Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions adopted at the Annual General Meeting of RTX A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nørresundby, Denmark, 31 January 2025
    Announcement no. 04/2024

    Today, 31 January 2025, RTX A/S held its Annual General Meeting at which the following decisions were made:

    • The annual report for the financial year 2023/24 was adopted (item 2).
    • The proposal not to distribute any dividend for the financial year 2023/24 was approved (item 3).
    • The Remuneration Report for 2023/24 was approved in the advisory vote (item 4).
    • The Remuneration Policy was adopted (item 5.1).
    • The remuneration of the Board of Directors for 2024/25 was adopted (item 5.2).
    • Henrik Schimmell, Jesper Mailind, Katja Millard and Mogens Vedel Hestbæk were re-elected and Gitte Schjøtz and Carsten Drachmann were newly elected to the Board of Directors for a one-year term (item 6).
    • KPMG Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab was re-appointed as the company’s auditors (item 7).
    • The below proposal from the Board of Directors was approved:
      • Authorization to attorney Henrik Møgelmose to inform the Danish Business Authority of the resolutions passed and to make any resulting changes to the Company’s Articles of Associations (item 8.1).

    At a meeting of the Board immediately after the AGM, the Board constituted itself with Henrik Schimmell as Chair and Katja Millard as Deputy Chair. Further, Mogens Vedel Hestbæk was selected as Chair of the Audit Committee with Henrik Schimmell and Katja Millard as members of the Committee. Henrik Schimmell, Katja Millard and Jesper Mailind were selected as members of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee.

    Yours sincerely

    PETER THOSTRUP        MILLE TRAM LUX

    Chair                                CFO

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Executive Board Concludes the 2024 Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    January 31, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2024 Article IV consultation[1] with the Republic of Kazakhstan on a lapse of time basis on November 27, 2024.

    After reaching 5.1 percent in 2023, Kazakhstan’s economic growth has remained robust in 2024, and inflation has continued to decline gradually. The banking sector remains resilient amid continued rapid consumer credit growth. In the medium term, growth is projected to stabilize at about 3½ percent, while inflation would ease further and reach its 5 percent target by 2028.

    The National Bank of Kazakhstan has maintained a prudent monetary policy in light of persisting inflation pressures from increased energy tariffs and fiscal underperformance: as of September 2024, tax revenues were only 60½ percent of the 2024 budget plan, implying an expansionary fiscal stance. The macroprudential policy and risk-based supervisory frameworks are being strengthened in line with the 2023 FSAP recommendations.

    Structural reform implementation remains slow, with the state footprint growing in some areas, while higher economic growth, diversification and resilience will be important in the current environment, including to address increasingly pressing challenges from climate change.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    In concluding the Article IV consultation with the Republic of Kazakhstan, Executive Directors endorsed the staff’s appraisal as follows:

    Robust economic growth and disinflation have continued this year. Growth is projected at 3.9 percent in 2024 due to broad-based acceleration of economic activity in the second half of the year. Inflation is expected to reach 8.2 percent, still above its 5 percent target, as the pace of disinflation has slowed this year due to increased domestic energy tariffs and an expansionary fiscal policy. On the external front, a moderate current account deficit is expected in 2024, and the external position is assessed as moderately weaker than implied by economic fundamentals and desirable policies.

    Risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside. They include external risks from a slowdown in major economies, an intensification of regional conflicts, secondary sanctions, and higher commodity price volatility or export pipeline disruptions. On the domestic front, key risks are delays in large infrastructure projects in the short term, failure to reintroduce fiscal discipline which could fuel inflation pressures, and a resurgence of social tensions. Upside risks include accelerated reform implementation, higher oil prices, and stronger foreign investment in new sectors.

    Monetary policy should remain tight until inflation is close to target, and its effectiveness could be further strengthened. The combination of robust growth, slowing disinflation, and an uncertain outlook justify continued monetary policy prudence. In order to enhance the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK)’s institutional independence and monetary policy effectiveness, its governance and legal framework can be further improved, and the NBK should refrain from foreign exchange interventions in the absence of disorderly market conditions.

    Recurrent fiscal underperformance requires measures to avoid fiscal procyclicality and strengthen the fiscal policy framework. Such measures would also help to meet the authorities’ objective of fiscal consolidation and maintain a balanced external position. Priorities are to improve macro-fiscal forecasts and budget planning, and to use the introduction of new tax and budget codes as opportunities to enhance non-oil revenue mobilization, including through gradual VAT rate increases, and spending efficiency. Fiscal policy effectiveness also requires public sector data that are better aligned with international standards and a more rules-based and transparent policy framework, including by reducing off-budget spending and the continued reliance on discretionary transfers from the National Fund.

    The banking sector remains resilient and rapid progress in implementing the 2023  FSAP recommendations is commendable. In particular, the regulatory agency (ARDFM)’s institutional independence and risk-based supervision, as well as the NBK’s macroprudential policy mandate and toolkit, have been significantly enhanced. Going forward, the main priority is to introduce a fully-fledged framework for bank resolution, including coordination mechanisms among the ARDFM, NBK and relevant ministries.

    Structural reform implementation is critical to elevate long-term economic growth. To meet the authorities’ ambitious growth objectives, a key priority is to reduce the state footprint in the economy and promote competition and private sector development. However, the amount and size of state interventions, subsidies, state-owned enterprises, and external restrictions have recently increased. Stronger public governance is also required, including through continued efforts to reduce corruption-related vulnerabilities.

    Given increasingly pressing challenges from climate change, more comprehensive policies are needed to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and resilient economic model and meet the authorities’ commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Building on recent progress, including in implementing the national strategy for carbon neutrality, priorities are to modernize energy infrastructure, enhance energy efficiency, accelerate fossil fuel subsidy reforms, and adopt measures to transform high-emission sectors, manage climate-related risks in the financial sector, and address the needs of vulnerable groups.

    Table 1. Kazakhstan: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–26

     

     

    Proj

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    GDP

     

     

    (Percent)

     

     

    Real GDP

    3.2

    5.1

    3.9

    5.0

    3.9

    Real Oil GDP

    -1.7

    7.0

    -0.6

    8.8

    4.4

    Real Non-Oil GDP

    4.6

    4.6

    5.1

    4.0

    3.8

    Inflation

     

     

     

     

     

    Headline (EOP)

    20.4

    9.7

    8.2

    7.2

    6.2

    General government fiscal accounts

     (Percent

    of GDP) 

    Revenues and grants

    21.8

    21.7

    19.5

    18.5

    19.0

    Oil revenues

    8.0

    5.7

    5.8

    5.7

    5.1

    Non-oil revenues 1/

    13.8

    16.0

    12.7

    12.7

    13.9

    Expenditures and net lending

    21.7

    23.2

    22.1

    21.6

    21.2

    Overall fiscal balance

    0.1

    -1.5

    -2.6

    -3.1

    -2.2

    Non-oil fiscal balance

    -7.9

    -7.2

    -8.4

    -8.9

    -7.3

    Gross public debt

    23.5

    22.8

    24.0

    25.5

    28.2

    Net public debt

    -1.2

    0.1

    2.6

    4.5

    5.7

    Monetary accounts

    Reserve money

    11.4

    11.6

    11.9

    12.0

    11.5

    Broad money

    33.1

    34.0

    34.6

    35.0

    35.4

    Credit to the private sector

    22.7

    23.5

    24.1

    25.0

    26.1

    Balance of payments

    Current account balance

    3.1

    -3.3

    -1.5

    -2.3

    -2.3

    Financial account balance 2/

    2.6

    -0.6

    -2.8

    -3.0

    -2.5

    Exchange rates

    (Units)

    Exchange rate KZT/USD (EOP)

    461.0

    453.6

    Memorandum items

    (Various

    Units) 

    Reserves Assets (USD billion)

    35.1

    35.9

    40.2

    43.2

    44.5

    In months of following year imports of G&S

    5.8

    5.9

    6.5

    6.7

    6.6

    NFRK assets (percent of GDP)

    24.7

    22.7

    21.4

    21.0

    22.5

    External debt (percent of GDP)

    71.2

    61.3

    58.4

    57.6

    56.4

    NBK policy rate (EOP, percent)

    16.8

    16.6

    Crude oil and gas cond. prod. (million tons) 3/

    84.2

    90.0

    89.6

    97.3

    101.5

    Unemployment rate (AVG, percent)

    4.9

    4.7

    4.7

    4.6

    4.6

    Sources: Kazakhstani authorities and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Non-oil revenue in 2023 includes a one-off dividend from Samruk-Kazyna of 1.1 percent of GDP and in 2024 includes a one-off dividend from Kazatomprom of 0.3 percent of GDP from the sale of shares to the NFRK.

    2/ Excluding reserve movements.

    3/ Based on a conversion factor of 7.5 barrels of oil per ton.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without conveying formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Benin: An African Pioneer 

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Benin: An African Pioneer

    January 31, 2025

    Innovation and a strong reform drive have strengthened Benin’s resilience to regional and global challenges and supported progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Benin faced a number of negative spillovers in 2022: a deteriorating regional security situation at its northern border, the lingering scars of COVID-19, and higher living costs amid the war in Ukraine. To help counter those headwinds, the country tapped IMF support, including a $650 million blended Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, complemented by a $200 million Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) in 2023. Development partners’ confidence in the country’s reform program has been reflected in budget support consistently exceeding expectations. Moreover, Benin was among the first countries to re-access the international capital market last year, following a two-year hiatus, with several sovereign credit rating upgrades in recent years.  

    Despite challenges, there are promising signs of economic transformation. Among other achievements, growth has been strong, fiscal adjustment is proceeding while allowing for a significant increase in social spending, and efforts to strengthen governance are gaining ground.

    Following the combined Fifth Review of the ongoing EFF/ECF arrangement and Second Review of the RSF, IMF Country Focus discussed the country’s economic performance with Romuald Wadagni, Senior Minister of State of Economy and Finance for Benin, and Constant Lonkeng, IMF Mission Chief for Benin.

    How is the current reform program affecting the daily lives of Beninese people?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: First and foremost, our ongoing reform program has allowed us to navigate an episode of severe and repeated shocks, with technical and financial support from our development partners. As a result, our economy has shown remarkable resilience, with growth averaging more than 6.5 percent in recent years.

    Economic resilience is helping harness the potential of Benin’s people. A key focus of our reform program is enhancing human capital, as articulated under our people-centric Government Action Program (PAG 2021–26).

    Our Integrated School Feeding Program currently provides free meals to students in 95 percent of elementary schools in rural areas (more than 1.3 million children), with full coverage targeted this year. Lower education is now tuition-free for girls across all of Benin’s 77 communes (estimated 2 million girls), with an ongoing pilot to extend to upper secondary school. We are also putting emphasis on technical education and vocational training to prepare our large youth population to seize job opportunities in high value-added activities.  

    More broadly, our flagship Insurance for Human Capital Enhancement (ARCH) seeks to foster social resilience through various programs including micro-credits, access to healthcare, and pensions. The social registry—established early on under the EFF/ECF with World Bank technical support—is an essential tool for targeting our support to the most vulnerable.  

    How has IMF engagement supported the authorities’ policy agenda?

    IMF Mission Chief Lonkeng: One key design consideration of Benin’s IMF-supported program was balancing financing and fiscal adjustment in a shock-prone environment. Considering Benin’s established track record in macroeconomic management, we opted for a flexible design—a vote of confidence from the IMF.  

    Frontloaded financing supported the country’s appropriately strong counter-cyclical policy response to severe shocks—the IMF disbursed more than 40 percent of the total financing envelope of about 400 percent of Benin’s quota in the first 6 months of the 42-month program to smooth out fiscal adjustment. The EFF/ECF was subsequently complemented by an RSF (120 percent of Benin’s quota) to help enhance the country’s overall socio-economic resilience.  

    The authorities have since been re-building policy space, with domestic revenue mobilization being a key part of this effort and, more broadly, the cornerstone of the authorities’ reform program. A frontloaded tax policy reform under the program complemented efforts to digitalize the tax system to boost revenue collection. As the chart shows, Benin’s tax-to-GDP ratio increased by more than 2 percentage points during 2022–24, far exceeding the average improvement of other countries in this timeframe. 

    There are promising signs of economic transformation. How are you achieving this and what lessons did you learn along the way?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: We first conducted an in-depth diagnostic of our economic and financial situation about a decade ago. We then embarked on a first wave of reforms to lay the foundations for structural transformation, cognizant of the fact that sound public finances, reliable energy, and infrastructure—including digital—are key prerequisites for sustained economic expansion.  

    The ongoing second wave of reforms seek to consolidate our initial achievements and climb up value chains by processing commodities locally. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone—which is dedicated to the local transformation of agricultural products including cotton, cashews, and soybeans—plays a strategic role in this regard. We intend to further develop the zone and, more broadly, pursue the structural transformation of our economy, including through continued modernization and enhanced resilience of agriculture. We will also step up investment in unlocking Benin’s tourism potential and modernizing the Port of Cotonou.

    In doing all of the above, we will expand the social safety nets to reach as many vulnerable people as possible. A key lesson from our experience so far is that sound governance is critical in economic transformation.  

    Benin innovated with the issuance of the first Social Development Goal (SDG) bond in the region – and is now extending this framework to catalyze private climate finance. Can you elaborate?

    Finance Minister Wadagni: We developed an SDG bond framework around the country’s social and climate priorities as an integral part of our development finance strategy. The framework was initially used to issue a €500 million SDG bond in 2021, a first in the region. It has since facilitated the financing of key social and energy transition projects. We intend to leverage the SDG bond framework to catalyze financing for climate change adaptation, resilient agriculture, sustainable ecosystem management, and the energy transition.

    Relatedly, we secured climate financing pledges from our partners during the recent COP29, following the climate finance roundtable that we co-convened in Cotonou with the IMF and the World Bank.

    What has been the key to program engagement in your view, and what do you see as the main challenges ahead?   

    IMF Mission Chief Lonkeng: First and foremost, program ownership has been key. Benin has an established tradition of public consultation around the country’s reform agenda—under the National Development Plan and the Government Action Program. The Fund-supported program therefore had a solid homegrown foundation to build on.  

    Going forward, continued expansion of the tax base, drawing on the country’s recently developed medium-term revenue strategy, would help fund Benin’s large development needs (the country’s median age is 18), and improve the country’s capacity to carry debt and preserve debt sustainability.  

    On the structural front, a continued move away from the traditional transit-centered growth model—supported by a balanced social contract—would foster private sector job creation in higher value-added activities for the large youth population. Enhancing resilience to climate change and maintaining the digitalization drive would also support overall socio-economic resilience in the long-term. All of this would help raise the living standards of the Beninese in a sustained and inclusive manner.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s suggestion to ‘clean out’ Gaza sent shockwaves through the Middle East

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Phelps, Commissioning Editor, International Affairs

    This article was first published as World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK. Click here to receive this newsletter every Thursday, direct to your inbox.

    Hundreds of thousands of civilians returned to the northern Gaza Strip this week after checkpoints were reopened in line with the ceasefire agreement. Many will have found their homes destroyed after months of heavy fighting and bombardment – something the new US president, Donald Trump, has pointed out.

    In an exchange with reporters last weekend, Trump said: “I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now and it’s a mess, it’s a real mess.” He then went on to suggest Palestinians there should be “evacuated” to Egypt and Jordan where “they could maybe live in peace for a change”. “You’re talking about a million and a half people … we just clean out that whole thing,” he continued.

    Trump is seemingly no stranger to airing whatever thoughts come into his head. At his inauguration he claimed – without providing evidence – that “China is operating the Panama canal”. And he has since called Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine “ridiculous”. But even by these standards, his suggestion to evict Gazans from their land is brash to say the least.


    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.


    As Karin Aggestam of Lund University reports, Trump’s proposal has been met with disbelief across the Middle East. It has been widely criticised throughout the region as a potential “second Nakba” – referring to the displacement of Palestinians after Israel’s unilateral declaration of statehood in 1948.




    Read more:
    Donald Trump’s suggestion of ‘clearing out’ Gaza adds another risk to an already fragile ceasefire


    The proposal has also been rejected outright by Egypt and Jordan. Egypt’s ministry of foreign affairs released a statement on Sunday objecting to any forced displacement of Palestinians. And Jordan’s minister of foreign affairs, Ayman Safadi, said his country was committed to “ensuring that Palestinians remain on their land”. The Arab League regional bloc has accused Trump of advocating ethnic cleansing.

    Aggestam says it’s not yet certain if moving Palestinians out of Gaza will become an official US policy position, or whether it is yet another example of Trump speaking his mind. But, in her view, Trump’s latest pronouncement will further complicate the already fragile ceasefire.

    The idea of relocating Palestinians to other countries has thrilled Israel’s extreme ultra-nationalist parties. The Israeli finance minister and leader of the Religious Zionist party, Bezalel Smotrich, and the former national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, have both previously encouraged the return of Israeli settlers to the Gaza Strip.

    Ben Gvir, who recently resigned from his ministerial position in protest at the Gaza ceasefire, asserted in October that “encouraging emigration” of Palestinian residents of Gaza would be the “most ethical” solution to the conflict.

    According to Leonie Fleischmann of City, University of London, the pair share an anti-Arab ideology and a messianic belief in the Jewish people’s right to what they call “Greater Israel”. This refers to a Jewish state that would also include the West Bank, which they referred to as “Judea and Samaria”, as well as Gaza and part of Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

    As Fleischmann explains, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were the sites of many key events in biblical times and were the home of a number of Israelite kingdoms. In the Bible, God even promises this land to the descendants of Abraham – the Jewish people. This, Fleischmann writes, is the reason behind Smotrich and Ben Gvir’s belief that the Jewish people have the God-given right to settle the whole of Greater Israel.




    Read more:
    The growing influence of Israel’s ultranationalist settler movement


    This is not a position held by the majority of Israelis. But Israel’s ultra-nationalists wield considerable political power, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government dependent on their support to remain in power. Indeed, days after Trump suggested clearing out Gaza, Smotrich spoke of turning it into an actionable policy.

    Speaking with reporters on Monday, he said: “There is nothing to be excited about the weak opposition of Egypt and Jordan to the plan. We saw yesterday how Trump [imposed his will on] Colombia to deport immigrants despite its opposition. When he wants it, it happens.”

    The events Smotrich was referring to in Colombia were certainly extraordinary. Outraged at the repatriation of Colombian migrants in military planes, Colombian president Gustavo Petro refused to allow the flights to land.

    Trump immediately vowed tariffs on Colombian goods and sanctions on government officials, which drew a furious social media response out of Petro and the start of a (very brief) trade war. But within a few hours, Petro had backed down and Colombia announced it would start receiving migrants, including on US military aircraft.

    The White House hailed the agreement as a victory for Trump’s hardline immigration strategy. However, according to Amalendu Misra of Lancaster University, Trump’s punishing tariff threats and foul rhetoric toward illegal immigrants may only damage the power and position of the US in the region.

    His willingness to wage a trade war with countries in Latin America could encourage others to speed up their search for alternative trade partners. And, worse still, he may even push them towards closer relations with governments and ideologies that are inimical to US interests, writes Misra.




    Read more:
    Trump’s method for repatriating migrants risks undermining US interests in Latin America


    Choppy waters ahead

    Back in the Middle East, the ceasefire in Gaza has offered the region a break from war. This has included a pledge by Houthi militants in Yemen not to attack commercial ships travelling through the Red Sea.

    These attacks have halved the number of ships passing through the Suez Canal, a crucial route for goods moving between Asia and Europe, with many diverting around the southern tip of Africa.

    This route adds thousands of miles to the journey, so supply chains have had to deal with higher shipping costs, product delivery delays and increased carbon emissions. In the view of Gokcay Balci, a logistics expert at Leeds University, this disruption is likely to continue.

    The situation in the Red Sea remains unpredictable, he writes. The leader of the Houthis, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said on Monday that the group was “ready to return to escalation again alongside our brothers, the fighters in Palestine”, and warned: “We have our finger on the trigger.” Shipping companies have, unsurprisingly, announced that they will continue to prioritise alternative routes.

    The Houthis seem unconvinced that the ceasefire in Gaza will hold. But, at least for now, it is providing civilians with some much-needed respite after more than a year of relentless violence.




    Read more:
    Red Sea crisis: supply chain issues set to continue despite Gaza ceasefire


    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get our updates directly in your inbox.


    ref. How Trump’s suggestion to ‘clean out’ Gaza sent shockwaves through the Middle East – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-suggestion-to-clean-out-gaza-sent-shockwaves-through-the-middle-east-248461

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nonprofits that provide shelter for homeless people, disaster recovery help, and food for low-income Americans rely heavily on federal funding – they would be reeling if Trump froze that money

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Dyana Mason, Associate Professor of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon

    Food pantry staff members and volunteers hand out food in Chelsea, Mass., in November 2024. Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

    On Jan. 27, 2025, the Trump administration ordered a freeze on federal grants and contracts covering a wide array of aid programs to take effect at 5 p.m. the following day. This freeze was partially prevented when a judge responded to a lawsuit filed by the National Council of Nonprofits and other organizations. The flow of funds on grants that had already been awarded was at least temporarily protected by the judge’s action. The attorneys general of 22 states and the District of Columbia have also sued to block this funding freeze.

    The Trump administration, which on Jan. 29 rescinded the memo ordering the funding suspension, has made clear that it may again seek to reduce or eliminate much of the money, totaling several hundred billion dollars, that funds many services that nonprofits provide, such as support for foster parents, after-school care and distributing food for free.

    Dyana Mason and Mirae Kim, two scholars of nonprofits, explain the role that federal funding plays in the nonprofit sector.

    How much do nonprofits rely on federal funding?

    Nonprofits partner with the government to deliver social services, such as child care for low-income families, housing for people experiencing homelessness, and job training and placement. These partnerships can form with local or state governments, as well as with the federal government, with this collaboration mostly taking place through grants and contracts.

    Government funding makes up about 33% of the revenue flowing into the nonprofit sector annually, according to the Urban Institute. The institute, a think tank, also found that nearly 40% of all nonprofits in the United States applied for federal grants in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and that about 10% applied for federal contracts. The share of government funding can be far larger for some kinds of social service nonprofits.

    Many other nonprofits applied for local and state grants during that three-year period. Those grants, however, are often themselves funded by the federal government indirectly through grants it makes to state and local government agencies. Those agencies, in turn, then provide grants or maintain contracts with local nonprofits to provide services.

    Although it’s hard to track with absolute precision due to those complex arrangements, government revenue is the second-largest source of income for nonprofits after the money these organizations and institutions earn through commercial activities.

    Also called “fee-for-service,” this revenue includes the money nonprofit hospitals get when patients and insurers pay medical bills, nonprofit theaters receive when they sell tickets to performances, and nonprofit private schools obtain when parents pay tuition.

    Some social service nonprofits charge fees too, typically on a sliding scale. That is, their clients with relatively higher incomes pay more, and those with extremely low incomes pay very little or nothing at all.

    How could freezing federal funding affect nonprofits?

    We have no doubt that a long freeze on federal grants and contracts would be devastating for nonprofits and the communities they serve.

    For example, Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers hot meals to more than 2 million homebound people over 65 and helps them maintain social connections, gets 37% of its funding from the federal government.

    Clackamas Women’s Services, a domestic and sexual violence organization based near Portland, Oregon, is one of the many local organizations that have expressed concern about what to expect. The group says it could lose half of its annual budget if federal funding were to be eliminated.

    Without federal funding, organizations like these – many of which already have waitlists – would have to cut back on the services they provide.

    Nonprofits are confused and concerned about the stability of federal funding, Scripps News reports.

    What’s the role of nonprofits in the US safety net?

    It’s very significant.

    For the past several decades, attempts to scale back the size of the government have led to government agencies essentially hiring nonprofits to do much of their work.

    Through contracts and grants, nonprofits then do such things as assist people who are recovering from fires, hurricanes and other disasters; provide services for veterans and active-duty members of the military; and help people with mental health conditions, including substance use problems, just to name a few.

    This arrangement typically provides nonprofits with a reliable and predictable source of funds that they can use to serve their communities. But it can also leave them vulnerable to policy changes – especially when new administrations take over, as the second Trump administration’s actions illustrate.

    Research we conducted about what happened to nonprofits during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that volatility in the economy has serious effects on the ability of nonprofits to do their work.

    For example, social service nonprofits struggled in March and April 2020 due to falling revenue at a time of increasing demand. Many of these organizations had to scale back their services. In some cases, they canceled them.

    We followed up with another survey in November and December 2020. By then, we found, 61% of the groups had received forgivable federal loans through the government’s Paycheck Protection Program.

    Nearly half of the nonprofits told us that they had, in addition, received other forms of emergency funding from the federal government, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans and emergency food distributions.

    This federal assistance made it possible for thousands of nonprofits to keep their staff employed and continue to provide important services as the economy recovered.

    What happens when nonprofits lose federal funds?

    It’s hard for social service organizations to replace federal funding.

    Nonprofits can, of course, appeal to their donors to help bridge the gap. But donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and bequests only amount to no more than 15% of the funds flowing into the nonprofit sector.

    The outcome of freezing, eliminating or scaling back federal funding for nonprofits would mean that those in need would get fewer services. We would also expect mass layoffs, which could harm the U.S. economy.

    Nonprofits employ more than 12 million people in the United States. That’s more workers than big industries such as construction, transportation and finance employ. Should millions of them suddenly become unemployed, demand would grow further for social services from providers already unable to meet lower levels of demand due to funding cuts.

    Has there ever been upheaval like this before?

    Congress appropriates money to provide for the services that the public needs and demands. These moves have led to great fear and uncertainty among organizations that serve people in need in the United States and abroad.

    Although it’s not unusual for funding priorities to change from one administration to the next, Donald Trump’s executive orders on international aid and nonprofit grants and contracts that underpin the U.S. safety net are unprecedented.

    Dyana Mason has received research funding from the National Institute for Transportation and Communities and the Joint Fire Science Program with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). She is also a volunteer board member of the Southwest Oregon chapter of the American Red Cross.

    Mirae Kim is affiliated with the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) as a non-paid, at-large board member.

    ref. Nonprofits that provide shelter for homeless people, disaster recovery help, and food for low-income Americans rely heavily on federal funding – they would be reeling if Trump froze that money – https://theconversation.com/nonprofits-that-provide-shelter-for-homeless-people-disaster-recovery-help-and-food-for-low-income-americans-rely-heavily-on-federal-funding-they-would-be-reeling-if-trump-froze-that-money-248543

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wales’s clean energy industry to be a ‘powerhouse’ for economic growth says Welsh Secretary

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Pembrokeshire has been identified as a key growth region for clean energy in Wales.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens at Dragon LNG accompanied by Simon Ames, Managing Director at Dragon LNG.

    • Welsh Secretary champions clean energy in West Wales and sees how the sector will provide the jobs of the future.
    • UK Government economic growth mission delivers for Wales with £26 million investment in Celtic Freeport. 
    • Pembrokeshire identified as a key growth region for clean energy

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has told clean energy industry leaders that they will play a vital part in helping to grow the economy in Wales.

    The discussion with key figures from the sector at RWE’s Pembroke Power Station today (30 January) was the latest in a series of round-table meetings chaired by the Welsh Secretary as part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales. 

    The UK Government is working with the Welsh Government and industry partners to develop floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. This would see wind turbines built on floating platforms which means they can take advantage of the wind direction.

    The Welsh Secretary heard plans for how floating offshore wind could support up to 5,300 new jobs and generate up to £1.4bn for the UK economy.

    The UK Government has identified Pembrokeshire as a pilot area to develop a skilled clean energy workforce, which could see funding for targeted measures such as training centres and courses to up-skill workers. 

    Ports will be vital for supporting floating offshore wind. The UK Government has announced a partnership between The Crown Estate and Great British Energy which has the potential to leverage up to £60 billion of private investment into ports and clean energy supply lines. 

    The UK Government has also committed £26 million for the Celtic Freeport in Milford Haven and Port Talbot. The Celtic Freeport will encourage growth and investment by creating tax and customs incentives for business. 

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:

    My clear focus is on delivering the UK Government’s Plan for Change which will kickstart the economy and put more money in people’s pockets in Wales.

    We have a world class clean energy sector in Wales, with abundant natural resources and the potential to be a powerhouse for economic growth.

    I want to see a thriving industry which delivers both well-paid jobs and contributes to our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030.

    The Welsh Secretary’s discussion with industry leaders took place on Thursday 30 January at RWE’s Pembroke Power Station and is the latest in a series of round-table meetings chaired by her as part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales. Ms Stevens has already met leaders from the digital and tech industry, the creative sector, the advanced manufacturing sector and the life sciences industry in Wales.

    At the end of 2024 the Welsh Secretary launched the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group to help shape UK Government efforts to boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets. The group is tasked with informing the UK Government’s new Industrial Strategy to boost key Welsh industries and shape Welsh priorities for the next Spending Review, both expected during Spring 2025.

    As well as talking to industry leaders the Welsh Secretary visited Dragon LNG in Milford Haven where she learnt more about their innovative plans to support proposals to decarbonise Wales’s heavy industries. 

    Simon Ames Managing Director at Dragon LNG said:

    It was a great honour to host the Secretary of State at Dragon and showcase the local talent at this fantastic facility.

    We deliver 10% of UK’s gas, ensuring resilience and diversity of supply from all over the world. 

    Through the transition to green energy we hope to develop our joint project with RWE on CO2 capture, liquefaction and shipping so that they can provide low carbon on demand power into the UK”. 

    Ms Stevens also toured Ledwood Mechanical Engineering in Pembroke Dock. The company specialises in designing, making and installing complex machinery and structures for the energy industries. There she spoke to apprentices, who are gaining skills which will be valuable in the clean energy industry, about their future ambitions. 

    Nick Revell Managing Director of Ledwood Mechanical Engineering said:

    There has been much discussion around the potential for the Welsh economy and local supply chain to capitalise on the potential of floating offshore wind and tidal power but the reality is that investors, developers and supply chain partners all have to have confidence that Governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay will get behind this new industry.

    It’s time to stop talking and start doing so that we can remove barriers and move forward. We welcome the engagement with the Welsh Secretary and looking forward to working with her and Welsh Government to help make this happen.

    Albie Elliott, an apprentice with Ledwood Mechanical Engineering said:

    The clean energy industry will provide a great long-term career pathway for apprentices like me who want to live and work locally.

    It’s a real exciting time and I am proud to be working for a company like Ledwood that is based here in Pembroke and is at the forefront of the global energy processing sector.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s debt has skyrocketed – new rules are needed to manage it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Robert Botha, Research Fellow at the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab. The Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab is a unit of the Bureau for Economic Research (BER), Stellenbosch University

    South Africa’s fiscal trajectory paints a concerning picture. Public expenditure exceeds revenue. As a result sovereign debt is building up and interest on this debt is increasing.

    This raises concerns over the South African government’s financial sustainability. The debt-to-GDP ratio has skyrocketed from 23.6% in 2008/09 to a projected 74.7% in 2024/25. The International Monetary Fund has recommended that, over the long term, South Africa should reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% of GDP, in line with that of peers.

    Arguably more important than the debt level is how quickly debt has accumulated. Debt servicing costs, which consist of the interest on government debt and other costs directly associated with borrowing, have been the fastest-growing line item in the national budget. Rising interest payments have been crowding out critical expenditures on services such as health, education and infrastructure.

    As I argue in a recently published report titled “A fiscal anchor for South Africa: Avoiding the mistakes of the past”, establishing a credible fiscal anchor (or fiscal rule) could be step towards avoiding a debt spiral and regaining fiscal sustainability and credibility.

    Fiscal rules are constraints on fiscal policy, designed to impose numerical limits. For example, a limit on the allowable debt-to-GDP ratio, or the allowable balance after accounting for government expenditure and revenue. Fiscal rules are widely used – 105 countries have adopted them so far.

    Failing to address the country’s fiscal challenges risks plunging South Africa into a debt trap. This happens when a country finds it difficult to escape a cycle of debt and has to borrow more to pay off old debt. If debt-servicing costs continue to rise, essential public services will come under even greater strain.

    Several emerging markets have experienced the severe consequences of unchecked debt accumulation and debt servicing costs. Argentina is one example. Without a credible plan to stabilise and reduce debt and debt servicing costs, the risk of economic stagnation and financial instability grows quickly.

    Fiscal erosion and credibility concerns

    The roots of South Africa’s current predicament lie in years of mistakes. These include:

    • spending beyond its means

    • questionable political decisions like bailing out state-owned entities

    • poor governance and oversight at municipal and local government level, which led to inefficient public spending.

    These factors were underpinned by an underperforming economy, unrealised forecasts and arguably weak institutional checks.

    For the last 15 years South Africa’s National Treasury has undertaken to stabilise the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio. This would have required keeping the ratio constant. But these commitments have consistently been deferred. Debt stabilisation targets have been revised upwards 13 times, from 40% in 2015/16 to the current 75.5%. The stabilisation year has been pushed back 10 times, from the initial year of 2015/16 to the current target of 2025/26. This has created a perception of inconsistent policy.

    Over-optimistic macroeconomic forecasting has undermined credibility. Over the last ten years, GDP growth projections have routinely overshot actual performance by an average of 0.5 percentage points in the first year of forecasts and even more in subsequent years. In defence of the National Treasury, the South African economy has performed worse than more forecasters expected in recent years.

    Adding to the fiscal strain are rising social expenditures, the public sector wage bill and repeated bailouts of state-owned enterprises. This spending relieves short-term political and social pressures, but undermines the country’s long-term fiscal health.

    Without credible mechanisms to constrain spending, South Africa’s fiscal framework lacks the discipline needed to ensure sustainability, and to restore credibility.

    Why fiscal rules matter

    Fiscal rules are there to promote discipline, ensure that debt can be paid and enhance credibility. The experience in the 105 countries that have adopted them suggests that strong, well-designed rules can signal a government’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

    It’s difficult to establish whether there is a causal relationship between fiscal rules and fiscal performance. But there’s at least a correlation. As a practical example of enforcing fiscal rules, in November 2023, the German constitutional court overruled a budget that was passed in the Bundestag but breached Germany’s fiscal rules.

    However, fiscal rules are not a panacea. Poorly designed or inadequately enforced rules can make the problems worse. For South Africa, this risk is acute.

    Political commitment and strong institutional frameworks are needed too. Also, a shift in how fiscal policy is conceived and implemented.

    Designing new rules

    Drawing lessons from global best practices, South Africa’s fiscal rules must be enforceable, flexible and simple. A well-designed rule should:

    • stabilise and eventually reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio

    • target government spending as a share of GDP, emphasising consumption spending like salaries and goods and services, rather than capital expenditure

    • have political buy-in

    • be overseen independently

    • be legally binding and enforceable.

    Context

    South Africa’s low economic growth rate is a complication. Average interest rates on government debt are higher than the nominal GDP growth rate. But reining in spending too much could stifle growth, creating a vicious cycle.

    That’s why stabilising debt first would make more sense than aiming to reduce debt too rapidly.

    South Africa’s fiscal rules must also have some flexibility. For instance, they could allow for shocks such as natural disasters or global economic crises.

    Fiscal rules could follow a phased approach to initially focus on stabilising debt, and then to move towards reducing debt. Both of these phases would entail expenditure rules to guide annual budget processes and to place limits on spending.

    The benefits

    Credible fiscal rules could have a number of benefits.

    Firstly, they could improve South Africa’s credibility by signalling to markets and international institutions that South Africa is committed to fiscal discipline.

    Secondly, fiscal credibility is associated with reduced sovereign risk premiums, which translates into lower debt-servicing costs. In turn this would free up resources for critical development priorities.

    Third, they can foster a more stable economic environment for investment and growth.

    Fourth, they would help coordinate policies. South Africa enjoys rule-based monetary policy in the form of inflation targeting but lacks the same for fiscal policy. This can lead to sub-optimal outcomes. For example, the central bank can keep interest rates too high, not necessarily because it thinks the treasury’s policies are inflationary, but because it cannot predict the treasury’s actions.

    The way forward

    Adopting fiscal rules in South Africa comes with risks. Weak institutional capacity, especially in oversight bodies like the Parliamentary Budget Office, could undermine rule enforcement.

    To shield against these risks, South Africa should have stronger institutions. It could create an independent statutory fiscal council, possibly falling under Parliament, the National Treasury or as an independent constitutional advisory body.

    Oversight bodies would also need to build their capacity.

    – South Africa’s debt has skyrocketed – new rules are needed to manage it
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-debt-has-skyrocketed-new-rules-are-needed-to-manage-it-248355

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Celebrating 40 Years of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (NDX®)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The combined value of all investment products tracking the NDX® ecosystem globally exceeds $500 billion

    94 Exchange Traded Products track NDX® in over 20 countries across 6 continents

    NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) proudly marks the 40th anniversary of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (NDX®), the world’s preeminent large-cap growth benchmark. Since its inception on January 31, 1985, the index has redefined innovation and transformed the global investment landscape. Over the past four decades, it has evolved into a powerful symbol of growth, resilience, and the groundbreaking spirit of its constituent companies, shaping industries, inspiring entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.

    The Nasdaq-100 Index® tracks 100 of the largest, non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. These companies have an enduring legacy of disruption in their respective markets, empowering growth and prosperity across the globe. The index has delivered a 14.25% compound annualized return since its inception, allowing investors around the world to share in that success. This exceptional performance underscores the transformative power of these businesses and their ability to drive long-term value for investors through public markets.

    The Nasdaq-100® has had over 500 members, with six original members still in the index today: Apple, Micron Technology Inc., Intel Corporation, KLA Corporation, PACCAR, and Costco Wholesale Corporation. When the Nasdaq-100® first launched, the median market capitalization of a company in the NDX® was $455 million and the average market capitalization was $580 million. As of December 31, 2024, the median market capitalization of a company in the NDX® was $74 billion, and the average market capitalization was $268 billion.

    Driving the Innovation Economy Through Research and Development

    The companies in the Nasdaq-100® have a history of accelerating change. As a driving force of innovation and economic growth, they spend between 600-1,200% more on research and development compared to companies residing in broad-based US large cap equity indexes1. Moreover, companies that invest more in research and development have delivered above-average performance across much of the 21st century2, and proven to be resilient over time through different market environments.

    “AMD congratulates Nasdaq on celebrating 40 years of the Nasdaq-100 Index,” said Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, AMD. “We share Nasdaq’s commitment to growth and innovation to deliver value for our stakeholders and are proud to stand alongside the trailblazing companies within this elite group. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Nasdaq to drive technological and economic advancements in the years to come.”

    “Over the past 40 years, the Nasdaq-100 Index® has grown into a powerful embodiment of innovation, resilience, and unparalleled growth. By providing investors with access to the groundbreaking companies shaping the global economy, the index has not only fueled innovation but also enabled the creation of generational wealth,” said Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO at Nasdaq. “From trendsetting startups to global industry giants, the index is a testament to Nasdaq’s unwavering commitment to support companies at all stages of their journey. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are not only honored by the extraordinary achievements of the companies within the index, but also reaffirm our mission to champion innovation, empower growth and support the companies and investors that shape the future of markets worldwide.”

    “Today we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nasdaq-100 Index®, a globally recognized benchmark of the companies accelerating our economy,” said Emily Spurling, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Indexes at Nasdaq. “This milestone marks a significant moment in our journey as a transparent, rules-based index provider. By creating access to the value chain of leading technology companies across multiple industries, NDX® empowers investors to support and benefit from the next generation of innovation, ensuring they are at the forefront of transformative growth.”

    The Expansive Nasdaq-100® Global Ecosystem

    The characteristics, strength, and significance of the Nasdaq-100® have generated considerable investor demand for access to the index. Subsequently, a global financial ecosystem has developed around NDX®, enabling investors to gain exposure through various investment vehicles tailored to market participants worldwide.

    The combined value of all products tracking the NDX® ecosystem globally exceeds $500 billion. Among the investment vehicles growing at an accelerated rate are Exchange Traded Products, with 94 different Nasdaq-100® products currently trading in over 20 countries across 6 continents. The first and largest of these is the Invesco QQQ ETF, which is the second most liquid ETF in the US and has served as a foundational financial product by providing investors with access to the Nasdaq-100®3.

    “Congratulations to Nasdaq on the 40th anniversary of the Nasdaq-100 Index®,” said Brian Hartigan, Global Head of ETFs and Index Investments, Invesco. “The evolution of the Nasdaq-100 Index® and Invesco QQQ mirrors the growth and development of technology and innovation, positioning the QQQ as one of the most important large-cap growth strategies with an ever-growing investment audience.  We are happy that the long-standing Nasdaq and Invesco collaboration continues to contribute to success of the innovative Nasdaq-100 Index®.”

    Beyond Exchange Traded Products, the NDX® ecosystem has also experienced large scale growth and evolution in other asset classes, including index options and futures. From 2023 to 2024 index options that tracked NDX® have seen a 39.5% volume increase in contracts. Additionally, CME’s Nasdaq 100® futures have seen their average notional value traded daily exceed $200 billion in 20244. These products provide investors with additional avenues to gain exposure to the index, while continuing to trade in ways that are familiar, cost effective, or provide risk management abilities.

    Nasdaq Global Indexes has been creating innovative, market-leading, transparent indexes since 1971. Today, there are over 10,000 indexes that span geographies, asset classes, and diverse families. The indexes are tracked by financial product sponsors across a wide spectrum of investable products and for asset managers to measure risk and performance. Nasdaq also provides exchange listing, custom index, and design solutions to financial organizations worldwide.

    To celebrate the occasion, Nasdaq will host a special closing bell ceremony on Friday, January 31, 2025, commemorating this moment with its long-time clients and partners.

    To learn more about the Nasdaq-100® ecosystem, click here.

    About Nasdaq
    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Nasdaq Media Contacts:

    The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular financial product or an overall investment strategy. Neither The Nasdaq OMX Group, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or any representation about the financial condition of any company or fund. Statements regarding Nasdaq’s proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED. 

    -NDAQG- 


    1 Refers to the S&P 500, Nasdaq US 500 Large Cap Index, and other indexes comprised of the largest few hundred companies listed in the US weighted by market cap.
    2 Refers to https://indexes.nasdaqomx.com/docs/NDX%20Extended%20Presentation.pdf.
    3 According to Nasdaq ETF Intel as of January 28, 2025.
    4 Refers to https://www.cmegroup.com/openmarkets/equity-index/2024/The-Growth-of-Tech-and-25-Years-of-Nasdaq-Futures.html.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Former Securitize Capital CEO Wilfred Daye Joins Mercurity Fintech as Chief Strategy Officer and Chaince Securities CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “MFH”) (Nasdaq: MFH), a digital fintech group, is pleased to announce that effective February 1, 2025, Wilfred Daye will be joining MFH as Chief Strategy Officer and will also serve as the CEO of JVDA, LLC, a subsidiary of MFH and doing business as “Chaince Securities”. 

    In his dual leadership roles, Daye will focus on driving strategic innovation and operational excellence across both organizations. As Chief Strategy Officer at MFH, Daye will lead the company’s efforts in global expansion and digital asset adoption, bringing a unique blend of strategic insight and market expertise to accelerate the firm’s growth initiatives. His leadership will ensure MFH remains at the forefront of innovation in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. In his capacity as CEO of Chaince Securities, Daye will run a client-centric investment banking and capital formation practice. His vision is to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of an increasingly dynamic and sophisticated market.

    With a forward-thinking mindset and extensive expertise in structured credit trading and financial innovation, Daye brings over two decades of leadership at the crossroads of Wall Street and digital innovation. He previously served as CEO of Securitize Capital, the asset management arm of Securitize, a trailblazer in Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, and a recognized leader in blockchain-enabled financial solutions. Under his leadership, Securitize successfully tokenized private equity assets for industry giants such as KKR and Hamilton Lane, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of digital assets.

    Daye has also held pivotal roles at some of the world’s leading financial institutions. As a trader at UBS, he specialized in complex cash and synthetic structured products, driving advancements in financial engineering. He also held senior positions at Deutsche Bank and Barclays Capital, where he focused on global credit products. Additionally, he was a key member of the structured credit team at D.B. Zwirn after beginning his career at Lehman Brothers.  

    “What excites me most about joining MFH and Chaince Securities is the unique opportunity to shape the future of finance at a time when innovation and tradition are finding powerful new synergies,” said Wilfred. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how transformative the right combination of technology and financial expertise can be. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to build something truly exceptional—a bridge between traditional financial services and the digital future that creates lasting value for our clients and partners.”

    Shi Qiu, CEO of Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc., further commented, “When we envisioned the next chapter of MFH’s growth, we knew we needed a leader who not only understands the complexities of both traditional and digital finance but also shares our commitment to innovation with purpose. In Wilfred, we’ve found that rare combination. His genuine passion for financial innovation and deep understanding of institutional markets makes him the perfect architect for our future. We’re delighted to welcome him to our leadership team.”

    About Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc.
    Mercurity Fintech Holding Inc. is a digital fintech company with subsidiaries specializing in distributed computing and business consultation across North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Our focus is on delivering innovative financial solutions while adhering to principles of compliance, professionalism, and operational efficiency. Our aim is to contribute to the evolution of digital finance by providing secure and innovative financial services to individuals and businesses. Our dedication to compliance, professionalism, and operational excellence ensures that we remain a trusted partner in the rapidly transforming financial landscape. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at https://mercurityfintech.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

    For more information, please contact:
    International Elite Capital Inc.
    Vicky Chueng
    Tel: +1(646) 866-7989
    Email: mfhfintech@iecapitalusa.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bowman, Brief Remarks on the Economy, and Perspective on Mutual and Community Banks

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Let me begin by saying my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and crew who perished in the tragic flight accident in Washington, D.C. Wednesday evening.
    Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today.1 It is a pleasure to be with you virtually for your CEO Summit. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet bankers from across the country, especially New England, to learn about the issues that are important to you. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its January meeting earlier this week, so I will begin by offering some brief remarks on the economy, and then share my views on a number of mutual and community bank issues, before addressing some questions that were submitted by your members in advance of today’s meeting.
    Update on the Most Recent FOMC MeetingAt our FOMC meeting this week, my colleagues and I voted to hold the federal funds rate target range at 4-1/4 to 4‑1/2 percent and to continue to reduce the Federal Reserve’s securities holdings. I supported this action because, after recalibrating the level of the policy rate towards the end of last year to reflect the progress made since 2023 on lowering inflation and cooling the labor market, I think that policy is now in a good place to position the Committee to pay closer attention to the inflation data as it evolves.
    Looking ahead to 2025, in my view, the current policy stance also provides the opportunity to review further indicators of economic activity and get clarity on the administration’s policies and their effects on the economy. It will be very important to have a better sense of the actual policies and how they will be implemented, in addition to greater confidence about how the economy will respond.
    Brief Remarks on the EconomyThe U.S. economy remained strong through the end of last year, with solid growth in economic activity and a labor market near full employment. Core inflation remains elevated, but my expectation is that it will moderate further this year. Even with this outlook, I continue to see upside risks to inflation.
    The rate of inflation declined significantly in 2023, but it slowed by noticeably less last year. Without having seen the December data released this morning, I estimate that the 12-month measure of core personal consumption expenditures inflation—which excludes food and energy prices—likely remained unchanged at 2.8 percent in December, only slightly below its 3.0 percent reading at the end of 2023. Progress has been slow and uneven since the spring of last year mostly due to a slowing in core goods price declines.
    After increasing at a solid pace, on average, over the initial three quarters of last year, gross domestic product appears to have risen a bit more slowly in the fourth quarter, reflecting a large drop in inventory investment, which is a volatile category. In contrast, private domestic final purchases, which provide a better signal about underlying growth in economic activity, maintained its strong momentum from earlier in the year, as personal consumption rose robustly again in the fourth quarter.
    Some measures of consumer sentiment appear to have improved recently but are still well below pre-pandemic levels, likely because of higher prices. And since housing, food, and energy price increases have far outpaced overall inflation since the pandemic, lower-income households have experienced the negative impacts of inflation hardest, especially as these households have limited options to trade down for lower-cost goods and services.
    Payroll employment gains rebounded strongly in December and averaged about 170,000 per month in the fourth quarter, a pace that is somewhat above average gains in the prior two quarters. The unemployment rate edged back down to 4.1 percent in December and has moved sideways since last June, remaining slightly below my estimate of full employment.
    The labor market appears to have stabilized in the second half of last year, after having loosened from extremely tight conditions. The rise in the unemployment rate since mid-2023 largely reflected weaker hiring, as job seekers entering or re-entering the labor force are taking longer to find work, while layoffs have remained low. The ratio of job vacancies to unemployed workers has remained close to the pre-pandemic level in recent months, and there are still more available jobs than available workers. The labor market no longer appears to be especially tight, but wage growth remains somewhat above the pace consistent with our inflation goal.
    I hope the revision of the Bureau of Labor Statistics labor data, which will be released next week, will more accurately capture the changing dynamics of immigration and net business creation and bring more clarity on the underlying pace of job growth. It is crucial that U.S. official data accurately capture structural changes in labor markets in real time, such as those in recent years, so we can more confidently rely on these data for monetary and economic policymaking. In the meantime, given conflicting economic signals, measurement challenges, and significant data revisions, I remain cautious about taking signal from only a limited set of real-time data releases.
    Assuming the economy evolves as I expect, I think that inflation will slow further this year. Its progress may be bumpy and uneven, and the upcoming inflation data for the first quarter will be an important indication of how quickly this will happen. That said, I continue to see greater risks to price stability, especially while the labor market remains near full employment.
    Despite the prospect for some reduction in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia, global supply chains continue to be susceptible to disruptions, which could result in inflationary effects on food, energy, and other commodity markets. In addition, the release of pent-up demand following the election, especially with improving consumer and business sentiment, could lead to stronger economic activity, which could increase inflationary pressures.
    The Path ForwardAs we enter a new phase in the process of moving the federal funds rate toward a more neutral policy stance, I would prefer that future adjustments to the policy rate be gradual. We should take time to carefully assess the progress in achieving our inflation and employment goals and consider changes to the policy rate based on how the data evolves.
    Given the current stance of policy, I continue to be concerned that easier financial conditions over the past year may have contributed to the lack of further progress on slowing inflation. In light of the ongoing strength in the economy and with equity prices substantially higher than a year ago, it seems unlikely that the overall level of interest rates and borrowing costs are exerting meaningful restraint.
    I am also closely watching the increase in longer-term Treasury yields since we started the recalibration of our policy stance at the September meeting. Some have interpreted it as a reflection of investors’ concerns about the possibility of tighter-than-expected policy that may be required to address inflationary pressures. In light of these considerations, I continue to prefer a cautious and gradual approach to adjusting policy.
    There is still more work to be done to bring inflation closer to our 2 percent goal. I would like to see progress in lowering inflation resume before we make further adjustments to the target range. We need to keep inflation in focus while the labor market appears to be in balance and the unemployment rate continues to be at historically low levels. By the time of our March meeting, we will have received two inflation and two employment reports. I look forward to reviewing the first quarter inflation data, which, as I noted earlier, will be key to understanding the path of inflation going forward. I do expect that inflation will begin to decline again and that by year-end it will be lower than where it now stands.
    Looking forward, it is important to note that monetary policy is not on a preset course. At each FOMC meeting, my colleagues and I will make our decisions based on the incoming data and the implications for and risks to the outlook and guided by the Fed’s dual-mandate goals of maximum employment and stable prices. I will also continue to meet with a broad range of contacts as I assess the appropriateness of our monetary policy stance.
    Bringing inflation in line with our price stability goal is essential for sustaining a healthy labor market and fostering an economy that works for everyone in the longer run.
    Perspective on Mutual and Community BanksTurning to banking, I will start with a brief discussion of the important role of mutual banks in the banking system before addressing other bank regulatory issues. One of the unique characteristics of the U.S. banking system is the broad scope of institutions it includes and the wide range of customers and communities it serves. Given this institutional diversity, regulators must strive to foster a financial system that enables each and every bank, no matter its size, to thrive, supporting a vibrant economy and financial system.
    Mutual Bank IssuesIn the Northeast, everyone is familiar with mutual banks given their significant presence in this region. Since the early 1800s, these banks have been dedicated to serving their local communities.2 Their ownership structure differs from traditional banks in that mutuals are owned by their depositors, rather than by shareholders. Like other community banks, they focus on local issues that are important to their communities and to their depositors.
    Many of the challenges mutual banks face are similar to those faced by other financial institutions, including competition from other banks, credit unions, and non-banks. But mutual banks also face unique issues that can add cost and expense to their operations. Two issues I would like to discuss are the challenges mutual institutions face raising capital, and unique procedural hurdles mutuals face in managing the dividend process. While these issues are unique to mutuals, both highlight the challenges of a lack of transparency, and insufficient focus on efficiency.3
    Just as with other community banks, a challenge for many mutuals is the difficulty of raising additional capital. This difficulty is exacerbated by their ownership structure, which typically requires mutuals to rely heavily on retained earnings. Although mutual institutions have historically been more highly capitalized relative to their stock-owned peers, if a mutual capital raise is needed, it would be helpful to provide some regulatory flexibility in the process. Recently, some mutuals have issued subordinated debt as a form of capital, but another form of regulatory capital may be preferable: mutual capital certificates.
    To date, it has been unclear whether mutual capital certificates qualify as regulatory capital. These instruments could provide mutual banks an additional way to raise capital without disrupting their mutual structure. In my view, the banking agencies should be receptive to these kinds of instruments to ensure that mutual banks can both raise capital and maintain their depositor-owned structure. Mutuals need clarity and transparency about the regulatory treatment of these instruments and whether they qualify as regulatory capital.
    Another concern for mutuals is the annual requirement to receive regulatory approval for a mutual holding company’s waiver of a dividend issued by its subsidiary bank.4 The Board practice is to require a mutual holding company to submit an application each year to implement a waiver. This prior approval requirement is complex and imposes significant costs on these small institutions, reducing the investment they can make in their communities. Because of the time and expense of these waiver requirements, it is possible that the inefficiencies of the required application process erode the value of a mutual holding company structure, which would further constrain a mutual bank’s ability to raise capital.
    Since the Board has nearly 20 years of experience considering these waiver requests, it seems appropriate to consider whether the applications process for these waivers is efficient. What lessons have we learned? Is the prior approval requirement effective in its review of holding companies waiving receipt of their dividends, or can this be resolved in a more efficient and cost effective manner? In my view, the Board should consider whether this process is effective and efficient in addressing concerns related to dividend waivers.
    Mutual banks, like all community banks, are vital to the economic success of their communities. It is critical that our applications process not act as a limit on a particular type of institution simply due to regulatory inaction or lack of clarity and transparency. Regulators must find efficient and effective ways to support a vibrant and diverse banking system that enables these and other small institutions to thrive while supporting and investing in their local economy.
    TailoringTransparency and efficiency are just two of the necessary components of a regulatory approach that promotes a healthy and vibrant banking system. Another component that I speak about frequently is the use of “tailoring” in the regulatory framework. For those familiar with my philosophy on bank regulation and supervision, my interest and focus on tailoring will come as no surprise.5 In its most basic form, it is difficult to disagree with the virtue of regulatory and supervisory tailoring—calibrating the requirements and expectations imposed on a firm based on its size, business model, risk profile, and complexity—as a reasonable, appropriate and responsible approach for bank regulation and supervision. In fact, tailoring is embedded in the statutory fabric of the Federal Reserve’s bank regulatory responsibilities.6
    The bank regulatory framework inherently includes significant costs—both the cost of operating the banking agencies, and the cost to the banking industry of complying with regulations, the examination process, and supplying information to regulators both through formal information collections and through one-off requests. In the aggregate, these costs can ultimately affect the price and availability of credit, geographic access to banking services, and the broader economy. The cost of this framework—both to regulators and to the industry—reflects layers of policy decisions over many years. But this framework could be more effective in balancing the mandate to promote safety and soundness with the need to have a banking system that promotes economic growth.
    For example, let’s consider costs. As regulatory and supervisory demands grow, there is often parallel growth in the staff and budgets of the banking agencies. We should not only be cognizant of these costs, but we should act in a way that requires efficiency while ensuring safety and soundness. Some degree of elasticity in regulator capacity is necessary to respond to evolving economic and banking conditions, as well as emerging risks, but there must be reasonable constraints on growth. Expansion of the regulatory framework is not a cost-free endeavor, and the costs are shouldered by taxpayers, banks, and, ultimately, bank customers.
    The bank regulatory framework has great potential to provide significant benefits, including supporting an innovative banking system that enhances trust and confidence in our institutions, and promotes safety and soundness. When we consider the benefits and the costs, we can institute greater efficiencies in both banking regulation and in the banking industry itself. The bank regulatory framework is complex, and the various elements of this framework are intended to work in a complementary way. As banks evolve—by growing larger, or by engaging in new activities—tailoring can help us to quickly recalibrate requirements in light of the new risks posed by the firm.
    But the regulatory framework, especially how supervisors prioritize its application to the banking industry, can pose a serious threat to a bank’s viability. For example, imposing the same regulatory requirements on banks with assets of $2 billion to $2 trillion under the new rules implementing the Community Reinvestment Act demonstrated a missed opportunity to promote greater effectiveness and efficiency.7 I question the wisdom of applying the same evaluation standards to banks within such a broad range.
    Likewise, supervisory guidance can provide fertile ground to differentiate supervisory expectations under a more tailored approach. While supervisory guidance is not binding on banks as a legal matter, it can signal how regulators think about particular risks and activities, and often drives community banks to reallocate resources in a way that may not be necessary or appropriate. The Fed’s guidance on third-party risk management is an example of this. Originally, this guidance was published in a way that applied to all banks, including community banks. Yet, it was acknowledged even at the time of publication that it had known shortcomings, particularly in terms of its administration and lack of clarity for community banks.8
    Tailoring is important for all banks, but it is particularly important for community banks. There are real costs not only to banks, but to communities, when the framework is insufficiently tailored, as community banks faced with excessive regulatory burdens may be forced to raise prices or shut their doors completely. These banks often reach unbanked or underbanked corners of the U.S. economy, not only in terms of the customers they serve but also in terms of their geographic footprint. We are all familiar with banking deserts and the challenges many legitimate and law-abiding businesses and consumers have in accessing basic banking services and credit. It is difficult to imagine that a system with far fewer banks would as effectively serve U.S. banking and credit needs and sufficiently to support economic growth.
    It is imperative that we keep the benefits of tailoring in focus as the bank regulatory framework evolves. A tailored regulatory and supervisory approach can help inform our policies on a wide range of industry issues that are likely to emerge in the coming years.
    Problem-Based SolutionsOne of the most difficult challenges on the regulatory front is prioritization, both for banks managing their businesses and for regulators deciding how to fulfill their responsibilities. At a basic level, the role of regulators is dictated by statute. Congress granted the Federal Reserve and other banking agencies broad statutory powers but has constrained how those powers may be directed through the use of statutory mandates, including to promote a safe and sound banking system, and broader U.S. financial stability. In the execution of these responsibilities, the Federal Reserve must also balance the need to act in a way that enables the banking system to serve the U.S. economy and promote economic growth. While these objectives are not incompatible, they do require us to consider tradeoffs when establishing policy.
    How can regulators best meet these responsibilities? As many of you may already know, I strongly believe in a pragmatic approach to policymaking.9 This requires us to identify the problem we are trying to solve, determine whether we are the appropriate regulator to address the problem based on our statutory mandates and authorities, and explore options for addressing the identified issue.
    As a first step, we must be attuned to the banking system and how regulatory actions affect that system. We oversee a wide range of banks of varying sizes, activities, affiliates, and complexity. These banks interact with a range of service providers, financial market utilities, payments providers, and non-bank partners, regularly competing with non-bank financial intermediaries. The banking system can be a key driver of business formation, economic expansion, and opportunity.
    As we look at the banking system, including the regulatory framework, we must focus on those issues that are most important to advancing statutory priorities. There is always the risk of misidentification and mis-prioritization, and that we fail to take appropriately robust action on key issues or focus on issues that are less material to a bank’s safety and soundness. Our goal should be to develop a better filter to promote appropriate and effective prioritization.
    FraudWe have seen several instances where this filter did not produce appropriate results, as we have recently seen with fraud. The incidence of fraud, particularly check fraud, has been rising substantially over the past few years, causing harm to banks, damaging the perceived safety of the banking system, and importantly hurting consumers who are the victims of fraudulent activity. Sometimes these efforts target vulnerable populations, like the elderly, who are particularly susceptible to certain forms of fraud.
    Despite this known problem, efforts by regulators have been frustratingly slow to advance, and seem to have done little to address the underlying root causes of this increase in fraud. Why has this important issue failed to garner greater attention from all of the appropriate regulatory and law enforcement bodies? Different governmental agencies may share an important role in addressing this problem, but the need for a joint and coordinated solution does not excuse collective inaction.
    Climate-Related Financial RiskOf course, not every issue falls within the scope of the Federal Reserve’s responsibilities. Even when policymakers identify an issue or priority that they would like to pursue, it is imperative to ask whether that priority falls within the scope of our mandate and authorities. Statutes and regulations, paired with the “soft” power of examination, can be deployed in ways that may not be primarily directed towards the priorities mandated for banking regulators. I’ve noted previously that the banking agencies’ climate-related financial risk guidance arguably pushes the boundaries of appropriate regulatory responsibilities. Banks have long been required to manage all material risks, including weather- and climate-related risks. And while this additional guidance seemed to do little to advance the goals of promoting the safe and sound operation of banks it, in effect, posed significant risks of influencing credit allocation decisions. Ultimately, banking regulators should not dictate credit allocation decisions, either by rule or through supervision. Bank regulatory policy should be used to address the needs of the unbanked and expand the availability of banking services. It should not be used to limit or exclude access to banking services for legitimate customers and businesses in a way that is meant to further unrelated policy goals, sometimes referred to as “de-banking.”
    Once we have identified problems and determined that they are within the Fed’s responsibility, we must consider alternative approaches to address them, focusing on identifying efficient solutions. New technologies and services often require novel regulatory and supervisory approaches, and we recognize that past approaches may not be effective. Often regulators take a “more is better” approach to regulation and guidance. Over the past several years, the banking industry has faced an onslaught of proposed and final regulations and guidance, materials that require a significant time commitment to review, to comment on, and to implement. Many times, these require changes to policies and procedures or risk management practices.
    It is critical that in our urgency to address issues in the banking system—particularly for community banks—that we consider not just the direct and indirect effects of regulatory action but also this cumulative burden. Community banks are resilient and dedicated to serving their communities, but at some point, the cumulative burden of the bank regulatory framework can adversely affect the availability and pricing of banking services and threaten the ongoing viability of the community bank model. The community banks in this country are important economically and to their communities, and we should strive to support these institutions and their ongoing viability.
    Other Notable Issues and ConcernsIn preparation for today’s event, conference attendees were asked to submit questions in advance. So before concluding my remarks I’d like to address a few of these, since we won’t be able to do a live Q&A session in this virtual format. Thank you for submitting your questions in advance.
    As community bankers, we are deeply invested in supporting the growth and resilience of our local economies. With ongoing regulatory pressures, what specific actions can the Federal Reserve take to ensure smaller institutions like ours remain competitive and capable of delivering the personalized service that our communities depend on?One of the things I think is critical in identifying how to support community banks is listening to the industry—which issues are top-of-mind for you? Being an effective regulator requires a degree of humility, and receptiveness to hearing about issues that affect the business of banking, particularly when there are alternative ways that regulators can better promote safety and soundness, or where regulatory actions have resulted in unintended consequences. At the same time, during my conversations with banks, a few themes have emerged that deserve attention. This will be a non-exclusive list, but hopefully will give you a sense of the types of issues and concerns that I hear about most frequently when talking to community banks.
    First, I think there is room to improve the transparency of regulatory communication. Banks should not be left to guess what regulators think about the permissibility of particular activities, or what parameters and rules should apply to those activities. Uncertainty discourages investments in innovation and the expansion of banking activities, products, and services, and can call into question whether internal processes and procedures are consistent with supervisory expectations. Banks already must confront the challenges of dealing with evolving economic and credit conditions, regulators should not compound these challenges through opaque expectations and standards.
    Second, I think we need to address shortcomings in the processing of banking applications, employing a more nimble and predictable approach specifically in the de novo formation and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) contexts. Today, the process to obtain regulatory approval can be influenced by many factors under a bank’s control—for example, the completeness of the application filed and responsiveness to addressing questions and providing necessary additional information. However, the timeline for application decisions is often uncertain and beyond the bank’s control. This can be due to questions about the minimum amount of capital needed and early-stage supervisory expectations (for a de novo bank), or uncertainty about the competitive effects of a transaction, or the filing of a public comment raising concerns about an application in the M&A context.
    Finally, I think regulatory and supervisory “trickle-down” is real and it has significantly harmed community banks. I am referring to regulators conveying expectations to community banks (for example, during the examination process) that lack a foundation in applicable rules or guidance, or that were designed for larger institutions, or based on a horizontal review of unique banks.
    It is very difficult to insulate community banks from the harmful consequences of “trickle-down,” and broader structural changes may be needed to shield them from inapplicable and unreasonable expectations. At the same time, we must preserve strong supervisory standards as banks cross asset thresholds, so banks that grow larger and riskier are subject to appropriately tailored and calibrated requirements and expectations. I would also note that some degree of “trickle down” has occurred over time because the regulatory asset “line” defining community banks has remained constant at $10 billion in assets for over a decade. During that time, the economy has grown significantly, and inflation has rendered this asset definition obsolete. Many “community banks”—as defined by business model and activities rather than asset size—now exceed the threshold and must comply with broader regulatory requirements that may be excessive.
    What support or guidance can community banks expect from the Federal Reserve as we navigate technological innovation and increased cybersecurity threats?Both innovation and cybersecurity are issues that are top of mind for me. Innovation has always been a priority for banks of all sizes and business models. Banks in the U.S. have a long history of developing and implementing new technologies, and innovation has the potential to make the banking and payments systems faster and more efficient, to bring new products and services to customers, and even to enhance safety and soundness.
    Regulators must be open to innovation in the banking system. Our goal should be to build and support a clear and sensible regulatory framework that anticipates ongoing and evolving innovation—one that allows the private sector to innovate while also maintaining appropriate safeguards. We must promote innovation through transparency and open communication, including demonstrating a willingness to engage during the development process. By providing clarity and consistency, we can encourage long-term business investment, while also continuing to support today’s products and services. A clear regulatory framework would also empower supervisors to focus on safety and soundness, while ensuring a safe and efficient banking and payment system.
    On cybersecurity, banks often note cybersecurity and third-party risk management as areas that raise significant concerns. Cyber-related events, including ransomware attacks and business email compromises, are costly in terms of expense and reputation, and are time-consuming events that pose unique challenges for community banks.
    The maintenance of cyber assets and technology resources required to support a successful cybersecurity program are often difficult for smaller banks. Regulators can promote cybersecurity, and stronger cyber-incident “resilience” and response capabilities by identifying resources and opportunities, such as exercises, for banks to develop “muscle memory” in cyber incident response.
    The Federal Reserve plays an important role in supervising banks and supporting risk management practices. For example, the Federal Reserve hosts the Midwest Cyber Workshop, with the Federal Reserve Banks of Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis.10 Over the past couple of years, this workshop has provided a forum to discuss cyber risk among community bankers, regulators, law enforcement, and other industry stakeholders. Community banks can also turn to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) website, which includes the FFIEC Cybersecurity Resource Guide and links to other external cybersecurity resources.
    We know well that cyber threats pose real risks to the banking system, and we recognize that community banks may have unique needs in preventing, remediating, and responding to cyber threats. Regulators should, therefore, ensure that a range of resources are available to support banks and seek further opportunities to help build bank resilience against these threats.
    Community banks are integral to rural and underserved communities. How can the Federal Reserve support us in maintaining our presence in these areas, particularly amid ongoing consolidation trends?As I noted earlier, it is essential that the U.S. banking system is broad and diverse, including institutions of all sizes serving all the different markets across the country. Community banks play a particularly valuable role in rural and underserved communities, and we need to ensure that the community banking model remains viable into the future.
    To do that, we need to have a regulatory system in which both de novo bank formations and M&A transactions are possible. Viable formation and merger options for banks of all sizes are necessary to avoid creating a “barbell” of the very largest and very smallest banks in the banking system, with the number of community banks continuing to erode over time.
    M&A ensures that banks have a meaningful path to transitioning bank ownership. In the absence of a viable M&A framework, there is potential for additional risks, including limited opportunities for succession planning, especially in smaller or rural communities. Uncertainty related to the M&A process also may act as a deterrent to de novo bank formation, as potential bank founders may stay on the sidelines knowing that future exit strategies—like the strategic acquisition of a de novo bank by a larger peer—may face long odds of success.
    Another challenge particularly in rural markets are the competitive “screens” that are used to evaluate the competitive effects of a proposed merger. Using these screens often results in a finding that M&A transactions in rural markets can have an adverse effect on competition and should therefore be disallowed.11 Even when these transactions are eventually approved, the mechanical approach to analyzing competitive effects often requires additional review or analysis and can lead to extensive delays in the regulatory approval process. Reducing the efficiency of the bank M&A process can be a deterrent to healthy bank transactions—it can reduce the effectiveness of M&A and de novo activity that preserves the presence of community banks in underserved areas, prevent institutions from pursuing prudent growth strategies, and actually undermine competition by preventing firms from growing to a larger scale.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. The first mutual banks in the United States were chartered in 1816. The Provident Institution for Savings and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society were both chartered that year. See https://www.jstor.org/stable/2123609; https://www.mass.gov/info-details/history-of-the-division-of-banks. Return to text
    3. Michelle W. Bowman, “Reflections on 2024: Monetary Policy, Economic Performance, and Lessons for Banking Regulation” (speech at the California Bankers Association 2025 Bank Presidents Seminar, Laguna Beach, California, January 9, 2025). Return to text
    4. 12 CFR § 239.8(d). Return to text
    5. See, e.g., Michelle W. Bowman, “Tailoring, Fidelity to the Rule of Law, and Unintended Consequences (PDF)” (speech at the Harvard Law School Faculty Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts, March 5, 2024). Return to text
    6. See, Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, Pub. L. No. 115-174, § 401(a)(1) (amending 12 U.S.C. § 5365), 132 Stat. 1296 (2018). Return to text
    7. See dissenting statement, “Statement on the Community Reinvestment Act Final Rule by Governor Michelle W. Bowman,” news release, October 24, 2023. Return to text
    8. See “Statement on Third Party Risk Management Guidance by Governor Michelle W. Bowman,” news release, June 6, 2023. Return to text
    9. Michelle W. Bowman, “Approaching Policymaking Pragmatically (PDF)” (remarks to the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, Florida, November 20, 2024). Return to text
    10. See Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, “Midwest Cyber Workshop 2024,” June 25‑26, 2024. Return to text
    11. Michelle W. Bowman, “The Role of Research, Data, and Analysis in Banking Reforms (PDF)” (speech at the 2023 Community Banking Research Conference, St. Louis, MO, October 4, 2023); Michelle W. Bowman, “The New Landscape for Banking Competition (PDF),” (speech at the 2022 Community Banking Research Conference, St. Louis, MO, September 28, 2022). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: First Hawaiian, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Declares Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONOLULU, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB), (“First Hawaiian” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for its quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    “I’m pleased to report that we finished 2024 with a very strong quarter that was highlighted by good performance across our key earnings drivers. Our loan and deposit balances grew, net interest margin expanded, expenses were well controlled and credit quality remained excellent. We also maintained our commitment to supporting our communities with a $1 million contribution to the First Hawaiian Foundation,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President, and CEO. “During the fourth quarter we took action to strengthen our balance sheet and increase our future earnings power by restructuring a portion of our investment portfolio. This action, along with the positive trends we saw in the fourth quarter, positions us very well entering 2025.” 

    On January 29, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share. The dividend will be payable on February 28, 2025, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 14, 2025.

    Additionally, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program for up to $100.0 million of its outstanding common stock during 2025.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • Restructured a portion of the investment portfolio by selling $290.4 million of low-yielding investment securities and reinvested the sale proceeds into $291.5 million of higher-yielding securities. Recognized a $26.2 million pre-tax ($19.2 million after-tax) loss on the sale of securities.
    • Net income of $52.5 million, or $0.41 per diluted share
    • Total loans and leases increased $166.9 million versus prior quarter
    • Total deposits increased $94.5 million versus prior quarter
    • Net interest margin increased 8 basis points to 3.03%
    • Recorded a $0.8 million negative provision for credit losses
    • Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $23.8 billion at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    Gross loans and leases were $14.4 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $166.9 million, or 1.2%, from $14.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    Total deposits were $20.3 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $94.5 million, or 0.5%, from $20.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $158.8 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 1.3%, compared to $156.7 million for the prior quarter.

    The net interest margin was 3.03% in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 8 basis points compared to 2.95% in the prior quarter.

    Provision Expense

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a $0.8 million negative provision for credit losses. In the quarter ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a $7.4 million provision for credit losses.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income was $29.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $23.9 million compared to noninterest income of $53.3 million in the prior quarter. Noninterest income in the fourth quarter of 2024 included a $26.2 million loss on the sale of investment securities.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense was $124.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of $2.0 million compared to noninterest expense of $126.1 million in the prior quarter.

    The efficiency ratio was 65.5% and 59.8% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Taxes

    The effective tax rate was 18.9% and 19.6% for the quarters ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Asset Quality

    The allowance for credit losses was $160.4 million, or 1.11% of total loans and leases, as of December 31, 2024, compared to $163.7 million, or 1.15% of total loans and leases, as of September 30, 2024. The reserve for unfunded commitments was $32.8 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $33.7 million as of September 30, 2024. Net charge-offs were $3.4 million, or 0.09% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.11% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Total non-performing assets were $20.7 million, or 0.14% of total loans and leases and other real estate owned, on December 31, 2024, compared to total non-performing assets of $17.8 million, or 0.13% of total loans and leases and other real estate owned, on September 30, 2024.

    Capital

    Total stockholders’ equity was $2.6 billion on December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    The tier 1 leverage, common equity tier 1 and total capital ratios were 9.14%, 12.80% and 13.99%, respectively, on December 31, 2024, compared with 9.14%, 13.03% and 14.25%, respectively, on September 30, 2024.

    The Company repurchased 1.5 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $40.0 million under the stock repurchase program in the fourth quarter. The average cost was $27.14 per share repurchased. Total repurchases in 2024 were $40.0 million.

    As to the stock repurchase program approved for 2025, repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock may be conducted through open-market purchases, which may include purchases under a trading plan adopted pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1, or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and exact amount of share repurchases, if any, will be subject to management’s discretion and various factors, including the Company’s capital position and financial performance, as well as market conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason.

    First Hawaiian, Inc.

    First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ:FHB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank, founded in 1858 under the name Bishop & Company, is Hawaii’s oldest and largest financial institution with branch locations throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to consumer and commercial customers including deposit products, loans, wealth management, insurance, trust, retirement planning, credit card and merchant processing services. Customers may also access their accounts through ATMs, online and mobile banking channels. For more information about First Hawaiian, Inc., visit the Company’s website, www.fhb.com.

    Conference Call Information

    First Hawaiian will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s results today at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 8:00 a.m. Hawaii Time.

    To access the call by phone, please register via the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI80003c73e95b445aa5fe62db794097bb, and you will be provided with dial in details. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.

    A live webcast of the conference call, including a slide presentation, will be available at the following link: www.fhb.com/earnings. The archive of the webcast will be available at the same location.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may”, “might”, “should”, “could”, “predict”, “potential”, “believe”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”, “seek”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “projection”, “would”, “annualized” and “outlook”, or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, there can be no assurance that actual results will not prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) the risks and uncertainties associated with the domestic and global economic environment and capital market conditions and other risk factors. For a discussion of some of these risks and important factors that could affect our future results and financial condition, see our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Return on average tangible assets, return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share and tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that these measurements are useful for investors, regulators, management and others to evaluate financial performance and capital adequacy relative to other financial institutions. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Investors should consider our performance and capital adequacy as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing our performance and capital adequacy.

    Table 14 at the end of this document provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures with their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

                                           
    Financial Highlights   Table 1
        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31, 
        September 30,      December 31,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Operating Results:                                        
    Net interest income   $ 158,753     $ 156,707     $ 151,793     $ 622,738     $ 636,127  
    (Benefit) provision for credit losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Noninterest income     29,376       53,288       58,347       185,803       200,815  
    Noninterest expense     124,143       126,147       142,307       501,189       501,138  
    Net income     52,496       61,492       47,502       230,129       234,983  
    Basic earnings per share     0.41       0.48       0.37       1.80       1.84  
    Diluted earnings per share     0.41       0.48       0.37       1.79       1.84  
    Dividends declared per share     0.26       0.26       0.26       1.04       1.04  
    Dividend payout ratio     63.41 %     54.17 %     70.27 %     58.10 %     56.52 %
    Performance Ratios(1):                                      
    Net interest margin     3.03 %     2.95 %     2.81 %     2.95 %     2.92 %
    Efficiency ratio     65.51 %     59.77 %     67.28 %     61.57 %     59.48 %
    Return on average total assets     0.88 %     1.02 %     0.77 %     0.96 %     0.95 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)(2)     0.92 %     1.06 %     0.81 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
    Return on average total stockholders’ equity     7.94 %     9.45 %     7.94 %     9.00     10.01 %
    Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)(2)     12.78 %     15.35 %     13.66 %     14.74 %     17.39 %
    Average Balances:                                      
    Average loans and leases   $ 14,276,107     $ 14,304,806     $ 14,349,322     $ 14,312,759     $ 14,266,291  
    Average earning assets     21,079,951       21,328,882       21,688,816       21,284,169       21,952,009  
    Average assets     23,795,735       24,046,696       24,404,727       23,996,723       24,625,445  
    Average deposits     20,249,573       20,367,805       20,908,221       20,373,975       21,160,155  
    Average stockholders’ equity     2,629,600       2,588,806       2,374,669       2,557,215       2,346,713  
    Market Value Per Share:                                      
    Closing     25.95       23.15       22.86       25.95       22.86  
    High     28.80       26.18       23.22       28.80       28.28  
    Low     22.08       20.28       17.18       19.48       15.08  
                             
        As of     As of     As of  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2023  
    Balance Sheet Data:                        
    Loans and leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
    Total assets     23,828,186       23,780,285       24,926,474  
    Total deposits     20,322,216       20,227,702       21,332,657  
    Short-term borrowings     250,000       250,000       500,000  
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,617,486       2,648,034       2,486,066  
                             
    Per Share of Common Stock:                        
    Book value   $ 20.70     $ 20.71     $ 19.48  
    Tangible book value (non-GAAP)(2)     12.83       12.92       11.68  
                             
    Asset Quality Ratios:                        
    Non-accrual loans and leases / total loans and leases     0.14 %     0.13 %     0.13 %
    Allowance for credit losses for loans and leases / total loans and leases     1.11 %     1.15 %     1.09 %
                             
    Capital Ratios:                        
    Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio     12.80 %     13.03 %     12.39 %
    Tier 1 Capital Ratio     12.80 %     13.03 %     12.39 %
    Total Capital Ratio     13.99 %     14.25 %     13.57 %
    Tier 1 Leverage Ratio     9.14 %     9.14 %     8.64 %
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.98 %     11.14 %     9.97 %
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(2)     7.10 %     7.25 %     6.23 %
                             
    Non-Financial Data:                        
    Number of branches     48       48       50  
    Number of ATMs     273       273       275  
    Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employees     1,997       2,022       2,089  

    (1) Except for the efficiency ratio, amounts are annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    (2) Return on average tangible assets, return on average tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share and tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets are non-GAAP financial measures. We compute our return on average tangible assets as the ratio of net income to average tangible assets, which is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our average total assets. We compute our return on average tangible stockholders’ equity as the ratio of net income to average tangible stockholders’ equity, which is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our average total stockholders’ equity. We compute our tangible book value per share as the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to outstanding shares. Tangible stockholders’ equity is calculated by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) amounts related to the effect of goodwill from our total stockholders’ equity. We compute our tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets as the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets, each of which we calculate by subtracting (and thereby effectively excluding) the value of our goodwill. For a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, see Table 14, GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.

                                         
    Consolidated Statements of Income   Table 2
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024     2024   2023   2024     2023
    Interest income                                    
    Loans and lease financing   $ 198,347     $ 205,682     $ 196,276     $ 805,941     $ 748,053  
    Available-for-sale investment securities     12,767       12,850       19,033       54,306       74,241  
    Held-to-maturity investment securities     17,071       16,937       17,987       69,376       73,497  
    Other     11,977       14,527       7,734       50,421       27,788  
    Total interest income     240,162       249,996       241,030       980,044       923,579  
    Interest expense                                    
    Deposits     78,465       87,500       82,215       335,717       258,221  
    Short-term and long-term borrowings     2,685       5,397       6,232       19,988       26,289  
    Other     259       392       790       1,601       2,942  
    Total interest expense     81,409       93,289       89,237       357,306       287,452  
    Net interest income     158,753       156,707       151,793       622,738       636,127  
    (Benefit) provision for credit losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Net interest income after (benefit) provision for credit losses     159,503       149,307       146,463       607,988       609,497  
    Noninterest income                                    
    Service charges on deposit accounts     7,968       7,783       7,646       31,090       29,647  
    Credit and debit card fees     14,834       17,533       16,381       64,401       63,888  
    Other service charges and fees     13,132       11,790       9,535       45,862       37,299  
    Trust and investment services income     9,449       9,077       9,645       38,306       38,449  
    Bank-owned life insurance     5,713       4,502       5,063       17,861       15,326  
    Investment securities (losses) gains, net     (26,171 )           792       (26,171 )     792  
    Other     4,451       2,603       9,285       14,454       15,414  
    Total noninterest income     29,376       53,288       58,347       185,803       200,815  
    Noninterest expense                                    
    Salaries and employee benefits     59,003       59,563       55,882       235,565       225,755  
    Contracted services and professional fees     14,472       14,634       16,219       60,912       66,423  
    Occupancy     7,708       6,945       7,561       28,971       29,608  
    Equipment     14,215       13,078       12,547       53,902       45,109  
    Regulatory assessment and fees     3,745       3,412       20,412       19,091       32,073  
    Advertising and marketing     1,529       1,813       1,441       7,719       7,615  
    Card rewards program     7,926       8,678       7,503       33,831       31,627  
    Other     15,545       18,024       20,742       61,198       62,928  
    Total noninterest expense     124,143       126,147       142,307       501,189       501,138  
    Income before provision for income taxes     64,736       76,448       62,503       292,602       309,174  
    Provision for income taxes     12,240       14,956       15,001       62,473       74,191  
    Net income   $ 52,496     $ 61,492     $ 47,502     $ 230,129     $ 234,983  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.48     $ 0.37     $ 1.80     $ 1.84  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.48     $ 0.37     $ 1.79     $ 1.84  
    Basic weighted-average outstanding shares     127,350,626       127,886,167       127,612,734       127,702,573       127,567,547  
    Diluted weighted-average outstanding shares     128,167,502       128,504,035       128,028,964       128,325,865       127,915,873  
                       
    Consolidated Balance Sheets   Table 3
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands, except share amount)   2024     2024     2023  
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks   $ 258,057     $ 252,209     $ 185,015  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     912,133       820,603       1,554,882  
    Investment securities:                  
    Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $2,190,448 as of December 31, 2024, $2,290,781 as of September 30, 2024 and $2,558,675 as of December 31, 2023)     1,926,516       2,055,959       2,255,336  
    Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $3,262,509 as of December 31, 2024, $3,475,143 as of September 30, 2024 and $3,574,856 as of December 31, 2023)     3,790,650       3,853,697       4,041,449  
    Loans held for sale                 190  
    Loans and leases     14,408,258       14,241,370       14,353,497  
    Less: allowance for credit losses     160,393       163,700       156,533  
    Net loans and leases     14,247,865       14,077,670       14,196,964  
                       
    Premises and equipment, net     288,530       287,036       281,461  
    Accrued interest receivable     79,979       81,875       84,417  
    Bank-owned life insurance     491,890       490,135       479,907  
    Goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Mortgage servicing rights     5,078       5,236       5,699  
    Other assets     831,996       860,373       845,662  
    Total assets   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Deposits:                  
    Interest-bearing   $ 13,347,068     $ 13,427,674     $ 13,749,095  
    Noninterest-bearing     6,975,148       6,800,028       7,583,562  
    Total deposits     20,322,216       20,227,702       21,332,657  
    Short-term borrowings     250,000       250,000       500,000  
    Retirement benefits payable     97,135       100,448       103,285  
    Other liabilities     541,349       554,101       504,466  
    Total liabilities     21,210,700       21,132,251       22,440,408  
                       
    Stockholders’ equity                  
    Common stock ($0.01 par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued/outstanding: 141,748,847 / 126,422,898 shares as of December 31, 2024, issued/outstanding: 141,735,601 / 127,886,167 shares as of September 30, 2024 and issued/outstanding: 141,340,539 / 127,618,761 shares as of December 31, 2023)     1,417       1,417       1,413  
    Additional paid-in capital     2,560,380       2,558,158       2,548,250  
    Retained earnings     934,048       915,062       837,859  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net     (463,994 )     (452,658 )     (530,210 )
    Treasury stock (15,325,949 shares as of December 31, 2024, 13,849,434 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 13,721,778 shares as of December 31, 2023)     (414,365 )     (373,945 )     (371,246 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     2,617,486       2,648,034       2,486,066  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
                                                       
    Average Balances and Interest Rates                                               Table 4
        Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended  
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023  
        Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (dollars in millions)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Earning Assets                                                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 948.9   $ 11.3   4.75 % $ 1,020.4   $ 13.9   5.40 % $ 568.0   $ 7.8   5.39 %
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                                                  
    Taxable     1,987.7     12.7   2.56     2,062.6     12.8   2.48     2,598.4     19.0   2.92  
    Non-Taxable     1.4       5.30     1.5       5.06     1.9       5.12  
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                                                  
    Taxable     3,224.8     13.9   1.72     3,288.2     13.8   1.67     3,472.1     14.8   1.70  
    Non-Taxable     601.7     3.9   2.56     602.3     3.7   2.46     603.9     3.9   2.58  
    Total Investment Securities     5,815.6     30.5   2.10     5,954.6     30.3   2.03     6,676.3     37.7   2.25  
    Loans Held for Sale     1.3       5.75     2.2       5.64     0.7       7.41  
    Loans and Leases(1)                                                  
    Commercial and industrial     2,157.8     35.2   6.50     2,165.3     38.0   6.98     2,148.1     36.7   6.78  
    Commercial real estate     4,333.1     68.9   6.33     4,278.3     71.6   6.67     4,356.3     71.4   6.51  
    Construction     990.7     17.4   6.99     1,040.7     20.3   7.74     888.7     16.7   7.45  
    Residential:                                                  
    Residential mortgage     4,183.5     40.8   3.90     4,204.5     40.4   3.84     4,294.8     38.8   3.61  
    Home equity line     1,157.1     13.3   4.55     1,158.5     13.2   4.52     1,174.8     11.3   3.83  
    Consumer     1,033.2     19.0   7.29     1,035.3     18.7   7.19     1,132.4     18.4   6.43  
    Lease financing     420.7     4.4   4.18     422.2     4.0   3.72     354.2     3.6   4.03  
    Total Loans and Leases     14,276.1     199.0   5.55     14,304.8     206.2   5.74     14,349.3     196.9   5.45  
    Other Earning Assets     38.1     0.7   6.73     46.9     0.7   5.83     94.5       0.06  
    Total Earning Assets(2)     21,080.0     241.5   4.56     21,328.9     251.1   4.69     21,688.8     242.4   4.44  
    Cash and Due from Banks     226.2               242.3               240.8            
    Other Assets     2,489.5               2,475.5               2,475.1            
    Total Assets   $ 23,795.7             $ 24,046.7             $ 24,404.7            
                                                       
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                                                  
    Savings   $ 5,940.3   $ 21.1   1.42 % $ 5,963.1   $ 23.6   1.57 % $ 6,067.2   $ 22.4   1.46 %
    Money Market     4,053.6     26.6   2.61     4,179.5     31.9   3.04     3,905.0     27.5   2.79  
    Time     3,362.0     30.8   3.64     3,327.3     32.0   3.83     3,390.7     32.3   3.78  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     13,355.9     78.5   2.34     13,469.9     87.5   2.58     13,362.9     82.2   2.44  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     250.0     2.7   4.27     451.1     5.4   4.76     515.2     6.2   4.80  
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     25.3     0.2   4.07     22.4     0.4   6.97     42.1     0.8   7.44  
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     13,631.2     81.4   2.38     13,943.4     93.3   2.66     13,920.2     89.2   2.54  
    Net Interest Income         $ 160.1             $ 157.8             $ 153.2      
    Interest Rate Spread(3)               2.18 %             2.03 %             1.90 %
    Net Interest Margin(4)               3.03 %             2.95 %             2.81 %
    Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits     6,893.7               6,897.9               7,545.3            
    Other Liabilities     641.2               616.6               564.5            
    Stockholders’ Equity     2,629.6               2,588.8               2,374.7            
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 23,795.7             $ 24,046.7             $ 24,404.7            

    (1) Non-performing loans and leases are included in the respective average loan and lease balances. Income, if any, on such loans and leases is recognized on a cash basis.

    (2) Interest income includes taxable-equivalent basis adjustments of $1.4 million, $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    (3) Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

    (4) Net interest margin is net interest income annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, divided by average total earning assets.

                                               
    Average Balances and Interest Rates                                       Table 5
        Year Ended   Year Ended  
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023  
        Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/  
    (dollars in millions)   Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate  
    Earning Assets                                          
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 900.8     $ 47.3     5.25 % $ 512.3     $ 26.5     5.18 %
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                                          
    Taxable     2,090.0       54.2     2.60     2,871.8       73.8     2.57  
    Non-Taxable     1.5       0.1     5.45     10.2       0.6     5.55  
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                                          
    Taxable     3,321.6       56.6     1.70     3,579.0       60.7     1.70  
    Non-Taxable     602.6       15.6     2.58     607.7       15.9     2.61  
    Total Investment Securities     6,015.7       126.5     2.10     7,068.7       151.0     2.14  
    Loans Held for Sale     1.3       0.1     6.02     0.4           6.63  
    Loans and Leases(1)                                          
    Commercial and industrial     2,172.4       148.6     6.84     2,182.3       141.0     6.46  
    Commercial real estate     4,310.1       282.3     6.55     4,257.9       266.0     6.25  
    Construction     985.4       73.5     7.46     877.7       62.1     7.08  
    Residential:                                          
    Residential mortgage     4,220.2       163.4     3.87     4,308.0       156.4     3.63  
    Home equity line     1,162.9       51.0     4.39     1,131.1       39.3     3.47  
    Consumer     1,051.5       73.4     6.98     1,178.6       71.5     6.07  
    Lease financing     410.3       16.3     3.98     330.7       14.1     4.26  
    Total Loans and Leases     14,312.8       808.5     5.65     14,266.3       750.4     5.26  
    Other Earning Assets     53.6       3.1     5.88     104.3       1.3     1.20  
    Total Earning Assets(2)     21,284.2       985.5     4.63     21,952.0       929.2     4.23  
    Cash and Due from Banks     238.3                   265.1                
    Other Assets     2,474.2                   2,408.3                
    Total Assets   $ 23,996.7                 $ 24,625.4                
                                               
    Interest-Bearing Liabilities                                          
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                                          
    Savings   $ 5,990.7     $ 91.6     1.53 % $ 6,124.7     $ 71.5     1.17 %
    Money Market     4,064.0       117.8     2.90     3,869.1       86.1     2.22  
    Time     3,324.8       126.3     3.80     3,040.0       100.6     3.31  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     13,379.5       335.7     2.51     13,033.8       258.2     1.98  
    Federal Funds Purchased                   17.2       0.8     4.45  
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     424.9       20.0     4.70     261.9       13.0     4.98  
    Long-Term Borrowings                   261.6       12.5     4.78  
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     29.6       1.6     5.39     57.1       3.0     5.15  
    Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities     13,834.0       357.3     2.58     13,631.6       287.5     2.11  
    Net Interest Income           $ 628.2                 $ 641.7        
    Interest Rate Spread(3)                   2.05 %                 2.12 %
    Net Interest Margin(4)                   2.95 %                 2.92 %
    Noninterest-Bearing Demand Deposits     6,994.5                   8,126.4                
    Other Liabilities     611.0                   520.7                
    Stockholders’ Equity     2,557.2                   2,346.7                
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity   $ 23,996.7                 $ 24,625.4                

    (1) Non-performing loans and leases are included in the respective average loan and lease balances. Income, if any, on such loans and leases is recognized on a cash basis.

    (2) Interest income includes taxable-equivalent basis adjustments of $5.4 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    (3) Interest rate spread is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis.

    (4) Net interest margin is net interest income annualized for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, divided by average total earning assets.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 6
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to September 30, 2024
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ (1.0 )   $ (1.6 )   $ (2.6 )
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (0.5 )     0.4       (0.1 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (0.3 )     0.4       0.1  
    Non-Taxable           0.2       0.2  
    Total Investment Securities     (0.8 )     1.0       0.2  
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     (0.1 )     (2.7 )     (2.8 )
    Commercial real estate     0.9       (3.6 )     (2.7 )
    Construction     (1.0 )     (1.9 )     (2.9 )
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (0.2 )     0.6       0.4  
    Home equity line           0.1       0.1  
    Consumer           0.3       0.3  
    Lease financing           0.4       0.4  
    Total Loans and Leases     (0.4 )     (6.8 )     (7.2 )
    Other Earning Assets     (0.1 )     0.1        
    Total Change in Interest Income     (2.3 )     (7.3 )     (9.6 )
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (0.1 )     (2.4 )     (2.5 )
    Money Market     (0.9 )     (4.4 )     (5.3 )
    Time     0.3       (1.5 )     (1.2 )
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     (0.7 )     (8.3 )     (9.0 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     (2.2 )     (0.5 )     (2.7 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities           (0.2 )     (0.2 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     (2.9 )     (9.0 )     (11.9 )
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ 0.6     $ 1.7     $ 2.3  

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 7
        Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to December 31, 2023
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 4.6     $ (1.1 )   $ 3.5  
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (4.1 )     (2.2 )     (6.3 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (1.1 )     0.2       (0.9 )
    Total Investment Securities     (5.2 )     (2.0 )     (7.2 )
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     0.1       (1.6 )     (1.5 )
    Commercial real estate     (0.4 )     (2.1 )     (2.5 )
    Construction     1.8       (1.1 )     0.7  
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (1.0 )     3.0       2.0  
    Home equity line     (0.1 )     2.1       2.0  
    Consumer     (1.7 )     2.3       0.6  
    Lease financing     0.7       0.1       0.8  
    Total Loans and Leases     (0.6 )     2.7       2.1  
    Other Earning Assets           0.7       0.7  
    Total Change in Interest Income     (1.2 )     0.3       (0.9 )
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (0.6 )     (0.7 )     (1.3 )
    Money Market     1.0       (1.9 )     (0.9 )
    Time     (0.2 )     (1.3 )     (1.5 )
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     0.2       (3.9 )     (3.7 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     (2.9 )     (0.6 )     (3.5 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     (0.3 )     (0.3 )     (0.6 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     (3.0 )     (4.8 )     (7.8 )
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ 1.8     $ 5.1     $ 6.9  

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                       
    Analysis of Change in Net Interest Income                 Table 8
        Year Ended December 31, 2024
        Compared to December 31, 2023
    (dollars in millions)   Volume   Rate   Total (1)
    Change in Interest Income:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks   $ 20.4     $ 0.4     $ 20.8  
    Available-for-Sale Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (20.4 )     0.8       (19.6 )
    Non-Taxable     (0.5 )           (0.5 )
    Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities                  
    Taxable     (4.1 )           (4.1 )
    Non-Taxable     (0.1 )     (0.2 )     (0.3 )
    Total Investment Securities     (25.1 )     0.6       (24.5 )
    Loans Held for Sale     0.1             0.1  
    Loans and Leases                  
    Commercial and industrial     (0.7 )     8.3       7.6  
    Commercial real estate     3.3       13.0       16.3  
    Construction     7.9       3.5       11.4  
    Residential:                  
    Residential mortgage     (3.2 )     10.2       7.0  
    Home equity line     1.1       10.6       11.7  
    Consumer     (8.2 )     10.1       1.9  
    Lease financing     3.2       (1.0 )     2.2  
    Total Loans and Leases     3.4       54.7       58.1  
    Other Earning Assets     (0.9 )     2.7       1.8  
    Total Change in Interest Income     (2.1 )     58.4       56.3  
                       
    Change in Interest Expense:                  
    Interest-Bearing Deposits                  
    Savings     (1.6 )     21.7       20.1  
    Money Market     4.5       27.2       31.7  
    Time     10.0       15.7       25.7  
    Total Interest-Bearing Deposits     12.9       64.6       77.5  
    Federal Funds Purchased     (0.4 )     (0.4 )     (0.8 )
    Other Short-Term Borrowings     7.7       (0.7 )     7.0  
    Long-Term Borrowings     (6.3 )     (6.2 )     (12.5 )
    Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities     (1.5 )     0.1       (1.4 )
    Total Change in Interest Expense     12.4       57.4       69.8  
    Change in Net Interest Income   $ (14.5 )   $ 1.0     $ (13.5 )

    (1) The change in interest income and expense not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated on a pro-rata basis to the volume and rate columns.

                             
    Loans and Leases                     Table 9
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Commercial and industrial   $ 2,247,428     $ 2,110,077     $ 2,165,349  
    Commercial real estate     4,463,992       4,265,289       4,340,243  
    Construction     918,326       1,056,249       900,292  
    Residential:                        
    Residential mortgage     4,168,154       4,187,060       4,283,315  
    Home equity line     1,151,739       1,159,823       1,174,588  
    Total residential     5,319,893       5,346,883       5,457,903  
    Consumer     1,023,969       1,030,044       1,109,901  
    Lease financing     434,650       432,828       379,809  
    Total loans and leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
                             
    Deposits                     Table 10
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Demand   $ 6,975,148     $ 6,800,028     $ 7,583,562  
    Savings     6,021,364       5,896,029       6,445,084  
    Money Market     4,027,334       4,129,381       3,847,853  
    Time     3,298,370       3,402,264       3,456,158  
    Total Deposits   $ 20,322,216     $ 20,227,702     $ 21,332,657  
                             
    Non-Performing Assets and Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More                     Table 11
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023
    Non-Performing Assets                        
    Non-Accrual Loans and Leases                        
    Commercial Loans:                        
    Commercial and industrial   $ 329     $ 934     $ 970  
    Commercial real estate     411       152       2,953  
    Total Commercial Loans     740       1,086       3,923  
    Residential Loans:                        
    Residential mortgage     12,768       9,103       7,620  
    Home equity line     7,171       7,645       7,052  
    Total Residential Loans     19,939       16,748       14,672  
    Total Non-Accrual Loans and Leases     20,679       17,834       18,595  
    Total Non-Performing Assets   $ 20,679     $ 17,834     $ 18,595  
                             
    Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More                        
    Commercial Loans:                        
    Commercial and industrial   $ 1,432     $ 529     $ 494  
    Commercial real estate           568       300  
    Construction     536              
    Total Commercial Loans     1,968       1,097       794  
    Residential mortgage     1,317       931        
    Consumer     2,734       2,515       2,702  
    Total Accruing Loans and Leases Past Due 90 Days or More   $ 6,019     $ 4,543     $ 3,496  
                             
    Total Loans and Leases   $ 14,408,258     $ 14,241,370     $ 14,353,497  
                                   
    Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments   Table 12
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,    September 30,    December 31,    December 31,    December 31, 
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023
    Balance at Beginning of Period   $ 197,397     $ 193,930     $ 192,570     $ 192,138     $ 177,735  
    Loans and Leases Charged-Off                              
    Commercial Loans:                              
    Commercial and industrial     (851 )     (1,178 )     (910 )     (3,615 )     (3,482 )
    Commercial real estate           (400 )     (2,500 )     (400 )     (2,500 )
    Total Commercial Loans     (851 )     (1,578 )     (3,410 )     (4,015 )     (5,982 )
    Residential Loans:                              
    Residential mortgage                             (122 )
    Home equity line                 (20 )           (292 )
    Total Residential Loans                 (20 )           (414 )
    Consumer     (4,774 )     (4,192 )     (4,147 )     (18,002 )     (17,110 )
    Total Loans and Leases Charged-Off     (5,625 )     (5,770 )     (7,577 )     (22,017 )     (23,506 )
    Recoveries on Loans and Leases Previously Charged-Off                              
    Commercial and industrial     298       160       171       919       3,346  
    Residential Loans:                              
    Residential mortgage     30       31       31       119       141  
    Home equity line     32       86       163       274       702  
    Total Residential Loans     62       117       194       393       843  
    Consumer     1,858       1,560       1,450       7,057       7,090  
    Total Recoveries on Loans and Leases Previously Charged-Off     2,218       1,837       1,815       8,369       11,279  
    Net Loans and Leases Charged-Off     (3,407 )     (3,933 )     (5,762 )     (13,648 )     (12,227 )
    (Benefit) Provision for Credit Losses     (750 )     7,400       5,330       14,750       26,630  
    Balance at End of Period   $ 193,240     $ 197,397     $ 192,138     $ 193,240     $ 192,138  
    Components:                              
    Allowance for Credit Losses   $ 160,393     $ 163,700     $ 156,533     $ 160,393     $ 156,533  
    Reserve for Unfunded Commitments     32,847       33,697       35,605       32,847       35,605  
    Total Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Commitments   $ 193,240     $ 197,397     $ 192,138     $ 193,240     $ 192,138  
    Average Loans and Leases Outstanding   $ 14,276,107     $ 14,304,806     $ 14,349,322     $ 14,312,759     $ 14,266,291  
    Ratio of Net Loans and Leases Charged-Off to Average Loans and Leases Outstanding(1)     0.09 %     0.11 %     0.16 %     0.10 %     0.09 %
    Ratio of Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Leases to Loans and Leases Outstanding     1.11 %     1.15 %     1.09 %     1.11     1.09 %
    Ratio of Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Leases to Non-accrual Loans and Leases     7.76x     9.18x     8.42x     7.76x     8.42x

    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

                                                           
    Loans and Leases by Year of Origination and Credit Quality Indicator     Table 13
                                                  Revolving      
                                                  Loans      
                                                  Converted      
        Term Loans   Revolving   to Term      
        Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year   Loans   Loans      
                                            Amortized   Amortized      
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   Prior   Cost Basis   Cost Basis   Total
    Commercial Lending                                                      
    Commercial and Industrial                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass   $ 163,980   $ 73,554   $ 185,433   $ 249,532   $ 17,775   $ 256,119   $ 1,118,075   $ 14,336   $ 2,078,804
    Special Mention     808     2,385     1,209     68     300     1,322     41,520         47,612
    Substandard             8,096     196     309     1,114     26,089         35,804
    Other (1)     17,132     8,928     6,937     2,797     765     1,279     47,370         85,208
    Total Commercial and Industrial     181,920     84,867     201,675     252,593     19,149     259,834     1,233,054     14,336     2,247,428
    Current period gross charge-offs         578     335     105     221     2,376             3,615
                                                           
    Commercial Real Estate                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     322,405     369,948     832,005     634,722     308,156     1,720,243     116,682     7,703     4,311,864
    Special Mention     9,014     2,252     7,510     41,399     3,265     10,860     11,861         86,161
    Substandard             54,952     1,002         9,732     148         65,834
    Other (1)                         133             133
    Total Commercial Real Estate     331,419     372,200     894,467     677,123     311,421     1,740,968     128,691     7,703     4,463,992
    Current period gross charge-offs                         400             400
                                                           
    Construction                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     91,583     198,382     332,000     186,682     41,596     13,824     14,972         879,039
    Special Mention                         155             155
    Other (1)     12,482     9,688     10,861     1,561     1,199     2,644     697         39,132
    Total Construction     104,065     208,070     342,861     188,243     42,795     16,623     15,669         918,326
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Lease Financing                                                      
    Risk rating:                                                      
    Pass     149,615     101,684     60,898     14,328     17,703     84,663             428,891
    Special Mention                 220                     220
    Substandard     4,657     565     317                         5,539
    Total Lease Financing     154,272     102,249     61,215     14,548     17,703     84,663             434,650
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Total Commercial Lending   $ 771,676   $ 767,386   $ 1,500,218   $ 1,132,507   $ 391,068   $ 2,102,088   $ 1,377,414   $ 22,039   $ 8,064,396
    Current period gross charge-offs   $   $ 578   $ 335   $ 105   $ 221   $ 2,776   $   $   $ 4,015
                                                           
                                                  Revolving      
                                                  Loans      
                                                  Converted      
        Term Loans   Revolving   to Term      
        Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year   Loans   Loans      
    (continued)                                       Amortized   Amortized      
    (dollars in thousands)   2024   2023   2022   2021   2020   Prior   Cost Basis   Cost Basis   Total
    Residential Lending                                                      
    Residential Mortgage                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater   $ 168,067   $ 187,710   $ 492,845   $ 946,390   $ 498,443   $ 1,115,557   $   $   $ 3,409,012
    680 – 739     18,368     34,901     65,735     103,622     57,369     138,469             418,464
    620 – 679     1,726     4,380     23,556     19,355     14,058     40,471             103,546
    550 – 619         820     6,526     7,745     4,042     13,783             32,916
    Less than 550         734     775     2,264     1,559     6,342             11,674
    No Score (3)     13,211     6,719     16,839     9,916     5,518     45,604             97,807
    Other (2)     9,456     12,404     16,564     14,311     10,769     28,812     2,419         94,735
    Total Residential Mortgage     210,828     247,668     622,840     1,103,603     591,758     1,389,038     2,419         4,168,154
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Home Equity Line                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater                             925,749     1,652     927,401
    680 – 739                             161,523     1,030     162,553
    620 – 679                             39,235     1,220     40,455
    550 – 619                             13,006     416     13,422
    Less than 550                             5,993     563     6,556
    No Score (3)                             1,352         1,352
    Total Home Equity Line                             1,146,858     4,881     1,151,739
    Current period gross charge-offs                                    
                                                           
    Total Residential Lending   $ 210,828   $ 247,668   $ 622,840   $ 1,103,603   $ 591,758   $ 1,389,038   $ 1,149,277   $ 4,881   $ 5,319,893
    Current period gross charge-offs   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $   $
                                                           
    Consumer Lending                                                      
    FICO:                                                      
    740 and greater     92,329     65,738     84,007     44,192     14,607     6,897     101,938     106     409,814
    680 – 739     68,371     46,533     44,504     21,829     7,652     5,278     86,935     509     281,611
    620 – 679     30,618     17,728     19,942     10,252     4,195     4,152     50,544     775     138,206
    550 – 619     6,108     6,768     9,312     5,702     2,574     3,106     15,641     778     49,989
    Less than 550     2,012     3,950     5,572     3,594     1,591     1,830     5,311     593     24,453
    No Score (3)     1,881     106     38         7     9     38,932     176     41,149
    Other (2)             277     887     99     956     76,528         78,747
    Total Consumer Lending   $ 201,319   $ 140,823   $ 163,652   $ 86,456   $ 30,725   $ 22,228   $ 375,829   $ 2,937   $ 1,023,969
    Current period gross charge-offs   $ 732   $ 2,055   $ 2,606   $ 1,388   $ 676   $ 2,685   $ 7,168   $ 692   $ 18,002
                                                           
    Total Loans and Leases   $ 1,183,823   $ 1,155,877   $ 2,286,710   $ 2,322,566   $ 1,013,551   $ 3,513,354   $ 2,902,520   $ 29,857   $ 14,408,258
    Current period gross charge-offs   $ 732   $ 2,633   $ 2,941   $ 1,493   $ 897   $ 5,461   $ 7,168   $ 692   $ 22,017

    (1) Other credit quality indicators used for monitoring purposes are primarily FICO scores. The majority of the loans in this population were originated to borrowers with a prime FICO score (680 and above). As of December 31, 2024, the majority of the loans in this population were current.

    (2) Other credit quality indicators used for monitoring purposes are primarily internal risk ratings. The majority of the loans in this population were graded with a “Pass” rating. As of December 31, 2024, the majority of the loans in this population were current.

    (3) No FICO scores are primarily related to loans and leases extended to non-residents. Loans and leases of this nature are primarily secured by collateral and/or are closely monitored for performance.

                                             
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation   Table 14
        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands)   2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Income Statement Data:                                        
    Net income   $ 52,496     $ 61,492     $ 47,502     $ 230,129     $ 234,983  
                                             
    Average total stockholders’ equity   $ 2,629,600     $ 2,588,806     $ 2,374,669     $ 2,557,215     $ 2,346,713  
    Less: average goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Average tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 1,634,108     $ 1,593,314     $ 1,379,177     $ 1,561,723     $ 1,351,221  
                                             
    Average total assets   $ 23,795,735     $ 24,046,696     $ 24,404,727     $ 23,996,723     $ 24,625,445  
    Less: average goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Average tangible assets   $ 22,800,243     $ 23,051,204     $ 23,409,235     $ 23,001,231     $ 23,629,953  
                                             
    Return on average total stockholders’ equity(1)     7.94 %     9.45 %     7.94 %     9.00 %     10.01 %
    Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)(1)     12.78 %     15.35 %     13.66 %     14.74 %     17.39 %
                                             
    Return on average total assets(1)     0.88 %     1.02 %     0.77 %     0.96 %     0.95 %
    Return on average tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)     0.92 %     1.06 %     0.81 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
                             
                       
        As of     As of     As of  
        December 31,      September 30,      December 31,   
    (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024     2024     2023  
    Balance Sheet Data:                        
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 2,617,486     $ 2,648,034     $ 2,486,066  
    Less: goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Tangible stockholders’ equity   $ 1,621,994     $ 1,652,542     $ 1,490,574  
                             
    Total assets   $ 23,828,186     $ 23,780,285     $ 24,926,474  
    Less: goodwill     995,492       995,492       995,492  
    Tangible assets   $ 22,832,694     $ 22,784,793     $ 23,930,982  
                             
    Shares outstanding     126,422,898       127,886,167       127,618,761  
                             
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets     10.98 %     11.14 %     9.97 %
    Tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)     7.10 %     7.25 %     6.23 %
                             
    Book value per share   $ 20.70     $ 20.71     $ 19.48  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 12.83     $ 12.92     $ 11.68  

    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo to Provide USD $500 Million Hybrid Capital Solution to Aldar in Fourth Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced an agreement for Apollo-managed affiliates, funds and clients to invest USD $500 million in Subordinated Notes issued by Aldar Properties PJSC (“Aldar”). The transaction represents one of the region’s largest-ever corporate hybrid private placements and brings aggregate investment in Aldar led by Apollo to approximately USD $1.9 billion across four transactions since 2022.

    Apollo Partner Jamshid Ehsani said, “We are pleased to broaden our partnership and provide another scaled capital solution to Aldar by investing in a leading real estate franchise that we believe offers an attractive investment opportunity for our clients. Apollo’s fourth investment in Aldar underscores our strong partnership with the company as well as our commitment to serving as a leading capital provider to the broader Abu Dhabi ecosystem.”

    The hybrid private placement marks Apollo’s latest commitment to Abu Dhabi and the UAE and follows an August 2022 transaction in which Apollo-managed funds and clients invested a total of USD $1.4 billion in strategic capital in Aldar, including a USD $400 million equity investment in Aldar Investment Properties. In November 2024, Apollo also announced a multi-year extension of the firm’s multi-billion-dollar partnership with Mubadala Investment Company focused on global origination opportunities.

    Since 2020, under its High-Grade Capital Solutions strategy, Apollo has originated nearly $100 billion of bespoke capital solutions for leading companies such as Intel, Sony, Air France, AB InBev and more.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of September 30, 2024, Apollo had approximately $733 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com.

    Contacts

    Noah Gunn

    Global Head of Investor Relations

    Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    (212) 822-0540

    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose

    Global Head of Corporate Communications

    Apollo Global Management, Inc.

    (212) 822-0491

    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC. ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END EARNINGS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southampton, PA , Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTCQB: QNTO), the holding company for Quaint Oak Bank (the “Bank”), announced today net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 of $1.6 million, or $0.60 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.49 per basic and diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.8 million, or $1.08 per basic and diluted share, compared to net income of $2.0 million, or $0.90 per basic and $0.89 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023.

    Robert T. Strong, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “I am pleased to report that our quarterly net income for the period ended December 31, 2024, of $1.6 million was an increase of 38.3% when compared to the income of the same period ended December 31, 2023. I am, additionally, pleased to report that our annual net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, of $2.8 million was an increase of 38.4% when compared to the income for the year ended December 31, 2023.”

    Mr. Strong added, “Our non-interest income continued to improve for both the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and the year-end December 31, 2024, when compared to the same periods ended December 31, 2023. We completed the sale-leaseback of our property in Allentown, Pennsylvania during the fourth quarter of 2024 that resulted in a one-time $1.5 million gain.”

    Mr. Strong continued, “As previously reported, we experienced a continuing minor weakness in the small business sector. Our non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans receivable, net was 1.07% at December 31, 2024. Our non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets at December 31, 2024, was 0.83%. Although not rising to a level of concern but one of continued monitoring, we have, however, increased our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable to 1.20% at year-end December 31, 2024. We also carry a percentage of 113.61% allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans.”

    Mr. Strong commented, “As of year-end December 31, 2024, Quaint Oak Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.34%. In conjunction with earnings and improved liquidity and capital ratios, the Board of Directors, as previously announced, declared a dividend in the amount of $0.13 per share payable February 10, 2025.”

    Mr. Strong concluded, “In closing, I am pleased that our stockholders’ equity from continuing operations improved by over $4.0 million during the year 2024. As always, our current and continued business strategy focuses on long-term profitability and maintaining healthy capital ratios both of which reflect our strong commitment to shareholder value.”

    On March 29, 2024, Quaint Oak Bank sold its 51% interest in Oakmont Capital Holdings, LLC (“OCH”). The decision was based on a number of strategic priorities and other factors. As a result of this action, the Company classified the operations of OCH as discontinued operations under ASC 205-20. The Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income present discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and retrospectively at December 31, 2023 and for prior periods. Included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 was a pretax gain of $1.4 million on the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in OCH.

    Also on March 29, 2024, the Company discontinued the operations of Quaint Oak Real Estate, LLC (“Quaint Oak Real Estate”), a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Quaint Oak Real Estate was engaged in the real estate brokerage business.

    Comparison of Quarter-over-Quarter Operating Results

    Net income amounted to $1.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $437,000, or 38.3%, compared to net income of $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income on a comparative quarterly basis was primarily the result of an increase in non-interest income of $1.8 million, a decrease in interest expense of $756,000, and a decrease in the net provision for income taxes of $166,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $1.0 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $619,000, a decrease in net loss from discontinued operations of $488,000, and an increase in non-interest expense of $308,000.

    The $1.0 million, or 9.5%, decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net, which decreased $94.3 million from $702.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $608.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest income $1.4 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 27 basis point increase in the average yield on loans receivable, net from 6.05% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 6.32% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $412,000, and a $9.4 million increase in the average balance of due from banks – interest earning, which increased from $22.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $31.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $92,000.

    The $756,000, or 11.4%, decrease in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was driven by a $310,000, or 96.0%, decrease in the interest on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings due to a $29.8 million, or 89.5%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings which decreased from $33.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $3.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, combined with a $295,000, or 91.0%, decrease in the interest on Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings due to an $18.1 million, or 88.9%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings which decreased from $20.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $2.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Also contributing to the decrease in interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was a $192,000, or 3.5%, decrease in interest expense on deposits. The average interest rate spread increased from 1.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 1.88% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 while the net interest margin increased from 2.39% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 2.54% for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    The $619,000, or 204.3%, increase in the provision for credit losses for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the three months ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in charge-offs during the three months ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in loans receivable, net.

    The $1.8 million, or 82.6%, increase in non-interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily attributable to a $1.5 million gain on the sale and leaseback of the Company’s office building at 1710 Union Boulevard in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a $290,000, or 20.6%, increase in net gain on sale of loans, a $103,000, or 57.5%, increase in mortgage banking, equipment lending, and title abstract fees, an $80,000, or 65.6%, increase in gain on sale of SBA loans, and a $41,000, or 23.2%, increase in insurance commissions. These increases were partially offset by a $184,000, or 86.0%, decrease in other fees and service charges, and a $6,000, or 100.0%, decrease in real estate sales commissions, net.

    The $308,000, or 5.7%, increase in non-interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily due to a $392,000, or 11.4%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, a $111,000, or 33.1%, increase in professional fees, a $90,000, or 28.7%, increase in data processing expense, a $47,000 increase in directors’ fees and expenses, and a $25,000, or 33.3%, increase in advertising expense. These increases were partially offset by a $183,000, or 33.5%, decrease in other expense, a $96,000, or 18.5%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, and a $78,000, or 39.4%, decrease in FDIC deposit insurance assessment.

    The provision for income tax from continuing operations decreased $166,000, or 24.3%, from $682,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $516,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in state taxes related to subsidiary activity in additional states.

    Comparison of Year-End Operating Results

    Net income amounted to $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $775,000, or 38.4%, compared to net income of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net income on a comparative year-end basis was primarily the result of an increase in non-interest income of $2.9 million, a decrease in net loss from discontinued operations of $668,000, and a decrease in the net provision for income taxes from continuing operations of $298,000, partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $1.5 million, an increase in the provision for credit losses of $1.4 million, an increase in non-interest expense of $101,000, and an increase in interest expense of $93,000. The decrease in the net loss from discontinued operations was driven by the after-tax gain on the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in OCH.

    The $1.5 million, or 3.3%, decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net, which decreased $116.0 million from $737.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $621.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest income $6.9 million. This decrease was partially offset by a 51 basis point increase in the yield on average loans receivable, net, including loans held for sale, which increased from 5.94% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 6.45% for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $3.1 million, a $51.8 million increase in the average balance of due from banks – interest earning, which increased from $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $61.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $2.1 million, and a 93 basis point increase in the average yield on due from banks – interest earning which increased from 4.03% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.96% for the year ended December 31, 2024, and had the effect of increasing interest income $577,000.

    The $93,000, or 0.4%, increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was driven by a 106 basis point increase in the rate on average certificate of deposit accounts which increased from 3.09% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.15% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $2.5 million. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense was an increase in the average balance of business checking accounts which increased from $49.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $93.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $2.2 million. The Bank pays interest on business checking accounts received through a correspondent banking relationship. Also impacting the increase in interest expense was a 28 basis point increase in the rate on average money market accounts which increased from 4.16% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 4.44% for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of increasing interest expense by $604,000. Partially offsetting the increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, was a $71.3 million, or 98.3%, decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings which decreased from $72.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and had the effect of decreasing interest expense $3.8 million. The average interest rate spread decreased from 1.91% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 1.84% for the year ended December 31, 2024 while the net interest margin increased from 2.56% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 2.59% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The $1.4 million, or 877.1%, increase in the provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in the amount of non-performing loans. There were seventeen individually evaluated loans which increased the provision for credit losses by $809,000. Also contributing to the increase in the provision for credit losses was $1.8 million in charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2024. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable, net.

    The $2.9 million, or 54.1%, increase in non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily attributable to the $1.5 million gain on sale-leaseback transaction in the fourth quarter of 2024, described above, a $1.1 million, or 41.2%, increase in net gain on sale of loans, a $309,000, or 51.5%, increase in mortgage banking, equipment lending, and title abstract fees, a $102,000, or 20.0%, increase in other fees and services charges, and an $81,000, or 12.2%, increase in insurance commissions. These increases were partially offset by a $119,000 or 50.6%, decrease in net loan servicing income, a $74,000, or 78.7%, decrease in real estate sales commissions, net, and a $15,000, or 3.2%, decrease in gain on sale of SBA loans. The $1.1 million increase in the net gain on sale of loans was due primarily to increased sales volume from Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC and Oakmont Commercial, LLC.

    The $101,000, or 0.5%, increase in non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 over the comparable period in 2023 was primarily due to a $786,000, or 5.7%, increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, a $247,000, or 23.5%, increase in data processing expense, and a $19,000, or 6.7%, increase in advertising expense, partially offset by a $253,000, or 29.2%, decrease in FDIC deposit insurance assessment, a $238,000, or 14.4%, decrease in occupancy and equipment expense, a $182,000, or 9.5%, decrease in other expenses, a $163,000, or 17.5%, decrease in professional fees, and a $115,000, or 36.4%, decrease in directors’ fees and expenses. The decrease in directors’ fees and expenses was primarily due to a reduction in director rates for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The provision for income tax on continuing operations decreased $298,000, or 22.4%, from $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to a decrease in taxable income from continuing operations.

    Comparison of Financial Condition

    The Company’s total assets at December 31, 2024 were $685.2 million, a decrease of $69.0 million, or 9.1%, from $754.1 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease in total assets was primarily due to an $84.7 million, or 13.7%, decrease in loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses. The largest decreases within the loan portfolio occurred in commercial real estate loans which decreased $34.9 million, or 10.5%, commercial business loans which decreased $12.9 million, or 10.1%, construction loans which decreased $17.3 million, or 48.5%, one-to-four family non-owner occupied loans which decreased $6.9 million, or 17.0%, and multi-family residential loans which decreased $1.3 million, or 2.7%. Partially offsetting these decreases were one-to-four family owner occupied loans which increased $2.7 million, or 12.0%. Also contributing to the decrease in assets was a $1.0 million, or 38.8%, decrease in premises and equipment, net. Partially offsetting the decrease in total assets was a $29.5 million, or 80.9%, increase in loans held for sale, a $5.0 million, or 8.6%, increase in cash and cash equivalents, a $740,000, or 50.2%, increase in investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, a $459,000, or 13.1%, increase in accrued interest receivable, and a $118,000, or 2.7%, increase in bank-owned life insurance. The decrease in loans receivable, net was due to the transfer of $59.5 million of loans held for investment into loans held for sale.

    Loans held for sale increased $29.5 million, or 80.9%, from $36.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $65.9 million at December 31, 2024 as the Bank originated $51.6 million in equipment loans held for sale and sold $71.6 million of equipment loans during the year ended December 31, 2024. Partially offsetting this increase was $8.5 million of loan amortization and prepayments. On March 29, 2024, the Bank transferred $4.4 million of equipment loans held for sale into loans receivable as part of the discontinued operations of OCH. Additionally, the Bank’s mortgage banking subsidiary, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC, originated $134.3 million of one-to-four family residential loans during the year ended December 31, 2024 and sold $131.4 million of loans in the secondary market during this same period. In the fourth quarter of 2024, management identified $49.2 million of commercial real estate loans and $10.3 million of SBA loans within the loan portfolio and transferred them to loans held for sale at amortized cost.

    Total deposits decreased $78.4 million, or 12.4%, to $553.3 million at December 31, 2024 from $631.7 million at December 31, 2023. This decrease in deposits was primarily attributable to a decrease of $57.4 million, or 55.0%, in interest bearing checking accounts, a decrease of $56.2 million, or 25.7%, in money market accounts, a decrease of $31.6 million, or 34.2%, in non-interest bearing checking accounts, and a $349,000, or 41.5%, decrease in savings accounts. These decreases in deposits were partially offset by an increase of $67.0 million, or 31.1%, in certificates of deposit. The total decrease in interest bearing checking accounts was due to reduced correspondent banking activity.

    Total Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings increased $18.8 million, or 64.9%, to $47.9 million at December 31, 2024 from $29.0 million at December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company borrowed $110.0 million of FHLB short-term borrowings, paid down $65.0 million of FHLB short-term borrowings, and paid down $26.2 million of FHLB long-term borrowings.

    Total stockholders’ equity from continuing operations increased $4.1 million, or 8.5%, to $52.6 million at December 31, 2024 from $48.5 million at December 31, 2023. Contributing to the increase was net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $2.8 million, shares of common stock issued of $2.4 million, amortization of stock awards and options under our stock compensation plans of $242,000, the reissuance of treasury stock under the Bank’s 401(k) Plan of $118,000, and other comprehensive income, net of $10,000. The increase in stockholders’ equity was partially offset by dividends paid of $1.3 million, and $150,000 of purchases of treasury stock. In addition, there was a $3.1 million, or 100.0%, decrease in noncontrolling interest from discontinued operations. The $2.4 million of shares issued were due to two private placement offerings to two investors.

    Non-performing loans at December 31, 2024 totaled $5.7 million, or 1.07%, of total loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, consisting of $3.9 million of loans on non-accrual status and $1.8 million of loans 90-days or more delinquent. Non-accrual loans consist of one commercial real estate loan, and ten commercial business loans. Included in the ten commercial business loans is one pool of equipment loans. Loans 90-days or more past due include one one-to-four family residential owner occupied loan and two commercial real estate loans, all of which are still accruing. All non-performing loans are either well-collateralized or adequately reserved for. During the year ended December 31, 2024, 19 commercial business loans totaling $1.6 million, and one construction loan of $187,000, that were previously on non-accrual were charged-off through the allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable was 1.20% at December 31, 2024 and 1.11% at December 31, 2023. Non-performing loans at December 31, 2023 consisted of one SBA loan on non-accrual status in the amount of $51,000 and one one-to-four family owner occupied loan that was 90 days or more past due but still accruing in the amount of $401,000. During the year ended December 31, 2023, two commercial business loans, one SBA loan, one multi-family residential loan, and two equipment loans totaling $272,000 that were previously on non-accrual were charged-off through the allowance for credit losses. In addition, there was one commercial business loan in the amount of $652,000 that was partially charged off by $603,000.

    Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc., a Financial Services Company, is the parent company for the Quaint Oak Family of Companies. Quaint Oak Bank, a Pennsylvania-chartered stock savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Southampton, Pennsylvania and conducts business through three regional offices located in the Delaware Valley, Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia markets. Quaint Oak Bank’s subsidiary companies include Quaint Oak Abstract, LLC, Quaint Oak Insurance Agency, LLC, Quaint Oak Mortgage, LLC, and Oakmont Commercial, LLC, a specialty commercial real estate financing company. All companies are multi-state operations.

    Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors. Factors which could result in material variations include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates which could affect net interest margins and net interest income, competitive factors which could affect net interest income and noninterest income, changes in demand for loans, deposits and other financial services in the Company’s market area; changes in asset quality, general economic conditions as well as other factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made.

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

    QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In Thousands)
        At December 31,     At December 31,  
        2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 62,989     $ 58,006  
    Investment in interest-earning time deposits     912       1,912  
    Investment securities available for sale at fair value     1,666       2,341  
    Loans held for sale     65,939       36,448  
      Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses (2024: $6,476; 2023: $6,758)     533,035       617,701  
    Accrued interest receivable     3,961       3,502  
    Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     2,214       1,474  
    Bank-owned life insurance     4,447       4,329  
    Premises and equipment, net     1,626       2,656  
    Goodwill     515       515  
    Other intangible, net of accumulated amortization     77       125  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     7,787       5,134  
    Assets from discontinued operations           19,975  
    Total Assets   $ 685,168     $ 754,118  
                     
    Liabilities and StockholdersEquity                
    Liabilities                
    Deposits                
    Non-interest bearing   $ 59,783     $ 92,215  
    Interest-bearing     493,469       539,484  
    Total deposits     553,252       631,699  
    Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings     45,000        
    Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings     2,855       29,022  
    Subordinated debt     22,000       21,957  
    Accrued interest payable     937       541  
    Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance     3,122       3,730  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     5,385       2,438  
    Liabilities from discontinued operations           13,166  
    Total Liabilities     632,551       702,553  
    Total Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. StockholdersEquity     52,617       48,491  
    Noncontrolling Interest from Discontinued Operations           3,074  
    Total StockholdersEquity     52,617       51,565  
    Total Liabilities and StockholdersEquity   $ 685,168     $ 754,118  
        At December 31,  
        2023  
        (Unaudited)  
    Assets from Discontinued Operations        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,121  
    Loans held for sale     9,580  
    Premises and equipment, net     277  
    Goodwill     2,058  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     3,939  
    Total Assets from Discontinued Operations   $ 19,975  
             
    Liabilities and StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations        
    Liabilities from Discontinued Operations        
    Other short-term borrowings   $ 5,549  
    Accrued interest payable     565  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     7,052  
    Total Liabilities from Discontinued Operations     13,166  
    Total StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations     6,809  
    Total Liabilities and StockholdersEquity from Discontinued Operations   $ 19,975  

    QUAINT OAK BANCORP, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In Thousands, except share data)

        For the Three Months Ended     For the Year Ended  
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Interest and Dividend Income                                
    Interest on loans, including fees   $ 9,613     $ 10,629     $ 40,058     $ 43,812  
    Interest and dividends on time deposits, investment securities, interest-bearing deposits with others, and Federal Home Loan Bank stock     333       359       3,379       1,109  
    Total Interest and Dividend Income     9,946       10,988       43,437       44,921  
    Interest Expense                                
    Interest on deposits     5,346       5,538       23,141       18,811  
    Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank short-term borrowings     29       324       61       3,907  
    Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank long-term borrowings     13       323       484       1,326  
    Interest on Federal Reserve Bank short-term borrowings           4             34  
    Interest on subordinated debt     473       428       1,934       1,449  
    Total Interest Expense     5,861       6,617       25,620       25,527  
    Net Interest Income     4,085       4,371       17,817       19,394  
    Provision for (Recovery of) Credit LossesLoans     279       (324 )     1,506       (45 )
    Provision for Credit LossesUnfunded Commitments     37       21       28       202  
    Total Provision for (Recovery of) Credit Losses     316       (303 )     1,534       157  
    Net Interest Income after Provision for (Recovery from) Credit Losses     3,769       4,674       16,283       19,237  
                                     
    Non-Interest Income                                
    Mortgage banking, equipment lending and title abstract fees     282       179       909       600  
    Real estate sales commissions, net           6       20       94  
    Insurance commissions     218       177       744       663  
    Other fees and services charges     30       214       612       510  
    Net loan servicing income     111       88       116       235  
    Income from bank-owned life insurance     31       27       118       102  
    Net gain on sale of loans     1,701       1,411       3,699       2,620  
    Gain on sale of SBA loans     202       122       453       468  
    Gain on sale-leaseback transaction     1,485             1,485        
    Total Non-Interest Income     4,060       2,224       8,156       5,292  
                                     
    Non-Interest Expense                                
    Salaries and employee benefits     3,818       3,426       14,636       13,850  
    Directors’ fees and expenses     48       1       201       316  
    Occupancy and equipment     422       518       1,418       1,656  
    Data processing     404       314       1,298       1,051  
    Professional fees     446       335       769       932  
    FDIC deposit insurance assessment     120       198       614       867  
    Advertising     100       75       302       283  
    Amortization of other intangible     12       12       48       48  
    Other     364       547       1,732       1,914  
    Total Non-Interest Expense     5,734       5,426       21,018       20,917  
    Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes   $ 2,095     $ 1,472     $ 3,421     $ 3,612  
    Income Taxes     516       682       1,032       1,330  
    Net Income from Continuing Operations   $ 1,579     $ 790     $ 2,389     $ 2,282  
    Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations           488       564       (364 )
    Income Tax (Benefit)           136       158       (102 )
    Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations   $     $ 352     $ 406     $ (262 )
    Net Income   $ 1,579     $ 1,142     $ 2,795     $ 2,020  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Per Common Share Data:   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Earnings per share from continuing operations – basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.34     $ 0.93     $ 1.02  
    Earnings per share from discontinued operations – basic   $     $ 0.15     $ 0.16     $ (0.12 )
    Earnings per share, net – basic   $ 0.60     $ 0.49     $ 1.08     $ 0.90  
    Average shares outstanding – basic     2,631,851       2,352,133       2,578,804       2,254,444  
    Earnings per share from continuing operations – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.34     $ 0.93     $ 1.00  
    Earnings per share from discontinued operations – diluted   $     $ 0.15     $ 0.16     $ (0.11 )
    Earnings per share, net – diluted   $ 0.60     $ 0.49     $ 1.08     $ 0.89  
    Average shares outstanding – diluted     2,631,851       2,352,133       2,578,804       2,275,034  
    Book value per share, end of period   $ 20.03     $ 20.15     $ 20.03     $ 20.15  
    Shares outstanding, end of period     2,626,535       2,407,048       2,626,535       2,407,048  
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Selected Operating Ratios:   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    Average yield on interest-earning assets     6.19 %     6.01 %     6.32 %     5.93 %
    Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities     4.30 %     4.48 %     4.48 %     4.02 %
    Average interest rate spread     1.88 %     1.52 %     1.84 %     1.91 %
    Net interest margin     2.54 %     2.39 %     2.59 %     2.56 %
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     118.00 %     123.90 %     120.08 %     119.37 %
    Efficiency ratio     70.40 %     82.28 %     80.93 %     84.73 %
                                     
    Asset Quality Ratios (1):                                
    Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans receivable, net     1.07 %     0.07 %     1.07 %     0.07 %
    Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets     0.83 %     0.06 %     0.83 %     0.06 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans     113.61 %   n/m       113.61 %   n/m  
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans receivable     1.20 %     1.11 %     1.20 %     1.11 %
    Texas Ratio (2)     8.77 %     0.80 %     8.77 %     0.80 %

    (1) Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios.
    (2) Total non-performing assets divided by tangible common equity plus the allowance for credit losses.
    n/m – not meaningful

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Pacific Financial Corp Earns $2.2 Million, or $0.21 per Diluted Share for Fourth Quarter 2024; Reports Fiscal 2024 Earnings of $9.5 Million, or $0.92 per Diluted Share; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.14 per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ABERDEEN, Wash., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacific Financial Corporation (OTCQX: PFLC), (“Pacific Financial”) or the (“Company”), the holding company for Bank of the Pacific (the “Bank”), reported net income of $2.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $2.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024, and $2.9 million, or $0.28 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $9.5 million, or $0.92 per share compared to $14.6 million, or $1.40 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Except for year-end December 31, 2023, all results are unaudited.

    The board of directors of Pacific Financial declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share on January 22, 2025. The dividend will be payable on February 28, 2025 to shareholders of record on February 14, 2025.

    “During the quarter we finalized the closure of our mortgage banking division recording termination costs of $773,000 impacting our fourth quarter 2024 operating results. Excluding those expenses adjusted net income was $2.8 million for the fourth quarter, an increase from the prior quarter. As we begin 2025, we expect the benefit of this closure to translate to improved efficiency of our operations moving forward,” said Denise Portmann, President and Chief Executive Officer.

    “Though the loan portfolio increased at a slower rate during the quarter, we continue to have healthy customer activity as pipelines began to improve with the decrease in index rates experienced early in the quarter. In addition, earnings for the year benefited from solid year over year growth in average loan balances. Our history of a strong net interest margin continued to be supported by solid relationships with our depositors with a strong core deposit base. Core deposits represented 87% of total deposits at year end,” said Portmann. “In addition, our overall credit quality metrics remained strong with nonperforming assets remaining low at $1.1 million or 0.09% of total assets and with a net recovery to the ACL for the quarter. Our capital base and ratios continue to be robust and exceed regulatory well-capitalized ratios. This robust capital base allowed for the continued repurchase of shares during the year. With our strong capital ratios and strong balance sheet, we believe we remain well-positioned for the future.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 0.74%, compared to 0.90% for the third quarter 2024, and 1.02% for the fourth quarter 2023.
    • Return on average equity (“ROAE”) was 7.27%, compared to 8.77% from the preceding quarter, and 10.88% from the fourth quarter a year earlier.
    • Net interest income was $10.9 million, compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, and $11.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) decreased to 3.99%, compared to 4.19% from the preceding quarter, and 4.34% for the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Provision for credit losses was a benefit of $103,000 for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to a benefit of $66,000 for the preceding quarter and a provision of $111,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Gross loans balances held in portfolio increased by $5.3 million, or less than 1% to $704.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $699.6 million at September 30, 2024, and increased by $19.5 million, or 3%, from $685.3 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Total deposits remained at $1.01 billion at December 31, 2024 relative to the previous quarter and one year earlier. Core deposits represented 87% of total deposits, with non-interest bearing deposits representing 38% of total deposits at December 31, 2024.
    • Asset quality remains solid with nonperforming assets to total assets declining to 0.09%, compared to 0.10% three months earlier, and increasing from 0.06% at December 31, 2023. Substandard loans decreased $911,000 to $2.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $3.6 million the prior quarter.
    • Shareholder equity decreased $7.2 million during the quarter largely due to accumulated other comprehensive income marks on the investment portfolio, stock repurchases and dividend payments offset by net income. Tangible book value per share was $9.93 at December 31, 2024.
    • Pacific Financial and Bank of the Pacific continues to exceed regulatory well-capitalized requirements. At December 31, 2024 Pacific Financial’s estimated leverage ratio was 11.3% and its estimated total risk-based capital ratio was 17.5%.

    Balance Sheet Review

    Total assets decreased slightly to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.16 billion at September 30, 2024, and was unchanged relative to December 31, 2023.

    Liquidity metrics continued to remain strong with total liquidity, both on and off balance sheet sources, at $550.6 million as of December 31, 2024. The Bank has established collateralized credit lines with borrowing capacity from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) and from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, as well as $60.0 million in unsecured borrowing lines from various correspondent banks. There was no balance outstanding on any of these facilities at quarter-end. The Company’s available liquidity sources at December 31, 2024 represented a coverage of short-term funds available to uninsured and uncollateralized deposits of 217%. Uninsured or uncollateralized deposits were 25% of total deposits at December 31, 2024.

    The following table summarizes the Bank’s available liquidity:

    LIQUIDITY (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Deposits  
    ($ in 000s)      
                                             
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Short-term Funding                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 67,951 $ 85,430 $ 95,781   $ (17,479 ) -20% $ (27,830 ) -29%   7% 8% 9%  
    Unencumbered AFS Securities   158,472   154,565   140,049     3,907   3%   18,423   13%   16% 15% 14%  
    Secured lines of Credit (FHLB, FRB)   324,187   336,771   327,264     (12,584 ) -4%   (3,077 ) -1%   32% 33% 32%  
    Short-term Funding $ 550,610 $ 576,766 $ 563,094   $ (26,156 ) -5% $ (12,484 ) -2%   55% 57% 56%  
                                             

    Investment securities: The investment securities portfolio increased 3% to $304.5 million, compared to $296.8 million at September 30, 2024 and increased 4% compared to the like period a year ago. The increase from the prior quarter was primarily due to the purchase of $19.8 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities. These purchases were partially offset by an increase in net unrealized losses on available for sale investments which increased $7.6 million to $22.4 million ($17.5 million after-tax) at December 31, 2024, which represents 7% of the AFS portfolio.

    U.S. Treasury bonds and securities issued by the U.S. Government sponsored agencies accounted for 86%, 85%, and 85%, of the investment portfolio as of December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023. The largest investment category is collateralized mortgage obligations which accounted for 48% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2024, compared to 43% one year earlier. The average adjusted duration to reset of the investment securities portfolio was 4.19 years at December 31, 2024.

    Gross loans balances increased $5.3 million, or 1%, to $704.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $699.6 million at September 30, 2024. During the fourth quarter, new multi-family loans more than offset the decline in construction and development loans and the decline in residential 1-4 family loans.

    Year-over-year loan growth was 3%, or $19.5 million, with the largest increases in residential 1-4 family and multi-family loans increasing $7.2 million and $18.0 million, respectively. Loans classified as commercial real estate for regulatory concentration purposes totaled $267.9 million at December 31, 2024, or 192% of total risk-based capital.

    The Company continues to manage concentration limits that establish maximum exposure levels by certain industry segments, loan product types, geography and single borrower limits. In addition, the loan portfolio continues to be well-diversified and is collateralized with assets predominantly within the Company’s Western Washington and Oregon markets.

    Credit quality: Nonperforming assets were minimal and remained at $1.1 million, or 0.09% of total assets at December 31, 2024, compared to $664,000, or 0.06% at December 31, 2023. The Company has zero other real estate owned as of December 31, 2024 and accruing loans past due more than 30 days represent only 0.14% of total loans. Total loans designated as special mention increased by $6.0 million to $10.8 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $4.8 million at September 30, 2024 and was primarily related to a downgrade of one agriculture credit relationship of $4.2 million.

    Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans was $8.9 million, or 1.26% of gross loans at December 31, 2024, compared to $8.9 million or 1.27% of loans at September 30, 2024 and $8.5 million or 1.24% at December 31, 2023. A benefit for credit losses on loans of $119,000 was recorded in the current quarter. This compares to a provision for credit losses on loans of $27,000 in the third quarter of 2024 and a provision for credit losses on loans of $162,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The benefit for credit losses in the current quarter largely reflects net loan recoveries of $73,000 realized during the quarter, compared to a net recovery of $11,000 for the preceding quarter and $21,000 for the fourth quarter one year ago. Provisions for unfunded loans was $16,000 for the fourth quarter compared to a benefit of $93,000 the previous quarter and a benefit of $51,000 one year earlier.

    Total deposits remained at $1.01 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to the prior quarter and one year earlier. Deposit composition between non-maturity deposits and time deposit CDs also remained relatively unchanged for the quarter. Within non-maturity deposits, non-interest bearing demand deposits decreased which was more than offset by the growth in interest bearing demand deposits and reflects the Bank’s continued focused efforts on retaining core customer relationships. Pacific Financial continues to benefit from a strong core deposit base which positively impacts our net interest margin. Non-interest bearing deposits continues to remain the largest concentration of deposits and represented 38% of deposits at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. Interest-bearing demand and money market deposits both represent 19% of total deposits at December 31, 2024.

    Year-over-year the deposit composition changed slightly, primarily as a result of customers transferring balances to higher yielding accounts, and as a result, time deposits increased to $135.5 million, or 13% of total deposits at December 31, 2024 compared to $100.8 million or 10% of total deposits at December 31, 2023.

    Shareholders’ equity was $113.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $121.1 million at September 30, 2024, and $114.7 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in shareholders’ equity during the current quarter was due to repurchases of common stock, dividend payments and an increase in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities due to increases in interest rates. Net unrealized losses (after-tax) included in shareholders’ equity on available-for-sale securities was $17.5 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $11.5 million at September 30, 2024, and $16.1 million at December 31, 2023.

    Book value per common share was $11.26 at December 31, 2024, compared to $11.78 at September 30, 2024, and $11.04 at December 31, 2023. The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 8.8% at December 31, 2024 and 9.4% at September 30, 2024, compared to 8.9% at December 31, 2023. Regulatory capital ratios of both the Company and the Bank continue to exceed the well-capitalized regulatory thresholds, with the Company’s leverage ratio at 11.3% and total risk-based capital ratio at 17.5% as of December 31, 2024. These regulatory capital ratios are estimates, pending completion and filing of regulatory reports.

    In anticipation of the expiration of the stock repurchase plan authorized in 2023, in September 2024, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $2.6 million toward future repurchases; approximately 2.0% of total shares outstanding.

    Income Statement Review

    Net interest income decreased $353,000 to $10.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, and decreased $801,000 compared to $11.7 million for the fourth quarter a year ago. The change in the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter reflects lower overall loan and interest bearing cash yields. Though yields for newly originated loans and other variable rate loans plus purchased investments were recorded at higher yields, the downward repricing of floating rate loans and interest-earning cash tied to short term rate indexes as well as decreased balances of interest earning cash and increasing deposit costs impacted total net interest income.

    The decrease in net interest income compared to the year ago quarter reflects the increase in funding costs, with interest income remaining relatively flat, reflecting lower interest earning deposit balances offset by increased loan interest income as the Bank re-deployed interest earning deposit balances into higher yielding assets including both loans and investments.

    Though decreasing from 4.19% for the preceding quarter and 4.34% for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Bank’s net interest margin continued to remain strong at 3.99% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Yields on total interest earning assets decreased 19 basis points to 5.10% for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 5.29% for the prior quarter and 5.14% in the like quarter a year ago. Average loan yields decreased 15 basis points to 5.84% during the current quarter, compared to 5.99% for the preceding quarter and 5.80% for the fourth quarter 2023. The Bank’s total cost of funds increased only 2 basis points to 1.17% for the current quarter, compared to 1.15% for the preceding quarter, and 0.83% for the fourth quarter 2023. The small increase in the costs of deposits was due to retention efforts and competitive pricing of deposit products. As mentioned earlier, the large balance of non-interest bearing deposits at 38% has helped minimize volatility in deposit costs.

    Noninterest income increased to $1.8 million for the current quarter, compared to $1.7 million for the linked quarter and increased from $1.5 million a year earlier. The increase compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to $60,000 of death benefit income from a bank-owned life insurance policy. Fee and service charge income increased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.3 million compared to $1.2 million in the previous quarter and the fourth quarter of 2023.

    The company closed its mortgage banking division in the fourth quarter. The elimination of the mortgage banking division is expected to improve the efficiency of the company in 2025.

    Noninterest expenses increased to $10.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $9.7 million for the prior quarter and increased from $9.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The current quarter reflects increased expenses associated with closing the mortgage division. Salaries and employee benefit expenses were elevated in the current quarter due to severance and retention payments while occupancy expenses were also elevated due to lease contract termination costs associated with our mortgage operations center. In addition, data processing and IT costs increased related to the termination of mortgage origination software contracts. Overall, expenses associated with closing the mortgage division were approximately $773,000. Excluding the mortgage division termination costs, total non-interest expenses would have been $9.3 million for the current quarter.

    The company’s efficiency ratio increased to 79.80% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 75.48% in the preceding quarter and increased from 72.22% in the same quarter a year ago. The efficiency ratio is expected to decline in 2025 with the elimination of expenses associated with the closed mortgage division.

    Income tax expense: Federal and Oregon state income tax expenses totaled $492,000 for the current quarter, and $633,000 for the preceding quarter, resulting in effective tax rates of 18.5% and 19.6%, respectively. These income tax expenses reflect the benefits of tax exempt income on tax-exempt loans and investments, affordable housing tax credit financing, and investments in bank-owned life insurance.

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change   
           
    (In 000s, except per share data)                                                  
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024   2023     $ %  
    Earnings Ratios & Data                                                  
    Net Income $ 2,162 $ 2,594 $ 2,942   $ (432 ) -17% $ (780 ) -27% $ 9,532 $ 14,605   $ (5,073 ) -35%  
    Return on average assets   0.74%   0.90%   1.02%     -0.16%       -0.28%       0.84%   1.22%     -0.38%      
    Return on average equity   7.27%   8.77%   10.88%     -1.50%       -3.61%       8.20%   13.48%     -5.28%      
    Efficiency ratio(1)   79.80%   75.48%   72.22%     4.32%       7.58%       76.69%   66.56%     10.13%      
    Net-interest margin %(2)   3.99%   4.19%   4.34%     -0.20%       -0.35%       4.18%   4.39%     -0.21%      
                                                       
    Share Ratios & Data                                                  
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.28   $ (0.04 ) -16% $ (0.07 ) -25% $ 0.93 $ 1.40   $ (0.47 )    
    Diluted earning per share $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.28   $ (0.04 ) -16% $ (0.07 ) -25% $ 0.92 $ 1.40   $ (0.48 )    
    Book value per share(3) $ 11.26 $ 11.78 $ 11.04   $ (0.52 ) -4% $ 0.22   2%                    
    Tangible book value per share(4) $ 9.93 $ 10.47 $ 9.75   $ (0.54 ) -5% $ 0.18   2%                    
    Common shares outstanding   10,110   10,283   10,389     (173 ) -2%   (279 ) -3%                    
    PFLC stock price $ 12.45 $ 11.65 $ 10.70   $ 0.80   7% $ 1.75   16%                    
    Dividends paid per share $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.14   $   0% $   0% $ 0.56 $ 0.53   $ 0.03   6%  
                                                       
    Balance Sheet Data                                                  
    Assets $ 1,153,563 $ 1,158,410 $ 1,148,899   $ (4,847 ) 0% $ 4,664   0%                    
    Portfolio Loans $ 704,865 $ 699,603 $ 685,349   $ 5,262   1% $ 19,516   3%                    
    Deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%                    
    Investments $ 304,502 $ 296,792 $ 293,579   $ 7,710   3% $ 10,923   4%                    
    Shareholders equity $ 113,856 $ 121,087 $ 114,691   $ (7,231 ) -6% $ (835 ) -1%                    
                                                       
    Liquidity Ratios                                                  
    Short-term funding to uninsured                                                  
    and uncollateralized deposits   217%   229%   243%     -12%       -26%                        
    Uninsured and uncollateralized                                                  
    deposits to total deposits   25%   25%   23%     0%       2%                        
    Portfolio loans to deposits ratio   69%   69%   67%     0%       2%                        
                                                       
    Asset Quality Ratios                                                  
    Non-performing assets to assets   0.09%   0.10%   0.06%     -0.01%       0.03%                        
    Non-accrual loans to portfolio loans   0.16%   0.16%   0.10%     0.00%       0.06%                        
    Loan losses to avg portfolio loans   -0.04%   -0.01%   -0.01%     -0.03%       -0.03%       0.00%   0.03%     -0.03%      
    ACL to portfolio loans   1.26%   1.27%   1.24%     -0.01%       0.02%                        
                                                       
    Capital Ratios (PFC)                                                  
    Total risk-based capital ratio   17.5%   17.9%   17.7%     -0.4%       -0.2%                        
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   16.3%   16.7%   16.5%     -0.4%       -0.2%                        
    Common equity tier 1 ratio   14.7%   15.0%   14.9%     -0.3%       -0.2%                        
    Leverage ratio   11.3%   11.6%   11.3%     -0.3%       0.0%                        
    Tangible common equity ratio   8.8%   9.4%   8.9%     -0.6%       -0.1%                        
                                                       
    (1) Non-interest expense divided by net interest income plus noninterest income.
    (2) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis at a rate of 21%.
    (3) Book value per share is calculated as the total common shareholders’ equity divided by the period ending number of common stock shares outstanding.
    (4) Tangible book value per share is calculated as the total common shareholders’ equity less total intangible assets and liabilities, divided by the period ending number of common stock shares outstanding.
     
    INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change  
           
    ($ in 000s)                                                      
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024   2023     $ %  
    Interest Income                                                      
    Loan interest & fee income $ 10,340   $ 10,520   $ 9,872   $ (180 ) -2% $ 468   5% $ 41,192 $ 37,037   $ 4,155   11%  
    Interest bearing cash income   942     1,108     1,440     (166 ) -15%   (498 ) -35%   3,833   9,109     (5,276 ) -58%  
    Investment income   2,590     2,503     2,501     87   3%   89   4%   9,978   9,334     644   7%  
    Interest Income   13,872     14,131     13,813     (259 ) -2%   59   0%   55,003   55,480     (477 ) -1%  
                                                           
    Interest Expense                                                      
    Deposits interest expense   2,796     2,684     1,914     112   4%   882   46%   9,829   5,351     4,478   84%  
    Other borrowings interest expense   225     243     247     (18 ) -7%   (22 ) -9%   951   929     22   2%  
    Interest Expense   3,021     2,927     2,161     94   3%   860   40%   10,780   6,280     4,500   72%  
    Net Interest Income   10,851     11,204     11,652     (353 ) -3%   (801 ) -7%   44,223   49,200     (4,977 ) -10%  
    Provision (benefit) for credit losses   (103 )   (66 )   111     (37   56%   (214 ) -193%   168   520     (352 ) -68%  
    Net Interest Income after provision   10,954     11,270     11,541     (316 ) -3%   (587 ) -5%   44,055   48,680     (4,625 ) -10%  
                                                           
    Non-Interest Income                                                      
    Fees and service charges   1,267     1,225     1,242     42   3%   25   2%   4,791   4,937     (146 ) -3%  
    Gain on sale of investments, net                 -100%     -100%   121   (154 )   275   -179%  
    Gain on sale of loans, net   267     267     95       0%   172   181%   1,132   635     497   78%  
    Income on bank-owned insurance   250     188     176     62   33%   74   42%   800   685     115   17%  
    Other non-interest income   (9 )   7     16     (16 ) -229%   (25 ) -156%   25   69     (44 ) -64%  
    Non-Interest Income   1,775     1,687     1,529     88   5%   246   16%   6,869   6,172     697   11%  
                                                           
    Non-Interest Expense                                                      
    Salaries and employee benefits   6,288     6,341     5,787     (53 ) -1%   501   9%   24,944   22,793     2,151   9%  
    Occupancy   768     601     679     167   28%   89   13%   2,574   2,215     359   16%  
    Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment   289     286     301     3   1%   (12 ) -4%   1,127   1,109     18   2%  
    Marketing & donations   149     201     169     (52 ) -26%   (20 ) -12%   680   549     131   24%  
    Professional services   267     233     342     34   15%   (75 ) -22%   1,163   1,283     (120 ) -9%  
    Data Processing & IT   1,380     1,185     1,223     195   16%   157   13%   4,921   4,713     208   4%  
    Other   934     883     1,019     51   6%   (85 ) -8%   3,775   4,194     (419 ) -10%  
    Non-Interest Expense   10,075     9,730     9,520     345   4%   555   6%   39,184   36,856     2,328   6%  
    Income before income taxes   2,654     3,227     3,550     (573 ) -18%   (896 ) -25%   11,740   17,996     (6,256 ) -35%  
    Provision for income taxes   492     633     608     (141 ) -22%   (116 ) -19%   2,208   3,391     (1,183 ) -35%  
    Net Income $ 2,162   $ 2,594   $ 2,942   $ (432 ) -17%   (780 ) -27% $ 9,532 $ 14,605   $ (5,073 ) -35%  
                                                           
    Effective tax rate   18.5%     19.6%     17.1%     -1.1%       1.4%       18.8%   18.8%     0.0%      
     
    BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
    ($ in 000s)      
                                                   
        Dec 31,    Sep 30,    Dec 31,      Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024    2024    2023      $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Assets                                              
    Cash on hand and in banks $ 18,136   $ 20,621   $ 16,716     $ (2,485 ) -12% $ 1,420   8%   2% 2% 1%  
    Interest bearing deposits   62,015     80,522     91,355       (18,507 ) -23%   (29,340 ) -32%   6% 7% 8%  
    Investment securities   304,502     296,792     293,579       7,710   3%   10,923   4%   26% 26% 26%  
    Loans held-for-sale       140     1,103       (140 ) -100%   (1,103 ) -100%   0% 0% 0%  
    Portfolio Loans, net of deferred fees   704,248     698,974     684,554       5,274   1%   19,694   3%   61% 60% 60%  
    Allowance for credit losses   (8,851 )   (8,897 )   (8,530 )     46   -1%   (321 ) 4%   -1% -1% -1%  
    Net loans   695,397     690,077     676,024       5,320   1%   19,373   3%   60% 60% 59%  
    Premises & equipment   16,952     17,124     15,579       (172 ) -1%   1,373   9%   1% 1% 1%  
    Goodwill & Other Intangibles   13,435     13,435     13,435         0%     0%   1% 1% 1%  
    Bank-owned life Insurance   28,333     28,084     27,497       249   1%   836   3%   2% 2% 2%  
    Other assets   14,793     11,615     13,611       3,178   27%   1,182   9%   2% 2% 2%  
    Total Assets $ 1,153,563   $ 1,158,410   $ 1,148,899     $ (4,847 ) 0% $ 4,664   0%   100% 100% 100%  
                                                   
    Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity                                              
    Deposits $ 1,014,731   $ 1,011,473   $ 1,009,292     $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   88% 88% 88%  
    Borrowings   13,403   $ 13,403   $ 13,403         0%     0%   1% 1% 1%  
    Other liabilities   11,573   $ 12,447   $ 11,513       (874 -7%   60   1%   1% 1% 1%  
    Shareholders’ equity   113,856   $ 121,087   $ 114,691       (7,231 ) -6%   (835 ) -1%   10% 10% 10%  
    Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity $ 1,153,563   $ 1,158,410   $ 1,148,899     $ (4,847 ) 0% $ 4,664   0%   100% 100% 100%  
                                                   
    INVESTMENT COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                              
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Investment Securities                                              
    Collateralized mortgage obligations $ 147,262   $ 141,842   $ 126,949     $ 5,420   4% $ 20,313   16%   48% 48% 43%  
    Mortgage backed securities   46,112     41,264     38,103       4,848   12%   8,009   21%   15% 14% 13%  
    U.S. Government and agency securities   67,716     68,961     83,748       (1,245 ) -2%   (16,032 ) -19%   22% 23% 29%  
    Municipal securities   43,412     44,725     44,779       (1,313 ) -3%   (1,367 ) -3%   15% 15% 15%  
    Investment Securities $ 304,502   $ 296,792   $ 293,579     $ 7,710   3% $ 10,923 ) 4%   100% 100% 100%  
                                                   
    Held to maturity securities $ 41,442   $ 42,301   $ 55,454     $ (859 ) -2% $ (14,012 ) -25%   14% 14% 19%  
    Available for sale securities $ 263,060   $ 254,491   $ 238,125     $ 8,569   3% $ 24,935   10%   86% 86% 81%  
                                                   
    Government & Agency securities $ 261,063   $ 252,039   $ 248,768     $ 9,024   4% $ 12,295   5%   86% 85% 85%  
    AAA, AA, A rated securities $ 42,773   $ 44,084   $ 43,687     $ (1,311 ) -3% $ (914 ) -2%   14% 15% 15%  
    Non-rated securities $ 666   $ 669   $ 1,124     $ (3 ) 0% $ (458 ) -41%   0% 0% 0%  
                                                   
    AFS Unrealized Gain (Loss) $ (22,437 ) $ (14,804 ) $ (20,808 )   $ (7,633 ) 52% $ (1,629 ) 8%   -7% -5% -7%  
     
    PORTFOLIO LOAN COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                              
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Portfolio Loans                                              
    Commercial & agriculture $ 75,240   $ 73,002   $ 75,444     $ 2,238   3% $ (204 ) 0%   10% 10% 11%  
    Real estate:                                              
    Construction and development   42,725     46,569     48,720       (3,844 ) -8%   (5,995 ) -12%   6% 7% 7%  
    Residential 1-4 family   103,489     105,298     96,301       (1,809 ) -2%   7,188   7%   15% 15% 14%  
    Multi-family   68,978     60,773     51,025       8,205   14%   17,953   35%   10% 9% 7%  
    CRE — owner occupied   165,120     167,086     164,443       (1,966 ) -1%   677   0%   23% 24% 24%  
    CRE — non owner occupied   159,582     157,347     155,280       2,235   1%   4,302   3%   23% 22% 23%  
    Farmland   26,864     26,553     27,273       311   1%   (409 ) -1%   4% 4% 4%  
    Consumer   62,867     62,975     66,863       (108 ) 0%   (3,996 ) -6%   9% 9% 10%  
    Portfolio Loans   704,865     699,603     685,349       5,262   1%   19,516   3%   100% 100% 100%  
    Less: ACL   (8,851 )   (8,897 )   (8,530 )                            
    Less: deferred fees   (617 )   (629 )   (795 )                            
    Net loans $ 695,397   $ 690,077   $ 676,024                              
                                                   
    Regulatory Commercial Real Estate $ 267,857   $ 261,292   $ 252,493     $ 6,565   3% $ 15,364   6%   38% 37% 37%  
    Total Risk Based Capital(1) $ 139,458   $ 140,971   $ 138,449     $ (1,513 ) -1% $ 1,009   1%          
    CRE to Risk Based Capital(1)   192%     185%     182%           7%       10%          
     
    CRE–MULTI-FAMILY & NON OWNER OCCUPIED COMPOSITION (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                        
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Collateral Composition(2)                                        
    Multifamily $ 73,575 $ 63,099 $ 59,557   $ 10,476   17% $ 14,018   24%   30% 27% 27%  
    Retail   36,813   37,685   29,470     (872 ) -2%   7,343   25%   15% 16% 13%  
    Hospitality   31,369   30,844   31,657     525   2%   (288 ) -1%   13% 13% 14%  
    Mini Storage   25,028   25,758   21,625     (730 ) -3%   3,403   16%   10% 11% 10%  
    Office   23,921   22,921   23,626     1,000   4%   295   1%   10% 10% 11%  
    Mixed Use   22,662   22,708   26,329     (46 ) 0%   (3,667 ) -14%   9% 10% 12%  
    Industrial   14,723   13,912   11,410     811   6%   3,313   29%   6% 6% 5%  
    Warehouse   7,531   7,582   6,169     (51 ) -1%   1,362   22%   3% 3% 3%  
    Special Purpose   6,921   6,968   7,102     (47 ) -1%   (181 ) -3%   3% 3% 3%  
    Other   3,155   3,174   3,326     (19 ) -1%   (171 ) -5%   1% 1% 2%  
    Total $ 245,698 $ 234,651 $ 220,271   $ 11,047   5% $ 25,427   12%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    (1) Bank of the Pacific                                        
    (2) Includes loans in process of construction                                        
     
    CREDIT QUALITY (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from  
       
    ($ in 000s)   Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %  
    Risk Rating Distribution                                
    Pass $ 691,350 $ 691,199 $ 674,992   $ 151   0% $ 16,358   2%  
    Special Mention   10,811   4,789   4,669     6,022   126%   6,142   132%  
    Substandard   2,704   3,615   5,688     (911 ) -25%   (2,984 ) -52%  
    Portfolio Loans $ 704,865 $ 699,603 $ 685,349   $ 5,262   1% $ 19,516   3%  
                                     
    Nonperforming Assets                                
    Nonaccruing loans   1,094   1,138   664   $ (44 ) -4%   430   65%  
    Other real estate owned             0%     0%  
    Nonperforming Assets $ 1,094 $ 1,138 $ 664   $ (44 ) -4%   430   65%  
                                     
    Credit Metrics                                
    Classified loansto portfolio loans   0.38%   0.52%   0.83%     -0.14%       -0.45%      
    ACL to classified loans1   327.33%   246.11%   149.96%     81.22%       177.37%      
    Loans past due 30+ days to portfolio loans2   0.14%   0.03%   0.08%     0.11%       0.06%      
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.09%   0.10%   0.06%     -0.01%       0.03%      
    Nonaccruing loans to portfolio loans   0.16%   0.16%   0.10%     0.00%       0.06%      
                                     
    (1) Classified loans include loans rated substandard or worse and are defined as loans having a well-defined weakness or weaknesses related to the borrower’s financial capacity or to pledged collateral that may jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the possibility that the Bank may sustain some loss if the deficiencies giving rise to the substandard classification are not corrected.
    (2) Excludes non-accrual loans
                                     
    DEPOSIT COMPOSITION & CONCENTRATIONS (unaudited) Period Ended   Change from   % of Total  
         
    ($ in 000s)                                        
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024 Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31, Sep 30, Dec 31,  
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024 2024 2023  
    Deposits                                        
    Interest-bearing demand $ 194,526 $ 183,337 $ 183,436   $ 11,189   6% $ 11,090   6%   19% 18% 18%  
    Money market   193,324   192,185   179,344     1,139   1%   13,980   8%   19% 19% 18%  
    Savings   115,520   117,131   136,408     (1,611 ) -1%   (20,888 ) -15%   11% 12% 13%  
    Time deposits (CDs)   135,485   133,995   100,832     1,490   1%   34,653   34%   13% 13% 10%  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   638,855   626,648   600,020     12,207   2%   38,835   6%   62% 62% 59%  
    Non-interest bearing demand   375,876   384,825   409,272     (8,949 ) -2%   (33,396 ) -8%   38% 38% 41%  
    Total deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    Insured Deposits $ 629,600 $ 636,725 $ 647,330   $ (7,125 ) -1% $ (393,526 ) -61%   62% 63% 64%  
    Collateralized Deposits   131,327   122,448   129,895     8,879   7%   1,432   1%   13% 12% 13%  
    Uninsured Deposits   253,804   252,300   232,067     1,504   1%   397,533   171%   25% 25% 23%  
    Total Deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    Consumer Deposits $ 466,826 $ 458,097 $ 470,425   $ 8,729   2% $ (3,599 ) -1%   46% 45% 46%  
    Business Deposits   406,308   420,845   398,977     (14,537 ) -3%   7,331   2%   40% 42% 40%  
    Public Deposits   141,597   132,531   139,890     9,066   7%   1,707   1%   14% 13% 14%  
    Total Deposits $ 1,014,731 $ 1,011,473 $ 1,009,292   $ 3,258   0% $ 5,439   1%   100% 100% 100%  
                                             
    NET INTEREST MARGIN (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change   
           
    ($ in 000s)                                                  
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $   %   $   %   2024   2023     $ %  
                                                       
    Average Interest Bearing Balances                                                  
    Portfolio loans $ 703,811 $ 697,904 $ 675,622   $ 5,907   1% $ 28,189   4% $ 697,527 $ 659,165   $ 38,362   6%  
    Loans held for sale $ 1,033 $ 1,276 $ 709   $ (243 ) -19% $ 324   46% $ 1,125 $ 628   $ 497   79%  
    Investment securities $ 302,501 $ 285,947 $ 289,245   $ 16,554   6% $ 13,256   5% $ 291,133 $ 286,473   $ 4,660   2%  
    Interest-bearing cash $ 78,296 $ 81,755 $ 105,177   $ (3,459 ) -4% $ (26,881 ) -26% $ 72,893 $ 180,781   $ (107,888 ) -60%  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 1,085,641 $ 1,066,882 $ 1,070,753   $ 18,759   2% $ 14,888   1% $ 1,062,678 $ 1,127,047   $ (64,369 ) -6%  
    Non-interest bearing deposits $ 388,227 $ 383,332 $ 419,994   $ 4,895   1% $ (31,767 ) -8% $ 388,561 $ 448,234   $ (59,673 ) -13%  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 628,475 $ 615,388 $ 593,464   $ 13,087   2% $ 35,011   6% $ 607,678 $ 620,026   $ (12,348 ) -2%  
    Total Deposits $ 1,016,702 $ 998,720 $ 1,013,458   $ 17,982   2% $ 3,244   0% $ 996,239 $ 1,068,260   $ (72,021 ) -7%  
    Borrowings $ 13,403 $ 13,403 $ 13,403   $   0% $   0% $ 13,403 $ 13,401   $ 2   0%  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 641,878 $ 628,791 $ 606,867   $ 13,087   2% $ 35,011   6% $ 621,081 $ 633,427   $ (12,346 ) -2%  
                                                       
    Yield / Cost $(1)                                                  
    Portfolio loans $ 10,336 $ 10,509 $ 9,879   $ (173 ) -2% $ 457   5% $ 41,169 $ 37,088   $ 4,081   11%  
    Loans held for sale $ 16 $ 22 $ 12   $ (6 ) -27% $ 4   33% $ 71 $ 39   $ 32   82%  
    Investment securities $ 2,622 $ 2,535 $ 2,536   $ 87   3% $ 86   3% $ 10,107 $ 9,489   $ 618   7%  
    Interest-bearing cash $ 942 $ 1,108 $ 1,440   $ (166 ) -15% $ (498 ) -35% $ 3,833 $ 9,109   $ (5,276 ) -58%  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 13,916 $ 14,174 $ 13,867   $ (258 ) -2% $ 49   0% $ 55,180 $ 55,725   $ (545 ) -1%  
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 2,796 $ 2,684 $ 1,914   $ 112   4% $ 882   46% $ 9,829 $ 5,351   $ 4,478   84%  
    Borrowings $ 225 $ 243 $ 247   $ (18 ) -7% $ (22 ) -9% $ 951 $ 929   $ 22   2%  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 3,021 $ 2,927 $ 2,161   $ 94   3% $ 860   40% $ 10,780 $ 6,280   $ 4,500   72%  
    Net interest income $ 10,895 $ 11,247 $ 11,706   $ (352 ) -3% $ (811 ) -7% $ 44,400 $ 49,445   $ (5,045 ) -10%  
                                                       
    Yield / Cost %(1)                                                  
    Yield on portfolio loans   5.84%   5.99%   5.80%     -0.15%       0.04%       5.90%   5.63%     0.27%      
    Yield on investment securities   3.45%   3.53%   3.48%     -0.08%       -0.03%       3.47%   3.31%     0.16%      
    Yield on interest-bearing cash   4.79%   5.39%   5.44%     -0.60%       -0.65%       5.26%   5.04%     0.22%      
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   1.77%   1.74%   1.28%     0.03%       0.49%       1.62%   0.86%     0.76%      
    Cost of borrowings   6.68%   7.21%   7.31%     -0.53%       -0.63%       7.10%   6.93%     0.17%      
    Cost of deposits and borrowings   1.17%   1.15%   0.83%     0.02%       0.34%       1.07%   0.58%     0.49%      
                                                       
    Yield on interest-earning assets   5.10%   5.29%   5.14%     -0.19%       -0.04%       5.19%   4.94%     0.25%      
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities   1.87%   1.85%   1.41%     0.02%       0.46%       1.74%   0.99%     0.75%      
    Net interest spread   3.23%   3.44%   3.73%     -0.21%       -0.50%       3.45%   3.95%     -0.50%      
    Net interest margin   3.99%   4.19%   4.34%     -0.20%       -0.35%       4.18%   4.39%     -0.21%      
                                                       
    (1) Tax-exempt income has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis at a rate of 21%.
                                                       
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (ACL) (unaudited) Quarter Ended   Change From   Twelve Months Ended   Change   
           
    ($ in 000s)                                                            
        Dec 31,   Sep 30,   Dec 31,     Sep 30, 2024   Dec 31, 2023   Dec 31,   Dec 31,            
        2024   2024   2023     $ %   $ %   2024   2023     $ %  
    Allowance for Credit Losses                                                            
    Beginning of period balance $ 8,897   $ 8,859   $ 8,347     $ 38   0% $ 550   7% $ 8,530   $ 8,236     $ 294   4%  
    Impact of CECL Adoption (ASC 326)                   -100%     -100%       (157 )     157   -100%  
    Charge-offs   (32 )   (5 )   (20 )     (27 ) 540%   (12 ) 60%   (129 )   (279 )     150   -54%  
    Recoveries   105     16     41       89   556%   64   156%   124     96       28   29%  
    Net (charge-off) recovery   73     11     21       62   564%   52   248%   (5 )   (183 )     178   -97%  
    Provision (benefit)   (119 )   27     162       (146 ) -541%   (281 ) -173%   326     634       (308 ) -49%  
    End of period balance $ 8,851   $ 8,897   $ 8,530     $ (46 ) -1% $ 321   4% $ 8,851   $ 8,530     $ 321   4%  
                                                                 
    Net charge-off (recovery) to                                                            
    average portfolio loans   -0.04%     -0.01%     -0.01%       -0.03%       -0.03%       0.00%     0.03%       -0.03%      
    ACL to portfolio loans   1.26%     1.27%     1.24%       -0.01%       0.02%       1.26%     1.24%       0.02%      
                                                                 
    Allowance for unfunded loans                                                            
    Beginning of period balance $ 524   $ 617   $ 749     $ (93 ) -15% $ (225 ) -30% $ 698   $ 203     $ 495   244%  
    Impact of CECL Adoption (ASC 326)                   -100%     -100%       609       (609 ) -100%  
    Provision (benefit)   16     (93 )   (51 )     109   -117%   67   -131%   (158 )   (114 )     (44 ) 39%  
    End of period balance $ 540   $ 524   $ 698     $ 16   3% $ (158 ) -23% $ 540   $ 698     $ (158 ) -23%  
                                                                 

    ABOUT PACIFIC FINANCIAL CORPORATION

    Pacific Financial Corporation of Aberdeen, Washington, is the bank holding company for Bank of the Pacific, a state chartered and federally insured commercial bank. Bank of the Pacific offers banking products and services to small-to-medium sized businesses and professionals in western Washington and Oregon. At December 31, 2024, the Company had total assets of $1.15 billion and operated fifteen branches in the communities of Grays Harbor, Pacific, Thurston, Whatcom, Skagit, Clark and Wahkiakum counties in the State of Washington, and three branches in the communities of Clatsop and Clackamas counties in Oregon. The Company also operated loan production offices in the communities of Burlington, Washington and Salem, Oregon. Visit the Company’s website at www.bankofthepacific.com. Member FDIC.

    Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other laws, including all statements in this release that are not historical facts or that relate to future plans or events or projected results of Pacific Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of the Pacific. Such statements are based on information available at the time of communication and are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied, and could negatively impact the Company’s operating and stock price performance. These risks and uncertainties include various risks associated with growing the Bank and expanding the services it provides, development of new business lines and markets, competition in the marketplace, general economic conditions, changes in interest rates, extensive and evolving regulation of the banking industry, and many other risks. Any forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information at the time the statement is made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Readers of this release are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Airship AI Secures Follow-On Seven-Figure Contract Award with Fortune 100 Transportation & E-Commerce Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Acropolis Enterprise Video and Data Management Platform Supports Operational and Physical Security Requirements for Global Locations

    REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Airship AI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AISP) (“Airship AI” or the “Company”), a leader in AI-driven video, sensor, and data management surveillance solutions, today announced it has been awarded an additional one (1) year system maintenance and sustainment contract for an existing Fortune 100 customer leveraging the Company’s Acropolis Enterprise Video and Data Management platform supporting operational and physical security requirements.

    “Our follow-on expansion contract with this flagship customer is a testament to the Acropolis eco-system’s ability to enhance physical security at the scale needed for the large-scale operations of the world’s largest corporations,” said Paul Allen, President of Airship AI. “This allows the customer to continue to federate and manage global logistical operations from a single security operations center.

    “The seven-figure contract includes ongoing health monitoring, technical and engineering support, and software maintenance, demonstrating the ability to provide revenue from a mix of professional services in addition to our traditional software and hardware offerings. With employee safety and operational efficiency a key mission for this global Fortune 100 company, we look forward to further developing our suite of AI driven offerings to create additional efficiencies and continual improvements to operational effectiveness,” concluded Allen.

    Airship AI’s Acropolis backend enterprise management system enables customers to manage devices and sensors across their entire digital eco-system, via hardware deployed on-premises or in the cloud, while utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the edge and or the backend to optimize operational efficiency and improve real-time decision-making capabilities. Combining the sensor-agnostic nature of our Acropolis platform with an edge-based AI platform Outpost AI, customers can efficiently add “smarts” to existing edge sensors, avoiding costly and operationally disruptive rip and replace requirements.

    To experience how Airship AI and its suite of enterprise video and data management solutions can help your organization solve your complex video and data management challenges, please email your request to info@airship.ai.

    About Airship AI Holdings, Inc.

    Founded in 2006, Airship AI (NASDAQ: AISP) is a U.S. owned and operated technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Airship AI is an AI-driven video, sensor and data management surveillance platform that improves public safety and operational efficiency for public sector and commercial customers by providing predictive analysis of events before they occur and meaningful intelligence to decision makers. Airship AI’s product suite includes Outpost AI edge hardware and software offerings, Acropolis enterprise management software stack, and Command family of visualization tools.

    For more information, visit https://airship.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The disclosure herein includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) changes in the market for Airship AI’s services and technology, expansion plans and opportunities; (3) the projected technological developments of Airship AI; and (4) current and future potential commercial and customer relationships. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Airship AI’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are also subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, and the other documents that the Company has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while it may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

    Investor Contact:

    Chris Tyson/Larry Holub
    MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    AISP@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Helport AI Opens Office in the Philippines

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New ‘Global Center of Excellence’ to Drive Artificial Intelligence Operations and Service Offerings in the Business Process Outsourcing Industry

    SINGAPORE and SAN DIEGO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ: HPAI) (“Helport AI”), an AI technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software, services, and solutions, today announced the grand opening of its new office in the Philippines. Located at the IBM Plaza in Eastwood City, Quezon City, this facility is expected to establish Helport AI’s Global Center of Excellence for AI operations and training.

    The new office represents Helport AI’s commitment to fostering innovation in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and supporting the growing demand for advanced AI solutions in Southeast Asia. The office will serve as a hub for Helport AI’s research and development efforts.

    A Strategic Step for Helport AI

    Guanghai Li, CEO of Helport AI, highlighted the significance of this milestone during the opening ceremony. “Our decision to establish a presence in the Philippines underscores the immense potential of this region,” said Li. “The Philippines is home to a thriving BPO sector and a highly skilled workforce. We believe this office will play a pivotal role in advancing our AI-driven solutions, helping our clients achieve greater efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and anticipating potential industry disruption.”

    The Philippines office will focus on refining Helport AI’s flagship product, an intelligent co-pilot software for call center agents. This technology provides real-time guidance to agents, optimizing customer interactions while reducing onboarding time and training costs. As an integral part of Helport AI’s portfolio, this tool has already proven its scalability, with clients reporting improved agent performance and operational efficiency.

    A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

    The grand opening event featured a series of keynotes and discussions, including a presentation on “The Future of AI in BPO” and a live demonstration of Helport AI’s software. The program concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a networking session attended by industry leaders, government officials, and alliance partners.

    Over fifty guests, including representatives from local BPO companies, investors, industry associations, and members of the news media, attended the gathering. They expressed interest in Helport AI’s solutions and demonstrated a desire for future collaboration, signaling the potential for partnerships in the region.

    Looking Ahead

    This new office marks another chapter in Helport AI’s journey toward redefining the future of AI in the BPO sector. With robust in-house AI training capabilities and a growing global footprint, Helport AI aspires to empower businesses, transform customer interactions, and drive sustainable growth.

    About Helport AI

    Helport AI (NASDAQ: HPAI) is an AI technology company dedicated to optimizing customer communication through its digital platform and intelligent software solutions. Offering enterprise level customer contact services, Helport AI’s mission is to empower everyone to work as an expert. Learn more at www.helport.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, Helport AI’s business plan and outlook. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on Helport AI’s current expectations and projections about future events that Helport AI believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. Helport AI undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Helport AI believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and Helport AI cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in Helport AI’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Helport AI Investor Relations:
    Website: https://ir.helport.ai/
    Email: ir@helport.ai

    External Investor Relations Contact:
    Chris Tyson 
    Executive Vice President
    MZ North America
    Direct: 949-491-8235
    HPAI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fdedad8-fef3-4e3b-8b9e-40960895c3a5

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces Final January 2025 Cash Distribution for Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the final January 2025 cash distribution for the Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series. The record date for the distribution is January 31, 2025. This distribution is payable on February 7, 2025.

    The per-unit final January distribution is detailed below:

    Ninepoint ETF Series Ticker Cash Distribution
    per unit
    Notional Distribution
    per unit
    CUSIP
    Ninepoint Cash Management Fund NSAV $0.14673 $0.00000 65443X105


    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s debt has skyrocketed – new rules are needed to manage it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Robert Botha, Research Fellow at the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab. The Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab is a unit of the Bureau for Economic Research (BER), Stellenbosch University

    South Africa’s fiscal trajectory paints a concerning picture. Public expenditure exceeds revenue. As a result sovereign debt is building up and interest on this debt is increasing.

    This raises concerns over the South African government’s financial sustainability. The debt-to-GDP ratio has skyrocketed from 23.6% in 2008/09 to a projected 74.7% in 2024/25. The International Monetary Fund has recommended that, over the long term, South Africa should reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% of GDP, in line with that of peers.

    Arguably more important than the debt level is how quickly debt has accumulated. Debt servicing costs, which consist of the interest on government debt and other costs directly associated with borrowing, have been the fastest-growing line item in the national budget. Rising interest payments have been crowding out critical expenditures on services such as health, education and infrastructure.

    As I argue in a recently published report titled “A fiscal anchor for South Africa: Avoiding the mistakes of the past”, establishing a credible fiscal anchor (or fiscal rule) could be step towards avoiding a debt spiral and regaining fiscal sustainability and credibility.

    Fiscal rules are constraints on fiscal policy, designed to impose numerical limits. For example, a limit on the allowable debt-to-GDP ratio, or the allowable balance after accounting for government expenditure and revenue. Fiscal rules are widely used – 105 countries have adopted them so far.

    Failing to address the country’s fiscal challenges risks plunging South Africa into a debt trap. This happens when a country finds it difficult to escape a cycle of debt and has to borrow more to pay off old debt. If debt-servicing costs continue to rise, essential public services will come under even greater strain.

    Several emerging markets have experienced the severe consequences of unchecked debt accumulation and debt servicing costs. Argentina is one example. Without a credible plan to stabilise and reduce debt and debt servicing costs, the risk of economic stagnation and financial instability grows quickly.

    Fiscal erosion and credibility concerns

    The roots of South Africa’s current predicament lie in years of mistakes. These include:

    • spending beyond its means

    • questionable political decisions like bailing out state-owned entities

    • poor governance and oversight at municipal and local government level, which led to inefficient public spending.

    These factors were underpinned by an underperforming economy, unrealised forecasts and arguably weak institutional checks.

    For the last 15 years South Africa’s National Treasury has undertaken to stabilise the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio. This would have required keeping the ratio constant. But these commitments have consistently been deferred. Debt stabilisation targets have been revised upwards 13 times, from 40% in 2015/16 to the current 75.5%. The stabilisation year has been pushed back 10 times, from the initial year of 2015/16 to the current target of 2025/26. This has created a perception of inconsistent policy.

    Over-optimistic macroeconomic forecasting has undermined credibility. Over the last ten years, GDP growth projections have routinely overshot actual performance by an average of 0.5 percentage points in the first year of forecasts and even more in subsequent years. In defence of the National Treasury, the South African economy has performed worse than more forecasters expected in recent years.

    Adding to the fiscal strain are rising social expenditures, the public sector wage bill and repeated bailouts of state-owned enterprises. This spending relieves short-term political and social pressures, but undermines the country’s long-term fiscal health.

    Without credible mechanisms to constrain spending, South Africa’s fiscal framework lacks the discipline needed to ensure sustainability, and to restore credibility.

    Why fiscal rules matter

    Fiscal rules are there to promote discipline, ensure that debt can be paid and enhance credibility. The experience in the 105 countries that have adopted them suggests that strong, well-designed rules can signal a government’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

    It’s difficult to establish whether there is a causal relationship between fiscal rules and fiscal performance. But there’s at least a correlation. As a practical example of enforcing fiscal rules, in November 2023, the German constitutional court overruled a budget that was passed in the Bundestag but breached Germany’s fiscal rules.

    However, fiscal rules are not a panacea. Poorly designed or inadequately enforced rules can make the problems worse. For South Africa, this risk is acute.

    Political commitment and strong institutional frameworks are needed too. Also, a shift in how fiscal policy is conceived and implemented.

    Designing new rules

    Drawing lessons from global best practices, South Africa’s fiscal rules must be enforceable, flexible and simple. A well-designed rule should:

    • stabilise and eventually reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio

    • target government spending as a share of GDP, emphasising consumption spending like salaries and goods and services, rather than capital expenditure

    • have political buy-in

    • be overseen independently

    • be legally binding and enforceable.

    Context

    South Africa’s low economic growth rate is a complication. Average interest rates on government debt are higher than the nominal GDP growth rate. But reining in spending too much could stifle growth, creating a vicious cycle.

    That’s why stabilising debt first would make more sense than aiming to reduce debt too rapidly.

    South Africa’s fiscal rules must also have some flexibility. For instance, they could allow for shocks such as natural disasters or global economic crises.

    Fiscal rules could follow a phased approach to initially focus on stabilising debt, and then to move towards reducing debt. Both of these phases would entail expenditure rules to guide annual budget processes and to place limits on spending.

    The benefits

    Credible fiscal rules could have a number of benefits.

    Firstly, they could improve South Africa’s credibility by signalling to markets and international institutions that South Africa is committed to fiscal discipline.

    Secondly, fiscal credibility is associated with reduced sovereign risk premiums, which translates into lower debt-servicing costs. In turn this would free up resources for critical development priorities.

    Third, they can foster a more stable economic environment for investment and growth.

    Fourth, they would help coordinate policies. South Africa enjoys rule-based monetary policy in the form of inflation targeting but lacks the same for fiscal policy. This can lead to sub-optimal outcomes. For example, the central bank can keep interest rates too high, not necessarily because it thinks the treasury’s policies are inflationary, but because it cannot predict the treasury’s actions.

    The way forward

    Adopting fiscal rules in South Africa comes with risks. Weak institutional capacity, especially in oversight bodies like the Parliamentary Budget Office, could undermine rule enforcement.

    To shield against these risks, South Africa should have stronger institutions. It could create an independent statutory fiscal council, possibly falling under Parliament, the National Treasury or as an independent constitutional advisory body.

    Oversight bodies would also need to build their capacity.

    Robert Botha is a Research Fellow at the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab. The Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab is a unit of the Bureau for Economic Research (BER)

    ref. South Africa’s debt has skyrocketed – new rules are needed to manage it – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-debt-has-skyrocketed-new-rules-are-needed-to-manage-it-248355

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mission 300: Significant new donor pledges in support of the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa announced on margins of the Africa Energy Summit

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Denmark, the United Kingdom, Spain and France have unveiled new or additional contributions to the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, demonstrating strong support for the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)-managed fund as it expands energy access across Africa, including through the Mission 300 partnership. Another new donor – Japan –joined in December 2024 with a $5 million contribution under AGIA (https://apo-opa.co/3Eju6LT). 

    SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It aims to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and Mission 300. 

    Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/4hDAJqx), an ambitious new partnership of the African Development Bank Group, the World Bank Group and other development partners, aims to provide access to electricity to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030.  

    France, a new donor to SEFA, will provide €10 million. Denmark, the UK and Spain will increase existing contributions by DKK 100 million (€13.4 million), £8.5 million (€10.13) and €3 million, respectively.  

    France’s contribution will bolster the Africa Green Infrastructure Alliance (AGIA) (https://apo-opa.co/4aHQE4M), a platform of the African Development Bank, Africa 50 and other partners that will develop transformative sustainable infrastructure projects for investment.  

     These contributions come as SEFA enjoyed its best year on record in 2024, with $108 million approved for 14 projects. SEFA now boasts a portfolio of over $300 million in highly impactful investments and technical assistance programmes, which is expected to unlock up to $15 billion in investments and deliver approximately 12 million new electricity connections. 

    Denmark’s Acting State Secretary for Development Policy, Ole Thonke, said: “Africa is endowed with enormous untapped potential for renewable energy, which can fuel green industrialisation. The latest Danish financial contribution to SEFA will focus on the newly established Africa-led Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), further supporting the continent’s ambitious development and climate goals.” 

    “We are halfway through this decisive decade to achieve the sustainable development goals and get on track to tackle climate change,” said Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. “Achieving our collective goals of reliable, affordable and clean power is a golden thread that links economic growth, greater investment, strengthened resilience and climate ambition. By accelerating the roll-out of clean power, the UK and Mission 300 are putting green and inclusive growth at the heart of our partnerships with Africa. Our announcement of an additional £8.5 million in UK funding for the AfDB’s SEFA will mobilise the much-needed private sector investment so that more Africans can access clean power right across the continent.” 

    Inés Carpio San Román, Alternate Governor of Spain for the African Development Bank, said, “We are pleased that Spain has decided to renew its support for the SEFA fund with a contribution of €3 million. This reaffirms our commitment to the crucial sector of renewable energy, which plays a key role in fostering sustainable development across Africa.” 

    “As a strong supporter of Africa’s green infrastructure investments with financial tools that mobilise private finance, France is proud to contribute €10 million to the AGIA through SEFA,” stated Bertrand Dumont, Director General of the French Treasury and Governor for France at the African Development Bank. “This very first contribution is our first step towards reinforcing Africa’s sustainable development and accelerating the continent’s path to a low-carbon economy. By investing in green infrastructure in Africa, we are investing for the future.”  

    Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, said, “We welcome the new commitments from donors whose support underscores the impactful work of SEFA. These contributions are essential in enabling SEFA to fulfil its role as a key delivery vehicle for Mission 300 at this pivotal moment.” 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB and ESRB issue joint report on experiences of using the countercyclical capital buffer early in the cycle

    Source: European Central Bank

    31 January 2025

    • 17 EEA countries have adopted a positive neutral CCyB approach
    • Authorities using this approach do not expect it to result in higher CCyB requirements at the peak of the cycle
    • The European macroprudential framework could be clarified to facilitate a more flexible and proactive use of the CCyB

    A timely build-up of capital buffers that can be released in times of stress is essential for financial stability. One way to achieve this is by setting a positive countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate early in the cycle when cyclical systemic risks are neither subdued nor elevated. Understanding how authorities can apply this “positive neutral” approach is essential to advancing the use of the CCyB.

    The European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) today published a joint report aimed at deepening our knowledge of the implementation of positive neutral approaches to setting the CCyB in the European Economic Area (EEA).

    The report describes the experience of countries that have adopted a positive neutral CCyB approach, as well as the views of those that have not. It outlines the perceived costs and benefits, implications for setting the CCyB through the cycle, calibration methods, conditions for build-up and release, interactions with other capital instruments, buffer usability and reciprocity.

    Motivations for the adoption of a positive neutral CCyB approach mostly relate to three areas. The first is the need to build up the CCyB in a timely manner, not only to address uncertainty in the identification of systemic risks, but also to ensure that releasable capital buffers are available in the early stages of the financial cycle. The second is to allow for a more gradual, and therefore less costly, build-up of the buffer. The third is increasing the amount of releasable buffers, also to boost resilience against a wider spectrum of potentially large shocks.

    The report highlights three common elements in the positive neutral CCyB approaches adopted by EEA countries. First, a positive neutral CCyB approach is not intended as a new buffer, but rather as an earlier activation of the CCyB in an environment where cyclical systemic risks are neither subdued nor elevated. Second, in most countries, adopting a positive neutral CCyB approach is not expected to yield higher CCyB requirements at the peak of the cycle. This is in line with the objective of building up the CCyB early in the cycle. Third, for most countries, this more proactive and flexible use of the CCyB does not need to be offset by lowering other requirements, consistent with the risk-based nature of the CCyB.

    Finally, the report describes what ESRB member institutions see as the challenges and obstacles to implementing a positive neutral CCyB approach, and presents potential avenues for overcoming them. First, more clarity on the objectives of a positive neutral CCyB could alleviate concerns about potential overlaps with the objectives of other instruments, most notably the systemic risk buffer. Second, some countries view a lack of clarity in EU legislation as an obstacle to adopting a positive neutral CCyB approach. In this context, it would be helpful to clarify the European macroprudential framework to ensure that the CCyB can be used more flexibly and proactively. This could be done notably by reducing the prominence of the credit-to-GDP gap and other credit indicators to guide the setting of the CCyB rate.

    The report could serve as a useful reference for countries within and outside the EEA region that are considering adopting such an approach. It may also provide valuable information to regulatory bodies looking at issuing further guidance on positive neutral CCyB approaches.

    For media queries, please contact Ettore Fanciulli tel.: +49 69 1344 95012.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Topicus.com Inc. acquires 9.99% Stake in Asseco Poland S.A. in Poland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topicus.com Inc. (TOI.V) today announced that Topicus’ subsidiary Yukon Niebieski Kapital B.V. has purchased 8,300,029 shares in Asseco Poland S.A. (“Company”) from Cyfrowy Polsat S.A., representing approximately 9.99% of the issued shares in the Company. The shares were acquired at a price of 85 PLN per share.

    About Asseco Poland S.A.

    Asseco Group is a federation of companies engaged in information technology and operates in 62 countries worldwide. Asseco Group companies are listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange as well as on the American NASDAQ Global Markets. Asseco Group offers comprehensive, proprietary IT solutions for all sectors of the economy.

    About Topicus.com

    Topicus.com Inc. is a leading pan-European provider of vertical market software and vertical market platforms to clients in public and private sector markets. Operating and investing in countries and markets across Europe with long-term growth potential, Topicus.com Inc. acquires, builds and manages leading software companies providing specialized, mission-critical and high-impact software solutions that address the particular needs of customers.

    About Cyfrowy Polsat S.A.

    Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. is a leading media and telecom group in Poland, offering digital pay-TV, mobile and fixed-line telephony, mobile and fixed-line broadband internet, and TV broadcasting. It also operates in renewable energy and green hydrogen development. Key brands include Polsat, PolsatBox, Plus, Netia, and Interia.pl. Founded in 1996, the company is headquartered in Warsaw.

    For further information, contact:

    Topicus.com Inc.
    Jamal Baksh, Chief Financial Officer
    416-861-9677
    Email: jbaksh@csisoftware.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Net income of $13.7 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to net loss of $7.9 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024; the fourth quarter of 2024 included $3.9 million in expenses related to the merger and $0.5 million for a legal settlement compared to $17.0 million in expenses related to the merger, $15.5 million of provision for credit losses on non-purchase credit deteriorated loans and $4.8 million for an executive retirement, net of taxes, for the third quarter of 2024;
    • Excluding the impact of the non-recurring charges referenced above, net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively, were $16.7 million(1) and $0.87(1) for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share of $21.4 million(1) and $1.11(1), respectively;
    • The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per common share, payable February 21, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 14, 2025; this represents an increase in the Company’s quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share, or 13%;
    • The previously announced cost save target of 18% has been achieved for the go-forward operating run rate as of December 31, 2024;
    • With the core conversion being completed in November 2024, the fourth quarter results reflected several ongoing activities associated with the conversion and the transitional period; the fourth quarter also included elevated salaries and employee benefit expenses due to year end performance-based incentive accruals;
    • Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, was 4.05% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 4.14% in the third quarter of 2024; the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks was $7.2 million of net interest income, which represents 52 basis points of net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $5.8 million of net interest income, which represents 42 basis points of net interest margin, for the third quarter of 2024;
    • Commercial loans declined by $59.5 million, or 2%, from September 30, 2024 to December 31, 2024 due primarily to strategic actions to reduce risk in the portfolio, including reducing commercial real estate (“CRE”) loan concentrations; a pool of mostly commercial and industrial loans totaling $6.0 million was sold, including $2.6 million of nonaccrual loans; total classified loans declined by $16.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Noninterest income decreased by $1.2 million to $11.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $12.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024; this reduction was driven by certain courtesy fee waivers provided to clients as well as tax credits recognized in the third quarter of 2024 that did not recur in the fourth quarter;
    • The provision for credit losses was $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, inclusive of a charge-off of $2.4 million for one commercial and industrial (C&I) relationship and charge-offs associated with the loan sale of $0.6 million, which was offset by the acceleration of a purchase mark for the same amount;
    • Tangible book value per common share(1) increased to $21.19 per share at December 31, 2024 compared to $21.12 per share at September 30, 2024.

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ORRF), the parent company of Orrstown Bank (the “Bank”), announced earnings for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Net income totaled $13.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to net loss of $7.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and net income of $7.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Diluted earnings per share was $0.71 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to diluted loss per share of $0.41 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and diluted earnings per share of $0.73 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2024, excluding the impact of merger-related expenses and other non-recurring charges, net of taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share were $16.7 million(1) and $0.87(1), respectively. For the third quarter of 2024, excluding the impact of the merger-related expenses, net of taxes, net income and diluted earnings per share were $21.4 million(1) and $1.11(1), respectively. For the fourth quarter of 2023, excluding the impact from the merger-related expenses, net income and diluted earnings per share were $8.6 million(1) and $0.83(1), respectively.

    “While we are pleased with another year of strong core earnings, we are even more excited about what lies ahead,” said Thomas R. Quinn, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. “We successfully completed our core conversion in November and have achieved the targeted 18% cost savings in our future operating run rate of the two banks’ combined noninterest expense base. With the integration behind us, we look forward to returning our focus to growing the company, enhancing shareholder value and building the premier community banking franchise in our Pennsylvania and Maryland markets.”

    (1) Non-GAAP measure. See Appendix A for additional information.

    DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

    Balance Sheet

    Loans

    Loans held for investment was $3.9 billion at December 31, 2024, a decrease of $50.2 million, compared to $4.0 billion at September 30, 2024. The decrease from the third quarter of 2024 was primarily due to strategic actions to reduce risk in the portfolio, including reducing CRE loan concentrations.

    Investment Securities

    Investment securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, increased by $2.9 million to $829.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $826.8 million at September 30, 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, investment securities totaling $37.7 million were purchased, partially offset by paydowns of $18.1 million and net unrealized losses of $16.2 million. The overall duration of the Company’s investment securities portfolio was 4.1 years at December 31, 2024 compared to 4.6 years at September 30, 2024. See Appendix B for a summary of the Bank’s investment securities at December 31, 2024, highlighting their concentrations, credit ratings and credit enhancement levels.

    Deposits

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, deposits decreased by $35.1 million to $4.6 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $4.7 billion at September 30, 2024 due to normal seasonal activity. The Bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio decreased slightly to 85% at December 31, 2024 from 86% at September 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 remained at $115.4 million at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Bank seeks to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure client needs can be addressed in a timely basis. The Bank had available alternative funding sources, such as FHLB advances and other wholesale options, of approximately $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024.

    Goodwill and Intangible Assets

    Goodwill decreased by $2.5 million from September 30, 2024 to December 31, 2024 due to certain purchase accounting adjustments, primarily an increase in the core deposit intangible of $4.1 million.

    Income Statement

    Net Interest Income and Margin

    Net interest income was $50.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $51.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased to 4.05% in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 4.14% in the third quarter of 2024. The net interest margin was positively impacted by the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks on loans, securities, deposits and borrowings of $7.2 million, which represents 52 basis points of net interest margin during the fourth quarter of 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, the net accretion impact of purchase accounting marks was $5.8 million, which represented 42 basis points of net interest margin. Funding costs show signs of stabilizing.

    Interest income on loans, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased by $2.7 million to $68.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $70.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average loans decreased by $28.0 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    Interest income on investment securities, on a tax equivalent basis, was $9.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $10.1 million in the third quarter of 2024.

    Interest expense, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased by $1.9 million to $29.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $31.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average interest-bearing deposits decreased by $58.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average borrowings decreased by $1.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. Interest expense includes $0.9 million and $1.5 million of amortization of purchase accounting marks for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans decreased to $48.7 million at December 31, 2024 from $49.6 million at September 30, 2024. The ACL to total loans was 1.24% at December 31, 2024 compared to 1.25% at September 30, 2024. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $14.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Net charge-offs were $3.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to net charge-offs of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Bank sold $6.0 million of mostly C&I loans, which resulted in a charge-off totaling $0.6 million. There was also a corresponding $0.6 million of purchase accounting accretion associated with these loans.

    Classified loans decreased by $16.9 million to $88.6 million at December 31, 2024 from $105.5 million at September 30, 2024 primarily due to a combination of repayments and net rating upgrades, in addition to the loan sale. Non-accrual loans decreased by $2.8 million to $24.1 million at December 31, 2024 from $26.9 million at September 30, 2024 partially due to a sale of mostly C&I loans on nonaccrual status totaling $2.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2024. Nonaccrual loans to total loans decreased to 0.61% at December 31, 2024 compared to 0.68% at September 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 decreased by $1.2 million to $11.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 from $12.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024. There were reduced service charges in the fourth quarter due to fee waivers provided to clients in the post-conversion period from November through the end of the year.

    Wealth management income decreased to $4.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The team continues to provide value added services to clients and deliver strong results.

    Other income decreased by $0.3 million to $1.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $1.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 due to income from solar tax credits totaling $0.3 million recorded during the third quarter of 2024.

    Noninterest Expenses

    Noninterest expenses decreased by $17.4 million to $42.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 from $60.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    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 merger-related items below, the Company’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 may not be directly comparable to prior reported periods.

    For the three months ended December 31, 2024, merger-related expenses totaled $3.9 million, a decrease of $13.1 million, compared to $17.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The merger costs incurred during the fourth quarter of 2024 include employee separation costs, software conversion costs and professional fees. The Company expect to incur some additional merger-related expenses in the first quarter of 2025.

    Salaries and benefits expense decreased by $4.8 million to $22.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $27.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The three months ended September 30, 2024 included $4.8 million of expenses associated with the retirement of an executive.

    Intangible asset amortization increased to $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. This increase is due to the amortization expense recognized on the core deposit intangible of $40.1 million and wealth customer relationship intangible of $10.4 million established on July 1, 2024 from the merger. Due to the aforementioned purchase accounting adjustment, the three months ended December 31, 2024 included $0.4 million of additional amortization expense associated with this adjustment.

    Taxes other than income decreased by $0.8 million in the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. This decrease reflects tax credits recognized during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Income Taxes

    The Company’s effective tax rate was 20.1% for both the fourth and third quarters of 2024. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 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 $516.7 million at December 31, 2024 compared to $516.2 million at September 30, 2024. The impact of net income of $13.7 million was offset by a reduction of $10.4 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss from an increase in unrealized losses in the investment portfolio and dividend payments of $4.4 million.

    Tangible book value per share(1) increased to $21.19 per share at December 31, 2024 from $21.12 per share at September 30, 2024.

    The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 7.5% at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 12.4% at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. The Company’s Tier 1 leverage ratio increased to 8.3% at December 31, 2024 compared to 8.0% at September 30, 2024 driven by earnings and a decrease in average assets during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    At December 31, 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   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
    Profitability for the period:              
    Net interest income $ 50,573     $ 26,018     $ 155,254     $ 104,906  
    Provision for credit losses   1,755       418       16,546       1,682  
    Noninterest income   11,247       6,491       37,435       25,652  
    Noninterest expenses   42,930       22,392       148,337       83,843  
    Income before income tax expense   17,135       9,699       27,806       45,033  
    Income tax expense   3,451       2,056       5,756       9,370  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 13,684     $ 7,643     $ 22,050     $ 35,663  
                   
    Financial ratios:              
    Return on average assets (1)   1.00 %     1.00 %     0.51 %     1.19 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (1) (2) (3)   1.22 %     1.13 %     1.30 %     1.22 %
    Return on average equity (1)   10.54 %     12.21 %     5.62 %     14.66 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (1) (2) (3)   12.86 %     13.77 %     14.29 %     15.06 %
    Net interest margin (1)   4.05 %     3.71 %     3.92 %     3.80 %
    Efficiency ratio   69.4 %     68.9 %     77.0 %     64.2 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (2) (3)   62.3 %     65.6 %     62.5 %     63.4 %
    Income per common share:              
    Basic $ 0.72     $ 0.74     $ 1.49     $ 3.45  
    Basic, adjusted (2) (3) $ 0.87     $ 0.84     $ 3.80     $ 3.54  
    Diluted $ 0.71     $ 0.73     $ 1.48     $ 3.42  
    Diluted, adjusted (2) (3) $ 0.87     $ 0.83     $ 3.76     $ 3.51  
                   
    Average equity to average assets   9.45 %     8.18 %     9.08 %     8.11 %
                   
    (1) Annualized for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
    (2) Ratio has been adjusted for the non-recurring charges for all periods presented.
    (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)      
      December 31,   December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   2024       2023  
    At period-end:      
    Total assets $ 5,431,023     $ 3,064,240  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses   3,882,525       2,269,611  
    Loans held-for-sale, at fair value   6,614       5,816  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   829,711       513,519  
    Total deposits   4,615,706       2,558,814  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   141,227       147,285  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,680       32,093  
    Shareholders’ equity   516,682       265,056  
           
    Credit quality and capital ratios (1):      
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.24 %     1.25 %
    Total nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.61 %     1.11 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.45 %     0.83 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   202 %     112 %
    Total risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   12.4 %     13.0 %
    Orrstown Bank   12.4 %     12.8 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.2 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 common equity risk-based capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.0 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital:      
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   8.3 %     8.9 %
    Orrstown Bank   9.1 %     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) December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets      
    Cash and due from banks $ 51,026     $ 32,586  
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   187,282       32,575  
    Cash and cash equivalents   238,308       65,161  
    Restricted investments in bank stocks   20,232       11,992  
    Securities available for sale (amortized cost of $864,920 and $549,089 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)   829,711       513,519  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   6,614       5,816  
    Loans   3,931,214       2,298,313  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses   (48,689 )     (28,702 )
    Net loans   3,882,525       2,269,611  
    Premises and equipment, net   50,217       29,393  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance   143,854       73,204  
    Goodwill   68,106       18,724  
    Other intangible assets, net   47,765       2,414  
    Accrued interest receivable   21,058       13,630  
    Deferred tax assets, net   42,647       22,017  
    Other assets   79,986       38,759  
    Total assets $ 5,431,023     $ 3,064,240  
           
    Liabilities      
    Deposits:      
    Noninterest-bearing $ 886,786     $ 430,959  
    Interest-bearing   3,728,920       2,127,855  
    Total deposits   4,615,706       2,558,814  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   25,863       9,785  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   115,364       137,500  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,680       32,093  
    Other liabilities   88,728       60,992  
    Total liabilities   4,914,341       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; 19,722,640 shares issued and 19,389,967 outstanding at December 31, 2024; 11,204,599 shares issued and 10,612,390 outstanding at December 31, 2023   1,027       583  
    Additional paid—in capital   423,274       189,027  
    Retained earnings   126,540       117,667  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (26,316 )     (28,476 )
    Treasury stock— 332,673 and 592,209 shares, at cost at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively   (7,843 )     (13,745 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   516,682       265,056  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 5,431,023     $ 3,064,240  
    ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Interest income                
    Loans   $ 67,870     $ 33,910     $ 210,287     $ 126,595  
    Investment securities – taxable     8,773       4,787       27,361       18,031  
    Investment securities – tax-exempt     880       871       3,521       3,462  
    Short-term investments     2,492       460       7,764       1,809  
    Total interest income     80,015       40,028       248,933       149,897  
    Interest expense                
    Deposits     26,850       12,118       84,234       37,510  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased     67       30       215       114  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings     1,165       1,358       4,945       5,350  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt     1,360       504       4,285       2,017  
    Total interest expense     29,442       14,010       93,679       44,991  
    Net interest income     50,573       26,018       155,254       104,906  
    Provision for credit losses     1,755       418       16,546       1,682  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     48,818       25,600       138,708       103,224  
    Noninterest income                
    Service charges     2,050       1,198       6,893       4,866  
    Interchange income     1,608       952       5,259       3,873  
    Swap fee income     597       588       1,676       1,039  
    Wealth management income     4,902       2,945       16,353       11,340  
    Mortgage banking activities     517       143       1,835       591  
    Investment securities (losses) gains     (5 )     (39 )     249       (47 )
    Other income     1,578       704       5,170       3,990  
    Total noninterest income     11,247       6,491       37,435       25,652  
    Noninterest expenses                
    Salaries and employee benefits     22,444       12,848       76,581       50,983  
    Occupancy, furniture and equipment     4,893       2,534       14,570       9,593  
    Data processing     1,540       1,247       6,088       4,913  
    Advertising and bank promotions     878       501       2,587       2,157  
    FDIC insurance     955       460       2,677       1,960  
    Professional services     1,591       702       4,142       2,905  
    Taxes other than income     (312 )     203       734       1,050  
    Intangible asset amortization     2,838       236       5,742       953  
    Merger-related expenses     3,887       1,059       22,671       1,059  
    Restructuring expenses     39             296        
    Other operating expenses     4,177       2,602       12,249       8,270  
    Total noninterest expenses     42,930       22,392       148,337       83,843  
    Income before income tax expense     17,135       9,699       27,806       45,033  
    Income tax expense     3,451       2,056       5,756       9,370  
    Net income   $ 13,684     $ 7,643     $ 22,050     $ 35,663  
    continued
                     
        Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
        December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Share information:                
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.72     $ 0.74     $ 1.49     $ 3.45  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.71     $ 0.73     $ 1.48     $ 3.42  
    Dividends paid per share   $ 0.23     $ 0.20     $ 0.86     $ 0.80  
    Weighted average shares – basic     19,118       10,321       14,761       10,340  
    Weighted average shares – diluted     19,300       10,419       14,914       10,435  
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME        
    Average Balances and Interest Rates, Taxable-Equivalent Basis (Unaudited)    
         
      Three Months Ended
      12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
          Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-       Taxable-   Taxable-
      Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent   Average   Equivalent   Equivalent
    (In thousands) Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate
    Assets                                                          
    Federal funds sold & interest-bearing bank balances $ 199,236   $ 2,492     4.96 %   $ 184,465   $ 2,452     5.29 %   $ 142,868   $ 1,864     5.25 %   $ 74,523   $ 956     5.16 %   $ 37,873   $ 460     4.82 %
    Investment securities (1)(2)   849,389     9,887     4.66       849,700     10,123     4.77       538,451     6,114     4.54       519,851     5,694     4.39       508,891     5,890     4.63  
    Loans (1)(3)(4)(5)(6)   3,961,269     68,073     6.82       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  
    Total interest-earning assets   5,009,894     80,452     6.38       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  
    Other assets   454,271             491,719             204,863             196,295             204,382        
    Total assets $ 5,464,165           $ 5,515,143           $ 3,211,124           $ 3,098,772           $ 3,037,824        
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                                                
    Interest-bearing demand deposits(7) $ 1,257,316     5,360     1.69     $ 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  
    Savings deposits(7)   1,538,287     10,381     2.68       283,337     148     0.21       165,467     140     0.34       170,005     144     0.34       178,351     153     0.34  
    Time deposits   998,963     11,109     4.41       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  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,794,566     26,850     2.81       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  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   21,572     67     1.23       23,075     96     1.66       13,412     27     0.81       12,010     25     0.85       13,874     30     0.85  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   115,373     1,165     4.01       115,388     1,154     3.98       115,000     1,152     4.03       137,505     1,474     4.31       127,843     1,358     4.21  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,571     1,360     7.88       68,399     1,437     8.36       32,118     734     9.19       32,100     754     9.45       32,083     504     6.29  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   4,000,082     29,442     2.92       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  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   849,999             807,886             423,037             417,469             441,695        
    Other liabilities   97,685             110,017             57,828             62,329             59,876        
    Total liabilities   4,947,766             4,977,473             2,938,336             2,830,483             2,789,382        
    Shareholders’ equity   516,399             537,670             272,788             268,289             248,442        
    Total $ 5,464,165           $ 5,515,143           $ 3,211,124           $ 3,098,772           $ 3,037,824        
    Taxable-equivalent net interest income / net interest spread       51,010     3.46 %         52,134     3.55 %         26,490     3.02 %         27,263     3.26 %         26,395     3.24 %
    Taxable-equivalent net interest margin         4.05 %           4.14 %           3.54 %           3.77 %           3.71 %
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment       (437 )             (437 )             (387 )             (382 )             (377 )    
    Net interest income     $ 50,573             $ 51,697             $ 26,103             $ 26,881             $ 26,018      
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         125 %           124 %           122 %           123 %           124 %
                                                               
    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.
    (6) Interest income on loans includes accretion on purchase accounting marks of $7.6 million, $7.3 million, $0.2 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
    (7) Changes between average deposit type balances are due to operational updates for deposit sweeps during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME        
    Average Balances and Interest Rates, Taxable-Equivalent Basis (Unaudited)    
    (continued)                      
      Twelve Months Ended
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 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 $ 150,500     $ 7,764       5.14 %   $ 40,856     $ 1,809       4.43 %
    Investment securities (1)(2)   690,223       31,817       4.60       520,465       22,414       4.31  
    Loans (1)(3)(4)(5)(6)   3,150,425       210,994       6.68       2,239,574       127,107       5.68  
    Total interest-earning assets   3,991,148       250,575       6.26       2,800,895       151,330       5.40  
    Other assets   330,324               198,632          
    Total assets $ 4,321,472             $ 2,999,527          
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits(7) $ 1,147,124       21,455       1.87     $ 1,525,204       26,944       1.77  
    Savings deposits(7)   1,153,097       30,193       2.61       198,157       585       0.30  
    Time deposits   732,446       32,586       4.44       338,170       9,981       2.95  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   3,032,667       84,234       2.77       2,061,531       37,510       1.82  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and federal funds purchased   17,543       215       1.22       14,111       114       0.80  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   120,787       4,945       4.08       123,697       5,350       4.32  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   50,397       4,285       8.48       32,058       2,017       6.29  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3,221,394       93,679       2.91       2,231,397       44,991       2.02  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   625,714               470,349          
    Other liabilities   82,084               54,447          
    Total liabilities   3,929,192               2,756,193          
    Shareholders’ equity   392,280               243,334          
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 4,321,472             $ 2,999,527          
    Taxable-equivalent net interest income / net interest spread       156,896       3.36 %         106,339       3.39 %
    Taxable-equivalent net interest margin           3.92 %             3.80 %
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment       (1,642 )             (1,433 )    
    Net interest income     $ 155,254             $ 104,906      
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities           124 %             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 twelve months ended December 31, 2024.
    (6) Interest income on loans includes accretion on purchase accounting marks of $15.2 million and $0.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (7) Changes between average deposit type balances are due to operational updates for deposit sweeps during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.        
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)        
                       
    (In thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Profitability for the quarter:                  
    Net interest income $ 50,573     $ 51,697     $ 26,103     $ 26,881     $ 26,018  
    Provision for credit losses   1,755       13,681       812       298       418  
    Noninterest income   11,247       12,386       7,172       6,630       6,491  
    Noninterest expenses   42,930       60,299       22,639       22,469       22,392  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   17,135       (9,897 )     9,824       10,744       9,699  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   3,451       (1,994 )     2,086       2,213       2,056  
    Net income (loss) $ 13,684     $ (7,903 )   $ 7,738     $ 8,531     $ 7,643  
                       
    Financial ratios:                  
    Return on average assets (1)   1.00 %     (0.57) %     0.97 %     1.11 %     1.00 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (1)(2)(3)   1.22 %     1.55 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.13 %
    Return on average equity (1)   10.54 %     (5.85) %     11.41 %     12.79 %     12.21 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (1)(2)(3)   12.86 %     15.85 %     12.88 %     13.79 %     13.77 %
    Net interest margin (1)   4.05 %     4.14 %     3.54 %     3.77 %     3.71 %
    Efficiency ratio   69.4 %     94.1 %     68.0 %     67.0 %     68.9 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (2)(3)   62.3 %     67.2 %     64.6 %     65.0 %     65.6 %
                       
    Per share information:                  
    Income (loss) per common share:                  
    Basic $ 0.72     $ (0.41 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.82     $ 0.74  
    Basic, adjusted (2)(3)   0.87       1.12       0.84       0.89       0.84  
    Diluted   0.71       (0.41 )     0.73       0.81       0.73  
    Diluted, adjusted (2)(3)   0.87       1.11       0.83       0.88       0.83  
    Book value   26.65       26.65       25.97       25.38       24.98  
    Book value, adjusted (2) (3)   28.40       28.24       26.12       25.44       25.07  
    Tangible book value (3)   21.19       21.12       24.08       23.47       23.03  
    Tangible book value, adjusted (2) (3)   22.94       22.72       24.23       23.53       23.12  
    Cash dividends paid   0.23       0.23       0.20       0.20       0.20  
                       
    Average basic shares   19,118       19,088       10,393       10,349       10,321  
    Average diluted shares   19,300       19,226       10,553       10,482       10,419  
                                           
    (1) Annualized.
    (2) Ratio has been adjusted for non-recurring expenses for all periods presented.
    (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.
    ORRSTOWN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.                
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)        
    (continued)                  
    (In thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Noninterest income:                  
    Service charges $ 2,050     $ 2,360     $ 1,283     $ 1,200     $ 1,198  
    Interchange income   1,608       1,779       961       911       952  
    Swap fee income   597       505       375       199       588  
    Wealth management income   4,902       5,037       3,312       3,102       2,945  
    Mortgage banking activities   517       491       369       458       143  
    Other income   1,578       1,943       884       765       704  
    Investment securities (losses) gains   (5 )     271       (12 )     (5 )     (39 )
    Total noninterest income $ 11,247     $ 12,386     $ 7,172     $ 6,630     $ 6,491  
                       
    Noninterest expenses:                  
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 22,444     $ 27,190     $ 13,195     $ 13,752     $ 12,848  
    Occupancy, furniture and equipment   4,893       4,333       2,705       2,639       2,534  
    Data processing   1,540       2,046       1,237       1,265       1,247  
    Advertising and bank promotions   878       537       774       398       501  
    FDIC insurance   955       862       419       441       460  
    Professional services   1,591       1,119       801       631       702  
    Taxes other than income   (312 )     503       49       494       203  
    Intangible asset amortization   2,838       2,464       215       225       236  
    Merger-related expenses   3,887       16,977       1,135       672       1,059  
    Restructuring expenses   39       257                    
    Other operating expenses   4,177       4,011       2,109       1,952       2,602  
    Total noninterest expenses $ 42,930     $ 60,299     $ 22,639     $ 22,469     $ 22,392  
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)            
    (continued)                  
    (In thousands) December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Balance Sheet at quarter end:                  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 238,308     $ 236,780     $ 132,509     $ 182,722     $ 65,161  
    Restricted investments in bank stocks   20,232       20,247       11,147       11,453       11,992  
    Securities available for sale   829,711       826,828       529,082       514,909       513,519  
    Loans held for sale, at fair value   6,614       3,561       1,562       535       5,816  
    Loans:                  
    Commercial real estate:                  
    Owner occupied   633,567       622,726       371,301       364,280       373,757  
    Non-owner occupied   1,160,238       1,164,501       710,477       707,871       694,638  
    Multi-family   274,135       276,296       151,542       147,773       150,675  
    Non-owner occupied residential   179,512       190,786       89,156       91,858       95,040  
    Agricultural   125,156       129,486       25,551       25,909       26,847  
    Commercial and industrial   451,384       471,983       349,425       339,615       340,238  
    Acquisition and development:                  
    1-4 family residential construction   47,432       56,383       32,439       22,277       24,516  
    Commercial and land development   241,424       262,317       129,883       118,010       115,249  
    Municipal   30,044       27,960       10,594       10,925       9,812  
    Total commercial loans   3,142,892       3,202,438       1,870,368       1,828,518       1,830,772  
    Residential mortgage:                  
    First lien   460,297       451,195       271,153       270,748       266,239  
    Home equity – term   5,988       6,508       4,633       4,966       5,078  
    Home equity – lines of credit   303,561       303,165       192,736       189,966       186,450  
    Installment and other loans   18,476       18,131       8,713       8,875       9,774  
    Total loans   3,931,214       3,981,437       2,347,603       2,303,073       2,298,313  
    Allowance for credit losses   (48,689 )     (49,630 )     (29,864 )     (29,165 )     (28,702 )
    Net loans held for investment   3,882,525       3,931,807       2,317,739       2,273,908       2,269,611  
    Goodwill   68,106       70,655       18,724       18,724       18,724  
    Other intangible assets, net   47,765       46,144       1,974       2,189       2,414  
    Total assets   5,431,023       5,470,589       3,198,782       3,183,331       3,064,240  
    Total deposits   4,615,706       4,650,853       2,702,884       2,695,951       2,558,814  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   141,227       137,310       129,625       127,099       147,285  
    Subordinated notes and trust preferred debt   68,680       68,510       32,128       32,111       32,093  
    Total shareholders’ equity   516,682       516,206       278,376       271,682       265,056  
    HISTORICAL TRENDS IN QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)            
    (continued)                  
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Capital and credit quality measures (1):                  
    Total risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   12.4 %     12.4 %     13.3 %     13.4 %     13.0 %
    Orrstown Bank   12.4 %     12.2 %     13.1 %     13.1 %     12.8 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.2 %     10.0 %     11.1 %     11.2 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.0 %     12.0 %     11.9 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 common equity risk-based capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   10.0 %     9.8 %     11.1 %     11.2 %     10.8 %
    Orrstown Bank   11.2 %     11.0 %     12.0 %     11.9 %     11.6 %
    Tier 1 leverage capital:                  
    Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.   8.3 %     8.0 %     8.9 %     9.0 %     8.9 %
    Orrstown Bank   9.1 %     8.8 %     9.5 %     9.6 %     9.5 %
                       
    Average equity to average assets   9.45 %     9.75 %     8.50 %     8.66 %     8.18 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans   1.24 %     1.25 %     1.27 %     1.27 %     1.25 %
    Total nonaccrual loans to total loans   0.61 %     0.68 %     0.36 %     0.56 %     1.11 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.45 %     0.49 %     0.26 %     0.40 %     0.83 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans   202 %     184 %     357 %     226 %     112 %
                       
    Other information:                  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) $ 3,002     $ 269     $ 113     $ (42 )   $ (6 )
    Classified loans   88,628       105,465       48,722       48,997       55,030  
    Nonperforming and other risk assets:                  
    Nonaccrual loans   24,111       26,927       8,363       12,886       25,527  
    Other real estate owned   138       138                    
    Total nonperforming assets   24,249       27,065       8,363       12,886       25,527  
    Financial difficulty modifications still accruing   4,897       9,497                   9  
    Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing   641       337       187       99       66  
    Total nonperforming and other risk assets $ 29,787     $ 36,899     $ 8,550     $ 12,985     $ 25,602  
     
    (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 $115.9 million and $21.1 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. In addition, during the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $3.9 million, $17.0 million, $1.1 million, $0.7 million and $1.1 million in merger-related expenses, respectively. During the three months ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the Company incurred other non-recurring charges totaling $0.5 million and $20.2 million, respectively.

    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   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Shareholders’ equity (most directly comparable GAAP-based measure)   $ 516,682     $ 516,206     $ 278,376     $ 271,682     $ 265,056  
    Less: Goodwill     68,106       70,655       18,724       18,724       18,724  
    Other intangible assets     47,765       46,144       1,974       2,189       2,414  
    Related tax effect     (10,031 )     (9,690 )     (415 )     (460 )     (507 )
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 410,842     $ 409,097     $ 258,093     $ 251,229     $ 244,425  
                         
    Common shares outstanding     19,390       19,373       10,720       10,705       10,612  
                         
    Book value per share (most directly comparable GAAP-based measure)   $ 26.65     $ 26.65     $ 25.97     $ 25.38     $ 24.98  
    Intangible assets per share     5.46       5.53       1.89       1.91       1.95  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 21.19     $ 21.12     $ 24.08     $ 23.47     $ 23.03  
    (In thousands) Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
    Adjusted Ratios for Non-recurring Charges December 31,
    2024
      September 30, 2024   June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Net income (loss) (A) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 13,684     $ (7,903 )   $ 7,738     $ 8,531     $ 7,643     $ 22,050     $ 35,663  
    Plus: Merger-related expenses (B)   3,887       16,977       1,135       672       1,059       22,671       1,059  
    Plus: Executive retirement expenses (B)   35       4,758                         4,793        
    Plus: Provision for credit losses on non-PCD loans (B)         15,504                         15,504        
    Plus: Provision for legal settlement (B)   478                               478        
    Less: Related tax effect (C)   (1,386 )     (7,915 )     (139 )     (1 )     (79 )     (9,442 )     (79 )
    Adjusted net income (D=A+B-C) – Non-GAAP $ 16,698     $ 21,421     $ 8,734     $ 9,202     $ 8,623     $ 56,054     $ 36,643  
                               
    Average assets (E) $ 5,464,165     $ 5,515,143     $ 3,211,124     $ 3,098,772     $ 3,037,824     $ 4,321,472     $ 2,999,527  
    Return on average assets (= A / E) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure (1)   1.00 %      (0.57) %     0.97 %     1.11 %     1.00 %     0.51 %     1.19 %
    Return on average assets, adjusted (= D / E) – Non-GAAP (1)   1.22 %     1.55 %     1.09 %     1.19 %     1.13 %     1.30 %     1.22 %
                               
    Average equity (F) $ 516,399     $ 537,670     $ 272,788     $ 268,289     $ 248,442     $ 392,280     $ 243,334  
    Return on average equity (= A / F) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure (1)   10.54 %     (5.85) %     11.41 %     12.79 %     12.21 %     5.62 %     14.66 %
    Return on average equity, adjusted (= D / F) – Non-GAAP (1)   12.86 %     15.85 %     12.88 %     13.79 %     13.77 %     14.29 %     15.06 %
                               
    Weighted average shares – basic (G) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   19,118       19,088       10,393       10,349       10,321       14,761       10,340  
    Basic earnings (loss) per share (= A / G) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 0.72     $ (0.41 )   $ 0.74     $ 0.82     $ 0.74     $ 1.49     $ 3.45  
    Basic earnings per share, adjusted (= D / G) – Non-GAAP $ 0.87     $ 1.12     $ 0.84     $ 0.89     $ 0.84     $ 3.80     $ 3.54  
                               
    Weighted average shares – diluted (H) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   19,300       19,226       10,553       10,482       10,419       14,914       10,435  
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share (= A / H) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 0.71     $ (0.41 )   $ 0.73     $ 0.81     $ 0.73     $ 1.48     $ 3.42  
    Diluted earnings per share, adjusted (= D / H) – Non-GAAP $ 0.87     $ 1.11     $ 0.83     $ 0.88     $ 0.83     $ 3.76     $ 3.51  
                               
    continued
    (1) Annualized                          
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,
    2024
      September 30, 2024   June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
    Noninterest expense (I) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure $ 42,930     $ 60,299     $ 22,639     $ 22,469     $ 22,392     $ 148,337     $ 83,843  
    Less: Merger-related expenses (B)   (3,887 )     (16,977 )     (1,135 )     (672 )     (1,059 )     (22,671 )     (1,059 )
    Less: Executive retirement expenses (B)   (35 )     (4,758 )                       (4,793 )      
    Less: Provision for legal settlement (B)   (478 )                             (478 )      
    Adjusted noninterest expense (J = I – B) – Non-GAAP $ 38,531     $ 38,564     $ 21,504     $ 21,797     $ 21,333     $ 120,396     $ 82,784  
                               
    Net interest income (K) $ 50,573     $ 51,697     $ 26,103     $ 26,881     $ 26,018     $ 155,254     $ 104,906  
    Noninterest income (L)   11,247       12,386       7,172       6,630       6,491       37,435       25,652  
    Total operating income (M = K + L) $ 61,820     $ 64,083     $ 33,275     $ 33,511     $ 32,509     $ 192,689     $ 130,558  
                               
    Efficiency ratio (= I / M) – most directly comparable GAAP-based measure   69.4 %     94.1 %     68.0 %     67.0 %     68.9 %     77.0 %     64.2 %
    Efficiency ratio, adjusted (= J / M) – Non-GAAP   62.3 %     60.2 %     64.6 %     65.0 %     65.6 %     62.5 %     63.4 %
                               
    (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 December 31, 2024:

    (In thousands)

    Sector Portfolio
    Mix
      Amortized
    Book
      Fair Value   Credit Enhancement   AAA   AA   A   BBB   NR   Collateral / Guarantee Type
    Unsecured ABS %   $ 3,073   $ 2,854   27 %   %   %   %   %   100 %   Unsecured Consumer Debt
    Student Loan ABS 1       4,060     4,035   27                     100     Seasoned Student Loans
    Federal Family Education Loan ABS 9       80,121     80,063   11     7     81         12         Federal Family Education Loan (1)
    PACE Loan ABS       1,985     1,727   7     100                     PACE Loans (2)
    Non-Agency CMBS 2       15,920     15,901   27                     100      
    Non-Agency RMBS 2       16,555     14,528   16     100                     Reverse Mortgages (3)
    Municipal – General Obligation 12       99,515     90,767       11     82     7              
    Municipal – Revenue 14       120,903     109,261           82     12         6      
    SBA ReRemic (5)       2,283     2,278           100                 SBA Guarantee (4)
    Small Business Administration 1       5,926     6,263           100                 SBA Guarantee (4)
    Agency MBS 19       160,027     155,778           100                 Residential Mortgages (4)
    Agency CMO 38       332,380     326,045           100                  
    U.S. Treasury securities 2       20,043     18,063           100                 U.S. Government Guarantee (4)
    Corporate bonds       1,935     1,954               52     48          
      100 %   $ 864,726   $ 829,517       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 $5.4 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 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: Lending and Deposit Rates of Scheduled Commercial Banks – January 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Data on lending and deposit rates of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) (excluding regional rural banks and small finance banks) received during January 2025 are set out in Tables 1 to 7.

    Highlights:

    Lending Rates:

    • The weighted average lending rate (WALR) on fresh rupee loans of SCBs declined to 9.25 per cent in December 2024 from 9.40 per cent in November 2024.

    • The WALR on outstanding rupee loans of SCBs moderated to 9.87 per cent in December 2024 from 9.89 per cent in November 2024.1

    • 1-Year median Marginal Cost of fund-based Lending Rate (MCLR) of SCBs remained unchanged at 9.00 per cent in January 2025.

    Deposit Rates:

    • The weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on fresh rupee term deposits of SCBs stood at 6.57 per cent in December 2024 as compared to 6.46 per cent in November 2024.

    • The weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on outstanding rupee term deposits of SCBs was 7.00 per cent in December 2024 (6.98 per cent in November 2024).1

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2060


    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated January 20, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹65 lakh (Rupees Sixty Five Lakh only) on Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Levy of Foreclosure Charges/Pre-payment Penalty on Floating Rate Term Loans’ and ‘Credit Flow to Agriculture – Collateral free agricultural loans’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with RBI directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank:

    1. levied foreclosure charges on certain floating rate term loans sanctioned to individual borrowers for purposes other than business; and

    2. obtained collateral security for certain agricultural loans amounting up to ₹1.6 lakh.

    This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2061

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on India Post Payments Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated January 15, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹26.70 lakh (Rupees Twenty Six Lakh Seventy Thousand only) on India Post Payments Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Customer Service in Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47 A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with RBI directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank upgraded certain Savings Bank accounts without obtaining customers’ consent (in writing or through any other mode) and also levied annual charges after upgradation of those accounts.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2062

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 Reports Fourth-Quarter Results and Announces Next Phase of Strategic Initiatives

    Source: Phillips

    Fourth Quarter
    Reported fourth-quarter earnings of $8 million or $0.01 per share; adjusted loss of $61 million or $0.15 per share
    Earnings impacted by $230 million pre-tax of accelerated depreciation related to Los Angeles Refinery
    Returned $1.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
    Record NGL fractionation and LPG export volumes in Midstream
    Record clean product yield in Refining
    Surpassed targeted $3 billion in announced asset dispositions
    Full-Year 2024
    Earnings of $2.1 billion or $4.99 per share and adjusted earnings of $2.6 billion or $6.15 per share
    $4.2 billion of operating cash flow, $4.8 billion excluding working capital
    $5.3 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
    Second consecutive year above industry-average crude utilization
    Achieved $1.5 billion in run-rate business transformation savings and $500 million in synergy capture from successful DCP integration

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), a leading integrated downstream energy provider, announced fourth-quarter earnings.
    “During the fourth quarter, we achieved our strategic priority targets for shareholder distributions and asset dispositions,” said Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO. “We also delivered on our goal of improving Refining performance by continuing to run above industry-average crude utilization, setting record clean product yields and achieving our targeted cost reductions of $1 per barrel.
    “In support of our Midstream wellhead-to-market strategy, we recently announced an agreement to acquire EPIC’s NGL business, bolstering our Permian and Gulf Coast footprint,” said Lashier. “Upon closing, these assets will be accretive to earnings and highly integrated with our existing infrastructure, providing additional opportunities to enhance returns and shareholder value.”
    Lashier added, “Building on our successes, I am pleased to announce that we have set new financial and operational targets that prioritize debt reduction, a lowered cost structure and EBITDA growth. Supported by world-class operations, we are committed to returning over 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders.”
    On behalf of the Board of Directors, Glenn Tilton, lead independent director, remarked, “2024 was a pivotal year for Phillips 66. The team executed well on an ambitious set of strategic priorities, substantially improving the company’s competitiveness, and is well positioned to successfully deliver on a new set of targets through 2027.”
    Financial Results Summary (in millions of dollars, except as indicated)

     

     

    4Q 2024

    3Q 2024

    Earnings

    $

    8

    346

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)1

     

    (61)

    859

    Adjusted EBITDA1

     

    1,130

    1,998

    Earnings (Loss) Per Share

     

     

    Earnings Per Share – Diluted

     

    0.01

    0.82

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted1

     

    (0.15)

    2.04

    Cash Flow From Operations

     

    1,198

    1,132

    Cash Flow From Operations, Excluding Working Capital1

     

    901

    1,513

    Capital Expenditures & Investments2

     

    506

    358

    Return of Capital to Shareholders

     

    1,119

    1,277

    Repurchases of common stock

     

    647

    800

    Dividends paid on common stock

     

    472

    477

    Cash

     

    1,738

    1,637

    Debt

     

    20,062

    19,998

    Debt-to-capital ratio

     

    41%

    40%

    Net debt-to-capital ratio1

     

    39%

    38%

    1Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    2Excludes net acquisitions of $58 million and $567 million in the fourth and third quarters of 2024, respectively, and purchases of government obligations of $1.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

    Segment Financial and Operating Highlights (in millions of dollars, except as indicated)

     

     

    4Q 2024

    3Q 2024

    Change

     

    Earnings (Loss)1

    $

    8

    346

    (338)

    Midstream

     

    673

    644

    29

    Chemicals

     

    107

    342

    (235)

    Refining

     

    (775)

    (108)

    (667)

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    252

    (22)

    274

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

    (116)

    144

    Corporate and Other

     

    (298)

    (327)

    29

    Income tax (expense) benefit

     

    38

    (44)

    82

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    (17)

    (23)

    6

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)1,2

    $

    (61)

    859

    (920)

    Midstream

     

    708

    672

    36

    Chemicals

     

    72

    342

    (270)

    Refining

     

    (759)

    (67)

    (692)

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    185

    583

    (398)

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

    (116)

    144

    Corporate and Other

     

    (294)

    (327)

    33

    Income tax (expense) benefit

     

    16

    (205)

    221

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    (17)

    (23)

    6

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted EBITDA2

    $

    1,130

    1,998

    (868)

    Midstream

     

    938

    892

    46

    Chemicals

     

    209

    466

    (257)

    Refining

     

    (298)

    188

    (486)

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    307

    656

    (349)

    Renewable Fuels

     

    50

    (92)

    142

    Corporate and Other

     

    (76)

    (112)

    36

     

     

     

     

    Operating Highlights

     

     

     

    Pipeline Throughput – Y-Grade to Market (MB/D)3

     

    759

    762

    (3)

    Chemicals Global O&P Capacity Utilization

     

    98%

    98%

    —%

    Refining

     

     

     

    Turnaround Expense

     

    123

    137

    (14)

    Realized Margin ($/BBL)2

     

    6.08

    8.31

    (2.23)

    Crude Capacity Utilization

     

    94%

    94%

    —%

    Clean Product Yield

     

    88%

    87%

    1%

    Renewable Fuels Produced (MB/D)

     

    42

    44

    (2)

    1Segment reporting is pre-tax.

     

     

     

    2Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    3Represents volumes delivered to major fractionation hubs, including Mont Belvieu, Sweeny and Conway. Includes 100% of DCP Midstream Class A Segment and Phillips 66’s direct interest in DCP Sand Hills Pipeline, LLC and DCP Southern Hills Pipeline, LLC

    Fourth-Quarter 2024 Financial Results
    Reported earnings were $8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $346 million in the third quarter. Fourth-quarter earnings included pre-tax special item adjustments of $67 million in the Marketing and Specialties segment, $35 million in the Chemicals segment, $(35) million in the Midstream segment, $(16) million in the Refining segment, and $(4) million impacting the Corporate and Other segment. Adjusted losses for the fourth quarter were $61 million versus earnings of $859 million in the third quarter.
    Midstream fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted pre-tax income increased compared with the third quarter mainly due to higher NGL margins and volumes.
    Chemicals adjusted pre-tax income decreased mainly due to lower margins, as well as higher turnaround and maintenance costs.
    Refining adjusted pre-tax loss increased primarily due to a decline in realized margins largely driven by lower market crack spreads and accelerated depreciation associated with the planned ceasing of operations at the Los Angeles Refinery, partially offset by a higher clean product yield.
    Marketing and Specialties adjusted pre-tax income decreased primarily due to seasonally lower margins.
    Renewable Fuels pre-tax results increased primarily due to higher margins at the Rodeo Complex and stronger international results.
    Corporate and Other adjusted pre-tax loss decreased mainly due to lower net interest expense and employee-related costs, partially offset by depreciation expense.
    As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company had $1.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $4.6 billion of committed capacity available under credit facilities.
    Strategic Priorities Update
    Phillips 66 successfully delivered on its strategic priorities first announced in October 2022. The company remains committed to leveraging its integrated portfolio to enhance long-term shareholder value and is announcing its next phase of priorities through 2027. Highlights include:
    Delivering shareholder returns by returning greater than 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders;
    Executing world-class operations by achieving 2% higher than industry-average crude utilization and targeting annual adjusted controllable costs of $5.50 per barrel in Refining, excluding adjusted turnaround expense;
    Delivering disciplined growth and returns by growing Midstream and Chemicals mid-cycle adjusted EBITDA $1 billion in total by 2027; and
    Maintaining financial strength and flexibility by reducing total debt to $17 billion.
    Additional details will be covered in our investor webcast.
    Investor Webcast
    Members of Phillips 66 executive management will host a webcast at noon ET to provide an update on the company’s strategic initiatives and discuss the company’s fourth-quarter performance. To access the webcast and view related presentation materials, go to phillips66.com/investors and click on “Events & Presentations.” For detailed supplemental information, go to phillips66.com/supplemental.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information —This news release includes the terms “adjusted earnings (loss),” “adjusted pre-tax income (loss),” “adjusted EBITDA,” “adjusted earnings (loss) per share,” “refining realized margin per barrel,” “cash from operations, excluding working capital,” and “net debt-to-capital ratio.” These are non-GAAP financial measures that are included to help facilitate comparisons of operating performance across periods and to help facilitate comparisons with other companies in our industry. Where applicable, these measures exclude items that do not reflect the core operating results of our businesses in the current period or other adjustments to reflect how management analyzes results. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.
    References in the release to earnings refer to net income attributable to Phillips 66. References to run-rate business transformation savings include cost savings and other benefits that will be captured in the sales and other operating revenues impacting gross margin; purchased crude oil and products costs impacting gross margin; operating expenses; selling, general and administrative expenses; and equity in earnings of affiliates lines on our consolidated statement of income when realized. Run-rate savings include run-rate sustaining capital savings. Run-rate sustaining capital savings include savings that will be captured in the capital expenditures and investments on our consolidated statement of cash flows when realized.
    Basis of Presentation — Effective April 1, 2024, we changed the internal financial information reviewed by our chief executive officer to evaluate performance and allocate resources to our operating segments. This included changes in the composition of our operating segments, as well as measurement changes for certain activities between our operating segments. The primary effects of this realignment included establishment of a Renewable Fuels operating segment, which includes renewable fuels activities and assets historically reported in our Refining, Marketing and Specialties (M&S), and Midstream segments; change in method of allocating results for certain Gulf Coast distillate export activities from our M&S segment to our Refining segment; reclassification of certain crude oil and international clean products trading activities between our M&S segment and our Refining segment; and change in reporting of our investment in NOVONIX from our Midstream segment to Corporate and Other. Accordingly, prior period results have been recast for comparability.
    In the third quarter of 2024, we began presenting the line item “Capital expenditures and investments” on our consolidated statement of cash flows exclusive of acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Accordingly, prior period information has been reclassified for comparability.
    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 —This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    2024

     

    2023

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Year

     

    4Q

    Year

    Midstream

    $

    673

     

    644

     

    2,638

     

     

    759

     

    2,819

     

    Chemicals

     

    107

     

    342

     

    876

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Refining

     

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    (365

    )

     

    859

     

    5,340

     

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    252

     

    (22

    )

    1,011

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Corporate and Other

     

    (298

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,287

    )

     

    (348

    )

    (1,340

    )

    Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

    (13

    )

    413

     

    2,675

     

     

    1,761

     

    9,469

     

    Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

     

    (38

    )

    44

     

    500

     

     

    476

     

    2,230

     

    Less: Noncontrolling interests

     

    17

     

    23

     

    58

     

     

    25

     

    224

     

    Phillips 66

    $

    8

     

    346

     

    2,117

     

     

    1,260

     

    7,015

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    2024

     

    2023

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Year

     

    4Q

    Year

    Midstream

    $

    708

     

    672

     

    2,746

     

     

    757

     

    2,672

     

    Chemicals

     

    72

     

    342

     

    841

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Refining

     

    (759

    )

    (67

    )

    (211

    )

     

    842

     

    5,367

     

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    185

     

    583

     

    1,490

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Renewable Fuels

     

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Corporate and Other

     

    (294

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,283

    )

     

    (298

    )

    (1,110

    )

    Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

    (60

    )

    1,087

     

    3,385

     

     

    1,792

     

    9,579

     

    Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

     

    (16

    )

    205

     

    693

     

     

    405

     

    2,173

     

    Less: Noncontrolling interests

     

    17

     

    23

     

    88

     

     

    25

     

    243

     

    Phillips 66

    $

    (61

    )

    859

     

    2,604

     

     

    1,362

     

    7,163

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

     

    2023

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Year

     

    4Q

    Year

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Earnings to Adjusted Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Consolidated Earnings

    $

    8

     

    346

     

    2,117

     

     

    1,260

     

    7,015

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    (9

    )

     

    (19

    )

    (19

    )

    Impairments1

     

    35

     

    28

     

    450

     

     

     

     

    Net gain on asset dispositions2

     

    (67

    )

     

    (305

    )

     

     

    (123

    )

    Change in inventory method for acquired business

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (46

    )

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    (35

    )

     

     

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs3

     

    7

     

    41

     

    48

     

     

     

     

    Legal accrual4

     

    22

     

    605

     

    627

     

     

     

    30

     

    Legal settlement

     

     

     

    (66

    )

     

     

     

    Business transformation restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

    50

     

    177

     

    Loss on early redemption of DCP debt

     

     

     

     

     

     

    53

     

    DCP integration restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

     

    38

     

    Tax impact of adjustments5

     

    9

     

    (161

    )

    (162

    )

     

    (12

    )

    (26

    )

    Other tax impacts

     

    (31

    )

     

    (31

    )

     

    83

     

    83

     

    Noncontrolling interests

     

     

     

    (30

    )

     

     

    (19

    )

    Adjusted earnings (loss)

    $

    (61

    )

    859

     

    2,604

     

     

    1,362

     

    7,163

     

    Earnings per share of common stock ( dollars )

    $

    0.01

     

    0.82

     

    4.99

     

     

    2.86

     

    15.48

     

    Adjusted earnings (loss) per share of common stock ( dollars )6

    $

    (0.15

    )

    2.04

     

    6.15

     

     

    3.09

     

    15.81

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Reconciliation of Segment Pre-Tax Income

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    Midstream Pre-Tax Income

    $

    673

     

    644

     

    2,638

     

     

    759

     

    2,819

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments1

     

    35

     

    28

     

    346

     

     

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

     

     

     

     

    (2

    )

    (2

    )

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

     

     

    (238

    )

     

     

    (137

    )

    Change in inventory method for acquired business

     

     

     

     

     

     

    (46

    )

    DCP integration restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

     

    38

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    708

     

    672

     

    2,746

     

     

    757

     

    2,672

     

    Chemicals Pre-Tax Income

    $

    107

     

    342

     

    876

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    (35

    )

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    72

     

    342

     

    841

     

     

    106

     

    600

     

    Refining Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    (365

    )

     

    859

     

    5,340

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments1

     

     

     

    104

     

     

     

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs3

     

    3

     

    41

     

    44

     

     

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    (9

    )

     

    (17

    )

    (17

    )

    Net loss on asset disposition

     

     

     

     

     

     

    14

     

    Legal accrual

     

    22

     

     

    22

     

     

     

    30

     

    Legal settlement

     

     

     

    (7

    )

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $

    (759

    )

    (67

    )

    (211

    )

     

    842

     

    5,367

     

    Marketing and Specialties Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    252

     

    (22

    )

    1,011

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Legal accrual4

     

     

    605

     

    605

     

     

     

     

    Net gain on asset disposition2

     

    (67

    )

     

    (67

    )

     

     

     

    Legal settlement

     

     

     

    (59

    )

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    185

     

    583

     

    1,490

     

     

    396

     

    1,897

     

    Renewable Fuels Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    None

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $

    28

     

    (116

    )

    (198

    )

     

    (11

    )

    153

     

    Corporate and Other Pre-Tax Loss

    $

    (298

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,287

    )

     

    (348

    )

    (1,340

    )

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Business transformation restructuring costs

     

     

     

     

     

    50

     

    177

     

    Loss on early redemption of DCP debt

     

     

     

     

     

     

    53

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs3

     

    4

     

     

    4

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted pre-tax loss

    $

    (294

    )

    (327

    )

    (1,283

    )

     

    (298

    )

    (1,110

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1Impairments primarily related to certain gathering and processing assets in the Midstream segment, as well as certain crude oil processing and logistics assets in California, reported in the Refining segment.

    2In connection with the asset sale of our 49% non-operated equity interest in Coop Mineraloel AG closing early 2025, a before-tax unrealized gain was recognized from a foreign currency derivative in the Marketing & Specialties segment.

    3Cessation costs include pre-tax charges for severance costs.

    4Third-quarter legal accrual primarily related to ongoing litigation.

    5We generally tax effect taxable U.S.-based special items using a combined federal and state statutory income tax rate of approximately 24%. Taxable special items attributable to foreign locations likewise use a local statutory income tax rate. Nontaxable events reflect zero income tax. These events include, but are not limited to, most goodwill impairments, transactions legislatively exempt from income tax, transactions related to entities for which we have made an assertion that the undistributed earnings are permanently reinvested, or transactions occurring in jurisdictions with a valuation allowance.

    6YTD 2024, Q4 2024, Q3 2024 and Q4 2023 are based on adjusted weighted-average diluted shares of 422,538 thousand, 411,687 thousand, 419,827 thousand and 440,582 thousand, respectively. Other periods are based on the same weighted-average diluted shares outstanding as that used in the GAAP diluted earnings per share calculation. Income allocated to participating securities, if applicable, in the adjusted earnings per share calculation is the same as that used in the GAAP diluted earnings per share calculation.

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

     

     

    Net Income

    $

    25

     

    369

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Income tax expense

     

    (38

    )

    44

     

    Net interest expense

     

    168

     

    191

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    819

     

    543

     

    Phillips 66 EBITDA

    $

    974

     

    1,147

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    Impairments

     

    35

     

    28

     

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

    (67

    )

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    7

     

    41

     

    Legal accrual

     

    22

     

    605

     

    Total Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax)

     

    (47

    )

    674

     

    Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

     

    1

     

     

    Phillips 66 EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items and Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

    $

    928

     

    1,821

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    17

     

    24

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    14

     

    12

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    209

     

    188

     

    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

     

    (38

    )

    (47

    )

    Phillips 66 Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    1,130

     

    1,998

     

     

     

     

    Reconciliation of Segment Income before Income Taxes to Adjusted EBITDA

     

     

    Midstream Income before income taxes

    $

    673

     

    644

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    234

     

    233

     

    Midstream EBITDA

    $

    907

     

    877

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Impairments

     

    35

     

    28

     

    Midstream EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    942

     

    905

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    3

     

    5

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    3

     

    3

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    28

     

    26

     

    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

     

    (38

    )

    (47

    )

    Midstream Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    938

     

    892

     

    Chemicals Income before income taxes

    $

    107

     

    342

     

    Plus:

     

     

    None

     

     

     

    Chemicals EBITDA

    $

    107

     

    342

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Winter-storm-related costs (recovery)

     

    (35

    )

     

    Chemicals EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    72

     

    342

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    11

     

    13

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

     

    (2

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    126

     

    113

     

    Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    209

     

    466

     

    Refining Loss before income taxes

    $

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    435

     

    230

     

    Refining EBITDA

    $

    (340

    )

    122

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    3

     

    41

     

    Legal accrual

     

    22

     

     

    Refining EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    (324

    )

    163

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    (1

    )

    (1

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

     

    (1

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    27

     

    27

     

    Refining Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    (298

    )

    188

     

    Marketing and Specialties Income (loss) before income taxes

    $

    252

     

    (22

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    79

     

    32

     

    Marketing and Specialties EBITDA

    $

    331

     

    10

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Legal accrual

     

     

    605

     

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

    (67

    )

     

    Marketing and Specialties EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    264

     

    615

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    4

     

    7

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    11

     

    12

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    28

     

    22

     

    Marketing and Specialties Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    307

     

    656

     

    Renewable Fuels Income (loss) before income taxes

    $

    28

     

    (116

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    22

     

    24

     

    Renewable Fuels EBITDA

    $

    50

     

    (92

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    None

     

     

     

    Renewable Fuels EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    50

     

    (92

    )

    Corporate and Other Loss before income taxes

    $

    (298

    )

    (327

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Net interest expense

     

    168

     

    191

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    49

     

    24

     

    Corporate and Other EBITDA

    $

    (81

    )

    (112

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    4

     

     

    Total Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax)

     

    4

     

     

    Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

     

    1

     

     

    Corporate EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items and Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

    $

    (76

    )

    (112

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    December 31, 2024

    Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    Total Debt

    $

    20,062

     

    Total Equity

     

    28,463

     

    Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    41

    %

    Total Cash

     

    1,738

     

    Net Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    39

    %

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    December 31, 2024

    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Operating Cash Flow, Excluding Working Capital

     

    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

    $

    1,198

     

    Less: Net Working Capital Changes

     

    297

     

    Operating Cash Flow, Excluding Working Capital

    $

    901

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

     

    4Q

    3Q

    Reconciliation of Refining Loss Before Income Taxes to Realized Refining Margins

     

     

    Loss before income taxes

    $

    (775

    )

    (108

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Taxes other than income taxes

     

    92

     

    100

     

    Depreciation, amortization and impairments

     

    436

     

    230

     

    Selling, general and administrative expenses

     

    60

     

    60

     

    Operating expenses

     

    968

     

    922

     

    Equity in earnings of affiliates

     

    79

     

    12

     

    Other segment expense, net

     

    58

     

    (4

    )

    Proportional share of refining gross margins contributed by equity affiliates

     

    132

     

    193

     

    Special items:

     

     

    Certain tax impacts

     

    (9

    )

     

    Realized refining margins

    $

    1,041

     

    1,405

     

    Total processed inputs ( thousands of barrels )

     

    147,880

     

    145,440

     

    Adjusted total processed inputs ( thousands of barrels )*

     

    171,031

     

    168,951

     

    Loss before income taxes ( dollars per barrel )**

    $

    (5.24

    )

    (0.74

    )

    Realized refining margins ( dollars per barrel )***

    $

    6.08

     

    8.31

     

    *Adjusted total processed inputs include our proportional share of processed inputs of an equity affiliate.

     

    **Income before income taxes divided by total processed inputs.

     

    ***Realized refining margins per barrel, as presented, are calculated using the underlying realized refining margin amounts, in dollars, divided by adjusted total processed inputs, in barrels. As such, recalculated per barrel amounts using the rounded margins and barrels presented may differ from the presented per barrel amounts.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Polish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

    Source: European Parliament

    Poland holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of June 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

    Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    On 23 January, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister of Climate and Environment, highlighted the need for climate adaptation measures, combating climate disinformation, and to advance key legislative files such as the waste framework directive on textiles and food, the European soil monitoring law, and the “One Substance, One Assessment” chemicals package. The Presidency also plans to secure agreement with Parliament on plastic pellet losses, water pollutants, and detergents rules.

    MEPs asked about the Presidency’s stance on the new emissions trading system ETS II, the 2040 emissions target, renewable energy, and soil monitoring. They also debated the impact of climate regulations on competitiveness, and raised concerns about agricultural pollution and the role of genomic technologies.

    Security and defence

    On 27 January, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence Paweł Zalewski said the Presidency’s first priority is to strengthen EU support for Ukraine by using all the tools at the EU’s disposal, including the European Peace Facility and the profits from frozen Russian assets or loans guaranteed from Moscow. He also highlighted the need to reinforce the EU’s defence industries by ensuring adequate financing as well as deepening EU-U.S. cooperation, including between the EU and NATO.

    MEPs quizzed Mr Zalewski on several issues, including the EU’s role in possible future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, developing an EU defence pillar, reforming the EU Investment Bank to allow for more investment in the defence sector and establishing viable “European champions” (i.e. large corporations) in the defence sector.

    Women’s rights and gender equality

    On 28 January, Minister for Equality Katarzyna Kotula emphasised enhancing digital security for women and girls, particularly in the context of the rapid development of AI, as a Presidency priority. She pledged to follow up on the Digital Services Act to make sure that AI accelerates rather than undermines gender equality. The Presidency is also determined to advance the work on the Anti-discrimination Directive.

    MEPS welcomed her commitment on strengthening the digital protection of women and girls, particularly concerning deepfakes, revenge porn and hate speech. They also raised women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, the protection of LGBTQI+ communities, the challenges faced by ageing women and the prospect for an EU-wide definition of rape including the notion of consent.

    Internal market and consumer protection

    On 28 January, Economic Development and Technology Minister Krzysztof Paszyk focused on the need to eliminate the remaining barriers in the single market, as well as highlighting issues around security, competitiveness, and reducing red tape. The Presidency will look for a compromise on the e-declaration of posted workers file, on late payments, and on the travel package proposals. They will also, he said, try to reach political agreements on toy safety, the Green Claims Directive and on the alternative dispute resolution file.

    On digital policy, Secretary of State, Ministry of Digitalisation Dariusz Standerski outlined plans for an informal meeting on cybersecurity to focus on defence, the application of the Artificial Intelligence Act, and new initiatives on AI factories and the “AI Apply Strategy”. On customs, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Finance Małgorzata Krok stated the Presidency’s intention was to reach a common position in the Council on the reform of the Union Customs Code.

    MEPs asked about reducing reporting obligations, e-declarations of posted workers, the implementation of digital services act and the AI Act, including in the context of EU-US relations. Several members wanted to hear more about cutting red tape, unblocking progress on late payments, and the need for an AI liability act. Questions also focused on issues around unfair trading practices, single market on defence and climate disinformation.

    Fisheries

    On 28 January, Jacek Czerniak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which includes fisheries, identified improving EU fisheries competitiveness and defending EU interests in regional fisheries organisations and international agreements as Presidency priorities. Poland will also launch discussions on the review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and start negotiations to introduce measures against non-EU countries that allow unsustainable fishing practices.

    MEPs questioned Mr Czerniak on addressing the critical state of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, in addition to issues of security and reducing the complexity of regulations. Others supported a reform of the CFP to better balance the interests of the fishery sector with the EU’s environmental goals. MEPs also argued that trade policies should be aligned with fisheries policies.

    Employment and social affairs

    On 28 January, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk and Minister of Senior Policy Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz said the Presidency would focus on the future of employment in the digital transformation, a Europe of equality, cohesion and inclusion, and the challenges prompted by the EU’s aging population.

    MEPs quizzed the ministers on their plans for the regulation on the coordination of social security systems, emphasising the importance of finalising negotiations on the file. They also raised the impact of AI in the workplace, and the importance of addressing demographic issues in the EU. MEPs also raised the importance of social dialogue, upcoming negotiations on European Work Councils, and the expected Commission initiative on the “Right to Disconnect”.

    Transport and tourism

    On 29 January, Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure, said the Presidency will focus on resilience and competitiveness in the transport sector, the protection of transport operators, dual use infrastructure, and military mobility. He committed to reaching a deal with Parliament on new railway infrastructure, road and maritime safety rules as well advancing negotiations on air passenger rights rules that have been stalled in the Council since 2013. Piotr Borys, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism added that the Presidency will focus on making Europe a safe and more popular destination for tourism despite Russia’s war in Ukraine and the challenges posed by climate change.

    MEPs asked the Presidency to secure adequate financing for transport policies within the next EU long-term budget, and want them to secure a Council position on the maximum weights and dimensions directive, and address labour shortages and working conditions in all transport modes. Completing Trans-European transport networks, developing high speed rail, and ensuring connectivity for Europe’s islands were also raised.

    Constitutional affairs

    On 29 January, Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka said the Presidency wants to promote institutional reforms, stressing at the same time that EU Treaties could prove difficult to revise. The Presidency wants to complete work on the new rules on European political parties and foundations and the electoral rights of mobile citizens. They will work on the transparency of interest representation and on the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights.

    Most MEPs asked questions about the need to reform the EU’s institutional architecture, especially in light of imminent enlargement, with many of them highlighting the need to overcome what they saw as the obstacle of unanimity in key policy areas either through Treaty revision or using existing rules. Some called for progress on Parliament’s right of initiative, its right of inquiry, and rules on European elections.

    Agriculture and Rural Development

    On 29 January, Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development said that the Council will discuss the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027. The Presidency wants to simplify the green architecture of the CAP and assess the impact of current EU trade agreements on agriculture.

    Questions from MEPs focused on ensuring fair income for farmers and adapting the CAP to the future enlargement of the EU. A number of MEPs also asked about the position of the Presidency on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and stressed the need to invest in European food sovereignty.

    International trade

    On 29 January, Krzysztof Paszyk, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, said the Presidency will continue working on ambitious, sustainable and mutually profitable trade agreements. He hopes to finalise the legislation on the screening of foreign direct investment and resume talks on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, the EU’s preferential trade arrangement with developing countries. On Ukraine, Mr Paszyk said support for Ukraine remains steadfast, while the Presidency prefers not to extend the current temporary trade liberalisation measures with the country, but rather reach a new agreement.

    MEPs asked about possible timelines for the adoption of trade deals with Mercosur and Mexico, possible shift in US trade policy as well as on trade with Ukraine and safeguards for the agricultural market. Some MEPs argued that GSP should not be a migration tool, others demanded a clear link between migration and the scheme.

    Industry, Research and Energy

    On 29 January, Minister of Economics, Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk said the Presidency’s priorities include boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness with a new instrument and advancing the Clean Industry Act to support businesses, address high energy prices, and cut red tape and tax burdens for SMEs. They also plan to maximize the use of spaceimaging and AI algorithms for crisis management, and improve cooperation during natural disasters.

    During the debate, MEPs stressed the need to support innovative businesses through a unified capital market, and to combine environmental policies with industrial policies to achieve the ecological transition. Others focused on the importance of transatlantic relations and the need to secure European tech sovereignty.

    Dariusz Stenderski, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Digital Affairs, said that his key focus areas would be cyber security, with a revised blueprint for coordinated EU response to cyber attacks and an informal Council on its civilian and military aspects.He also referred to the boosting of AI development through shared investment and simplified rules to support startups.

    On 30 January Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, outlined three main focus areas: openness and inclusivity, synergies between EU and national programs, and AI and science.He stressed the need to develop EU cooperation networks without losing top talents, and the value of synergies between EU and national research programs.

    MEPs called for the full implementation of the 5G toolbox and for the simplification of administrative procedures to foster innovation. Others highlighted the need to improve EU cooperation in research and innovation, retain top talent, and ensure an inclusive access to funds. The discussions also covered the need for ethical standards in AI, a strong support for scientists, as well as academic freedom and the free flow of scientific knowledge.

    Culture, Education, Youth and Sport

    On 30 January, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said the Presidency wants to include young people – as part of a new cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue – in EU-level debates and projects to strengthen EU values of democracy, freedom and rule of law, thereby making them more resilient against the risk of disinformation and manipulation. Providing better support to teachers is also a priority, she said, and EU education ministers will gather in May to discuss what they can do to improve this.

    The Presidency wants to advance work on the “European degree” – a degree awarded jointly by several universities in different EU countries – by adopting a roadmap to implement it. A European quality assurance system to guarantee trust among universities and improve the recognition of higher education diplomas will also be discussed, Minister of Science and High Education Marcin Kulasek said.

    Culture Minister Hanna Wróblewska said the Presidency will present proposals to support young artists and creators, and will launch discussions on the future of the Creative Europe programme beyond 2027. Audiovisual and intellectual property rights, security and AI, and a possible revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive are also among the Presidency’s priorities, she said.

    Piotr Borys, Secretary of State of Sport, will focus on pushing EU countries to better promote sport in schools, address mental health, and adopt a common methodology to gather statistics on sport.

    MEPs questioned the ministers on countering Russian disinformation under the European Media Freedom Act, as well as on delays in the creation of the European degree, pleading for EU-wide recognition of diplomas, including Erasmus+ and vocational education training. MEPs also raised concerns about possible reductions in Erasmus+ funding, which ensures the financial sustainability of the European Education Area, which in turn is essential for the “Union of Skills”.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil from 3 to 7 February 2025. As part of its Americas Strategy 2022–25, Switzerland aims to strengthen its political relations with the countries of the Americas in the areas of foreign policy, the economy, innovation and culture. The agenda for the trip includes the finalisation of the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement, Switzerland’s economic interests, and bilateral relations between Switzerland and these three Latin American countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Business Partners Reports 2024 Year End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, News, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE: BBU, BBUC; TSX: BBU.UN, BBUC) announced today financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    “Our business had another successful year in 2024. We generated over $2 billion from our capital recycling initiatives, acquired two market-leading operations and achieved solid financial results,” said Anuj Ranjan, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners. “The enhanced strength of our balance sheet and substantial liquidity provides us optionality to meaningfully advance our capital allocation priorities with a focus on increasing the intrinsic value of our business for our unitholders.”

           
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
    US$ millions (except per unit amounts), unaudited   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net income (loss) attributable to Unitholders1 $ (438 )   $ 1,423     $ (109 )   $ 1,405  
    Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit2 $ (2.02 )   $ 6.57     $ (0.50 )   $ 6.49  
               
    Adjusted EBITDA3 $ 653     $ 608     $ 2,565     $ 2,491  
                                   

    Net loss attributable to Unitholders for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $109 million (loss of $0.50 per limited partnership unit) compared to net income of $1,405 million ($6.49 per limited partnership unit) in the prior year. Net loss attributable to Unitholders includes a one-time non-cash expense at our healthcare services operation, combined with provisions at our construction operation. Prior year included net gains primarily related to the sale of our nuclear technology services operation.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2,565 million compared to $2,491 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflecting improved performance of operations and tax benefits recorded at our advanced energy storage operation. Prior year results included $308 million of contribution from operations which have been sold.

    Operational Update

    The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA by segment:

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Industrials $ 306     $ 222     $ 1,247     $ 855  
    Business Services   217       227       832       900  
    Infrastructure Services   160       184       606       853  
    Corporate and Other   (30 )     (25 )     (120 )     (117 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 653     $ 608     $ 2,565     $ 2,491  

    Our Industrials segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $1,247 million in 2024, compared to $855 million in 2023. Current year results included $371 million of tax benefits at our advanced energy storage operation. Strong underlying performance at our advanced energy storage operation and growing contribution from water and wastewater services offset reduced performance at our engineered components manufacturing operation due to weak market conditions. Prior year results included contribution from disposed operations including our Canadian aggregates production operation which was sold in June 2024.

    Our Business Services segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $832 million in 2024, compared to $900 million in 2023. Strong performance at our residential mortgage insurer was primarily offset by the impact of a cyber incident at our dealer software and technology services operation and reduced performance at our construction and healthcare services operations during the year. Prior year results included contribution from our road fuels operation which was sold in July 2024.

    Our Infrastructure Services segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $606 million in 2024, compared to $853 million in 2023. Prior year results included $236 million of contribution from our nuclear technology services operation which was sold in November 2023. Current year results benefited from improved performance of offshore oil services, offset by reduced contribution at work access services.

    The following table presents Adjusted EFO4 by segment:

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Adjusted EFO          
    Industrials $ 193     $ 115     $ 935     $ 492  
    Business Services   142       181       641       636  
    Infrastructure Services   78       1,790       287       2,070  
    Corporate and Other   (83 )     (77 )     (331 )     (335 )

    Adjusted EFO for the year ended December 31, 2024 included $306 million in net gains primarily related to the dispositions of our road fuels operation and Canadian aggregates production operation, the sale of public securities and the deconsolidation of our payment processing services operation. Infrastructure Services Adjusted EFO reflected the impact of the prior year disposition of our nuclear technology services operation. Prior year results included $2,006 million in after-tax net gains primarily related to the sale of our nuclear technology services operation.

    Strategic Initiatives

    • Advanced Energy Storage Operation
      In January, our advanced energy storage operation raised $5 billion of new first lien debt – $4.5 billion of the proceeds are not required in the business and therefore were used to fund a special distribution to owners, of which Brookfield Business Partners’ share was approximately $1.2 billion. This represented a multiple of 1.5x of our initial equity investment and we still own our entire share of the business.
    • Offshore Oil Services
      In January, we completed the previously announced sale of our offshore oil services’ shuttle tanker operation. Cash proceeds to Brookfield Business Partners for the sale of its interest after the repayment of debt are expected to be approximately $250 million.
    • Unit Repurchase Program and Capital Deployment
      We are allocating up to $250 million of capital to accelerate the repurchase of Brookfield Business Partners’ securities under our existing and future normal course issuer bids (NCIB).

      In January, we completed the acquisition of Chemelex, a leading manufacturer of electric heat tracing systems, through a carve-out from a larger industrial company for total enterprise value of $1.7 billion. Brookfield Business Partners invested $212 million for an approximate 25% economic interest in the business, with the balance funded by institutional partners.

    Liquidity

    We ended the year with approximately $1.3 billion of liquidity at the corporate level including $91 million of cash and liquid securities, $25 million of remaining preferred equity commitment from Brookfield Corporation and $1.2 billion of availability on our corporate credit facilities. Pro forma for announced and recently closed transactions, corporate liquidity is $2.7 billion.

    Distribution

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly distribution in the amount of $0.0625 per unit, payable on March 31, 2025 to unitholders of record as at the close of business on February 28, 2025.

    Additional Information

    The Board has reviewed and approved this news release, including the summarized unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein.

    Brookfield Business Partners’ Letter to Unitholders and the Supplemental Information are available on our website https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings.

       
    Notes:  
    1 Attributable to limited partnership unitholders, general partnership unitholders, redemption-exchange unitholders, special limited partnership unitholders and BBUC exchangeable shareholders.
    2 Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit calculated as net income (loss) attributable to limited partners divided by the average number of limited partnership units outstanding for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 which were 74.3 million and 74.3 million, respectively (December 31, 2023: 74.3 million and 74.5 million, respectively).
    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure of operating performance presented as net income and equity accounted income at the partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments, respectively, excluding the impact of interest income (expense), net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, gains (losses) on acquisitions/dispositions, net, transaction costs, restructuring charges, revaluation gains or losses, impairment expenses or reversals, other income or expenses, and preferred equity distributions. The partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests consistent with how the partnership determines net income attributable to non-controlling interests in its IFRS consolidated statements of operating results. The partnership believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides a comprehensive understanding of the ability of its businesses to generate recurring earnings which allows users to better understand and evaluate the underlying financial performance of the partnership’s operations and excludes items that the partnership believes do not directly relate to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring items necessary for business operations. Please refer to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA included elsewhere in this news release.
    4 Adjusted EFO is the partnership’s segment measure of profit or loss and is presented as net income and equity accounted income at the partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments, respectively, excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization expense, deferred income taxes, transaction costs, restructuring charges, unrealized revaluation gains or losses, impairment expenses or reversals and other income or expense items that are not directly related to revenue generating activities. The partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests consistent with how the partnership determines net income attributable to non-controlling interests in its IFRS consolidated statements of operating results. In order to provide additional insight regarding the partnership’s operating performance over the lifecycle of an investment, Adjusted EFO includes the impact of preferred equity distributions and realized disposition gains or losses recorded in net income, other comprehensive income, or directly in equity, such as ownership changes. Adjusted EFO does not include legal and other provisions that may occur from time to time in the partnership’s operations and that are one-time or non-recurring and not directly tied to the partnership’s operations, such as those for litigation or contingencies. Adjusted EFO includes expected credit losses and bad debt allowances recorded in the normal course of the partnership’s operations. Adjusted EFO allows the partnership to evaluate its segments on the basis of return on invested capital generated by its operations and allows the partnership to evaluate the performance of its segments on a levered basis.
       

    Brookfield Business Partners is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position. Investors have flexibility to invest in our company either through Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN), a limited partnership or Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC), a corporation. For more information, please visit https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion of assets under management.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Partners’ previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please contact:

    Conference Call and 2024 Earnings Webcast Details

    Investors, analysts and other interested parties can access Brookfield Business Partners’ 2024 results as well as the Letter to Unitholders and Supplemental Information on our website https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings.

    The results call can be accessed via webcast on January 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at BBU2024Q4Webcast or participants can pre-register at BBU2024Q4ConferenceCall. Upon registering, participants will be emailed a dial-in number and unique PIN. A replay of the webcast will be available at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

     
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
      As at
    US$ millions, unaudited December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
                         
    Assets                    
    Cash and cash equivalents         $ 3,239             $ 3,252  
    Financial assets           12,371               13,176  
    Accounts and other receivable, net           6,279               6,563  
    Inventory and other assets           5,728               5,321  
    Property, plant and equipment           13,232               15,724  
    Deferred income tax assets           1,744               1,220  
    Intangible assets           18,317               20,846  
    Equity accounted investments           2,325               2,154  
    Goodwill           12,239               14,129  
    Total Assets         $ 75,474             $ 82,385  
                         
    Liabilities and Equity                    
    Liabilities                    
    Corporate borrowings         $ 2,142             $ 1,440  
    Accounts payable and other           16,691               18,378  
    Non-recourse borrowings in subsidiaries of Brookfield Business Partners           36,720               40,809  
    Deferred income tax liabilities           2,613               3,226  
                         
    Equity                    
    Limited partners $ 1,752         $ 1,909    
    Non-controlling interests attributable to:          
    Redemption-exchange units   1,644           1,792    
    Special limited partner                
    BBUC exchangeable shares   1,721           1,875    
    Preferred securities   740           740    
    Interest of others in operating subsidiaries   11,451           12,216    
          17,308           18,532  
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 75,474         $ 82,385  
     
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Consolidated Statements of Operating Results
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
               
    Revenues $ 7,427     $ 13,405     $ 40,620     $ 55,068  
    Direct operating costs   (6,008 )     (12,209 )     (34,883 )     (50,021 )
    General and administrative expenses   (324 )     (336 )     (1,267 )     (1,538 )
    Interest income (expense), net   (752 )     (858 )     (3,104 )     (3,596 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net   35       48       90       132  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net   (991 )     (780 )     (981 )     (831 )
    Gain (loss) on acquisitions/dispositions, net         4,477       692       4,686  
    Other income (expense), net   (360 )     (344 )     (573 )     (178 )
    Income (loss) before income tax   (973 )     3,403       594       3,722  
    Income tax (expense) recovery          
    Current   (158 )     (171 )     (646 )     (775 )
    Deferred   23       252       947       830  
    Net income (loss) $ (1,108 )   $ 3,484     $ 895     $ 3,777  
    Attributable to:          
    Limited partners $ (150 )   $ 488     $ (37 )   $ 482  
    Non-controlling interests attributable to:          
    Redemption-exchange units   (141 )     457       (35 )     451  
    Special limited partner                      
    BBUC exchangeable shares   (147 )     478       (37 )     472  
    Preferred securities   13       17       52       83  
    Interest of others in operating subsidiaries   (683 )     2,044       952       2,289  
     
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
     
    US$ millions, unaudited  Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
        Business Services       Infrastructure Services       Industrials       Corporate and Other       Total  
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ (955 )   $ (72 )   $ (31 )   $ (50 )   $ (1,108 )
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     223       228       328             779  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     690       1       300             991  
    Gain (loss) on acquisitions/dispositions, net                              
    Other income (expense), net1     312       4       47       (3 )     360  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     28       9       115       (17 )     135  
    Equity accounted income (loss), net     (4 )     (12 )     (19 )           (35 )
    Interest income (expense), net     233       166       313       40       752  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     25       47       17             89  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (335 )     (211 )     (764 )           (1,310 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 217     $ 160     $ 306     $ (30 )   $ 653  
     Notes:  
     1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $407 million related to a provision for payment of a litigation settlement at our dealer software and technology services operation, $116 million of net gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets, $57 million related to provisions recorded at our construction operation, $52 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $27 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $16 million of net revaluation gains and $3 million in transaction costs.
     2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by its investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
     3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
     
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
         
    US$ millions, unaudited Year Ended December 31, 2024
        Business Services       Infrastructure Services       Industrials       Corporate and Other       Total  
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ (169 )   $ (347 )   $ 1,654     $ (243 )   $ 895  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     961       888       1,355             3,204  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     686       (11 )     306             981  
    Gain (loss) on acquisitions/dispositions, net     (608 )           (84 )           (692 )
    Other income (expense), net1     365       32       164       12       573  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     75       6       (341 )     (41 )     (301 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net     (4 )     (23 )     (63 )           (90 )
    Interest income (expense), net     972       701       1,279       152       3,104  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     79       168       61             308  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (1,525 )     (808 )     (3,084 )           (5,417 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 832     $ 606     $ 1,247     $ (120 )   $ 2,565  
    Notes:  
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $407 million related to a provision for payment of a litigation settlement at our dealer software and technology services operation, $251 million related to provisions recorded at our construction operation, $168 million of net revaluation gains, $158 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $108 million of net gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets, $52 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $50 million of other income related to a distribution at our entertainment operation, $35 million in transaction costs and $100 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by its investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Adjusted EBITDA that is attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
     
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
        Business Services       Infrastructure Services       Industrials       Corporate and Other       Total  
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 51     $ 3,744     $ (264 )   $ (47 )   $ 3,484  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     287       257       347             891  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     650       33       97             780  
    Gain (loss) on acquisitions/dispositions, net     (566 )     (3,902 )     (9 )           (4,477 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (24 )     46       317       5       344  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     18       (10 )     (68 )     (21 )     (81 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net     (6 )     (22 )     (20 )           (48 )
    Interest income (expense), net     259       225       336       38       858  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     17       51       17             85  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (459 )     (238 )     (531 )           (1,228 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 227     $ 184     $ 222     $ (25 )   $ 608  
    Notes:  
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $247 million loss related to the reclassification of our graphite electrode operations as a financial asset, $96 million of net gains on debt extinguishment/modifications, $80 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $37 million in transaction costs and $76 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by its investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Adjusted EBITDA that is attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
     
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Year Ended December 31, 2023
        Business Services       Infrastructure Services       Industrials       Corporate and Other       Total  
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 602     $ 3,616     $ (245 )   $ (196 )   $ 3,777  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     1,045       1,174       1,373             3,592  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     656       (13 )     188             831  
    Gain (loss) on acquisitions/dispositions, net     (720 )     (3,916 )     (50 )           (4,686 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (138 )     (90 )     396       10       178  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     245       (6 )     (218 )     (76 )     (55 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net     (25 )     (51 )     (56 )           (132 )
    Interest income (expense), net     1,031       1,051       1,369       145       3,596  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     61       183       63             307  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (1,857 )     (1,095 )     (1,965 )           (4,917 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 900     $ 853     $ 855     $ (117 )   $ 2,491  
    Notes:  
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $446 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $247 million loss related to the reclassification of our graphite electrode operations as a financial asset, $246 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $116 million in transaction costs, $93 million of net revaluation gains and $108 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by its investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Adjusted EBITDA that is attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.
       

    Brookfield Business Corporation Reports 2024 Year End Results

    Brookfield, News, January 31, 2025 – Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC) announced today its net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2024.

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2024       2023       2024       2023  
               
    Net income (loss) attributable to Brookfield Business Partners $ (396 )   $ 454     $ (888 )   $ 519  

    Net loss attributable to Brookfield Business Partners for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $888 million compared to net income of $519 million in 2023 which included net gains primarily related to the sale of our nuclear technology services operation. Current year results included $208 million of remeasurement loss on our exchangeable and class B shares that are classified as liabilities under IFRS. As at December 31, 2024, the exchangeable and class B shares were remeasured to reflect the closing price of $23.42 per unit.

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.0625 per share, payable on March 31, 2025 to shareholders of record as at the close of business on February 28, 2025.

    Additional Information

    Each exchangeable share of Brookfield Business Corporation has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one unit of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. Each exchangeable share will be exchangeable at the option of the holder for one unit. Brookfield Business Corporation will target that dividends on its exchangeable shares will be declared and paid at the same time as distributions are declared and paid on the Brookfield Business Partners’ units and that dividends on each exchangeable share will be declared and paid in the same amount as distributions are declared and paid on each unit to provide holders of exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of units.

    In addition to carefully considering the disclosures made in this news release in its entirety, shareholders are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Letter to Unitholders, Supplemental Information and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

     
    Brookfield Business Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
      As at
    US$ millions, unaudited December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
                           
    Assets                      
    Cash and cash equivalents         $ 1,008             $ 772  
    Financial assets           353               224  
    Accounts and other receivable, net           3,229               3,569  
    Inventory, net           52               61  
    Other assets           627               737  
    Property, plant and equipment           2,480               2,743  
    Deferred income tax assets           197               221  
    Intangible assets           5,966               6,931  
    Equity accounted investments           198               222  
    Goodwill           4,988               5,702  
    Total Assets         $ 19,098             $ 21,182  
                           
    Liabilities and Equity                      
    Liabilities                      
    Accounts payable and other         $ 5,276             $ 4,818  
    Non-recourse borrowings in subsidiaries of Brookfield Business Corporation           8,490               8,823  
    Exchangeable and class B shares           1,709               1,501  
    Deferred income tax liabilities           988               1,280  
                           
    Equity                      
    Brookfield Business Partners $ (59 )       $ 880      
    Non-controlling interests   2,694           3,880      
          2,635         4,760  
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 19,098       $ 21,182  
     
    Brookfield Business Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Operating Results
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Continuing operations          
    Revenues $ 2,209     $ 1,946     $ 8,208     $ 7,683  
    Direct operating costs   (2,041 )     (1,749 )     (7,568 )     (6,794 )
    General and administrative expenses   (107 )     (78 )     (326 )     (268 )
    Interest income (expense), net   (212 )     (206 )     (832 )     (878 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net   2       2       8       3  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net   (689 )     (599 )     (691 )     (606 )
    Gain (loss) on acquisitions/dispositions, net                     87  
    Remeasurement of exchangeable and class B shares   (9 )     (392 )     (208 )     (264 )
    Other income (expense), net   (469 )     44       (666 )     126  
    Income (loss) before income tax from continuing operations   (1,316 )     (1,032 )     (2,075 )     (911 )
    Income tax (expense) recovery          
    Current   (8 )     (5 )     (50 )     (167 )
    Deferred   42       1       198       95  
    Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1,282 )   $ (1,036 )   $ (1,927 )   $ (983 )
    Discontinued operations          
    Net income (loss) from discontinued operations         3,885             3,812  
    Net income (loss) $ (1,282 )   $ 2,849     $ (1,927 )   $ 2,829  
    Attributable to:          
    Brookfield Business Partners $ (396 )   $ 454     $ (888 )   $ 519  
    Non-controlling interests   (886 )     2,395       (1,039 )     2,310  


    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements and Information

    Note: This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of Brookfield Business Partners, as well as regarding recently completed and proposed acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions, and the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “views”, “potential”, “likely” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” and “could”.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, investors and other readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Business Partners to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or are within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and our plans and strategies may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information herein.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the cyclical nature of our operating businesses and general economic conditions and risks relating to the economy, including unfavorable changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation and volatility in the financial markets; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; strategic actions including our ability to complete dispositions and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the ability to appropriately manage human capital; the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; changes to U.S. laws or policies, including changes in U.S. domestic economic policies and foreign trade policies and tariffs; governmental investigations; litigation; changes in tax laws; ability to collect amounts owed; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and pandemics/epidemics; cybersecurity incidents; the possible impact of international conflicts, wars and related developments including terrorist acts and cyber terrorism; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States including those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section in our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 to be filed on Form 20-F.

    Statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described herein can be profitably produced in the future. We qualify any and all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary factors.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding the Use of a Non-IFRS Measure

    This news release contains references to a Non-IFRS measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a generally accepted accounting measure under IFRS and therefore may differ from definitions used by other entities. We believe this is a useful supplemental measure that may assist investors in assessing the financial performance of Brookfield Business Partners and its subsidiaries. However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    References to Brookfield Business Partners are to Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with its subsidiaries, controlled affiliates and operating entities. Unitholders’ results include limited partnership units, redemption-exchange units, general partnership units, BBUC exchangeable shares and special limited partnership units. More detailed information on certain references made in this news release will be available in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 to be filed on Form 20-F.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Secretary announces Land Use Framework

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Steve Reed sets out how the most sophisticated land use data ever published will support decision-making by local government, landowners, businesses and farmers

    Thanks to Tim for the introduction, and to the Royal Geographical Society for hosting us here today.

    I want to start by celebrating the work of the late Sir Dudley Stamp, President of the Royal Geographical Society from 1963 – 1966.

    In the 1930s, Sir Dudley carried out the Land Utilisation Survey of Great Britain, the first-of-its-kind nation-wide survey of how land was then being used in our country.

    He recruited the help of thousands of schoolchildren and their teachers, who embarked on a trip right around Britain to map mountains, rivers, fields, back gardens, forests, covering every piece of land across the country.

    You can see examples of these maps can be found in this room today.

    Across the survey, some maps were clearly done quickly as a pupil ran out of time, or perhaps even lost interest, others are coloured meticulously with additional notes and labels for good measure.

    Yet, whether they were rushed or done in painstaking detail, Sir Dudley’s maps are invaluable, providing a comprehensive record of how land was being used across England, Wales and Scotland.

    These maps were quickly put to use with the dawn of the Second World War, used by the local War Agricultural Committees to identify land that could maximise food production.

    Sir Dudley’s maps are a snapshot in history – a fascinating insight into how the countryside has changed over time.

    But the story of our land goes much deeper even than that.

    Our landscape embodies our lives, our culture, our celebrations, and our tragedies.

    How it looks has changed as our population has grown and shrunk, through wars, in times of disease and hardship, through changing industries and shifting habits. The stories of our ancestors are embedded in the rich heritage of our land.

    In the woodlands of the New Forest where, in 1697, trees were protected by law to supply timber for the Royal Navy’s growing fleet.

    In the ridges and furrows in our fields, and the stone walls of enclosures, that give a glimpse into the lives of millions of farmers who’ve worked our land for tens of thousands of years.

    In the parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown across England’s glorious Georgian Estates, visited by millions of us to this day.

    Our landscape reflects generations of innovators.

    In the emergence of new terraced houses in the industrial towns of Lancashire and West Yorkshire, remnants of the late 18th century textile revolution.

    In the creation of our transport system, from canals to the railways through the 19th century, to the opening of England’s first motorway in 1958.

    From the world’s first public electricity supply in Surrey in 1851, to the UK producing its trillionth kilowatt hour of electricity from renewable sources in May 2023.

    It’s the fabric of Stevenage and Harlow, created under the New Towns Act of 1946 to meet the urgent need for housing in the post war years, and in the opening of our National Parks during that same period, representing the desire of a nation to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

    It tells the story of farmers who have changed how they farm time and again to grow the food we need and steward our countryside, embracing mechanisation in the 20th century, automation in more recent decades, and the nature-friendly practices we’re seeing emerge today.

    Wherever you are in England, the history of our landscape is ever present. The distinctive features that make up the nation we know and love are never far away.

    Two hours from the room we’re all in right now, I could be at Stonehenge. Go the other way, I’m in the Norfolk Broads or on the beach at Margate. I can easily get to the canals of Birmingham, the uplands of the Yorkshire Dales or the sparkling white cliffs of Dover.

    This is one of England’s greatest joys. But also one of its challenges. Because England’s land area is small. To put it in perspective, France is four times bigger than England but our population is around the same.

    And there are more demands and more opportunities on our land than ever before.

    To grow the economy and deliver the change that this Government was elected to do, we must make the best use of the land around us. But we need better data and tools to inform decision making. 

    So we can grow the food to feed the nation. Build 1.5 million new homes to address the housing crisis. Construct the energy infrastructure to secure home-grown clean power. And, underpinning all these ambitions, protect and restore nature here in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. 

    In the years since Sir Dudley’s work, we’ve seen subsequent land use surveys, and advances in spatial data science and earth observation means we have detailed land analysis at our fingertips, including that used by Tim in Land App, to help people plan how we use our land better.

    But, until now, there has been no clear direction set by Government on how our land could best be used across England. How to support those who make decisions about the land. How to minimise trade-offs and maximise its potential.

    Today, following Sir Dudley’s groundbreaking survey almost 100 years ago, I’m asking for your help to shape the first-ever comprehensive Land Use Framework for England.

    This will be the most sophisticated land use data and toolkit ever published in our country’s history.

    This Government has a cast-iron commitment to maintain long-term food security.

    The primary purpose of farming will always be to produce the food that feeds the nation.

    This framework will give decision makers the toolkit they need to protect our highest quality agricultural land, and make decisions about the long term future of farm businesses.

    Farming faces a rapidly changing climate. More severe flooding and droughts are damaging food production, hitting yields and hitting profits. At the same time our natural environment is in decline. Much-loved British birds and wildlife are at risk of national extinction.

    Our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by unacceptable levels of pollution.

    Some of our most treasured landscapes are in a very poor condition.

    This is the scale of the challenge we face.  And we must do more to restore our natural world while maintaining and strengthening food production. 

    That is why the Government must go further and faster to support farmers through the transition to a more sustainable way of farming.

    But there’s good news too.  That transition is already underway. Embracing innovation that will boost long-term food production. Restoring habitats and supporting once-endangered species. Doing things like planting orchards alongside cropland, or restoring and maintaining peatland.

    I know from conversations with farmers and landowners that they not only understand the need for change, they are already making change happen. 

    They know their land best, and it is only right that they lead this transition.

    We can make the most of food production, nature’s restoration and economic growth if we support farmers and landowners with better information to help them navigate their way into the future. 

    That may mean doing things differently, and I know that can be worrying, but the decision on how to manage land will and must always rest with the individual farmer or landowner.

    We will work with farmers to shape the framework and support them in making their businesses more sustainable, productive and profitable by opening up Government data so innovators like Tim can put new insights into the hands of farmers, planners and developers when taking their own decisions about the best use for their land.

    It will look at how we create the certainty that private investors need to invest in farming businesses, and consider how best to use public funding to secure the most benefits for food production and for nature.

    We are working on common sense changes that create a win-win for nature and the economy, and the Land Use Framework is a significant part of that.

    Nature is the common thread that runs through the Government’s missions. It is healthy soils and abundant pollinators that enable us to grow the food we need despite the changing climate. It’s a resilient water supply that is essential to building the homes, schools, hospitals, and datacentres that we need. And trees and vegetation that help the land hold more water and give us better protection from flooding.

    It’s the biodiversity and wildlife that safeguards our ecosystems to fight off animal and plant diseases, while access to our wild landscapes and green spaces helps improve mental and physical health and reduce the burden on our NHS.

    Beyond nature and the farming sector, this Framework will unlock growth through better spatial planning.

    It will work hand in hand with our housing and our energy plans, so we can meet our ambitious housing targets and achieve Clean Power by 2030, without jeopardising food production or nature.

    This land use data will shape decision-making about where and how we build things in this country so we can grow the economy and meet the challenges of future decades.

    Major infrastructure will be built with sensitivity to our landscapes, by ensuring our strategic spatial energy plan and 10 year infrastructure strategy draw from the land use framework.

    And by linking the Framework with our spatial approach to housing, we can develop new settlements that make space for nature and allow access to our beautiful green countryside.

    This is about creating a coherent set of policies that work together, rather than against each other.

    We have taken on recommendations from Henry Dimbleby’s Food Strategy, the Food Farming and Countryside Commission, a House of Lords Committee, and a range of other voices – many who I see in front of me in this room, to consult on a Land Use Framework for England.

    Starting a national conversation on the vast opportunities for how we use land in this country.  

    It won’t tell anyone what to do with their land, it will help them take better decisions shaped by the life experiences of farmers, landowners and planners.

    Using the most sophisticated land use data ever published, we will boost food production, protect the best agricultural land, restore our natural world and drive economic growth.

    This is not a set of rules. This is providing better data and information to make sure the farming transition that is already happening is fair and just.

    Ensuring the evidence gathered here will also feed into the wider reform that we are delivering through our Farming Roadmap and Food Strategy.

    So just as Sir Dudley asked schoolteachers and their pupils for help all those years ago, I am asking for your help.

    I won’t be giving out mapping sheets and testing your colouring skills you’ll be pleased to hear.

    But I do want to hear your views and draw from your expertise on what a Land Use Framework for England should look like and – importantly – how we get there.

    Today we are launching a 12-week consultation, that will be supported by workshops and roundtables around the country.

    Bringing together farmers, landowners, businesses, planners – everyone involved in how we use our land.

    We’ll be asking for your views on a future vision for the land, what our policies on land use need to include, and what you need to realise that vision.

    Tell us how can we change the way our spatial data is presented and shared so it’s more valuable in decision making and can be used to drive economic growth.

    Tell us where the skills gaps are, and what skills we need to transition our land.

    Tell us how we can best help landowners, land managers and communities understand and prepare for the challenges of climate change,

    Or support farmers to make land-use changes while boosting food production.

    If we get that right, the prize is huge.

    We can have a multifunctional landscape that delivers economic growth and puts money back in the pockets of hardworking people.

    Where farmers continue to produce the food we need, working with nature and maximising the potential of their land to strengthen food security in the face of climate change and geopolitical shocks. 

    We can have healthy ecosystems, abundant habitats and species, clean waterways and beautiful countryside for everyone to enjoy.

    We can have families living in well-designed homes, with green spaces, amenities and protection from flooding.

    We can lower energy bills and increase national energy security by generating more homegrown, clean energy.

    This is about shaping the future England we want to see.

    The consultation may be just 12 weeks – but the conversation will be ongoing.

    Just as it has throughout history, our landscape will continue to change – and we will work with you so that the Land Use Framework evolves to reflect this. 

    Our landscape is shaped by those who’ve lived and worked it for generations.

    This is England’s next chapter. We are the authors. Let’s write it together.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom