023, including $381.3 million of assets under management or administration for the Corporation, an increase of $73.2 million, or 3.3%, due primarily to market improvements during 2024.

    As previously announced on January 8, 2021, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Corporation may repurchase up to 250,000 shares of its common stock, or approximately 5% of its then outstanding shares. The repurchase program permits shares to be repurchased in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of September 30, 2024, a total of 49,184 shares of common stock at a total cost of $2.0 million were repurchased by the Corporation under its share repurchase program. No shares were repurchased in the third quarter of 2024. The weighted average cost was $40.42 per share repurchased. Remaining buyback authority under the share repurchase program was 200,816 shares as of September 30, 2024.

    The Bank opened a full-service branch and regional banking center at 5529 Main Street in Williamsville, New York on October 11, 2024 under the Canal Bank, a division of Chemung Canal Trust Company, name. The Bank has received regulatory approval to convert its previous branch location in Clarence, New York into an administrative office in support of the Bank’s Western New York operations.

    About Chemung Financial Corporation

    Chemung Financial Corporation is a $2.8 billion financial services holding company headquartered in Elmira, New York and operates 31 retail offices through its principal subsidiary, Chemung Canal Trust Company, a full service community bank with trust powers. Established in 1833, Chemung Canal Trust Company is the oldest locally-owned and managed community bank in New York State. Chemung Financial Corporation is also the parent of CFS Group, Inc., a financial services subsidiary offering non-traditional services including mutual funds, annuities, brokerage services, tax preparation services, and insurance.

    This press release may be found at: http://www.chemungcanal.com under Investor Relations.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Corporation intends its forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in this press release. All statements regarding the Corporation’s expected financial position and operating results, the Corporation’s business strategy, the Corporation’s financial plans, forecasted demographic and economic trends relating to the Corporation’s industry and similar matters are forward-looking statements. These statements can sometimes be identified by the Corporation’s use of forward-looking words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” or “intend.” The Corporation cannot promise that its expectations in such forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. The Corporation’s actual results could be materially different from expectations because of various factors, including changes in economic conditions or interest rates, credit risk, inflation, cyber security risks, difficulties in managing the Corporation’s growth, competition, changes in law or the regulatory environment, and changes in general business and economic trends.

    Information concerning these and other factors, including Risk Factors, can be found in the Corporation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These filings are available publicly on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, on the Corporation’s website at http://www.chemungcanal.com or upon request from the Corporate Secretary at (607) 737-3746. Except as otherwise required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

                 
    Chemung Financial Corporation            
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)            
        Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands)   2024   2024   2024   2023   2023
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from financial institutions   $ 36,247     $ 23,184     $ 22,984     $ 22,247     $ 52,563  
    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions     44,193       47,033       71,878       14,600       23,017  
    Total cash and cash equivalents     80,440       70,217       94,862       36,847       75,580  
                                             
    Equity investments     3,244       3,090       3,093       3,046       2,811  
                                             
    Securities available for sale     554,575       550,927       566,028       583,993       569,004  
    Securities held to maturity     657       657       785       785       1,804  
    FHLB and FRB stock, at cost     4,189       5,506       4,071       5,498       4,053  
    Total investment securities     559,421       557,090       570,884       590,276       574,861  
                                             
    Commercial     1,464,205       1,445,258       1,425,437       1,387,321       1,341,017  
    Mortgage     274,099       271,620       277,246       277,992       281,361  
    Consumer     290,650       294,594       300,927       307,351       308,310  
    Loans, net of deferred loan fees     2,028,954       2,011,472       2,003,610       1,972,664       1,930,688  
    Allowance for credit losses     (21,441 )     (21,031 )     (20,471 )     (22,517 )     (20,252 )
    Loans, net     2,007,513       1,990,441       1,983,139       1,950,147       1,910,436  
                                             
    Loans held for sale           381       96              
    Premises and equipment, net     14,915       14,731       14,183       14,571       15,036  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     5,637       5,827       6,018       5,648       5,850  
    Goodwill     21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824       21,824  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     81,221       92,212       90,791       88,170       101,436  
    Total assets   $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890     $ 2,710,529     $ 2,707,834  
                         
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Deposits:                    
    Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 616,126     $ 619,192     $ 656,330     $ 653,166     $ 683,348  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     349,383       328,370       315,154       291,138       310,885  
    Money market accounts     630,870       613,131       631,350       623,714       626,256  
    Savings deposits     242,911       248,528       248,578       249,144       261,822  
    Time deposits     611,831       606,700       629,360       612,265       591,188  
    Total deposits     2,451,121       2,415,921       2,480,772       2,429,427       2,473,499  
                                             
    Advances and other debt     53,757       83,835       52,979       34,970       3,120  
    Operating lease liabilities     5,820       6,009       6,197       5,827       6,028  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     42,863       48,826       47,814       45,064       55,123  
    Total liabilities     2,553,561       2,554,591       2,587,762       2,515,288       2,537,770  
                       
    Shareholders’ equity                  
    Common stock   53       53       53       53       53  
    Additional paid-in capital   48,457       48,102       47,794       47,773       47,974  
    Retained earnings   243,266       239,021       235,506       229,930       227,596  
    Treasury stock, at cost   (15,987 )     (16,043 )     (16,147 )     (16,502 )     (16,880 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (55,135 )     (69,911 )     (70,078 )     (66,013 )     (88,679 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   220,654       201,222       197,128       195,241       170,064  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890     $ 2,710,529     $ 2,707,834  
                         
    Period-end shares outstanding 4,774   4,772   4,768   4,754   4,738  
                             
    Chemung Financial Corporation        
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)        
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
      Percent      Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      Percent  
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2023     Change       2024       2023     Change  
    Interest and dividend income:                                            
    Loans, including fees   $ 28,611     $ 25,033     14.3     $ 83,323     $ 71,113     17.2  
    Taxable securities     3,060       3,537     (13.5 )     9,868       10,750     (8.2 )
    Tax exempt securities     250       258     (3.1 )     762       778     (2.1 )
    Interest-earning deposits     441       187     135.8       1,014       400     153.5  
    Total interest and dividend income     32,362       29,015     11.5       94,967       83,041     14.4  
                                                 
    Interest expense:                                            
    Deposits     13,005       10,721     21.3       37,861       24,577     54.1  
    Borrowed funds     969       277     249.8       2,868       1,905     50.6  
    Total interest expense     13,974       10,998     27.1       40,729       26,482     53.8  
                                                 
    Net interest income     18,388       18,017     2.1       54,238       56,559     (4.1 )
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     564       449     25.6       (597 )     962     (162.1 )
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     17,824       17,568     1.5       54,835       55,597     (1.4 )
                                                 
    Non-interest income:                                            
    Wealth management group fee income     2,991       2,533     18.1       8,554       7,716     10.9  
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,016       1,018     (0.2 )     2,929       2,918     0.4  
    Interchange revenue from debit card transactions     1,123       1,141     (1.6 )     3,327       3,468     (4.1 )
    Change in fair value of equity investments     118       (68 )   273.5       233       (99 )   335.4  
    Net gains on sales of loans held for sale     91       67     35.8       162       90     80.0  
    Net gains (losses) on sales of other real estate owned     (19 )         N/M       (22 )     14     N/M  
    Income from bank owned life insurance     10       11     (9.1 )     29       32     (9.4 )
    Other     589       3,106     (81.0 )     1,962       4,539     (56.8 )
    Total non-interest income     5,919       7,808     (24.2 )     17,174       18,678     (8.1 )
                                                 
    Non-interest expense:                                            
    Salaries and wages     7,168       6,542     9.6       21,007       20,029     4.9  
    Pension and other employee benefits     1,627       1,979     (17.8 )     5,787       5,467     5.9  
    Other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefits     (227 )     (174 )   (30.5 )     (691 )     (522 )   (32.4 )
    Net occupancy     1,422       1,337     6.4       4,360       4,242     2.8  
    Furniture and equipment     402       353     13.9       1,197       1,232     (2.8 )
    Data processing     2,567       2,480     3.5       7,437       7,334     1.4  
    Professional services     522       554     (5.8 )     1,639       1,596     2.7  
    Marketing and advertising     210       218     (3.7 )     943       720     31.0  
    Other real estate owned expense     55       10     N/M       116       49     136.7  
    FDIC insurance     524       525     (0.2 )     1,617       1,608     0.6  
    Loan expense     353       249     41.8       808       789     2.4  
    Other     1,887       1,595     18.3       5,207       4,873     6.9  
    Total non-interest expense     16,510       15,668     5.4       49,427       47,417     4.2  
                                                 
    Income before income tax expense     7,233       9,708     (25.5 )     22,582       26,858     (15.9 )
    Income tax expense     1,513       2,060     (26.6 )     4,825       5,660     (14.8 )
    Net income   $ 5,720     $ 7,648     (25.2 )   $ 17,757     $ 21,198     (16.2 )
                                                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.19     $ 1.61           $ 3.72     $ 4.48        
    Cash dividends declared per share   $ 0.31     $ 0.31           $ 0.93     $ 0.93        
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,773       4,736             4,769       4,729        
                             
                             
    N/M – Not Meaningful                        
    Chemung Financial Corporation   As of or for the Three Months Ended   As of or for the
    Nine Months Ended
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)   Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands, except per share data)     2024       2024       2024       2023       2023       2024       2023  
    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                            
    Interest income   $ 32,362     $ 31,386     $ 31,219     $ 30,033     $ 29,015     $ 94,967     $ 83,041  
    Interest expense     13,974       13,625       13,130       12,135       10,998       40,729       26,482  
    Net interest income     18,388       17,761       18,089       17,898       18,017       54,238       56,559  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     564       879       (2,040 )     2,300       449       (597 )     962  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     17,824       16,882       20,129       15,598       17,568       54,835       55,597  
    Non-interest income     5,919       5,598       5,657       5,871       7,808       17,174       18,678  
    Non-interest expense     16,510       16,219       16,698       16,826       15,668       49,427       47,417  
    Income before income tax expense     7,233       6,261       9,088       4,643       9,708       22,582       26,858  
    Income tax expense     1,513       1,274       2,038       841       2,060       4,825       5,660  
    Net income   $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050     $ 3,802     $ 7,648     $ 17,757     $ 21,198  
                                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share   $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48     $ 0.80     $ 1.61     $ 3.72     $ 4.48  
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,773       4,770       4,764       4,743       4,736       4,769       4,729  
                                 
    PERFORMANCE RATIOS                            
    Return on average assets     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %     0.56 %     1.14 %     0.87 %     1.07 %
    Return on average equity     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.63 %     16.89 %     11.82 %     15.93 %
    Return on average tangible equity (a)     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %     9.86 %     19.22 %     13.27 %     18.15 %
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) (e)     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %     70.79 %     60.67 %     69.21 %     63.02 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted) (a)     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %     70.42 %     66.55 %     68.97 %     64.83 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets     2.39 %     2.38 %     2.47 %     2.48 %     2.33 %     2.41 %     2.39 %
    Loans to deposits     82.78 %     83.26 %     80.77 %     81.20 %     78.05 %     82.78 %     78.05 %
                                 
    YIELDS / RATES – Fully Taxable Equivalent                            
    Yield on loans     5.65 %     5.52 %     5.51 %     5.31 %     5.21 %     5.56 %     5.07 %
    Yield on investments     2.21 %     2.27 %     2.35 %     2.24 %     2.22 %     2.28 %     2.21 %
    Yield on interest-earning assets     4.78 %     4.69 %     4.70 %     4.50 %     4.40 %     4.72 %     4.27 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits     2.88 %     2.86 %     2.75 %     2.59 %     2.44 %     2.83 %     1.94 %
    Cost of borrowings     5.08 %     5.04 %     5.15 %     5.52 %     5.25 %     5.09 %     5.04 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.97 %     2.94 %     2.85 %     2.68 %     2.47 %     2.92 %     2.03 %
    Interest rate spread     1.81 %     1.75 %     1.85 %     1.82 %     1.93 %     1.80 %     2.24 %
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %     2.69 %     2.73 %     2.70 %     2.91 %
                                 
    CAPITAL                            
    Total equity to total assets at end of period     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %     7.20 %     6.28 %     7.95 %     6.28 %
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (a)     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %     6.45 %     5.52 %     7.22 %     5.52 %
    Book value per share   $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34     $ 41.07     $ 35.90     $ 46.22     $ 35.90  
    Tangible book value per share (a)     41.65       37.59       36.77       36.48       31.29       41.65       31.29  
    Period-end market value per share     48.02       48.00       42.48       49.80       39.61       48.02       39.61  
    Dividends declared per share     0.31       0.31       0.31       0.31       0.31       0.93       0.93  
                                 
    AVERAGE BALANCES                            
    Loans and loans held for sale (b)   $ 2,020,280     $ 2,009,823     $ 1,989,185     $ 1,956,022     $ 1,909,100     $ 2,006,479     $ 1,879,765  
    Interest-earning assets     2,699,968       2,699,402       2,681,059       2,654,638       2,627,012       2,693,499       2,609,999  
    Total assets     2,751,392       2,740,967       2,724,391       2,688,536       2,664,570       2,738,962       2,650,908  
    Deposits     2,410,735       2,419,169       2,402,215       2,397,663       2,410,931       2,410,706       2,371,021  
    Total equity     210,421       195,375       195,860       174,868       179,700       200,588       177,969  
    Tangible equity (a)     188,597       173,551       174,036       153,044       157,876       178,764       156,145  
                                 
    ASSET QUALITY                            
    Net charge-offs   $ 79     $ 306     $ 182     $ 171     $ 356     $ 566     $ 771  
    Non-performing loans (c)     10,545       8,195       7,835       10,411       6,826       10,545       6,826  
    Non-performing assets (d)     11,134       8,872       8,394       10,737       7,055       11,134       7,055  
    Allowance for credit losses     21,441       21,031       20,471       22,517       20,252       21,441       20,252  
    Annualized net charge-offs to average loans     0.02 %     0.06 %     0.04 %     0.03 %     0.07 %     0.04 %     0.05 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.52 %     0.41 %     0.39 %     0.53 %     0.35 %     0.52 %     0.35 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.40 %     0.32 %     0.30 %     0.40 %     0.26 %     0.40 %     0.26 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.02 %     1.14 %     1.05 %     1.06 %     1.05 %
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     203.33 %     256.63 %     261.28 %     216.28 %     296.69 %     203.33 %     296.69 %
                                 
    (a) See the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.
    (b) Loans and loans held for sale do not reflect the allowance for credit losses.
    (c) Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans only.
    (d) Non-performing assets include non-performing loans plus other real estate owned and repossessed vehicles.
    (e) Efficiency ratio (unadjusted) is non-interest expense divided by the total of net interest income plus non-interest income.
                                 
    Chemung Financial Corporation                                  
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets & Net Interest Income Analysis and Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Three Months Ended
    September 30, 2023
      Three Months Ended
    September 30, 2024 vs. 2023
    (in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield /
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield /
    Rate
      Total
    Change
      Due to
    Volume
      Due to
    Rate
                                       
    Interest-earning assets:                                  
    Commercial loans $ 1,453,418     $ 21,854     5.98 %   $ 1,319,110     $ 18,672     5.62 %   $ 3,182     $ 1,953     $ 1,229  
    Mortgage loans   273,374       2,713     3.97 %     282,578       2,572     3.61 %     141       (92 )     233  
    Consumer loans   293,488       4,102     5.56 %     307,412       3,843     4.96 %     259       (183 )     442  
    Taxable securities   605,631       3,063     2.01 %     663,240       3,540     2.12 %     (477 )     (299 )     (178 )
    Tax-exempt securities   38,537       272     2.81 %     40,380       288     2.83 %     (16 )     (14 )     (2 )
    Interest-earning deposits   35,520       441     4.94 %     14,292       187     5.19 %     254       263       (9 )
    Total interest-earning assets   2,699,968       32,445     4.78 %     2,627,012       29,102     4.40 %     3,343       1,628       1,715  
                                       
    Non interest-earning assets:                                  
    Cash and due from banks   25,086               26,272                      
    Other assets   47,571               31,496                      
    Allowance for credit losses (3)   (21,233 )             (20,210 )                    
    Total assets $ 2,751,392             $ 2,664,570                      
                                       
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Interest-bearing checking $ 311,406     $ 1,445     1.85 %   $ 281,106     $ 963     1.36 %   $ 482     $ 111     $ 371  
    Savings and money market   864,541       4,607     2.12 %     890,109       3,945     1.76 %     662       (117 )     779  
    Time deposits   554,605       6,056     4.34 %     383,786       3,269     3.38 %     2,787       1,701       1,086  
    Brokered deposits   65,913       897     5.41 %     189,628       2,543     5.32 %     (1,646 )     (1,688 )     42  
    FHLBNY overnight advances   541       7     5.06 %     17,879       249     5.53 %     (242 )     (223 )     (19 )
    FRB advances and other debt   75,305       962     5.08 %     3,144       29     3.66 %     933       918       15  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,872,311       13,974     2.97 %     1,765,652       10,998     2.47 %     2,976       702       2,274  
                                       
    Non interest-bearing liabilities:                                  
    Demand deposits   614,270               666,302                      
    Other liabilities   54,390               52,916                      
    Total liabilities   2,540,971               2,484,870                      
    Shareholders’ equity   210,421               179,700                      
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,751,392             $ 2,664,570                      
                                       
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income       18,471               18,104         $ 367     $ 926     $ (559 )
    Net interest rate spread (1)         1.81 %           1.93 %            
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (2)         2.72 %           2.73 %            
    Taxable equivalent adjustment       (83 )             (87 )                
    Net interest income     $ 18,388             $ 18,017                  
                                       
    (1) Net interest rate spread is the difference in the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2) Net interest margin is the ratio of fully taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) The Corporation implemented CECL as of January 1, 2023.
                                       
    Chemung Financial Corporation
    Average Consolidated Balance Sheets & Net Interest Income Analysis and Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2024
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2023
      Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2024 vs. 2023
    (in thousands) Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield /
    Rate
      Total
    Change

      Due to
    Volume
      Due to
    Rate
                                                     
    Interest earning assets:                                                
    Commercial loans $ 1,433,224     $ 63,501     5.92 %   $ 1,289,638     $ 53,047     5.50 %   $ 10,454     $ 6,201     $ 4,253  
    Mortgage loans   274,834       7,879     3.82 %     284,351       7,553     3.55 %     326       (253 )     579  
    Consumer loans   298,421       12,114     5.42 %     305,776       10,673     4.67 %     1,441       (261 )     1,702  
    Taxable securities   619,657       9,877     2.13 %     679,330       10,758     2.12 %     (881 )     (933 )     52  
    Tax-exempt securities   39,453       830     2.81 %     40,562       887     2.92 %     (57 )     (24 )     (33 )
    Interest-earning deposits   27,910       1,014     4.85 %     10,342       400     5.17 %     614       641       (27 )
    Total interest-earning assets   2,693,499       95,215     4.72 %     2,609,999       83,318     4.27 %     11,897       5,371       6,526  
                                                       
    Non interest-earning assets:                                                  
    Cash and due from banks   25,131                 25,512                      
    Other assets   41,807                 35,547                      
    Allowance for credit losses (3)   (21,475 )               (20,150 )                    
    Total assets $ 2,738,962               $ 2,650,908                      
                                         
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                                                  
    Interest-bearing checking $ 308,318     $ 4,170     1.81 %   $ 286,220     $ 1,959     0.92 %   $ 2,211     $ 164     $ 2,047  
    Savings and money market   861,382       13,190     2.05 %     899,871       8,645     1.28 %     4,545       (389 )     4,934  
    Time deposits   521,997       16,603     4.25 %     350,846       8,041     3.06 %     8,562       4,764       3,798  
    Brokered deposits   96,056       3,898     5.42 %     153,774       5,932     5.16 %     (2,034 )     (2,322 )     288  
    FHLBNY overnight advances   15,359       646     5.53 %     47,321       1,819     5.14 %     (1,173 )     (1,304 )     131  
    FRB advances and other debt   59,584       2,222     4.98 %     3,212       86     3.58 %     2,136       2,089       47  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,862,696       40,729     2.92 %     1,741,244       26,482     2.03 %     14,247       3,002       11,245  
                                         
    Non interest-bearing liabilities:                                            
    Demand deposits   622,953                 680,310                      
    Other liabilities   52,725                 51,385                      
    Total liabilities   2,538,374                 2,472,939                      
    Shareholders’ equity   200,588                 177,969                      
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,738,962               $ 2,650,908                      
                                                               
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income       54,486                 56,836           $ (2,350 )   $ 2,369     $ (4,719 )
    Net interest rate spread (1)         1.80 %           2.24 %          
    Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent (2)             2.70 %               2.91 %          
    Taxable equivalent adjustment       (248 )               (277 )                
    Net interest income     $ 54,238               $ 56,559                  
     
    (1)  Net interest rate spread is the difference in the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    (2)  Net interest margin is the ratio of fully taxable equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3)  The Corporation implemented CECL as of January 1, 2023.
     

    Chemung Financial Corporation

    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations (Unaudited)

    The Corporation prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. See the Corporation’s unaudited consolidated balance sheets and statements of income contained within this press release. That presentation provides the reader with an understanding of the Corporation’s results that can be tracked consistently from period-to-period and enables a comparison of the Corporation’s performance with other companies’ GAAP financial statements.

    In addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported basis, management uses certain non-GAAP financial measures, because it believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors about the underlying operational performance and trends of the Corporation and, therefore, facilitate a comparison of the Corporation with the performance of other companies. Non- GAAP financial measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to similarly named non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

    The SEC has adopted Regulation G, which applies to all public disclosures, including earnings releases, made by registered companies that contain “non-GAAP financial measures.” Under Regulation G, companies making public disclosures containing non- GAAP financial measures must also disclose, along with each non-GAAP financial measure, certain additional information, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure to the closest comparable GAAP financial measure and a statement of the Corporation’s reasons for utilizing the non-GAAP financial measure as part of its financial disclosures. The SEC has exempted from the definition of “non-GAAP financial measures” certain commonly used financial measures that are not based on GAAP. When these exempted measures are included in public disclosures, supplemental information is not required. The following measures used in this Report, which are commonly utilized by financial institutions, have not been specifically exempted by the SEC and may constitute “non- GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of the SEC’s rules, although we are unable to state with certainty that the SEC would so regard them.

    Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income is commonly presented on a tax-equivalent basis. That is, to the extent that some component of the institution’s net interest income, which is presented on a before-tax basis, is exempt from taxation (e.g., is received by the institution as a result of its holdings of state or municipal obligations), an amount equal to the tax benefit derived from that component is added to the actual before-tax net interest income total. This adjustment is considered helpful in comparing one financial institution’s net interest income to that of other institutions or in analyzing any institution’s net interest income trend line over time, to correct any analytical distortion that might otherwise arise from the fact that financial institutions vary widely in the proportions of their portfolios that are invested in tax- exempt securities, and that even a single institution may significantly alter over time the proportion of its own portfolio that is invested in tax-exempt obligations. Moreover, net interest income is itself a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, fully taxable equivalent net interest income is generally used by financial institutions, as opposed to actual net interest income, again to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution and to better demonstrate a single institution’s performance over time. The Corporation follows these practices. 

                                 
                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands, except ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2023       2023       2024       2023  
    NET INTEREST MARGIN – FULLY TAXABLE EQUIVALENT                            
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089     $ 17,898     $ 18,017     $ 54,238     $ 56,559  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     83       81       84       87       87       248       277  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173     $ 17,985     $ 18,104     $ 54,486     $ 56,836  
                                 
    Average interest-earning assets (GAAP)   $ 2,699,968     $ 2,699,402     $ 2,681,059     $ 2,654,638     $ 2,627,012     $ 2,693,499     $ 2,609,999  
                                 
    Net interest margin – fully taxable equivalent (non-GAAP)     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.73 %     2.69 %     2.73 %     2.70 %     2.91 %
                                 

    Efficiency Ratio

    The unadjusted efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income and non-interest income). The adjusted efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure which represents the Corporation’s ability to turn resources into revenue and is calculated as non-interest expense divided by total revenue (fully taxable equivalent net interest income and non- interest income), adjusted for one-time occurrences and amortization. This measure is meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s productivity measured by the amount of revenue generated for each dollar spent.

                                 
                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands, except ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2023       2023       2024       2023  
    EFFICIENCY RATIO                            
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 18,388     $ 17,761     $ 18,089     $ 17,898     $ 18,017     $ 54,238     $ 56,559  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment     83       81       84       87       87       248       277  
    Fully taxable equivalent net interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 18,471     $ 17,842     $ 18,173     $ 17,985     $ 18,104     $ 54,486     $ 56,836  
                                 
    Non-interest income (GAAP)   $ 5,919     $ 5,598     $ 5,657     $ 5,871     $ 7,808     $ 17,174     $ 18,678  
    Less: net (gains) losses on security transactions                       39                    
    Less: recognition of employee retention tax credit                             (2,370 )           (2,370 )
    Adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 5,919     $ 5,598     $ 5,657     $ 5,910     $ 5,438     $ 17,174     $ 16,308  
                                 
    Non-interest expense (GAAP)   $ 16,510     $ 16,219     $ 16,698     $ 16,826     $ 15,668     $ 49,427     $ 47,417  
                                 
    Efficiency ratio (unadjusted)     67.92 %     69.43 %     70.32 %     70.79 %     60.67 %     69.21 %     63.02 %
    Efficiency ratio (adjusted)     67.69 %     69.19 %     70.07 %     70.42 %     66.55 %     68.97 %     64.83 %
                                 

    Tangible Equity and Tangible Assets (Period-End)

    Tangible equity, tangible assets, and tangible book value per share are each non-GAAP financial measures. Tangible equity represents the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and intangible assets. Tangible assets represents the Corporation’s total assets, less goodwill and other intangible assets. Tangible book value per share represents the Corporation’s tangible equity divided by common shares at period-end. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity.

                                 
                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2023       2023       2024       2023  
    TANGIBLE EQUITY AND TANGIBLE ASSETS                            
    (PERIOD END)                            
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 220,654     $ 201,222     $ 197,128     $ 195,241     $ 170,064     $ 220,654     $ 170,064  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 198,830     $ 179,398     $ 175,304     $ 173,417     $ 148,240     $ 198,830     $ 148,240  
                                 
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,774,215     $ 2,755,813     $ 2,784,890     $ 2,710,529     $ 2,707,834     $ 2,774,215     $ 2,707,834  
    Less: intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,752,391     $ 2,733,989     $ 2,763,066     $ 2,688,705     $ 2,686,010     $ 2,752,391     $ 2,686,010  
                                 
    Total equity to total assets at end of period (GAAP)     7.95 %     7.30 %     7.08 %     7.20 %     6.28 %     7.95 %     6.28 %
    Book value per share (GAAP)   $ 46.22     $ 42.17     $ 41.34     $ 41.07     $ 35.90     $ 46.22     $ 35.90  
                                 
    Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period (non-GAAP)     7.22 %     6.56 %     6.34 %     6.45 %     5.52 %     7.22 %     5.52 %
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 41.65     $ 37.59     $ 36.77     $ 36.48     $ 31.29     $ 41.65     $ 31.29  
                                 

     Tangible Equity (Average)

    Average tangible equity and return on average tangible equity are each non-GAAP financial measures. Average tangible equity represents the Corporation’s average stockholders’ equity, less average goodwill and intangible assets for the period. Return on average tangible equity measures the Corporation’s earnings as a percentage of average tangible equity. These measures are meaningful to the Corporation, as well as investors and analysts, in assessing the Corporation’s use of equity. 

                                 
                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands, except ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2023       2023       2024       2023  
    TANGIBLE EQUITY (AVERAGE)                            
    Total average shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 210,421     $ 195,375     $ 195,860     $ 174,868     $ 179,700     $ 200,588     $ 177,969  
    Less: average intangible assets     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )     (21,824 )
    Average tangible equity (non-GAAP)   $ 188,597     $ 173,551     $ 174,036     $ 153,044     $ 157,876     $ 178,764     $ 156,145  
                                 
    Return on average equity (GAAP)     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.63 %     16.89 %     11.82 %     15.93 %
    Return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)     12.07 %     11.56 %     16.29 %     9.86 %     19.22 %     13.27 %     18.15 %
                                 

    In addition to disclosures of certain GAAP financial measures, including net income, EPS, ROA, and ROE, we may also provide comparative disclosures that adjust these GAAP financial measures for a particular period by removing from the calculation thereof the impact of certain transactions or other material items of income or expense occurring during the period, including certain nonrecurring items. The Corporation believes that the resulting non-GAAP financial measures may improve an understanding of its results of operations by separating out any such transactions or items that may have had a disproportionate positive or negative impact on the Corporation’s financial results during the particular period in question. In the Corporation’s presentation of any such non-GAAP (adjusted) financial measures not specifically discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the Corporation supplies the supplemental financial information and explanations required under Regulation G.

                                 
                            As of or for the
        As of or for the Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        Sept. 30,   June 30,   March 31,   Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,   Sept. 30,
    (in thousands, except per share and ratio data)     2024       2024       2024       2023       2023       2024       2023  
    NON-GAAP NET INCOME                            
    Reported net income (GAAP)   $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050     $ 3,802     $ 7,648     $ 17,757     $ 21,198  
    Net (gains) losses on security transactions (net of tax)                       29                    
    Recognition of employee retention tax credit (net of tax)                             (1,873 )           (1,873 )
    Net income (non-GAAP)   $ 5,720     $ 4,987     $ 7,050     $ 3,831     $ 5,775     $ 17,757     $ 19,325  
                                 
    Average basic and diluted shares outstanding     4,773       4,770       4,764       4,743       4,736       4,769       4,729  
                                 
    Reported basic and diluted earnings per share (GAAP)   $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48     $ 0.80     $ 1.61     $ 3.72     $ 4.48  
    Reported return on average assets (GAAP)     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %     0.56 %     1.14 %     0.87 %     1.07 %
    Reported return on average equity (GAAP)     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.63 %     16.89 %     11.82 %     15.93 %
                                 
    Basic and diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP)   $ 1.19     $ 1.05     $ 1.48     $ 0.81     $ 1.21     $ 3.72     $ 4.08  
    Return on average assets (non-GAAP)     0.83 %     0.73 %     1.04 %     0.57 %     0.86 %     0.87 %     0.97 %
    Return on average equity (non-GAAP)     10.81 %     10.27 %     14.48 %     8.69 %     12.75 %     11.82 %     14.52 %
                                 

    Category: Financial

    Source: Chemung Financial Corp

    For further information contact:
    Dale M. McKim, III, EVP and CFO
    dmckim@chemungcanal.com
    Phone: 607-737-3714

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (“Orrstown” or the “Company”) closed the merger of equals transaction with Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc. (“Codorus”) on July 1, 2024, creating a premier Pennsylvania and Maryland community bank; as a result, the Company’s results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflect the combined operating results of the combined companies;
    • Codorus contributed, after fair value purchase accounting adjustments, approximately $2.2 billion in total assets, $1.6 billion in loans, and $1.9 billion in deposits at July 1, 2024;
    • Net loss of $7.9 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to net income of $7.7 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, reflecting the impact of $17.0 million in expenses related to the merger, $15.5 million of provision for credit losses on non-purchase credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans and $4.8 million for the previously announced executive retirement, net of taxes, collectively the “non-recurring charges”;
    • Excluding the impact of the non-recurring charges, net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively, were $21.4 million(1) and $1.11(1) for the third quarter of 2024 compared to net income and diluted earnings per share of $8.7 million(1) and $0.83(1), respectively, as adjusted for the impact of $1.1 million in merger-related expenses, net of taxes, recorded for the second quarter of 2024;
    • Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, was 4.14% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 3.54% in the second quarter of 2024; the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks on loans, deposits and borrowings was $5.8 million of net interest income, which represents 52 basis points of net interest margin;
    • Noninterest income increased by $5.1 million to $12.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $7.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024; continued strength in wealth management and swap fee generation by commercial teams are driving fee income growth;
    • Return on average assets for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was (0.57)% compared to 0.97% for the three months ended June 30, 2024; excluding the non-recurring charges, return on average assets was 1.55%(1) for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 1.09%(1) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, excluding merger-related expenses;
    • Return on average equity for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was (5.85)% compared to 11.41% for the three months ended June 30, 2024; excluding the non-recurring charges, return on average equity was 15.85%(1) for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 12.88%(1) for the three months ended June 30, 2024, excluding merger related expenses;
    • The provision for credit losses was $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $812 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2024; the provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $15.5 million; excluding the impact of the merger, the provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was a reversal of $1.8 million;
    • At September 30, 2024, nonaccrual loans totaled $26.9 million, an increase of $18.5 million from $8.4 million at June 30, 2024; non-accrual loans acquired from Codorus totaled $12.8 million;
    • Tangible book value per common share(1) decreased to $21.12 per share at September 30, 2024 compared to $24.08 per share at June 30, 2024; this decrease was primarily due to the impact of loan marks associated with the merger and the net loss incurred for the third quarter of 2024;
    • The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per common share, payable November 12, 2024, to shareholders of record as of November 5, 2024.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF), the parent company of Orrstown Bank (the “Bank”), announced earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Net loss totaled $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $7.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Diluted loss per share was $0.41 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.73 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and $0.87 for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the third quarter of 2024, excluding the impact from the non-recurring charges, net of taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share were $21.4 million(1) and $1.11(1), respectively. For the second quarter of 2024, excluding the impact of the merger-related expenses, net of taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share were $8.7 million(1) and $0.83(1), respectively.

    “While the results for the quarter reflected the impact of certain non-recurring charges, the core income generated by the business demonstrates the significant opportunities afforded by the additional scale and synergies created by the merger. Our core earnings were strong. We already have taken significant steps to achieve the cost savings announced in December, which we are on target to achieve in full in the defined timeline. Our system conversion in scheduled for completion in November 2024, at which time we expect further expense savings to be realized. We believe we are well on our way to improving our client experience, expanding and deepening our community presence, and enhancing shareholder value,” commented Thomas R. Quinn, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer.

    DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

    Merger Update

    The Company acquired Codorus and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary PeoplesBank, A Codorus Valley Company on July 1, 2024. The merger and acquisition method of accounting was used to account for the transaction with the Company as the acquirer. The Company recorded the assets and liabilities of Codorus at their respective fair values as of July 1, 2024. The transaction was valued at approximately $234 million and expanded the Bank’s footprint into the York, Pennsylvania market while increasing its market penetration in its existing markets.

    At the time of the merger, Codorus contributed, after fair value purchase accounting adjustments, approximately $2.2 billion in assets, $1.6 billion in loans, $326.7 million in investment securities and $1.9 billion in deposits. The excess of the merger consideration over the fair value of net Codorus assets resulted in goodwill of $51.9 million. The merger led to a 12% dilution in our tangible book value per share which was $21.12 at September 30, 2024 compared to $24.08 at June 30, 2024. The principal cause of the dilution was the impact of the associated purchase accounting marks on loans. The Company’s tangible common equity ratio at September 30, 2024 was 7.5%. The loan fair value adjustments are expected to accrete back through income and capital as the loans mature and should lead to earnings per share and capital accretion moving forward. The fair value of assets and liabilities are subject to refinement for up to one year after the acquisition date as allowable under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

    The Company incurred expenses of $32.5 million and $34.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, related to merger costs and an increased allowance for credit losses on non-PCD portion of the loans assumed from Codorus.

    The Company’s financial results for any periods ended prior to July 1, 2024 reflect Orrstown’s results only on a standalone basis. As a result of this factor and the below listed adjustments related to the merger, the Company’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024 may not be directly comparable to prior reported periods.

    Balance Sheet

    Loans

    Loans held for investment increased by $1.7 billion from June 30, 2024 to September 30, 2024 as $1.6 billion of loans, net of purchase accounting marks, were assumed in the merger with Codorus.

    Investment Securities

    Investment securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, increased by $297.7 million to $826.8 million at September 30, 2024 from $529.1 million at June 30, 2024. Investments with a fair value of $326.7 million were assumed in the merger with Codorus. During the third quarter of 2024, investment securities totaling $162.7 million were sold from the portfolio acquired from Codorus. The portfolio was restructured to align the interest rate risk and credit profile for the combined balance sheet. Most of these proceeds were reinvested in investment securities as purchases of $140.4 million were made in the three months ended September 30, 2024. These purchases were partially offset by paydowns of investment securities of $20.6 million and two calls totaling $5.0 million. The overall duration of the Company’s investment securities portfolio was 4.6 years at September 30, 2024 compared to 4.2 years at June 30, 2024. See Appendix B for a summary of the Bank’s investment securities at September 30, 2024, highlighting their concentrations, credit ratings and credit enhancement levels.

    Deposits

    During the third quarter of 2024, deposits increased by $2.0 billion to approximately $4.7 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $2.7 billion at June 30, 2024. Deposits of $1.9 billion were assumed in the merger. At September 30, 2024, deposits that are uninsured and not collateralized totaled $692.6 million, or 15% of total deposits compared to $422.3 million, or 16% of total deposits at June 30, 2024. The Bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio decreased slightly to 86% at September 30, 2024 from 87% at June 30, 2024.

    Borrowings

    The Bank actively manages its liquidity position through its various sources of funding to meet the needs of its clients. FHLB advances and other borrowings were $115.4 million at September 30, 2024 and $115.0 million at June 30, 2024. The Bank seeks to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure client needs can be addressed on a timely basis. The Bank had available alternative funding sources, such as FHLB advances and other wholesale options, of approximately $1.0 billion at September 30, 2024. The Bank’s FHLB borrowing capacity at September 30, 2024 was not inclusive of Codorus, which will be reflected in the fourth quarter.

    The Company assumed $31.0 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debentures and $10.3 million aggregate amount of trust preferred securities from Codorus in the merger. Fair value adjustments of $5.1 million were recorded on July 1, 2024 which reduced the amounts recorded on the balance sheet.

    Income Statement

    Net Interest Income and Margin

    Net interest income was $51.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $26.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, increased to 4.14% in the third quarter of 2024 from 3.54% in the second quarter of 2024. The net interest margin was positively impacted by the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks on loans, deposits and borrowings of $5.8 million, which represents 52 basis points of net interest margin. Funding costs show signs of stabilizing.

    Several components of the net interest margin increased primarily as the result of the assets and liabilities assumed in the merger with Codorus.

    Interest income on loans, on a tax equivalent basis, increased by $35.2 million to $70.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $35.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Interest income on investment securities, on a tax equivalent basis, was $10.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $6.1 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    Interest expense, on a tax equivalent basis, increased by $14.1 million to $31.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $17.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Average interest-bearing deposits increased by $1.6 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. Average borrowings increased by $35.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. Interest expense includes $0.4 million and $0 of amortization of purchase accounting marks for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $13.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans increased to $49.6 million at September 30, 2024 from $29.9 million at June 30, 2024. The increase in the ACL was primarily due to the addition of $21.4 million of reserves as a result of the merger. This increase was made up of $15.5 million for non-PCD loans, which was recognized through the provision for credit losses, and $5.9 million for PCD loans which was recognized through retained earnings. The provision for credit losses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 included a provision reversal of $1.8 million due to changes in qualitative factors, a change in the peer group utilized for the calculation and a reduction in the required reserve for unfunded commitments. The ACL to total loans was 1.25% at September 30, 2024 compared to 1.27% at June 30, 2024. Net charge-offs were $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to net charge-offs of $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    As a result of the merger, classified loans increased by $56.8 million to $105.5 million at September 30, 2024 from $48.7 million at June 30, 2024. Non-accrual loans increased by $18.5 million to $26.9 million at September 30, 2024 from $8.4 million at June 30, 2024 due primarily to the assumption of $12.8 million of non-accrual loans from Codorus. Nonaccrual loans to total loans increased to 0.68% at September 30, 2024 compared to 0.36% at June 30, 2024 and decreased from 1.11% at December 31, 2023. Management believes the ACL to be adequate based on current asset quality metrics and economic conditions.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income increased by $5.1 million to $12.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $7.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024 primarily due to the merger.

    Wealth management income increased to $5.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $3.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The strong sales efforts, organic growth and stock market performance have collectively driven exceptional wealth results throughout the year. As a result of the merger, assets under management increased to approximately $3.2 billion at September 30, 2024 from $2.1 billion at June 30, 2024.

    During the third quarter of 2024, the Company recorded swap fee income of $0.5 million compared to $0.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024. Swap fee generation has been strong, but fluctuates based on market conditions and client demand.

    Noninterest Expenses

    Noninterest expenses increased by $37.7 million to $60.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 from $22.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024 primarily due to the merger.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, merger-related expenses totaled $17.0 million, an increase of $15.9 million, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase is due to primarily to employee separation costs, vendor contract terminations, and professional fees incurred during the third quarter of 2024. The Company will incur additional merger-related expenses from the operational and technology processes to combine systems and services of both companies, which is expected to be completed in November 2024.

    Salaries and benefits expense increased by $14.0 million to $27.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $13.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The three months ended September 30, 2024 includes $4.8 million of expenses associated with the retirement of an executive.

    Intangible asset amortization increased to $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. This increase is due to the amortization expense recognized on the core deposit intangible of $35.9 million and wealth customer relationship intangible of $10.4 million established on July 1, 2024 from the merger.

    Taxes other than income increased to $0.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to less than $0.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2024. This increase reflects the tax credits recognized on the contributions during the second quarter of 2024.

    There was $257 thousand of restructuring expenses recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2024 associated with previously announced branch closures.

    Income Taxes

    The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 20.1% compared to 21.2% for the second quarter of 2024. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 is less than the 21% federal statutory rate primarily due to tax-exempt income, including interest earned on tax-exempt loans and securities and income from life insurance policies and tax credits partially offset by the disallowed portion of interest expense against earnings in association with the Bank’s tax-exempt investments under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (“TEFRA”) and the impact of nondeductible merger-related costs. The Company regularly analyzes its projected taxable income and makes adjustments to the provision for income taxes accordingly.

    Capital

    Shareholders’ equity totaled $516.2 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $237.8 million from $278.4 million at June 30, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to the equity assumed in the merger, net of purchase accounting adjustments, partially offset by a net loss of $7.9 million and dividends paid of $4.4 million.

    Tangible book value per share(1) decreased to $21.12 per share at September 30, 2024 from $24.08 per share at June 30, 2024 due to the purchase accounting adjustments associated with the merger.

    The Company’s tangible common equity ratio decreased to 7.5% at September 30, 2024 from 8.1% at June 30, 2024 due to purchase accounting marks and a net loss recorded during the third quarter of 2024. The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.5% at September 30, 2024 compared to 13.3% at June 30, 2024. The Company’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.0% at September 30, 2024 compared to 8.9% at June 30, 2024. The loan fair value adjustments are expected to accrete back through income and capital as the loans mature and should lead to earnings per share and capital accretion moving forward.

    At September 30, 2024, all four capital ratios applicable to the Company were above regulatory minimum levels to be deemed “well capitalized” under current bank regulatory guidelines. The Company continues to believe that capital is adequate to support the risks inherent in the balance sheet, as well as growth requirements.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Neelesh Kalani
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    Phone (717) 510-7097
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)              
                   
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
    (In thousands)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
    Profitability for the period:              
    Net interest income $ 51,697     $ 26,219     $ 104,681     $ 78,888  
    Provision for credit losses   13,681       136       14,791       1,264  
    Noninterest income   12,386       5,925       26,188       19,161  
    Noninterest expenses   60,299       20,447       105,407       61,451  
    (Loss) income before income tax (benefit) expense   (9,897 )     11,561       10,671       35,334  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (1,994 )     2,535       2,305       7,314  
    Net (loss) income available to common shareholders $ (7,903 )   $ 9,026     $ 8,366     $ 28,020  
                   
    Financial ratios:              
    Return on average assets (1) (0.57)%     1.18 %     0.28 %     1.25 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (1) (2) (3)   1.55 %     1.18 %     1.33 %     1.25 %
    Return on average equity (1) (5.85)%     14.42 %     3.10 %     15.51 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (1) (2) (3)   15.85 %     14.42 %     14.59 %     15.51 %
    Net interest margin (1)   4.14 %     3.73 %     3.88 %     3.83 %
    Efficiency ratio   94.1 %     63.6 %     80.5 %     62.7 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (2) (3)   60.2 %     63.6 %     62.6 %     62.7 %
    (Loss) income per common share:              
    Basic $ (0.41 )   $ 0.87     $ 0.63     $ 2.71  
    Basic, adjusted (2) (3) $ 1.12     $ 0.87     $ 2.96     $ 2.71  
    Diluted $ (0.41 )   $ 0.87     $ 0.62     $ 2.68  
    Diluted, adjusted (2) (3) $ 1.11     $ 0.87     $ 2.93     $ 2.68  
                   
    Average equity to average assets   9.75 %     8.18 %     9.13 %     8.09 %
                   
    (1) Annualized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
    (2) Ratio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 has been adjusted for the non-recurring charges.
    (3) Non-GAAP based financial measure. Please refer to Appendix A – Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Measures and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations for a discussion of our use of non-GAAP based financial measures, including tables reconciling GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures appearing herein.
    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)      
    (continued)      
      September 30,   December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024       2023  
    At period-end:      
    Total assets $ 5,470,589     $ 3,064,240  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   3,931,807       2,269,611  
    Loans held-for-sale, at fair value   3,561       5,816  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   826,828       513,519  
    Total deposits   4,650,853       2,558,814  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   137,310       147,285  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,510       32,093  
    Shareholders’ equity   516,206       265,056  
           
    Credit quality and capital ratios (1):      
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.25 %     1.25 %
    Total nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.68 %     1.11 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.49 %     0.83 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   184 %     112 %
    Total risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   12.5 %     13.0 %
    Orrstown Bank   12.3 %     12.8 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.0 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.1 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 common equity risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   9.8 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.1 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   8.0 %     8.9 %
    Orrstown Bank   8.8 %     9.5 %
           
    Book value per common share $ 26.65     $ 24.98  
           
    (1) Capital ratios are estimated for the current period, subject to regulatory filings. The Company elected the three-year phase in option for the day-one impact of ASU 2016-13 for current expected credit losses (“CECL”) to regulatory capital. Beginning in 2023, the Company adjusted retained earnings, allowance for credit losses includable in tier 2 capital and the deferred tax assets from temporary differences in risk weighted assets by the permitted percentage of the day-one impact from adopting the CECL standard.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)      
           
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets      
    Cash and due from banks $ 65,064     $ 32,586  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   171,716       32,575  
    Cash and cash equivalents   236,780       65,161  
    Restricted investments in bank stocks   20,247       11,992  
    Securities available for sale (amortized cost of $845,869 and $549,089 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)   826,828       513,519  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   3,561       5,816  
    Loans   3,981,437       2,298,313  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses   (49,630 )     (28,702 )
    Net loans   3,931,807       2,269,611  
    Premises and equipment, net   49,839       29,393  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance   142,895       73,204  
    Goodwill   70,655       18,724  
    Other intangible assets, net   46,144       2,414  
    Accrued interest receivable   20,562       13,630  
    Deferred tax assets, net   38,517       22,017  
    Other assets   82,754       38,759  
    Total assets $ 5,470,589     $ 3,064,240  
           
    Liabilities      
    Deposits:      
    Noninterest-bearing $ 815,404     $ 430,959  
    Interest-bearing   3,835,449       2,127,855  
    Total deposits   4,650,853       2,558,814  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   21,932       9,785  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   115,378       137,500  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,510       32,093  
    Other liabilities   97,710       60,992  
    Total liabilities   4,954,383       2,799,184  
           
    Shareholders’ Equity      
    Preferred stock, $1.25 par value per share; 500,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding          
    Common stock, no par value—$0.05205 stated value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 19,723,217 shares issued and 19,373,354 outstanding at September 30, 2024; 11,204,599 shares issued and 10,612,390 outstanding at December 31, 2023   1,027       583  
    Additional paid—in capital   422,177       189,027  
    Retained earnings   117,311       117,667  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (15,888 )     (28,476 )
    Treasury stock— 349,863 and 592,209 shares, at cost at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   (8,421 )     (13,745 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   516,206       265,056  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 5,470,589     $ 3,064,240  
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)     2024       2023       2024     2023  
    Interest income                
    Loans   $ 70,647     $ 32,738     $ 142,417   $ 92,685  
    Investment securities – taxable     9,005       4,459       18,588     13,244  
    Investment securities – tax-exempt     883       861       2,641     2,591  
    Short-term investments     2,452       633       5,272     1,349  
    Total interest income     82,987       38,691       168,918     109,869  
    Interest expense                
    Deposits     28,603       10,582       57,384     25,392  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased     96       31       148     84  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings     1,154       1,354       3,780     3,992  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt     1,437       505       2,925     1,513  
    Total interest expense     31,290       12,472       64,237     30,981  
    Net interest income     51,697       26,219       104,681     78,888  
    Provision for credit losses     13,681       136       14,791     1,264  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     38,016       26,083       89,890     77,624  
    Noninterest income                
    Service charges     2,360       1,260       4,843     3,668  
    Interchange income     1,779       963       3,651     2,921  
    Swap fee income     505       255       1,079     451  
    Wealth management income     5,037       2,826       11,451     8,395  
    Mortgage banking activities     491       (142 )     1,318     448  
    Investment securities gains (losses)     271       2       254     (8 )
    Other income     1,943       761       3,592     3,286  
    Total noninterest income     12,386       5,925       26,188     19,161  
    Noninterest expenses                
    Salaries and employee benefits     27,190       12,885       54,137     38,135  
    Occupancy, furniture and equipment     4,333       2,460       9,677     7,059  
    Data processing     2,046       1,248       4,548     3,666  
    Advertising and bank promotions     537       332       1,709     1,656  
    FDIC insurance     862       477       1,722     1,500  
    Professional services     1,119       965       2,551     2,203  
    Taxes other than income     503       387       1,046     847  
    Intangible asset amortization     2,464       228       2,904     717  
    Merger-related expenses     16,977             18,784      
    Restructuring expenses     257             257      
    Other operating expenses     4,011       1,465       8,072     5,668  
    Total noninterest expenses     60,299       20,447       105,407     61,451  
    (Loss) income before income tax (benefit) expense     (9,897 )     11,561       10,671     35,334  
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (1,994 )     2,535       2,305     7,314  
    Net (loss) income   $ (7,903 )   $ 9,026     $ 8,366   $ 28,020  
    continued
                     
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
          2024       2023       2024     2023  
    Share information:                
    Basic (loss) earnings per share   $ (0.41 )   $ 0.87     $ 0.63   $ 2.71  
    Diluted (loss) earnings per share   $ (0.41 )   $ 0.87     $ 0.62   $ 2.68  
    Dividends paid per share   $ 0.23     $ 0.20     $ 0.63   $ 0.60  
    Weighted average shares – basic     19,088       10,319       13,298     10,346  
    Weighted average shares – diluted     19,226       10,405       13,441     10,440  
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME        
    Average Balances and Interest Rates, Taxable-Equivalent Basis (Unaudited)    
      Three Months Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
          Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-
     (In Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent
     thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
    Assets                                                          
    Federal funds sold & interest-bearing bank balances $ 184,465   $ 2,452     5.29 %   $ 142,868   $ 1,864     5.25 %   $ 74,523   $ 956     5.16 %   $ 37,873   $ 460     4.82 %   $ 57,778   $ 633     4.35 %
    Investment securities (1)(2)   849,700     10,123     4.77       538,451     6,114     4.54       519,851     5,694     4.39       508,891     5,890     4.63       521,234     5,548     4.26  
    Loans (1)(3)(4)(5)   3,989,259     70,849     7.07       2,324,942     35,690     6.17       2,308,103     36,382     6.34       2,286,678     34,055     5.91       2,256,727     32,878     5.78  
    Total interest-earning assets   5,023,424     83,424     6.61       3,006,261     43,668     5.84       2,902,477     43,032     5.96       2,833,442     40,405     5.67       2,835,739     39,059     5.47  
    Other assets   491,719             204,863             196,295             204,382             200,447        
    Total assets $ 5,515,143           $ 3,211,124           $ 3,098,772           $ 3,037,824           $ 3,036,186        
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                                
    Interest-bearing demand deposits $ 2,554,743     16,165     2.52     $ 1,649,753     10,118     2.47     $ 1,570,622     9,192     2.35     $ 1,543,575     8,333     2.14     $ 1,541,728     7,476     1.92  
    Savings deposits   283,337     148     0.21       165,467     140     0.34       170,005     144     0.34       178,351     153     0.34       190,817     164     0.34  
    Time deposits   1,014,628     12,290     4.82       481,721     5,007     4.18       428,443     4,180     3.92       392,085     3,632     3.67       357,194     2,942     3.27  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,852,708     28,603     2.95       2,296,941     15,265     2.67       2,169,070     13,516     2.51       2,114,011     12,118     2.27       2,089,739     10,582     2.01  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   23,075     96     1.66       13,412     27     0.81       12,010     25     0.85       13,874     30     0.85       15,006     31     0.83  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   115,388     1,154     3.98       115,000     1,152     4.03       137,505     1,474     4.31       127,843     1,358     4.21       128,131     1,354     4.19  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,399     1,437     8.36       32,118     734     9.19       32,100     754     9.45       32,083     504     6.29       32,066     505     6.29  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,059,570     31,290     3.07       2,457,471     17,178     2.81       2,350,685     15,769     2.70       2,287,811     14,010     2.43       2,264,942     12,472     2.19  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   807,886             423,037             417,469             441,695             468,628        
    Other liabilities   110,017             57,828             62,329             59,876             54,353        
    Total liabilities   4,977,473             2,938,336             2,830,483             2,789,382             2,787,923        
    Shareholders’ equity   537,670             272,788             268,289             248,442             248,263        
    Total $ 5,515,143           $ 3,211,124           $ 3,098,772           $ 3,037,824           $ 3,036,186        
    Taxable-equivalent net interest income / net interest spread       52,134     3.55 %         26,490     3.02 %         27,263     3.26 %         26,395     3.24 %         26,587     3.29 %
    Taxable-equivalent net interest margin         4.14 %           3.54 %           3.77 %           3.71 %           3.73 %
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment       (437 )             (387 )             (382 )             (377 )             (368 )    
    Net interest income     $ 51,697             $ 26,103             $ 26,881             $ 26,018             $ 26,219      
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         124 %           122 %           123 %           124 %           125 %
                                                               
    NOTES:                                                          
    (1) Yields and interest income on tax-exempt assets have been computed on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate.
    (2) Average balance of investment securities is computed at fair value.
    (3) Average balances include nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Interest income on loans includes prepayment and late fees, where applicable.
    (5) Interest income on loans includes interest recovered of $1.6 million from the payoff of a commercial real estate loan on nonaccrual status in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME        
    Average Balances and Interest Rates, Taxable-Equivalent Basis (Unaudited)    
    (continued)                      
      Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
          Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-
      Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent
    (In thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
    Assets                      
    Federal funds sold & interest-bearing bank balances $ 134,136   $ 5,272     5.25 %   $ 41,861   $ 1,349     4.31 %
    Investment securities (1)(2)   636,781     21,931     4.60       524,365     16,523     4.21  
    Loans (1)(3)(4)(5)   2,878,171     142,921     6.63       2,223,701     93,051     5.59  
    Total interest-earning assets   3,649,088     170,124     6.23       2,789,927     110,923     5.31  
    Other assets   298,334             196,694        
    Total assets $ 3,947,422           $ 2,986,621        
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits $ 1,927,337     35,475     2.46     $ 1,519,013     18,611     1.64  
    Savings deposits   206,552     432     0.28       204,832     431     0.28  
    Time deposits   642,959     21,477     4.46       320,000     6,350     2.65  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   2,776,848     57,384     2.76       2,043,845     25,392     1.66  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   16,191     148     1.22       14,190     84     0.79  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   122,604     3,780     4.12       122,300     3,992     4.36  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   44,294     2,925     8.82       32,049     1,513     6.29  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,959,937     64,237     2.90       2,212,384     30,981     1.87  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   550,407             480,006        
    Other liabilities   76,846             52,618        
    Total liabilities   3,587,190             2,745,008        
    Shareholders’ equity   360,232             241,613        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,947,422           $ 2,986,621        
    Taxable-equivalent net interest income / net interest spread       105,887     3.33 %         79,942     3.44 %
    Taxable-equivalent net interest margin         3.88 %           3.83 %
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment       (1,206 )             (1,054 )    
    Net interest income     $ 104,681             $ 78,888      
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         123 %           126 %
                           
    NOTES TO ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME:                
    (1) Yields and interest income on tax-exempt assets have been computed on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate.
    (2) Average balance of investment securities is computed at fair value.
    (3) Average balances include nonaccrual loans.
    (4) Interest income on loans includes prepayment and late fees, where applicable.
    (5) Interest income on loans includes interest recovered of $1.6 million from the payoff of a commercial real estate loan on nonaccrual status for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
     
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)        
                       
    (In thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Profitability for the quarter:                  
    Net interest income $ 51,697     $ 26,103     $ 26,881     $ 26,018     $ 26,219  
    Provision for credit losses   13,681       812       298       418       136  
    Noninterest income   12,386       7,172       6,630       6,491       5,925  
    Noninterest expenses   60,299       22,639       22,469       22,392       20,447  
    (Loss) income before income taxes   (9,897 )     9,824       10,744       9,699       11,561  
    Income tax (benefit) expense   (1,994 )     2,086       2,213       2,056       2,535  
    Net (loss) income $ (7,903 )   $ 7,738     $ 8,531     $ 7,643     $ 9,026  
                       
    Financial ratios:                  
    Return on average assets (1) (0.57)%     0.97 %     1.11 %     1.00 %     1.18 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (1)(2)(3)   1.55 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.13 %     1.18 %
    Return on average equity (1) (5.85)%     11.41 %     12.79 %     12.21 %     14.42 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (1)(2)(3)   15.85 %     12.88 %     13.79 %     13.77 %     14.42 %
    Net interest margin (1)   4.14 %     3.54 %     3.77 %     3.71 %     3.73 %
    Efficiency ratio   94.1 %     68.0 %     67.0 %     68.9 %     63.6 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (2)(3)   60.2 %     64.6 %     65.0 %     65.6 %     63.6 %
                       
    Per share information:                  
    (Loss) income per common share:                  
    Basic $ (0.41 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.82     $ 0.74     $ 0.87  
    Basic, adjusted (2)(3)   1.12       0.84       0.89       0.84       0.87  
    Diluted   (0.41 )     0.73       0.81       0.73       0.87  
    Diluted, adjusted (2)(3)   1.11       0.83       0.88       0.83       0.87  
    Book value   26.65       25.97       25.38       24.98       22.90  
    Tangible book value(3)   21.12       24.08       23.47       23.03       20.94  
    Cash dividends paid   0.23       0.20       0.20       0.20       0.20  
                       
    Average basic shares   19,088       10,393       10,349       10,321       10,319  
    Average diluted shares   19,226       10,553       10,482       10,419       10,405  
    (1) Annualized.
    (2) Ratio has been adjusted for non-recurring expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    (3) Non-GAAP based financial measure. Please refer to Appendix A – Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Measures and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations for a discussion of our use of non-GAAP based financial measures, including tables reconciling GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures appearing herein.
     
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)        
    (continued)                  
    (In thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Noninterest income:                  
    Service charges $ 2,360   $ 1,283     $ 1,200     $ 1,198     $ 1,260  
    Interchange income   1,779     961       911       952       963  
    Swap fee income   505     375       199       588       255  
    Wealth management income   5,037     3,312       3,102       2,945       2,826  
    Mortgage banking activities   491     369       458       143       (142 )
    Other income   1,943     884       765       704       761  
    Investment securities gains (losses)   271     (12 )     (5 )     (39 )     2  
    Total noninterest income $ 12,386   $ 7,172     $ 6,630     $ 6,491     $ 5,925  
                       
    Noninterest expenses:                  
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 27,190   $ 13,195     $ 13,752     $ 12,848     $ 12,885  
    Occupancy, furniture and equipment   4,333     2,705       2,639       2,534       2,460  
    Data processing   2,046     1,237       1,265       1,247       1,248  
    Advertising and bank promotions   537     774       398       501       332  
    FDIC insurance   862     419       441       460       477  
    Professional services   1,119     801       631       702       965  
    Taxes other than income   503     49       494       203       387  
    Intangible asset amortization   2,464     215       225       236       228  
    Merger-related expenses   16,977     1,135       672       1,059        
    Restructuring expenses   257                        
    Other operating expenses   4,011     2,109       1,952       2,602       1,465  
    Total noninterest expenses $ 60,299   $ 22,639     $ 22,469     $ 22,392     $ 20,447  
                       
     
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)            
    (continued)                  
    (In thousands) September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Balance Sheet at quarter end:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 236,780     $ 132,509     $ 182,722     $ 65,161     $ 94,939  
    Restricted investments in bank stocks   20,247       11,147       11,453       11,992       12,987  
    Securities available for sale   826,828       529,082       514,909       513,519       495,162  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   3,561       1,562       535       5,816       6,448  
    Loans:                  
    Commercial real estate:                  
    Owner occupied   622,726       371,301       364,280       373,757       376,350  
    Non-owner occupied   1,164,501       710,477       707,871       694,638       630,514  
    Multi-family   276,296       151,542       147,773       150,675       143,437  
    Non-owner occupied residential   190,786       89,156       91,858       95,040       100,391  
    Commercial and industrial   601,469       374,976       365,524       367,085       374,190  
    Acquisition and development:                  
    1-4 family residential construction   56,383       32,439       22,277       24,516       25,642  
    Commercial and land development   262,317       129,883       118,010       115,249       153,279  
    Municipal   27,960       10,594       10,925       9,812       10,334  
    Total commercial loans   3,202,438       1,870,368       1,828,518       1,830,772       1,814,137  
    Residential mortgage:                  
    First lien   451,195       271,153       270,748       266,239       248,335  
    Home equity – term   6,508       4,633       4,966       5,078       5,223  
    Home equity – lines of credit   303,165       192,736       189,966       186,450       188,736  
    Installment and other loans   18,131       8,713       8,875       9,774       10,405  
    Total loans   3,981,437       2,347,603       2,303,073       2,298,313       2,266,836  
    Allowance for credit losses   (49,630 )     (29,864 )     (29,165 )     (28,702 )     (28,278 )
    Net loans held for investment   3,931,807       2,317,739       2,273,908       2,269,611       2,238,558  
    Goodwill   70,655       18,724       18,724       18,724       18,724  
    Other intangible assets, net   46,144       1,974       2,189       2,414       2,650  
    Total assets   5,470,589       3,198,782       3,183,331       3,064,240       3,054,435  
    Total deposits   4,650,853       2,702,884       2,695,951       2,558,814       2,546,435  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings and and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   137,310       129,625       127,099       147,285       175,241  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,510       32,128       32,111       32,093       32,076  
    Total shareholders’ equity   516,206       278,376       271,682       265,056       243,080  
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)            
    (continued)                  
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Capital and credit quality measures(1):                  
    Total risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   12.5 %     13.3 %     13.4 %     13.0 %     13.0 %
    Orrstown Bank   12.3 %     13.1 %     13.1 %     12.8 %     12.5 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.0 %     11.1 %     11.2 %     10.8 %     10.6 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.1 %     12.0 %     11.9 %     11.6 %     11.4 %
    Tier 1 common equity risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   9.8 %     11.1 %     11.2 %     10.8 %     10.6 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.1 %     12.0 %     11.9 %     11.6 %     11.4 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   8.0 %     8.9 %     9.0 %     8.9 %     8.7 %
    Orrstown Bank   8.8 %     9.5 %     9.6 %     9.5 %     9.3 %
                       
    Average equity to average assets   9.75 %     8.50 %     8.66 %     8.18 %     8.18 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.25 %     1.27 %     1.27 %     1.25 %     1.25 %
    Total nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.68 %     0.36 %     0.56 %     1.11 %     0.98 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.49 %     0.26 %     0.40 %     0.83 %     0.73 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   184 %     357 %     226 %     112 %     127 %
                       
    Other information:                  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) $ 269     $ 113     $ (42 )   $ (6 )   $ 241  
    Classified loans   105,465       48,722       48,997       55,030       33,593  
    Nonperforming and other risk assets:                  
    Nonaccrual loans   26,927       8,363       12,886       25,527       22,324  
    Other real estate owned   138                          
    Total nonperforming assets   27,065       8,363       12,886       25,527       22,324  
    Financial difficulty modifications still accruing   9,497                   9        
    Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing   337       187       99       66       277  
    Total nonperforming and other risk assets $ 36,899     $ 8,550     $ 12,985     $ 25,602     $ 22,601  
    (1) Capital ratios are estimated for the current period, subject to regulatory filings. The Company elected the three-year phase in option for the day-one impact of ASU 2016-13 for current expected credit losses (“CECL”) to regulatory capital. Beginning in 2023, the Company adjusted retained earnings, allowance for credit losses includable in tier 2 capital and the deferred tax assets from temporary differences in risk weighted assets by the permitted percentage of the day-one impact from adopting the new CECL standard.

    Appendix A- Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Measures and GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    Management believes providing certain other “non-GAAP” financial information will assist investors in their understanding of the effect on recent financial results from non-recurring charges.

    As a result of acquisitions, the Company has intangible assets consisting of goodwill, core deposit and other intangible assets, which totaled $116.8 million and $21.1 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $17.0 million, $1.1 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million in merger-related expenses, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company incurred other non-recurring charges totaling $20.2 million.

    Tangible book value per common share and the impact of the non-recurring expenses on net income and associated ratios, as used by the Company in this earnings release, are determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). While we believe this information is a useful supplement to GAAP based measures presented in this earnings release, readers are cautioned that this non-GAAP disclosure has limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results and financial condition as reported under GAAP, nor are such measures necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. This supplemental presentation should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by similar adjustments to be determined in accordance with GAAP.

    The following tables present the computation of each non-GAAP based measure:

    (In thousands)

    Tangible Book Value per Common Share   September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Shareholders’ equity (most directly comparable GAAP-based measure)   $ 516,206     $ 278,376     $ 271,682     $ 265,056     $ 243,080  
    Less: Goodwill     70,655       18,724       18,724       18,724       18,724  
    Other intangible assets     46,144       1,974       2,189       2,414       2,650  
    Related tax effect     (9,690 )     (415 )     (460 )     (507 )     (557 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 409,097     $ 258,093     $ 251,229     $ 244,425     $ 222,263  
                         
    Common shares outstanding     19,373       10,720       10,705       10,612       10,613  
                         
    Book value per share (most directly comparable GAAP-based measure)   $ 26.65     $ 25.97     $ 25.38     $ 24.98     $ 22.90  
    Intangible assets per share     5.53       1.89       1.91       1.95       1.96  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 21.12     $ 24.08     $ 23.47     $ 23.03     $ 20.94  
                         
    (In thousands) Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    Adjusted Ratios for Non-recurring Charges September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Net (loss) income (A) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ (7,903 )   $ 7,738     $ 8,531     $ 8,531     $ 9,026     $ 8,366     $ 28,020  
    Plus: Merger-related expenses (B)   16,977       1,135       672       672             18,784        
    Plus: Executive retirement expenses (B)   4,758                               4,758        
    Plus: Provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans (B)   15,504                               15,504        
    Less: Related tax effect (C)   (7,915 )     (139 )     (1 )     (1 )           (8,056 )      
    Adjusted net (loss) income (D=A+B-C) – Non-GAAP $ 21,421     $ 8,734     $ 9,202     $ 9,202     $ 9,026     $ 39,356     $ 28,020  
                               
    Average assets (E) $ 5,515,143     $ 3,211,124     $ 3,098,772     $ 3,098,772     $ 3,036,186     $ 3,947,422     $ 2,986,621  
    Return on average assets (= A / E) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure (1) (0.57)%     0.97 %     1.11 %     1.11 %     1.18 %     0.28 %     1.25 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (= D / E) – Non-GAAP (1)   1.55 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.19 %     1.18 %     1.33 %     1.25 %
                               
    Average equity (F) $ 537,670     $ 272,788     $ 268,289     $ 268,289     $ 248,263     $ 360,232     $ 241,613  
    Return on average equity (= A / F) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure (1) (5.85)%     11.41 %     12.79 %     12.79 %     14.42 %     3.10 %     15.51 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (= D / F) – Non-GAAP (1)   15.85 %     12.88 %     13.79 %     13.79 %     14.42 %     14.59 %     15.51 %
                               
    Weighted average shares – basic (G) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   19,088       10,393       10,349       10,349       10,319       13,298       10,346  
    Basic (loss) earnings per share (= A / G) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ (0.41 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.82     $ 0.82     $ 0.87     $ 0.63     $ 2.71  
    Basic earnings per share, adjusted (= D / G) – Non-GAAP $ 1.12     $ 0.84     $ 0.89     $ 0.89     $ 0.87     $ 2.96     $ 2.71  
                               
    Weighted average shares – diluted (H) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   19,226       10,553       10,482       10,482       10,405       13,441       10,440  
    Diluted (loss) earnings per share (= A / H) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ (0.41 )   $ 0.73     $ 0.81     $ 0.81     $ 0.87     $ 0.62     $ 2.68  
    Diluted earnings per share, adjusted (= D / H) – Non-GAAP $ 1.11     $ 0.83     $ 0.88     $ 0.88     $ 0.87     $ 2.93     $ 2.68  
                               
    continued
    (1) Annualized                          
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30, 2024   March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Noninterest expense (I) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 60,299     $ 22,639     $ 22,469     $ 22,469     $ 20,447     $ 105,407     $ 61,451  
    Less: Merger-related expenses (B)   (16,977 )     (1,135 )     (672 )     (672 )           (18,784 )      
    Less: Executive retirement expenses (B)   (4,758 )                             (4,758 )      
    Adjusted noninterest expense (J = I – B) – Non-GAAP $ 38,564     $ 21,504     $ 21,797     $ 21,797     $ 20,447     $ 81,865     $ 61,451  
                               
    Net interest income (K) $ 51,697     $ 26,103     $ 26,881     $ 26,881     $ 26,219     $ 104,681     $ 78,888  
    Noninterest income (L)   12,386       7,172       6,630       6,630       5,925       26,188       19,161  
    Total operating income (M = K + L) $ 64,083     $ 33,275     $ 33,511     $ 33,511     $ 32,144     $ 130,869     $ 98,049  
                               
    Efficiency ratio (= I / M) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   94.1 %     68.0 %     67.0 %     67.0 %     63.6 %     80.5 %     62.7 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (= J / M) – Non-GAAP   60.2 %     64.6 %     65.0 %     65.0 %     63.6 %     62.6 %     62.7 %
                               
                               
                               
    (1) Annualized                          

    Appendix B- Investment Portfolio Concentrations

    The following table summarizes the credit ratings and collateral associated with the Company’s investment security portfolio, excluding equity securities, at September 30, 2024:

    (In thousands)

    Sector Portfolio Mix   Amortized Book   Fair Value   Credit Enhancement   AAA   AA   A   BBB   NR   Collateral / Guarantee Type
    Unsecured ABS %   $ 3,199   $ 2,975   27 %   %   %   %   %   100 %   Unsecured Consumer Debt
    Student Loan ABS 1       4,348     4,283   27                     100     Seasoned Student Loans
    Federal Family Education Loan ABS 10       83,199     82,962   11     7     80         13         Federal Family Education Loan (1)
    PACE Loan ABS       2,034     1,813   7     100                     PACE Loans (2)
    Non-Agency CMBS 2       13,750     14,045   26                     100      
    Non-Agency RMBS 2       16,749     14,212   16     100                     Reverse Mortgages (3)
    Municipal – General Obligation 12       99,779     93,395       11     82     7              
    Municipal – Revenue 14       121,130     112,705           82     12         6      
    SBA ReRemic (5)       2,427     2,409           100                 SBA Guarantee (4)
    Small Business Administration 1       6,632     7,042           100                 SBA Guarantee (4)
    Agency MBS 18       154,058     154,762           100                 Residential Mortgages (4)
    Agency CMO 38       316,385     315,677           100                  
    U.S. Treasury securities 2       20,047     18,373           100                 U.S. Government Guarantee (4)
    Corporate bonds       1,932     1,975               52     48          
      100 %   $ 845,669   $ 826,628       4 %   89 %   3 %   1 %   3 %    
                                           
    (1) 97% guaranteed by U.S. government
    (2) PACE acronym represents Property Assessed Clean Energy loans
    (3) Non-agency reverse mortgages with current structural credit enhancements
    (4) Guaranteed by U.S. government or U.S. government agencies
    (5) SBA ReRemic acronym represents Re-Securitization of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits
                                           
    Note: Ratings in table are the lowest of the six rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, Morningstar, DBRS and Kroll Bond Rating Agency). Standard & Poor’s rates U.S. government obligations at AA+.

    About the Company

    With $5.5 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry, and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes adjacent counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as Loudon County, Virginia and Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan Counties, West Virginia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on Nasdaq (ORRF). For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit http://www.orrstown.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management with respect to, among other things, future events and the Company’s financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates, predictions or projections about events or the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and there can be no assurances that the Company will achieve the desired level of new business development and new loans, growth in the balance sheet and fee-based revenue lines of business, cost savings initiatives and continued reductions in risk assets or mitigation of losses in the future. Factors which could cause the actual results of the Company’s operations to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions (including inflation and concerns about liquidity) on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Company operates; ineffectiveness of the Company’s strategic growth plan due to changes in current or future market conditions; changes in interest rates; the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the effects of competition and how it may impact our community banking model, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; changes in consumer behavior due to changing political, business and economic conditions, or legislative or regulatory initiatives; changes in laws and regulations; changes in credit quality; inability to raise capital, if necessary, under favorable conditions; volatility in the securities markets; the demand for our products and services; deteriorating economic conditions; geopolitical tensions; operational risks including, but not limited to, cybersecurity incidents, fraud, natural disasters and future pandemics; expenses associated with litigation and legal proceedings; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the merger with Codorus (the “Merger”) are not realized when expected or at all; the possibility that the Merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated; the possibility that revenues following the Merger may be lower than expected; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the Merger; the ability to complete the integration of the two companies successfully; the dilution caused by the Company’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the Merger; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 under the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in subsequent filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materializes, or if the Company’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what the Company anticipates. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict those events or how they may affect it. In addition, the Company cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf may issue.

    The review period for subsequent events extends up to and includes the filing date of a public company’s financial statements, when filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the consolidated financial information presented in this announcement is subject to change. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers in this document are used for illustrative purposes only and are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Gartner Survey Reveals That Only 48% of Digital Initiatives Meet or Exceed Their Business Outcome Targets

    Source: Gartner – IT Research

    Headline: Gartner Survey Reveals That Only 48% of Digital Initiatives Meet or Exceed Their Business Outcome Targets

    On average, only 48% of digital initiatives enterprise-wide meet or exceed their business outcome targets according to Gartner, Inc.’s annual global survey of more than 3,100 CIOs and technology executives, and more than 1,100 executive leaders outside of IT (CxOs).

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Small business group advances work programme, focuses on business support organizations

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Thematic discussions: Business support organizations

    The meeting shed light on the work of business support organizations, such as the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the International Trade Centre, in connecting small businesses with partners to help them export to international markets and utilise opportunities provided by free trade agreements.

    It was noted that business support organizations play an important role in facilitating the information flow between the public and private sectors, particularly small business, in addition to gathering feedback and providing advisory services to MSMEs to help them access financing opportunities.

    The session was in response to a proposal by the United States (INF/MSME/W/51), which suggested exploring how small businesses are linked to the mechanisms that shape trade policy through local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and/or other local business support organizations.

    Success stories

    As part of its efforts to strengthen engagement with the private sector, the Group invited Mr Aziz Ndiaye, Founder and Owner of ANEP Company, a small business headquartered in Switzerland, to present his enterprise. ANEP Company specializes in the import and export of exotic fruits and vegetables from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo and  Benin and seeks to deliver positive social impact for the communities benefiting from these trade opportunities.  

    The two winners of the Small Business Champions initiative (CLAC – Coordinadora Latino americana de Comercio Justo and O’KANATA) presented their winning projects to the Group. Their projects are aimed at helping indigenous people trade internationally through needs assessment surveys, technical assistance and online platforms.

    Dr Ayman El Tarabishy, President and CEO of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), spoke to the Group about the ICSB’s efforts to advance small business research and good practice.

    Future work

    The Group’s next meeting on 10 December will focus on good regulatory practices for MSMEs and trade digitalization in response to a proposal put forward by the United Kingdom (INF/MSME/W/52).

    The UK will explain how MSMEs’ interests are considered in regulatory development, referencing Annex 4 of the December 2020 MSME package. The UK will also discuss various processes and tools used in domestic regulatory procedures that may benefit MSMEs. Various speakers will be invited to talk about the importance of trade digitalization for small businesses and how trade digitalization efforts can be accelerated.

    Work is underway to build on the compendium of special provisions on the integration of MSMEs into Authorised Economic Operators programmes published earlier this year. A joint study by the World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce is being prepared on this issue, using a recent survey as a basis for the report.

    New proposal

    The Russian Federation presented a proposal (INF/MSME/W/58 – INF/TGE/COM/10) to have a compendium of educational programmes aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in finance and marketing. The compendium’s objective is to help women-owned businesses participate in international trade and assist governments in drafting supporting policies.

    Updates

    Members shared updates on their implementation of the December 2020 MSME package of recommendations aimed at helping small businesses trade globally. China reported on its ninth Trade Policy Review (TPR), where measures taken to integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in its policies were included in its report. Such measures include the provision of policy support documents, tax extensions and the establishment of funds.  

    China also highlighted its efforts to create a business-friendly environment, such as addressing financing challenges and supporting research and development.

    The ITC provided updates on the Global Trade Helpdesk, an online platform intended to bring together trade and business information for companies, especially MSMEs. The ITC noted an increase in the usage of the platform in the United States, India, China and Indonesia, and highlighted recent events including the launch of Bahasa and Chinese versions of the HelpDesk.

    MSME-related discussions in the Technical Barriers to Trade Committee and Government Procurement Committee were also shared with the Group. This included a new good practice guide on how to comment on members’ notifications, focusing on the ability of the private sector to provide feedback and track such notifications and on the adoption of a best practice report on measures facilitating the participation of SMEs in government procurement.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon delivers strong third quarter results with customer growth in mobility, extending industry leadership

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon delivers strong third quarter results with customer growth in mobility, extending industry leadership

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    3Q 2024 Highlights 

    Wireless: More than doubled wireless postpaid phone net additions year over year

    • Total wireless service revenue1 of $19.8 billion, a 2.7 percent increase year over year.
    • Retail postpaid phone net additions of 239,000, and retail postpaid net additions of 349,000. 
    • Retail postpaid phone churn of 0.89 percent, and retail postpaid churn of 1.16 percent.

    Broadband: Achieved fixed wireless subscriber target 15 months ahead of schedule

    • Total broadband net additions of 389,000. This was the ninth consecutive quarter with more than 375,000 broadband net additions.
    • Total fixed wireless net additions of 363,000. At the end of third-quarter 2024, the company had a base of nearly 4.2 million fixed wireless subscribers. The company reached its fixed wireless subscriber target 15 months ahead of schedule, which is a reflection of the product’s popularity and customer demand for high quality broadband services.
    • Total broadband connections grew to more than 11.9 million as of the end of third-quarter 2024, representing a nearly 16 percent increase year over year. 
    • Fixed wireless revenue for third-quarter 2024 was $562 million, up $215 million year over year. 

    Consolidated: Sustained focus on profitable growth

    • Total operating revenue of $33.3 billion, essentially flat compared to third-quarter 2023. 
    • Consolidated net income for the third quarter of $3.4 billion, down from consolidated net income of $4.9 billion in third-quarter 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by severance charges of $1.7 billion related to separations under the company’s voluntary separation program for select U.S.-based management employees as well as other headcount reduction initiatives. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA2 for the third quarter of $12.5 billion, up from $12.2 billion in third-quarter 2023.
    • Earnings per share of $0.78, compared with earnings per share of $1.13 in third-quarter 2023; adjusted EPS2, excluding special items, of $1.19, compared with $1.22 in third-quarter 2023.

    NEW YORK – Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) reported third-quarter 2024 results today with customer growth in mobility and broadband. The company also continued its momentum in its three financial priorities of wireless service revenue, consolidated adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow.

    “This has been a pivotal quarter for Verizon, with transformative strategic moves and continued operational excellence. We continue to deliver strong results in mobility and broadband, and we are on track to meet our full-year 2024 financial guidance, with wireless service revenue and adjusted EBITDA trending at or above the midpoint of the guided range,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg. “Our new products — myPlan, myHome and Verizon Business Complete — and our brand refresh are resonating with customers. Through our pending acquisition of Frontier Communications, and our agreement for Vertical Bridge to lease, operate and manage thousands of wireless communications towers, we have set Verizon up for disciplined growth, now and into the future.”   

    For third-quarter 2024, Verizon reported earnings per share of $0.78, compared with earnings per share of $1.13 in third-quarter 2023. On an adjusted basis2, excluding special items, EPS was $1.19 in third-quarter 2024, compared with adjusted EPS2 of $1.22 in third-quarter 2023. 

    Reported third-quarter 2024 financial results reflected $2.3 billion in charges related to special items. This included a severance charge of $1.7 billion related to separations under the company’s voluntary separation program for select U.S.-based management employees as well as other headcount reduction initiatives; an asset and business rationalization charge of $374 million predominantly related to the decision to cease use of certain real estate assets and exit non-strategic portions of certain businesses; and amortization of intangible assets of $186 million related to Tracfone and other acquisitions. 

    Consolidated results: Financially disciplined, consistent with overall strategy 

    • Total consolidated operating revenue in third-quarter 2024 was $33.3 billion, essentially flat compared to third-quarter 2023, as service and other revenue growth was offset by declines in wireless equipment revenue.
    • Total wireless service revenue1 in third-quarter 2024 was $19.8 billion, a sequential increase of $70 million, and an increase of 2.7 percent year over year. This increase was primarily driven by pricing actions implemented in recent quarters and growth from fixed wireless connections.
    • Cash flow from operations year-to-date3 totaled $26.5 billion, compared with $28.8 billion in 2023. This result reflects higher cash taxes, as well as higher interest expense primarily driven by the decrease in capitalized interest and higher interest rates.
    • Capital expenditures year-to-date3 were $12.0 billion. 
    • Free cash flow2 year-to-date3 was $14.5 billion, compared with $14.6 billion in 2023.
    • Consolidated net income for third-quarter 2024 was $3.4 billion, down from consolidated net income of $4.9 billion in third-quarter 2023, and consolidated adjusted EBITDA2 was $12.5 billion, up from $12.2 billion in third-quarter 2023.
    • Verizon’s total unsecured debt as of the end of third-quarter 2024 was $126.4 billion, a $1.1 billion increase compared to second-quarter 2024, and approximately $70 million lower year over year. The company’s net unsecured debt2 at the end of third-quarter 2024 was $121.4 billion. At the end of third-quarter 2024, Verizon’s ratio of unsecured debt to net income (LTM) was 12.3 times and net unsecured debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio2 was 2.5 times.

    Verizon Consumer: Seventh consecutive quarter of year over year growth in postpaid phone gross additions

    • Total Verizon Consumer revenue in third-quarter 2024 was $25.4 billion, an increase of 0.4 percent year over year as gains in service revenue were partially offset by declines in wireless equipment revenue.
    • Wireless service revenue in third-quarter 2024 was $16.4 billion, up 2.6 percent year over year, driven by growth in Consumer wireless postpaid average revenue per account (ARPA) from pricing actions and continued fixed wireless adoption. 
    • Consumer wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.07 percent in third-quarter 2024, and wireless retail postpaid phone churn was 0.84 percent. 
    • In third-quarter 2024, Consumer reported 81,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net additions, compared with 51,000 net losses in third-quarter 2023. This improvement was driven by a 5.9 percent year over year increase in postpaid phone gross additions. This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of year over year growth in postpaid phone gross additions. Excluding the contribution from the company’s second number offering, Consumer reported 18,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net additions. Verizon expects to have positive Consumer postpaid phone net additions for full-year 2024, with and without the contribution from the second number offering. 
    • In third-quarter 2024, Consumer reported 80,000 wireless retail prepaid net additions, excluding Safelink, Verizon’s brand offering access to government-sponsored connectivity benefits and programs. 
    • Consumer reported 209,000 fixed wireless net additions and 39,000 Fios Internet net additions in third-quarter 2024. Consumer Fios revenue was $2.9 billion in third-quarter 2024. 
    • In third-quarter 2024, Consumer operating income was $7.6 billion, an increase of 0.8 percent year over year, and segment operating income margin was 30.0 percent, an increase from 29.9 percent in third-quarter 2023. Segment EBITDA2 in third-quarter 2024 was $11.0 billion, an increase of 1.8 percent year over year. This improvement can be attributed to service and other revenue growth partially offset by lower upgrade volumes. Segment EBITDA margin2 in third-quarter 2024 was 43.4 percent, an increase from 42.8 percent in third-quarter 2023.

    Verizon Business: Continued mobility and broadband growth

    • Total Verizon Business revenue was $7.4 billion in third-quarter 2024, a decrease of 2.3 percent year over year, as increases in wireless service revenue were more than offset by decreases in wireline revenue. 
    • Business wireless service revenue in third-quarter 2024 was $3.5 billion, an increase of 2.9 percent year over year. This result was driven by continued strong net additions for both mobility and fixed wireless, as well as benefits from pricing actions implemented in recent quarters. 
    • Business reported 281,000 wireless retail postpaid net additions in third-quarter 2024. This result included 158,000 postpaid phone net additions. The company experienced sustained growth in phone net additions across its small and medium business, enterprise, and public sector customers throughout the quarter.
    • Business wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.45 percent in third-quarter 2024, and wireless retail postpaid phone churn was 1.12 percent.
    • Business reported 154,000 fixed wireless net additions in third-quarter 2024.
    • In third-quarter 2024, Verizon Business operating income was $565 million, an increase of 4.8 percent year over year, and segment operating income margin was 7.7 percent, an increase from 7.2 percent in third-quarter 2023. Segment EBITDA2 in third-quarter 2024 was $1.6 billion, a decrease of 3.7 percent year over year, driven by continued declines in wireline revenues. Segment EBITDA margin2 in third-quarter 2024 was 21.8 percent, a decrease from 22.1 percent in third-quarter 2023. 

    Outlook and guidance: Verizon is on track to meet financial guidance 

    The company does not provide a reconciliation for any of the following adjusted (non-GAAP) forecasts because it cannot, without unreasonable effort, predict the special items that could arise, and the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.  

    • For 2024, Verizon continues to expect the following: 
    • Total wireless service revenue growth1 of 2.0 percent to 3.5 percent.
    • Adjusted EBITDA growth2 of 1.0 percent to 3.0 percent.
    • Adjusted EPS2 of $4.50 to $4.70.
    • Capital expenditures between $17.0 billion and $17.5 billion. 
    • Adjusted effective income tax rate2 in the range of 22.5 percent to 24.0 percent.

    1 Total wireless service revenue represents the sum of Consumer and Business segments.
    2 Non-GAAP financial measure. See the accompanying schedules and http://www.verizon.com/about/investors for reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures cited in this document to most directly comparable financial measures under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
    3 Nine months ended September 30, 2024.


    Forward-looking statements

    In this communication we have made forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words “anticipates,” “assumes,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “hopes,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets” or similar expressions. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The following important factors, along with those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), could affect future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate, including the inability to successfully respond to competitive factors such as prices, promotional incentives and evolving consumer preferences; failure to take advantage of, or respond to competitors’ use of, developments in technology and address changes in consumer demand; performance issues or delays in the deployment of our 5G network resulting in significant costs or a reduction in the anticipated benefits of the enhancement to our networks; the inability to implement our business strategy; adverse conditions in the U.S. and international economies, including inflation and changing interest rates in the markets in which we operate; cyber attacks impacting our networks or systems and any resulting financial or reputational impact; damage to our infrastructure or disruption of our operations from natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, acts of war, terrorist attacks or other hostile acts and any resulting financial or reputational impact; disruption of our key suppliers’ or vendors’ provisioning of products or services, including as a result of geopolitical factors or the potential impacts of global climate change; material adverse changes in labor matters and any resulting financial or operational impact; damage to our reputation or brands; the impact of public health crises on our operations, our employees and the ways in which our customers use our networks and other products and services; changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, including any increase in restrictions on our ability to operate our networks or businesses; allegations regarding the release of hazardous materials or pollutants into the environment from our, or our predecessors’, network assets and any related government investigations, regulatory developments, litigation, penalties and other liability, remediation and compliance costs, operational impacts or reputational damage; our high level of indebtedness; significant litigation and any resulting material expenses incurred in defending against lawsuits or paying awards or settlements; an adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities by nationally accredited ratings organizations or adverse conditions in the credit markets affecting the cost, including interest rates, and/or availability of further financing; significant increases in benefit plan costs or lower investment returns on plan assets; changes in tax laws or regulations, or in their interpretation, or challenges to our tax positions, resulting in additional tax expense or liabilities; changes in accounting assumptions that regulatory agencies, including the SEC, may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings; and risks associated with mergers, acquisitions and other strategic transactions, including our ability to consummate the proposed acquisition of Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. and obtain cost savings, synergies and other anticipated benefits within the expected time period or at all.

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