Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: SeaFi Launches $1 Million MEGA IDO for Elympics ($ELP) with Whitelist and Reward Campaigns Active Until July 20

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SeaFi, the AI-powered Web3 launchpad redefining decentralized fundraising, is proud to announce the official launch of the MEGA IDO for Elympics ($ELP) with a total allocation of $1,000,000. Touted as the “IDO of the Year,” this opportunity is open to all crypto investors – no registration required, and backed by a 24-hour refund guarantee.

    In the run-up to the IDO, SeaFi has rolled out community engagement initiatives, including a $500,000 whitelist allocation and $1,000 USDT in rewards, available to participants until July 20, 2025.

    Campaign Participation Links:

    Elympics ($ELP) IDO Details

    • Snapshot: 00:00 UTC, July 21
    • IDO Start: 12:00 UTC, July 22
    • IDO End: 18:00 UTC, July 23
    • Network: Ethereum
    • Ticker: $ELP
    • Soft Cap: $500,000
    • Hard Cap: $1,000,000
    • Token Price: $0.01857
    • Vesting: 40% at TGE, 3-month linear vesting, no cliff
    • Refund Policy: 24-hour unconditional refund
    • Loyalty Reward: 1–3% cashback
    • No KYC or registration required
    • More Information: SeaFi Elympics IDO Page
    • Official Announcement: SeaFi on X

    About Elympics ($ELP)

    Elympics is a Web3-native competitive gaming protocol focused on delivering fair, transparent, and real-time multiplayer experiences on the blockchain. Built for both developers and gamers, Elympics empowers game creation with verifiable on-chain results and tamper-proof gameplay.   


    Join the Community

    SeaFi
    Website | X/Twitter

    Elympics
    Website | X/Twitter

    Media Contact:

    PR Team – SeaFi
    hello@seafi.ai

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe8f03da-cc6f-4fe7-b8be-83572edd476c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18919435-f187-4e01-a025-b68832e57770

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f46b6426-1dbb-46d2-be40-e0e3134791d1

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Beamr Reports Entering PoCs in Video Data Compression Solution for Autonomous Vehicle

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Herzliya, Israel, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today announced a further update on its progress of validating Beamr content-adaptive, GPU-accelerated technology to the autonomous vehicles market following the initial successful launch of the Beamr solution for autonomous vehicles.

    Over the past few months, Beamr engaged in multiple Proof of Concepts (PoCs) with autonomous vehicles system developers. Some of these PoCs were successful in further validating Beamr’s contribution to the autonomous vehicles (AV) industry.

    The Beamr solution for autonomous vehicles demonstrates that it is not just keeping the visual quality of the video being perceptually identical to a human viewer, but also keeps the Machine Learning (ML) results stable to the extent that using video compression with Beamr Content-Adaptive Bitrate technology (CABR) yields 20%-50% saving on video used in the training process of such autonomous vehicles’ ML model without compromising the model’s results.

    “We are encouraged by the progress that we have made so far with our AV offering, which has already been proven with successful PoCs with AV systems developers. We believe that this indicates the use of Beamr technology is indeed applicable to such fast growing markets, like the AV market.” said Sharon Carmel, founder and CEO of Beamr

    In the development of autonomous driving, video is the dominant data type. A single vehicle produces terabytes of video data daily. Training a single autonomous model may require tens to hundreds of petabytes, which is a costly challenge for autonomous vehicles and machine learning teams and which requires managing video data at scale, long-term storage and significant infrastructure investment.

    For more details visit: beamr.com/autonomous

    About Beamr

    Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video compression, trusted by top media companies including Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and a winner of Emmy® Award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file sizes by up to 50% while preserving quality and enabling AI-powered enhancements.

    Beamr powers efficient video workflows across high-growth markets, such as media and entertainment, user-generated content, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles. Its flexible deployment options include on-premises, private or public cloud, with convenient availability for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers.

    For more details, please visit www.beamr.com or the investors’ website www.investors.beamr.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contact:

    investorrelations@beamr.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: HTX Hot Listings Weekly Recap (July 7 – 14): Bitcoin Tops $120,000, New Tokens Listed on HTX Post Impressive Returns

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global crypto exchange, is thrilled to announce the exceptional performance of its newly listed assets, coinciding with Bitcoin‘s groundbreaking surge past $120,000. In a period of renewed market optimism and significant capital rotation, HTX’s latest listings have once again showcased substantial wealth-generating potential. This solidifies the platform’s reputation as a go-to destination for investors looking to capitalize on emerging market trends. Between July 7 and 14, new listings across the Meme, NFT, and Infrastructure sectors achieved impressive gains. These remarkable results highlight HTX’s strategic ability to identify and list high-potential assets, providing significant wealth creation opportunities for its global user base.

    Meme Coin Resurgence Led by M and MOG

    The resurgence of meme coins saw two prominent assets deliver significant returns:

    • Memecore ($M) surged an astounding 482% in just days, firmly topping the gainers’ list. Positioned as the first Layer 1 blockchain designed for the Meme 2.0 era, $M is set to become an engine driving meme culture, value creation, and community collaboration.
    • MOG Coin ($MOG), another prominent meme coin, recorded a remarkable 112% increase. This Ethereum-based asset has recently garnered significant attention and discussion across social platforms.

    The surge in meme coin assets reaffirms the market logic that “emotion is value”. As one of the first platforms to list these tokens, HTX has effectively transformed community sentiment into trading activity, delivering tangible returns for users.

    Infrastructure and Cross-Chain Narratives Regain Momentum with Strong Performances from OMNI and TANSSI

    Technologically driven assets also performed well this week.

    • Omni Network ($OMNI) jumped 260%, driven by renewed interest in inter-chain interoperability. As an Ethereum-native interoperability protocol, Omni Network enables low-latency communication across all Ethereum rollups and offers a secure, high-performance, and globally compatible architecture — positioning Ethereum as a single, unified operating system for both users and developers.
    • Tanssi Network ($TANSSI) climbed the ranks with an 82% increase. As an appchain infrastructure protocol built on Polkadot’s shared security framework, Tanssi offers the ContainerChain parachain solution, providing appchains with essential services such as block production, data availability, cross-chain messaging, and external bridging. Its ecosystem also includes management tools, ready-to-use templates, and key integrations like wallets, indexers, RPC endpoints, block explorers, and oracles.

    HTX’s early identification of the infrastructure trend empowered previously overlooked assets to gain significant momentum on the platform, showcasing the precision of its listing strategy.

    $PENGU Surges on Enterprise NFT Buzz, NFT Sector Stages Strong Comeback

    Recently, the rise of the “enterprise NFT” narrative has sparked growing interest, with both established brands and new IPs leveraging NFTs to broaden community engagement. As a result, NFT assets are experiencing a resurgence, demonstrating strong wealth potential in this new context.

    • Pudgy Penguins ($PENGU) witnessed an impressive 89% surge in a short period. This collection of 8,888 NFTs drives Web3 innovation through IP licensing and community-driven empowerment. Each holder gets exclusive access to experiences, events, IP licensing opportunities, and more. $PENGU has distinguished itself as one of the few NFT projects to achieve both substantial traffic and high trading volume.

    Popular Assets Rally as XLM and KNC Maintain Resilience

    Beyond the newly listed assets, established popular assets also saw significant movement:

    • XLM (Stellar) rose 88%, benefiting from heightened payment activity and growing stablecoin clearing needs. As an open payment network, Stellar bridges diverse financial systems, empowering anyone to create low-cost financial services for their communities. This interconnectedness enhances individual access, reduces banking costs, and boosts business revenue.
    • Kyber Network ($KNC) recorded a 65% gain, emerging as a standout in the DEX sector. The surge was driven by the release of new DeFi versions and liquidity incentive programs. Kyber Network aims to build a system that supports instant trading and seamless conversion of diverse digital assets. It offers robust payment APIs and next-generation contract wallets, enabling smooth token-to-token payments for all users.

    The rise of these assets also signals a broader market shift from pure emotional speculation to projects backed by real-world applications and strong liquidity support.

    About HTX

    Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

    As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

    To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord. For further inquiries, please contact glo-media@htx-inc.com.

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6481a60-ca4c-4575-bc42-01f937e875f0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd08fc54-78cc-46f3-9443-feb8da0c8548

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Mira Manini Tiwari, Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute

    If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?

    In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc’s non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.

    These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimise harm to the most vulnerable.

    In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.



    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!


    Cooperation, not compliance

    As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies’ full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organisations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.

    While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organisations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.

    Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.

    Democratic data and digitalisation

    Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organisations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.

    Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalisation in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonise appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.

    Support for international emissions accounting

    Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.

    Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm’s total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.

    The glaring gaps between some firms’ targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritise companies’ performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritised in financial flows.

    Investment with integrity

    In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions’ economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivising power to catalyse a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.

    Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms’ investment in unfamiliar contexts.

    Regulating for whom?

    The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU’s corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.

    Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectors – public policy, investment and citizen engagement – resources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.

    The author was affiliated with the University of Siena during the period in which she and her colleagues did the original work for the scholarly article that is mentioned in this piece. The author’s affiliation came via a project that, overall, was financed by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The scholarly article and the present article were not outputs for the project.

    ref. EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just – https://theconversation.com/eu-efforts-to-measure-companies-environmental-impacts-have-global-effects-heres-how-to-make-them-more-just-261226

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Mira Manini Tiwari, Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute

    If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?

    In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc’s non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.

    These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimise harm to the most vulnerable.

    In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.



    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!


    Cooperation, not compliance

    As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies’ full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organisations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.

    While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organisations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.

    Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.

    Democratic data and digitalisation

    Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organisations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.

    Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalisation in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonise appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.

    Support for international emissions accounting

    Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.

    Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm’s total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.

    The glaring gaps between some firms’ targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritise companies’ performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritised in financial flows.

    Investment with integrity

    In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions’ economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivising power to catalyse a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.

    Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms’ investment in unfamiliar contexts.

    Regulating for whom?

    The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU’s corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.

    Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectors – public policy, investment and citizen engagement – resources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.

    The author was affiliated with the University of Siena during the period in which she and her colleagues did the original work for the scholarly article that is mentioned in this piece. The author’s affiliation came via a project that, overall, was financed by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The scholarly article and the present article were not outputs for the project.

    ref. EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just – https://theconversation.com/eu-efforts-to-measure-companies-environmental-impacts-have-global-effects-heres-how-to-make-them-more-just-261226

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI: Veritex Holdings, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Operating Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Veritex Holdings, Inc. (“Veritex”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”) (Nasdaq: VBTX), the holding company for Veritex Community Bank, today announced the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on August 21, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 7, 2025.

        Quarter to Date
    Financial Highlights   Q2 2025   Q1 2025   Q2 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
    GAAP            
    Net income   $ 30,906     $ 29,070     $ 27,202  
    Diluted EPS     0.56       0.53       0.50  
    Book value per common share     30.39       30.08       28.49  
    Return on average assets1     1.00 %     0.94 %     0.87 %
    Return on average equity1     7.56       7.27       7.10  
    Net interest margin     3.33       3.31       3.29  
    Efficiency ratio     61.15       60.91       59.11  
    Non-GAAP2            
    Operating earnings   $ 30,906     $ 29,707     $ 28,310  
    Diluted operating EPS     0.56       0.54       0.52  
    Tangible book value per common share     22.68       22.33       20.62  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings     42,672       43,413       44,420  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets1     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.42 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans1     1.82       1.89       1.83  
    Operating return on average assets1     1.00       0.96       0.91  
    Return on average tangible common equity1     10.79       10.49       10.54  
    Operating return on average tangible common equity1     10.79       10.70       10.94  
    Operating efficiency ratio     61.15       60.62       58.41  

    1 Annualized ratio.
    2 Refer to the section titled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of these non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    Other Second Quarter Credit, Capital and Company Highlights

    • Credit quality remained strong with a nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) to total assets ratio of 0.60% and annualized net charge-offs of 0.05% for the quarter and 0.11% year-to-date;
    • Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) to total loans held-for-investment ratio (excluding mortgage warehouse (“MW”)) remained relatively unchanged at 1.28%;
    • Capital remains strong with common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 11.05% as of June 30, 2025;
    • Book value per share increased $0.31 to $30.39 and tangible book value per share increased $0.35 to $22.68;
    • We repurchased 286,291 and 663,637 shares of Company stock for $7.1 million and $16.6 million during the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively; and
    • On July 14, 2025, we announced entry into a definitive agreement to merge with Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (“Huntington”), which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025

    Net Interest Income

    For the three months ended June 30, 2025, net interest income before provision for credit losses was $96.3 million and net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.33% compared to $95.4 million and 3.31%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The $894 thousand increase, or 0.9%, in net interest income before provision for credit losses was primarily due to a $2.8 million increase in interest income on loans, a $1.7 million decrease in interest expense on certificates and other time deposits and a $768 thousand decrease in subordinated debentures and subordinated notes, partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in interest expense on transaction and savings deposits and a $1.2 million decrease in interest income on deposits in financial institutions and fed funds sold for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The NIM increased two basis points (bps) compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to the decreased funding costs on certificates and other time deposits and subordinated debt due to the redemption of $75.0 million in subordinated debt during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as well as a mix shift from lower yielding to higher yielding assets for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The increase was largely offset by higher deposits funding costs primarily driven by the expiration of favorable hedges on money market deposit accounts at the end of the first quarter 2025.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, net interest income before provision for credit losses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was relatively unchanged. Net interest income benefited from decreases in interest expense of $16.3 million on certificates and other time deposits, $1.4 million on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and $1.1 million on subordinated debentures and subordinated notes, as well as an increase of $1.5 million in interest income on debt securities. These changes were substantially offset by a decrease of $17.6 million in interest income on loans and a $2.5 million increase in interest expense on interest-bearing demand and savings deposits. The NIM increased four bps from 3.29% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 3.33% for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The increase was primarily due to decreased funding costs on deposits, advances and subordinated debt resulting from interest rate cuts for the year over year period, partially offset by the related declines in rates earned on interest-earnings assets, primarily loans.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $13.5 million, a decrease of $790 thousand, or 5.5%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The change was primarily due to a $1.6 million decrease in government guaranteed loan income, partially offset by an $850 thousand increase in customer swap income during the period.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased by $2.9 million, or 27.6%. The increase was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in customer swap income, a $728 thousand increase in service charges and fees on deposit accounts, a $528 thousand increase in loan fees and a $368 thousand increase in government guaranteed loan income for the year over year period.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense was $67.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $66.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $328 thousand, or 0.5%. The increase was primarily due to a $920 thousand increase in other noninterest expense, a $627 thousand increase in professional and regulatory fees and a $580 thousand increase in marketing expenses compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was largely offset by a $1.7 million decrease in salaries and employee benefits primarily due to $733 thousand in lower payroll taxes, which are historically higher in the first quarter, as well as decreases of $678 thousand in bonus expense, $370 thousand in employee insurance expense and $340 thousand in stock grant expenses, offset partially by a $1.0 million increase in salaries expense. In addition, deferred loan origination costs, which reduce salaries expense, were $399 thousand higher for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased by $4.0 million, or 6.4%. The increase was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase in salaries and employee benefits driven by a $4.7 million increase in salaries expense and incentives accruals and a $521 thousand increase in payroll taxes, offset by decreases of $1.1 million in stock grant expense and $661 thousand in severance expense, as well as $1.6 million higher deferred loan origination costs, which reduces salaries and employee benefit expense. Additionally, there was a $1.1 million increase in other noninterest expense, driven primarily by higher OREO expenses, and a $636 thousand increase in marketing expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Income Tax

    Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 totaled $8.5 million, which is consistent with the amount recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s effective tax rate was approximately 21.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to 22.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, income tax expense increased by $295 thousand, or 3.6%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025. The Company’s effective tax rate was approximately 23.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Financial Condition

    Total loans held for investment (“LHI”), excluding MW was $8.78 billion at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $44.7 million compared to March 31, 2025.

    Total deposits were $10.42 billion at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $247.2 million compared to March 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily the result of decreases of $185.4 million in noninterest bearing deposits and $171.4 million in interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits, partially offset by an increase of $113.5 million in certificates and other time deposits.

    Credit Quality

    NPAs totaled $75.2 million, or 0.60% of total assets, of which $66.0 million represented LHI and $9.2 million represented OREO at June 30, 2025, compared to $96.9 million, or 0.77% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. The Company had net charge-offs of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Annualized net charge-offs to average loans outstanding were five bps for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 17 bps and 28 bps for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively.

    ACL as a percentage of LHI was 1.19% at both June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025 and 1.16% at June 30, 2024. ACL as a percentage of LHI (excluding MW) was 1.28% at June 30, 2025, 1.27% at March 31, 2025 and 1.23% at June 30, 2024. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $1.8 million, $4.0 million and $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. The provision for credit losses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily attributable to changes in economic factors for the period. The balance for unfunded commitments increased to $8.9 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $7.4 million at March 31, 2025, and we recorded a $1.5 million provision for unfunded commitments for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a $1.3 million provision for unfunded commitments for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and no provision recorded for unfunded commitments for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in the allowance for unfunded commitments was attributable to increases in unfunded balances and changes in economic factors for the period.

    Dividend Information

    On July 18, 2025, Veritex’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share on its outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend will be paid on or after August 21, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 7, 2025.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Veritex’s management uses certain non-GAAP (U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) financial measures to evaluate its operating performance and provide information that is important to investors. However, non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Veritex’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, Veritex reviews and reports tangible book value per common share of the Company; operating earnings; tangible common equity to tangible assets; return on average tangible common equity; pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings; pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets; pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans; diluted operating earnings per share; operating return on average assets; operating return on average tangible common equity; and operating efficiency ratio. Veritex has included in this earnings release information related to these non-GAAP financial measures for the applicable periods presented. Please refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” after the financial highlights at the end of this earnings release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

    About Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Veritex is a bank holding company that conducts banking activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Veritex Community Bank, with locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and in the Houston metropolitan area. Veritex Community Bank is a Texas state chartered bank regulated by the Texas Department of Banking and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. For more information, visit www.veritexbank.com.

    CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This communication may contain certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, the plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of Veritex and Huntington, the expected timing of completion of the transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that are beyond the control of Veritex and Huntington. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, estimates, uncertainties and other important factors that change over time and could cause actual results to differ materially from any results, performance, or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including as a result of the factors referenced below. Statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as expect, anticipate, continue, believe, intend, estimate, plan, trend, objective, target, goal, or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, may, might, should, would, could, or similar variations. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Veritex and Huntington caution that the forward-looking statements in this communication are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess and are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond Veritex’s and Huntington’s control. While there is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete, below are certain factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in the forward-looking statements or historical performance: changes in general economic, political, or industry conditions; deterioration in business and economic conditions, including persistent inflation, supply chain issues or labor shortages, instability in global economic conditions and geopolitical matters, as well as volatility in financial markets; changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs; the impact of pandemics and other catastrophic events or disasters on the global economy and financial market conditions and our business, results of operations, and financial condition; the impacts related to or resulting from bank failures and other volatility, including potential increased regulatory requirements and costs, such as FDIC special assessments, long-term debt requirements and heightened capital requirements, and potential impacts to macroeconomic conditions, which could affect the ability of depository institutions, including us, to attract and retain depositors and to borrow or raise capital; unexpected outflows of uninsured deposits which may require us to sell investment securities at a loss; changing interest rates which could negatively impact the value of our portfolio of investment securities; the loss of value of our investment portfolio which could negatively impact market perceptions of us and could lead to deposit withdrawals; the effects of social media on market perceptions of us and banks generally; cybersecurity risks; uncertainty in U.S. fiscal and monetary policy, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve; volatility and disruptions in global capital, foreign exchange and credit markets; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success, impact, and timing of our business strategies, including market acceptance of any new products or services including those implementing our “Fair Play” banking philosophy; changes in policies and standards for regulatory review of bank mergers; the nature, extent, timing, and results of governmental actions, examinations, reviews, reforms, regulations, and interpretations, including those related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Basel III regulatory capital reforms, as well as those involving the SEC, OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, CFPB and state-level regulators; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement between Veritex and Huntington; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Veritex and Huntington; delays in completing the transaction; the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction); the failure to obtain Veritex shareholder approval or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the transaction on a timely basis or at all; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where Veritex and Huntington do business; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; potential adverse reactions or changes to business, customer or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; the ability to complete the transaction and integration of Veritex and Huntington successfully; the dilution caused by Huntington’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the transaction; and other factors that may affect the future results of Veritex and Huntington. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Veritex’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, each of which is on file with the SEC and available on Veritex’s investor relations website, ir.veritexbank.com, under the heading “Financials” and in other documents Veritex files with the SEC, and in Huntington’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, each of which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available in the “Investor Relations” section of Huntington’s website, http://www.huntington.com, under the heading “Investor Relations” and in other documents Huntington files with the SEC.

    All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Neither Veritex nor Huntington assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or other factors affecting forward-looking statements that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws. If Veritex or Huntington update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that Veritex or Huntington will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)


        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
        (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
    Per Share Data (Common Stock):                            
    Basic EPS   $ 0.57     $ 0.53     $ 0.46     $ 0.57     $ 0.50     $ 1.10     $ 0.94  
    Diluted EPS     0.56       0.53       0.45       0.56       0.50       1.09       0.94  
    Book value per common share     30.39       30.08       29.37       29.53       28.49       30.39       28.49  
    Tangible book value per common share1     22.68       22.33       21.61       21.72       20.62       22.68       20.62  
    Dividends paid per common share outstanding2     0.22       0.22       0.20       0.20       0.20       0.44       0.40  
                                 
    Common Stock Data:                            
    Shares outstanding at period end     54,265       54,297       54,517       54,446       54,350       54,265       54,350  
    Weighted average basic shares outstanding for the period     54,251       54,486       54,489       54,409       54,457       54,368       54,451  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the period     54,766       55,123       55,237       54,932       54,823       54,944       54,832  
                                 
    Summary of Credit Ratios:                            
    ACL to total LHI     1.19 %     1.19 %     1.18 %     1.21 %     1.16 %     1.19 %     1.16 %
    NPAs to total assets     0.60       0.77       0.62       0.52       0.65       0.60       0.65  
    NPAs, excluding nonaccrual purchase credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans, to total assets3     0.60       0.77       0.62       0.52       0.65       0.60       0.65  
    NPAs to total loans and OREO     0.79       1.03       0.83       0.70       0.85       0.79       0.85  
    Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding3     0.05       0.17       0.32       0.01       0.28       0.11       0.25  
                                 
    Summary Performance Ratios:                            
    Return on average assets3     1.00 %     0.94 %     0.78 %     0.96 %     0.87 %     0.97 %     0.83 %
    Return on average equity3     7.56       7.27       6.17       7.79       7.10       7.42       6.72  
    Return on average tangible common equity1, 3     10.79       10.49       9.04       11.33       10.54       10.64       10.03  
    Efficiency ratio     61.15       60.91       67.04       61.94       59.11       61.03       60.72  
    Net interest margin     3.33       3.31       3.20       3.30       3.29       3.32       3.27  
                                 
    Selected Performance Metrics – Operating:                        
    Diluted operating EPS1   $ 0.56     $ 0.54     $ 0.54     $ 0.59     $ 0.52     $ 1.10     $ 1.05  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets1, 3     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.28 %     1.38 %     1.42 %     1.39 %     1.42 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans1, 3     1.82       1.89       1.72       1.83       1.83       1.86       1.83  
    Operating return on average assets1,3     1.00       0.96       0.93       1.00       0.91       0.98       0.93  
    Operating return on average tangible common equity1,3     10.79       10.70       10.69       11.74       10.94       10.75       11.14  
    Operating efficiency ratio1     61.15       60.62       62.98       60.63       58.41       60.88       58.57  
                                 
    Veritex Holdings, Inc. Capital Ratios:                        
    Average stockholders’ equity to average total assets     13.19 %     12.96 %     12.58 %     12.31 %     12.26 %     13.07 %     12.34 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets1     10.16       9.95       9.54       9.37       9.14       10.16       9.14  
    Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)4     10.73       10.55       10.32       10.06       10.06       10.73       10.06  
    Common equity tier 1 capital4     11.05       11.04       11.09       10.86       10.49       11.05       10.49  
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets4     11.32       11.31       11.36       11.13       10.75       11.32       10.75  
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets4     13.46       13.46       13.96       13.91       13.45       13.46       13.45  
    Risk-weighted assets4   $ 11,435,978     $ 11,318,220     $ 11,247,813     $ 11,290,800     $ 11,450,997     $ 11,435,978     $ 11,450,997  

    1 Refer to the section titled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” after the financial highlights for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    2 Dividend amount represents dividend paid per common share subsequent to each respective quarter end.
    3 Annualized ratio for quarterly metrics.
    4 June 30, 2025 ratios and risk-weighted assets are estimated.

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (In thousands)


        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from banks   $ 66,696     $ 81,088     $ 52,486     $ 54,165     $ 53,462  
    Interest bearing deposits in other banks     703,869       768,702       802,714       1,046,625       598,375  
    Cash and cash equivalents     770,565       849,790       855,200       1,100,790       651,837  
    Debt securities, net     1,418,804       1,463,157       1,478,538       1,423,610       1,349,354  
    Other investments     73,986       69,452       69,638       71,257       75,885  
    Loans held for sale (“LHFS”)     69,480       69,236       89,309       48,496       57,046  
    LHI, MW     669,052       571,775       605,411       630,650       568,047  
    LHI, excluding MW     8,783,988       8,828,672       8,899,133       9,028,575       9,209,094  
    Total loans     9,522,520       9,469,683       9,593,853       9,707,721       9,834,187  
    ACL     (112,262 )     (111,773 )     (111,745 )     (117,162 )     (113,431 )
    Bank-owned life insurance     86,048       85,424       85,324       84,776       84,233  
    Bank premises, furniture and equipment, net     116,642       112,801       113,480       114,202       105,222  
    Other real estate owned (“OREO”)     9,218       24,268       24,737       9,034       24,256  
    Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization     25,006       27,974       28,664       32,825       35,817  
    Goodwill     404,452       404,452       404,452       404,452       404,452  
    Other assets     212,889       210,863       226,200       211,471       232,518  
    Total assets   $ 12,527,868     $ 12,606,091     $ 12,768,341     $ 13,042,976     $ 12,684,330  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Deposits:                    
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   $ 2,133,294     $ 2,318,645     $ 2,191,457     $ 2,643,894     $ 2,416,727  
    Interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits     5,009,137       5,180,495       5,061,157       4,204,708       3,979,454  
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,792,750       2,679,221       2,958,861       3,625,920       3,744,596  
    Correspondent money market deposits     482,739       486,762       541,117       561,489       584,067  
    Total deposits     10,417,920       10,665,123       10,752,592       11,036,011       10,724,844  
    Accounts payable and other liabilities     135,647       151,579       183,944       168,415       180,585  
    Advances from FHLB     169,000                          
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     156,082       155,909       230,736       230,536       230,285  
    Total liabilities     10,878,649       10,972,611       11,167,272       11,434,962       11,135,714  
    Stockholders’ equity:                    
    Common stock     617       615       613       613       612  
    Additional paid-in capital     1,329,803       1,329,626       1,328,748       1,324,929       1,321,995  
    Retained earnings     545,015       526,044       507,903       493,921       473,801  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (38,528 )     (42,170 )     (65,076 )     (40,330 )     (76,713 )
    Treasury stock     (187,688 )     (180,635 )     (171,119 )     (171,119 )     (171,079 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     1,649,219       1,633,480       1,601,069       1,608,014       1,548,616  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 12,527,868     $ 12,606,091     $ 12,768,341     $ 13,042,976     $ 12,684,330  

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (In thousands, except per share data)

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months
    Ended
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Interest income:                            
    Loans, including fees   $ 149,354   $ 146,505   $ 154,998     $ 167,261   $ 166,979   $ 295,859   $ 328,921  
    Debt securities     16,883     17,106     16,893       15,830     15,408     33,989     29,103  
    Deposits in financial institutions and Fed Funds sold     8,039     9,244     11,888       12,571     7,722     17,283     15,772  
    Equity securities and other investments     847     870     940       1,001     1,138     1,717     2,038  
    Total interest income     175,123     173,725     184,719       196,663     191,247     348,848     375,834  
    Interest expense:                            
    Transaction and savings deposits     48,080     45,165     44,841       47,208     45,619     93,245     92,403  
    Certificates and other time deposits     28,539     30,268     40,279       46,230     44,811     58,807     85,303  
    Advances from FHLB     113     27     130       47     1,468     140     2,859  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     2,056     2,824     3,328       3,116     3,113     4,880     6,227  
    Total interest expense     78,788     78,284     88,578       96,601     95,011     157,072     186,792  
    Net interest income     96,335     95,441     96,141       100,062     96,236     191,776     189,042  
    Provision for credit losses     1,750     4,000     2,300       4,000     8,250     5,750     15,750  
    Provision (benefit) for unfunded commitments     1,500     1,300     (401 )             2,800     (1,541 )
    Net interest income after provisions     93,085     90,141     94,242       96,062     87,986     183,226     174,833  
    Noninterest income:                            
    Service charges and fees on deposit accounts     5,702     5,611     5,612       5,442     4,974     11,313     9,870  
    Loan fees     2,735     2,495     2,265       3,278     2,207     5,230     4,717  
    Loss on sales of debt securities             (4,397 )                 (6,304 )
    Government guaranteed loan income, net     1,688     3,301     5,368       780     1,320     4,989     3,934  
    Customer swap income     1,550     700     509       271     326     2,250     775  
    Other income     1,824     2,182     699       3,335     1,751     4,006     4,248  
    Total noninterest income     13,499     14,289     10,056       13,106     10,578     27,788     17,240  
    Noninterest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits     34,957     36,624     37,446       37,370     32,790     71,581     66,155  
    Occupancy and equipment     4,511     4,650     4,633       4,789     4,585     9,161     9,262  
    Professional and regulatory fees     5,558     4,931     5,564       4,903     5,617     10,489     11,670  
    Data processing and software expense     5,507     5,403     5,741       5,268     5,097     10,910     9,953  
    Marketing     2,612     2,032     2,896       2,781     1,976     4,644     3,522  
    Amortization of intangibles     2,438     2,438     2,437       2,438     2,438     4,876     4,876  
    Telephone and communications     233     330     323       335     365     563     626  
    Other     11,346     10,426     12,154       12,216     10,273     21,772     19,193  
    Total noninterest expense     67,162     66,834     71,194       70,100     63,141     133,996     125,257  
    Income before income tax expense     39,422     37,596     33,104       39,068     35,423     77,018     66,816  
    Income tax expense     8,516     8,526     8,222       8,067     8,221     17,042     15,458  
    Net income   $ 30,906   $ 29,070   $ 24,882     $ 31,001   $ 27,202   $ 59,976   $ 51,358  
                                 
    Basic EPS   $ 0.57   $ 0.53   $ 0.46     $ 0.57   $ 0.50   $ 1.10   $ 0.94  
    Diluted EPS   $ 0.56   $ 0.53   $ 0.45     $ 0.56   $ 0.50   $ 1.09   $ 0.94  
    Weighted average basic shares outstanding     54,251     54,486     54,489       54,409     54,457     54,368     54,451  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     54,766     55,123     55,237       54,932     54,823     54,944     54,832  
    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)

        For the Quarter Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
        Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest
    Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
      Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest
    Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
      Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest
    Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets                                    
    Interest-earning assets:                                    
    Loans1   $ 8,875,970     $ 141,688   6.40 %   $ 8,886,905     $ 140,329   6.40 %   $ 9,344,482     $ 160,323   6.90 %
    LHI, MW     523,203       7,666   5.88       426,724       6,176   5.87       420,946       6,656   6.36  
    Debt securities     1,440,369       16,883   4.70       1,467,220       17,106   4.73       1,352,293       15,408   4.58  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     707,933       8,039   4.55       827,751       9,244   4.53       560,586       7,722   5.54  
    Equity securities and other investments     70,779       847   4.80       70,696       870   4.99       78,964       1,138   5.80  
    Total interest-earning assets     11,618,254       175,123   6.05       11,679,296       173,725   6.03       11,757,271       191,247   6.54  
    ACL     (112,369 )             (111,563 )             (115,978 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets     933,328               938,401               937,413          
    Total assets   $ 12,439,213             $ 12,506,134             $ 12,578,706          
                                         
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                    
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits   $ 5,502,672     $ 48,080   3.50 %   $ 5,449,091     $ 45,165   3.36 %   $ 4,570,329     $ 45,619   4.01 %
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,742,655       28,539   4.17       2,726,309       30,268   4.50       3,591,035       44,811   5.02  
    Advances from FHLB and Other     9,813       113   4.62       2,333       27   4.69       106,648       1,468   5.54  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     155,985       2,056   5.29       191,638       2,824   5.98       230,141       3,113   5.44  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     8,411,125       78,788   3.76       8,369,371       78,284   3.79       8,498,153       95,011   4.50  
                                         
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     2,244,745               2,345,586               2,346,908          
    Other liabilities     142,925               170,389               192,036          
    Total liabilities     10,798,795               10,885,346               11,037,097          
    Stockholders’ equity     1,640,418               1,620,788               1,541,609          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 12,439,213             $ 12,506,134             $ 12,578,706          
                                         
    Net interest rate spread2           2.29 %           2.24 %           2.04 %
    Net interest income and margin3       $ 96,335   3.33 %       $ 95,441   3.31 %       $ 96,236   3.29 %

    1 Includes average outstanding balances of LHFS of $62.2 million, $66.3 million and $58.5 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024, respectively, and average balances of LHI, excluding MW.
    2 Net interest rate spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    3 Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    4 Yields and rates for the quarter are annualized

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (In thousands, except percentages)
        For the Six Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
        Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
      Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
    Assets                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans1   $ 8,881,407     $ 282,017   6.40 %   $ 9,314,148     $ 317,908   6.86 %
    LHI, MW     475,230       13,842   5.87       350,252       11,013   6.32  
    Debt securities     1,453,721       33,989   4.71       1,323,644       29,103   4.42  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     767,511       17,283   4.54       572,589       15,772   5.54  
    Equity securities and other investments     70,738       1,717   4.89       77,616       2,038   5.28  
    Total interest-earning assets     11,648,607       348,848   6.04       11,638,249       375,834   6.49  
    ACL     (111,969 )             (114,104 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets     935,850               933,229          
    Total assets   $ 12,472,488             $ 12,457,374          
                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits   $ 5,476,030     $ 93,245   3.43 %   $ 4,604,887     $ 92,403   4.04 %
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,734,527       58,807   4.34       3,437,385       85,303   4.99  
    Advances from FHLB and Other     6,094       140   4.63       103,819       2,859   5.54  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     173,713       4,880   5.67       230,011       6,227   5.44  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     8,390,364       157,072   3.78       8,376,102       186,792   4.48  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     2,294,887               2,351,112          
    Other liabilities     156,580               192,422          
    Total liabilities     10,841,831               10,919,636          
    Stockholders’ equity     1,630,657               1,537,738          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 12,472,488             $ 12,457,374          
                             
    Net interest rate spread2           2.26 %           2.01 %
    Net interest income and margin3       $ 191,776   3.32 %       $ 189,042   3.27 %

    1Includes average outstanding balances of LHFS of $64.2 million and $56.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and average balances of LHI, excluding MW.
    2 Net interest rate spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    3 Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    4 Yields and rates for the six month periods are annualized

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)


    Yield Trend
        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
    Average yield on interest-earning assets:                            
    Loans1   6.40 %   6.40 %   6.56 %   6.89 %   6.90 %   6.40 %   6.86 %
    LHI, MW   5.88     5.87     5.83     6.75     6.36     5.87     6.32  
    Total Loans   6.37     6.38     6.53     6.89     6.88     6.38     6.84  
    Debt securities   4.70     4.73     4.61     4.55     4.58     4.71     4.42  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   4.55     4.53     4.87     5.41     5.54     4.54     5.54  
    Equity securities and other investments   4.80     4.99     5.18     5.25     5.80     4.89     5.28  
    Total interest-earning assets   6.05 %   6.03 %   6.15 %   6.49 %   6.54 %   6.04 %   6.49 %
                                 
    Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities:                            
    Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits   3.50 %   3.36 %   3.57 %   4.00 %   4.01 %   3.43 %   4.04 %
    Certificates and other time deposits   4.17     4.50     4.83     5.00     5.02     4.34     4.99  
    Advances from FHLB and other   4.62     4.69     4.88     5.73     5.54     4.63     5.54  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes   5.29     5.98     5.74     5.38     5.44     5.67     5.44  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.76 %   3.79 %   4.12 %   4.46 %   4.50 %   3.78 %   4.48 %
                                 
    Net interest rate spread2   2.29 %   2.24 %   2.03 %   2.03 %   2.04 %   2.26 %   2.01 %
    Net interest margin3   3.33 %   3.31 %   3.20 %   3.30 %   3.29 %   3.32 %   3.27 %

      
    1Includes average outstanding balances of LHFS of $62.2 million, $66.3 million, $46.4 million, $54.3 million and $58.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and June 30, 2024, respectively and $64.2 million and $56.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024 respectively, and average balances of LHI, excluding MW.
    2 Net interest rate spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.

    3 Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    Supplemental Yield Trend

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
    Average cost of interest-bearing deposits   3.73 %   3.74 %   4.07 %   4.44 %   4.46 %   3.73 %   3.33 %
    Average costs of total deposits, including noninterest-bearing   2.93     2.91     3.16     3.42     3.46     2.92     2.48  
    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)


       
    LHI and Deposit Portfolio Composition    
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    LHI1                                        
    Commercial and Industrial (“C&I”)   $ 2,692,209     30.6 %   $ 2,717,037     30.7 %   $ 2,693,538     30.2 %   $ 2,728,544     30.2 %   $ 2,798,260     30.4 %
    Real Estate:                                        
    Owner occupied commercial (“OOCRE”)     800,881     9.1       795,808     9.0       780,003     8.8       807,223     8.9       806,285     8.7  
    Non-owner occupied commercial (“NOOCRE”)     2,311,466     26.3       2,266,526     25.6       2,382,499     26.7       2,338,094     25.9       2,369,848     25.7  
    Construction and land     1,142,457     13.0       1,214,260     13.7       1,303,711     14.7       1,436,540     15.8       1,536,580     16.7  
    Farmland     31,589     0.4       31,339     0.4       31,690     0.4       32,254     0.4       30,512     0.3  
    1-4 family residential     1,086,342     12.3       1,021,293     11.6       957,341     10.7       944,755     10.5       917,402     10.0  
    Multi-family residential     718,946     8.2       782,412     8.9       750,218     8.4       738,090     8.2       748,740     8.1  
    Consumer     8,796     0.1       8,597     0.1       9,115     0.1       11,292     0.1       9,245     0.1  
    Total LHI1   $ 8,792,686     100 %   $ 8,837,272     100 %   $ 8,908,115     100 %   $ 9,036,792     100 %   $ 9,216,872     100 %
                                             
    MW     669,052           571,775           605,411           630,650           568,047      
                                             
    Total LHI1   $ 9,461,738         $ 9,409,047         $ 9,513,526         $ 9,667,442         $ 9,784,919      
                                             
    Total LHFS     69,480           69,236           89,309           48,496           57,046      
                                             
    Total loans   $ 9,531,218         $ 9,478,283         $ 9,602,835         $ 9,715,938         $ 9,841,965      
                                             
    Deposits                                        
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 2,133,294     20.5 %   $ 2,318,645     21.7 %   $ 2,191,457     20.4 %   $ 2,643,894     24.0 %   $ 2,416,727     22.5 %
    Interest-bearing transaction     603,861     5.8       863,462     8.1       839,005     7.8       421,059     3.8       523,272     4.9  
    Money market     3,856,812     37.0       3,730,446     35.0       3,772,964     35.1       3,462,709     31.4       3,268,286     30.5  
    Savings     548,464     5.3       586,587     5.5       449,188     4.2       320,940     2.9       187,896     1.8  
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,792,750     26.8       2,679,221     25.1       2,958,861     27.5       3,625,920     32.8       3,744,596     34.9  
    Correspondent money market accounts     482,739     4.6       486,762     4.6       541,117     5.0       561,489     5.1       584,067     5.4  
    Total deposits   $ 10,417,920     100 %   $ 10,665,123     100 %   $ 10,752,592     100 %   $ 11,036,011     100 %   $ 10,724,844     100 %
                                             
    Total loans to deposits ratio     91.5 %         88.9 %         89.3 %         88.0 %         91.8 %    
                                             
    Total loans to deposit ratio, excluding MW loans and LHFS     84.4 %         82.9 %         82.8 %         81.9 %         85.9 %    

    1Total LHI does not include deferred fees of $8.7 million, $8.6 million, $9.0 million, $8.2 million and $7.8 million at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.


    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)

    Asset Quality
      For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
      (Dollars in thousands)        
    NPAs:                          
    Nonaccrual loans $ 61,142     $ 69,188     $ 52,521     $ 55,335     $ 58,537     $ 61,142     $ 58,537  
    Nonaccrual PCD loans1   196       196             70       73       196       73  
    Accruing loans 90 or more days past due2   4,641       3,249       1,914       2,860       143       4,641       143  
    Total nonperforming loans held for investment (“NPLs”)   65,979       72,633       54,435       58,265       58,753       65,979       58,753  
    Other real estate owned (“OREO”)   9,218       24,268       24,737       9,034       24,256       9,218       24,256  
    Total NPAs $ 75,197     $ 96,901     $ 79,172     $ 67,299     $ 83,009     $ 75,197     $ 83,009  
                               
    Charge-offs:                          
    1-4 family residential $     $     $     $     $ (31 )   $     $ (31 )
    Multifamily                           (198 )           (198 )
    OOCRE                                       (120 )
    NOOCRE   (215 )     (3,090 )     (5,113 )           (1,969 )     (3,305 )     (6,262 )
    C&I   (1,571 )     (918 )     (4,586 )     (2,259 )     (5,601 )     (2,489 )     (6,547 )
    Consumer   (55 )     (212 )     (420 )     (54 )     (30 )     (267 )     (101 )
    Total charge-offs $ (1,841 )   $ (4,220 )   $ (10,119 )   $ (2,313 )   $ (7,829 )   $ (6,061 )   $ (13,259 )
                               
    Recoveries:                          
    1-4 family residential $ 1     $ 21     $ 2     $ 3     $     $ 22     $ 1  
    OOCRE   186                         120       186       120  
    NOOCRE               1,323                          
    C&I   131       32       1,047       1,962       361       163       457  
    MW                     46                    
    Consumer   262       195       30       33       497       457       546  
    Total recoveries $ 580     $ 248     $ 2,402     $ 2,044     $ 978     $ 828     $ 1,124  
                               
    Net charge-offs $ (1,261 )   $ (3,972 )   $ (7,717 )   $ (269 )   $ (6,851 )   $ (5,233 )   $ (12,135 )
                               
    Provision for credit losses $ 1,750     $ 4,000     $ 2,300     $ 4,000     $ 8,250     $ 5,750     $ 15,750  
                               
    ACL $ 112,262     $ 111,773     $ 111,745     $ 117,162     $ 113,431     $ 112,262     $ 113,431  
                               
    Asset Quality Ratios:                          
    NPAs to total assets   0.60 %     0.77 %     0.62 %     0.52 %     0.65 %     0.60 %     0.65 %
    NPAs, excluding nonaccrual PCD loans, to total assets   0.60       0.77       0.62       0.52       0.65       0.60       0.65  
    NPAs to total LHI and OREO   0.79       1.03       0.83       0.70       0.85       0.79       0.85  
    NPLs to total LHI   0.70       0.77       0.57       0.60       0.60       0.70       0.60  
    NPLs, excluding nonaccrual PCD loans, to total LHI   0.70       0.77       0.57       0.60       0.60       0.70       0.60  
    ACL to total LHI   1.19       1.19       1.18       1.21       1.16       1.19       1.16  
    ACL to total LHI, excluding MW   1.28       1.27       1.25       1.30       1.23       1.28       1.23  
    Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding3   0.05       0.17       0.32       0.01       0.28       0.11       0.25  

    1 Nonaccrual PCD loans consist of PCD loans that transitioned upon adoption of ASC 326 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses and were accounted for on a pooled basis that have subsequently been placed on nonaccrual status.
    2 Accruing loans greater than 90 days past due exclude purchase credit deteriorated loans greater than 90 days past due that are accounted for on a pooled basis.
    3 Annualized ratio for quarterly metrics.

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    We identify certain financial measures discussed in this earnings release as being “non-GAAP financial measures.” In accordance with SEC rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, in our statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios calculated using exclusively either one or both of (i) financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and (ii) operating measures or other measures that are not non-GAAP financial measures.

    The non-GAAP financial measures that we present in this earnings release should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures that we present in this earnings release may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. You should understand how such other financial institutions calculate their financial measures that appear to be similar or have similar names to the non-GAAP financial measures we have discussed in this earnings release when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

    Tangible Book Value Per Common Share. Tangible book value is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (b) tangible book value per common share as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by number of common shares outstanding. For tangible book value per common share, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is book value per common share.

    We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in changes from period to period in book value per common share exclusive of changes in core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of increasing total book value while not increasing our tangible book value.

    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity and presents our tangible book value per common share compared with our book value per common share:

        As of
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Tangible Common Equity                    
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 1,649,219     $ 1,633,480     $ 1,601,069     $ 1,608,014     $ 1,548,616  
    Adjustments:                    
    Goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Core deposit intangibles     (13,868 )     (16,306 )     (18,744 )     (21,182 )     (23,619 )
    Tangible common equity   $ 1,230,899     $ 1,212,722     $ 1,177,873     $ 1,182,380     $ 1,120,545  
    Common shares outstanding     54,265       54,297       54,517       54,446       54,350  
                         
    Book value per common share   $ 30.39     $ 30.08     $ 29.37     $ 29.53     $ 28.49  
    Tangible book value per common share   $ 22.68     $ 22.33     $ 21.61     $ 21.72     $ 20.62  

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets. Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as total stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; (b) tangible assets as total assets less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) tangible common equity to tangible assets as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by tangible assets (as described in clause (b)). For tangible common equity to tangible assets, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is total stockholders’ equity to total assets.

    We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period to period in common equity and total assets, in each case, exclusive of changes in core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of increasing both total stockholders’ equity and assets while not increasing our tangible common equity or tangible assets.

    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity and total assets to tangible assets and presents our tangible common equity to tangible assets:

        As of
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Tangible Common Equity                    
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 1,649,219     $ 1,633,480     $ 1,601,069     $ 1,608,014     $ 1,548,616  
    Adjustments:                    
    Goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Core deposit intangibles     (13,868 )     (16,306 )     (18,744 )     (21,182 )     (23,619 )
    Tangible common equity   $ 1,230,899     $ 1,212,722     $ 1,177,873     $ 1,182,380     $ 1,120,545  
    Tangible Assets                    
    Total assets   $ 12,527,868     $ 12,606,091     $ 12,768,341     $ 13,042,976     $ 12,684,330  
    Adjustments:                    
    Goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Core deposit intangibles     (13,868 )     (16,306 )     (18,744 )     (21,182 )     (23,619 )
    Tangible Assets   $ 12,109,548     $ 12,185,333     $ 12,345,145     $ 12,617,342     $ 12,256,259  
    Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets     10.16 %     9.95 %     9.54 %     9.37 %     9.14 %

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity. Return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles (which we refer to as “return”) as net income, plus amortization of core deposit intangibles, less tax benefit at the statutory rate; (b) average tangible common equity as total average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and average core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) return (as described in clause (a)) divided by average tangible common equity (as described in clause (b)). For return on average tangible common equity, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is return on average equity.

    We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the return on common equity, exclusive of the impact of core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and core deposit intangibles have the effect of increasing total stockholders’ equity while not increasing our tangible common equity. This measure is particularly relevant to acquisitive institutions that may have higher balances in goodwill and core deposit intangibles than non-acquisitive institutions.

    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, average tangible common equity to average common equity and net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles, net of taxes to net income and presents our return on average tangible common equity:

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2025   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles                            
    Net income   $ 30,906     $ 29,070     $ 24,882     $ 31,001     $ 27,202     $ 59,976     $ 51,358  
    Adjustments:                            
    Plus: Amortization of core deposit intangibles     2,438       2,438       2,437       2,438       2,438       4,876       4,876  
    Less: Tax benefit at the statutory rate     512       512       512       512       512       1,024       1,024  
    Net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles   $ 32,832     $ 30,996     $ 26,807     $ 32,927     $ 29,128     $ 63,828     $ 55,210  
                                 
    Average Tangible Common Equity                            
    Total average stockholders’ equity   $ 1,640,418     $ 1,620,788     $ 1,604,335     $ 1,583,401     $ 1,541,609     $ 1,630,657     $ 1,537,738  
    Adjustments:                            
    Average goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Average core deposit intangibles     (15,467 )     (17,904 )     (20,342 )     (22,789 )     (25,218 )     (16,679 )     (26,437 )
    Average tangible common equity   $ 1,220,499     $ 1,198,432     $ 1,179,541     $ 1,156,160     $ 1,111,939     $ 1,209,526     $ 1,106,849  
    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (Annualized)     10.79 %     10.49 %     9.04 %     11.33 %     10.54 %     10.64 %     10.03 %

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    Operating Earnings, Pre-tax, Pre-provision Operating Earnings and performance metrics calculated using Operating Earnings and Pre-tax, Pre-provision Operating Earnings, including Diluted Operating Earnings per Share, Operating Return on Average Assets, Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Operating Return on Average Assets, Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Operating Return on Average Loans, Operating Return on Average Tangible Common Equity and Operating Efficiency Ratio. Operating earnings, pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings and the performance metrics calculated using these metrics, listed below, are non-GAAP measures used by management to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. We calculate (a) operating earnings as net income plus BOLI 1035 exchange charges, plus severance payments, plus loss on sales of debt securities available for sale (“AFS”), net, plus FDIC special assessment, less tax impact of adjustments, plus nonrecurring tax adjustments. We calculate (b) diluted operating earnings per share as operating earnings as described in clause (a) divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding. We calculate (c) pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings as operating earnings as described in clause (a) plus provision for income taxes, plus provision (benefit) for credit losses and unfunded commitments. We calculate (d) pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets as pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings as described in clause (a) divided by total average assets. We calculate (e) operating return on average assets as operating earnings as described in clause (a) divided by total average assets. We calculate (f) operating return on average tangible common equity as operating earnings as described in clause (a), adjusted for the amortization of intangibles and tax benefit at the statutory rate, divided by total average tangible common equity (average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and average core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization). We calculate (g) operating efficiency ratio as noninterest expense plus adjustments to operating noninterest expense divided by noninterest income plus adjustments to operating noninterest income, plus net interest income.

    We believe that these measures and the operating metrics calculated utilizing these measures are important to management and many investors in the marketplace who are interested in understanding the ongoing operating performance of the Company and provide meaningful comparisons to its peers.

    The following tables reconcile, as of the dates set forth below, operating net income and pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings and related metrics:

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2025   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Operating Earnings                            
    Net income   $ 30,906   $ 29,070   $ 24,882   $ 31,001   $ 27,202   $ 59,976   $ 51,358
    Plus: BOLI 1035 exchange charges1         517                 517    
    Plus: Severance payments2             1,545     1,487     613         613
    Plus: Loss on sales of AFS securities, net             4,397                 6,304
    Plus: FDIC special assessment                     134         134
    Operating pre-tax income     30,906     29,587     30,824     32,488     27,949     60,493     58,409
    Less: Tax impact of adjustments         109     1,248     307     166     109     1,489
    Plus: Nonrecurring tax adjustments         229     193         527     229     527
    Operating earnings   $ 30,906   $ 29,707   $ 29,769   $ 32,181   $ 28,310   $ 60,613   $ 57,447
                                 
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     54,766     55,123     55,237     54,932     54,823     54,944     54,832
    Diluted EPS   $ 0.56   $ 0.53   $ 0.45   $ 0.56   $ 0.50   $ 1.09   $ 0.94
    Diluted operating EPS   $ 0.56   $ 0.54   $ 0.54   $ 0.59   $ 0.52   $ 1.10   $ 1.05

    1Represents non-recurring charges for the completion of a 1035 exchange of BOLI contracts.
    2Severance payments relate to certain restructurings made during the periods disclosed.

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2025   Jun 30, 2024
    Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Earnings                            
    Net income   $ 30,906     $ 29,070     $ 24,882     $ 31,001     $ 27,202     $ 59,976     $ 51,358  
    Plus: Provision for income taxes     8,516       8,526       8,222       8,067       8,221       17,042       15,458  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses and unfunded commitments     3,250       5,300       1,899       4,000       8,250       8,550       14,209  
    Plus: Severance payments3                 1,545       1,487       613             613  
    Plus: Loss on sale of AFS securities, net                 4,397                         6,304  
    Plus: BOLI 1035 exchange charges2           517                         517        
    Plus: FDIC special assessment                             134             134  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings   $ 42,672     $ 43,413     $ 40,945     $ 44,555     $ 44,420     $ 86,085     $ 88,076  
                                 
    Average total assets   $ 12,439,213     $ 12,506,134     $ 12,750,972     $ 12,861,918     $ 12,578,706     $ 12,472,488     $ 12,457,374  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets1     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.28 %     1.38 %     1.42 %     1.39 %     1.42 %
                                 
    Average loans   $ 9,399,173     $ 9,313,629     $ 9,449,565     $ 9,661,774     $ 9,765,428     $ 9,356,637     $ 9,664,400  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans1     1.82 %     1.89 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     1.83 %     1.86 %     1.83 %
                                 
    Average total assets   $ 12,439,213     $ 12,506,134     $ 12,750,972     $ 12,861,918     $ 12,578,706     $ 12,472,488     $ 12,457,374  
    Return on average assets1     1.00 %     0.94 %     0.78 %     0.96 %     0.87 %     0.97 %     0.83 %
    Operating return on average assets1     1.00       0.96       0.93       1.00       0.91       0.98       0.93  
                                 
    Operating earnings adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles                            
    Operating earnings   $ 30,906     $ 29,707     $ 29,769     $ 32,181     $ 28,310     $ 60,613     $ 57,447  
    Adjustments:                            
    Plus: Amortization of core deposit intangibles     2,438       2,438       2,437       2,438       2,438       4,876       4,876  
    Less: Tax benefit at the statutory rate     512       512       512       512       512       1,024       1,024  
    Operating earnings adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles   $ 32,832     $ 31,633     $ 31,694     $ 34,107     $ 30,236     $ 64,465     $ 61,299  
                                 
    Average Tangible Common Equity                            
    Total average stockholders’ equity   $ 1,640,418     $ 1,620,788     $ 1,604,335     $ 1,583,401     $ 1,541,609     $ 1,630,657     $ 1,537,738  
    Adjustments:                            
    Less: Average goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Less: Average core deposit intangibles     (15,467 )     (17,904 )     (20,342 )     (22,789 )     (25,218 )     (16,679 )     (26,437 )
    Average tangible common equity   $ 1,220,499     $ 1,198,432     $ 1,179,541     $ 1,156,160     $ 1,111,939     $ 1,209,526     $ 1,106,849  
    Operating return on average tangible common equity1     10.79 %     10.70 %     10.69 %     11.74 %     10.94 %     10.75 %     11.14 %
                                 
    Efficiency ratio     61.15 %     60.91 %     67.04 %     61.94 %     59.11 %     61.03 %     60.72 %
    Operating efficiency ratio                            
    Net interest income   $ 96,335     $ 95,441     $ 96,141     $ 100,062     $ 96,236     $ 191,776     $ 189,042  
    Noninterest income     13,499       14,289       10,056       13,106       10,578       27,788       17,240  
    Plus: BOLI 1035 exchange charges2           517                         517        
    Plus: Loss on sale of AFS securities, net                 4,397                         6,304  
    Operating noninterest income     13,499       14,806       14,453       13,106       10,578       28,305       23,544  
    Noninterest expense     67,162       66,834       71,194       70,100       63,141       133,996       125,257  
    Less: FDIC special assessment                             134             134  
    Less: Severance payments3                 1,545       1,487       613             613  
    Operating noninterest expense   $ 67,162     $ 66,834     $ 69,649     $ 68,613     $ 62,394     $ 133,996     $ 124,510  
    Operating efficiency ratio     61.15 %     60.62 %     62.98 %     60.63 %     58.41 %     60.88 %     58.57 %

    1 Annualized ratio for quarterly metrics.
    2 Represents non-recurring charges for the completion of a 1035 exchange of BOLI contracts.
    3 Severance payments relate to certain restructurings made during the periods disclosed.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Veritex Holdings, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Operating Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Veritex Holdings, Inc. (“Veritex”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”) (Nasdaq: VBTX), the holding company for Veritex Community Bank, today announced the results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on August 21, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 7, 2025.

        Quarter to Date
    Financial Highlights   Q2 2025   Q1 2025   Q2 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
    GAAP            
    Net income   $ 30,906     $ 29,070     $ 27,202  
    Diluted EPS     0.56       0.53       0.50  
    Book value per common share     30.39       30.08       28.49  
    Return on average assets1     1.00 %     0.94 %     0.87 %
    Return on average equity1     7.56       7.27       7.10  
    Net interest margin     3.33       3.31       3.29  
    Efficiency ratio     61.15       60.91       59.11  
    Non-GAAP2            
    Operating earnings   $ 30,906     $ 29,707     $ 28,310  
    Diluted operating EPS     0.56       0.54       0.52  
    Tangible book value per common share     22.68       22.33       20.62  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings     42,672       43,413       44,420  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets1     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.42 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans1     1.82       1.89       1.83  
    Operating return on average assets1     1.00       0.96       0.91  
    Return on average tangible common equity1     10.79       10.49       10.54  
    Operating return on average tangible common equity1     10.79       10.70       10.94  
    Operating efficiency ratio     61.15       60.62       58.41  

    1 Annualized ratio.
    2 Refer to the section titled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of these non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    Other Second Quarter Credit, Capital and Company Highlights

    • Credit quality remained strong with a nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) to total assets ratio of 0.60% and annualized net charge-offs of 0.05% for the quarter and 0.11% year-to-date;
    • Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) to total loans held-for-investment ratio (excluding mortgage warehouse (“MW”)) remained relatively unchanged at 1.28%;
    • Capital remains strong with common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 11.05% as of June 30, 2025;
    • Book value per share increased $0.31 to $30.39 and tangible book value per share increased $0.35 to $22.68;
    • We repurchased 286,291 and 663,637 shares of Company stock for $7.1 million and $16.6 million during the second quarter and year-to-date, respectively; and
    • On July 14, 2025, we announced entry into a definitive agreement to merge with Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (“Huntington”), which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025

    Net Interest Income

    For the three months ended June 30, 2025, net interest income before provision for credit losses was $96.3 million and net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.33% compared to $95.4 million and 3.31%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The $894 thousand increase, or 0.9%, in net interest income before provision for credit losses was primarily due to a $2.8 million increase in interest income on loans, a $1.7 million decrease in interest expense on certificates and other time deposits and a $768 thousand decrease in subordinated debentures and subordinated notes, partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in interest expense on transaction and savings deposits and a $1.2 million decrease in interest income on deposits in financial institutions and fed funds sold for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The NIM increased two basis points (bps) compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, primarily due to the decreased funding costs on certificates and other time deposits and subordinated debt due to the redemption of $75.0 million in subordinated debt during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as well as a mix shift from lower yielding to higher yielding assets for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The increase was largely offset by higher deposits funding costs primarily driven by the expiration of favorable hedges on money market deposit accounts at the end of the first quarter 2025.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, net interest income before provision for credit losses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was relatively unchanged. Net interest income benefited from decreases in interest expense of $16.3 million on certificates and other time deposits, $1.4 million on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and $1.1 million on subordinated debentures and subordinated notes, as well as an increase of $1.5 million in interest income on debt securities. These changes were substantially offset by a decrease of $17.6 million in interest income on loans and a $2.5 million increase in interest expense on interest-bearing demand and savings deposits. The NIM increased four bps from 3.29% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 3.33% for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The increase was primarily due to decreased funding costs on deposits, advances and subordinated debt resulting from interest rate cuts for the year over year period, partially offset by the related declines in rates earned on interest-earnings assets, primarily loans.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $13.5 million, a decrease of $790 thousand, or 5.5%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The change was primarily due to a $1.6 million decrease in government guaranteed loan income, partially offset by an $850 thousand increase in customer swap income during the period.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, noninterest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased by $2.9 million, or 27.6%. The increase was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in customer swap income, a $728 thousand increase in service charges and fees on deposit accounts, a $528 thousand increase in loan fees and a $368 thousand increase in government guaranteed loan income for the year over year period.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense was $67.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $66.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $328 thousand, or 0.5%. The increase was primarily due to a $920 thousand increase in other noninterest expense, a $627 thousand increase in professional and regulatory fees and a $580 thousand increase in marketing expenses compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. The increase was largely offset by a $1.7 million decrease in salaries and employee benefits primarily due to $733 thousand in lower payroll taxes, which are historically higher in the first quarter, as well as decreases of $678 thousand in bonus expense, $370 thousand in employee insurance expense and $340 thousand in stock grant expenses, offset partially by a $1.0 million increase in salaries expense. In addition, deferred loan origination costs, which reduce salaries expense, were $399 thousand higher for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 increased by $4.0 million, or 6.4%. The increase was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase in salaries and employee benefits driven by a $4.7 million increase in salaries expense and incentives accruals and a $521 thousand increase in payroll taxes, offset by decreases of $1.1 million in stock grant expense and $661 thousand in severance expense, as well as $1.6 million higher deferred loan origination costs, which reduces salaries and employee benefit expense. Additionally, there was a $1.1 million increase in other noninterest expense, driven primarily by higher OREO expenses, and a $636 thousand increase in marketing expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in the prior year.

    Income Tax

    Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 totaled $8.5 million, which is consistent with the amount recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s effective tax rate was approximately 21.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to 22.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, income tax expense increased by $295 thousand, or 3.6%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025. The Company’s effective tax rate was approximately 23.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Financial Condition

    Total loans held for investment (“LHI”), excluding MW was $8.78 billion at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $44.7 million compared to March 31, 2025.

    Total deposits were $10.42 billion at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $247.2 million compared to March 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily the result of decreases of $185.4 million in noninterest bearing deposits and $171.4 million in interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits, partially offset by an increase of $113.5 million in certificates and other time deposits.

    Credit Quality

    NPAs totaled $75.2 million, or 0.60% of total assets, of which $66.0 million represented LHI and $9.2 million represented OREO at June 30, 2025, compared to $96.9 million, or 0.77% of total assets, at March 31, 2025. The Company had net charge-offs of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Annualized net charge-offs to average loans outstanding were five bps for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 17 bps and 28 bps for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively.

    ACL as a percentage of LHI was 1.19% at both June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025 and 1.16% at June 30, 2024. ACL as a percentage of LHI (excluding MW) was 1.28% at June 30, 2025, 1.27% at March 31, 2025 and 1.23% at June 30, 2024. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $1.8 million, $4.0 million and $8.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. The provision for credit losses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily attributable to changes in economic factors for the period. The balance for unfunded commitments increased to $8.9 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $7.4 million at March 31, 2025, and we recorded a $1.5 million provision for unfunded commitments for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a $1.3 million provision for unfunded commitments for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and no provision recorded for unfunded commitments for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in the allowance for unfunded commitments was attributable to increases in unfunded balances and changes in economic factors for the period.

    Dividend Information

    On July 18, 2025, Veritex’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share on its outstanding shares of common stock. The dividend will be paid on or after August 21, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 7, 2025.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Veritex’s management uses certain non-GAAP (U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) financial measures to evaluate its operating performance and provide information that is important to investors. However, non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Veritex’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, Veritex reviews and reports tangible book value per common share of the Company; operating earnings; tangible common equity to tangible assets; return on average tangible common equity; pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings; pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets; pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans; diluted operating earnings per share; operating return on average assets; operating return on average tangible common equity; and operating efficiency ratio. Veritex has included in this earnings release information related to these non-GAAP financial measures for the applicable periods presented. Please refer to “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” after the financial highlights at the end of this earnings release for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

    About Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Veritex is a bank holding company that conducts banking activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, Veritex Community Bank, with locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and in the Houston metropolitan area. Veritex Community Bank is a Texas state chartered bank regulated by the Texas Department of Banking and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. For more information, visit www.veritexbank.com.

    CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This communication may contain certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, the plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of Veritex and Huntington, the expected timing of completion of the transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that are beyond the control of Veritex and Huntington. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, estimates, uncertainties and other important factors that change over time and could cause actual results to differ materially from any results, performance, or events expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including as a result of the factors referenced below. Statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as expect, anticipate, continue, believe, intend, estimate, plan, trend, objective, target, goal, or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, may, might, should, would, could, or similar variations. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Veritex and Huntington caution that the forward-looking statements in this communication are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to assess and are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond Veritex’s and Huntington’s control. While there is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete, below are certain factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in the forward-looking statements or historical performance: changes in general economic, political, or industry conditions; deterioration in business and economic conditions, including persistent inflation, supply chain issues or labor shortages, instability in global economic conditions and geopolitical matters, as well as volatility in financial markets; changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs; the impact of pandemics and other catastrophic events or disasters on the global economy and financial market conditions and our business, results of operations, and financial condition; the impacts related to or resulting from bank failures and other volatility, including potential increased regulatory requirements and costs, such as FDIC special assessments, long-term debt requirements and heightened capital requirements, and potential impacts to macroeconomic conditions, which could affect the ability of depository institutions, including us, to attract and retain depositors and to borrow or raise capital; unexpected outflows of uninsured deposits which may require us to sell investment securities at a loss; changing interest rates which could negatively impact the value of our portfolio of investment securities; the loss of value of our investment portfolio which could negatively impact market perceptions of us and could lead to deposit withdrawals; the effects of social media on market perceptions of us and banks generally; cybersecurity risks; uncertainty in U.S. fiscal and monetary policy, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve; volatility and disruptions in global capital, foreign exchange and credit markets; movements in interest rates; competitive pressures on product pricing and services; success, impact, and timing of our business strategies, including market acceptance of any new products or services including those implementing our “Fair Play” banking philosophy; changes in policies and standards for regulatory review of bank mergers; the nature, extent, timing, and results of governmental actions, examinations, reviews, reforms, regulations, and interpretations, including those related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Basel III regulatory capital reforms, as well as those involving the SEC, OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, CFPB and state-level regulators; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement between Veritex and Huntington; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Veritex and Huntington; delays in completing the transaction; the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction); the failure to obtain Veritex shareholder approval or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the transaction on a timely basis or at all; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where Veritex and Huntington do business; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; potential adverse reactions or changes to business, customer or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; the ability to complete the transaction and integration of Veritex and Huntington successfully; the dilution caused by Huntington’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the transaction; and other factors that may affect the future results of Veritex and Huntington. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Veritex’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, each of which is on file with the SEC and available on Veritex’s investor relations website, ir.veritexbank.com, under the heading “Financials” and in other documents Veritex files with the SEC, and in Huntington’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, each of which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available in the “Investor Relations” section of Huntington’s website, http://www.huntington.com, under the heading “Investor Relations” and in other documents Huntington files with the SEC.

    All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Neither Veritex nor Huntington assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or other factors affecting forward-looking statements that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws. If Veritex or Huntington update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that Veritex or Huntington will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)


        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
        (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
    Per Share Data (Common Stock):                            
    Basic EPS   $ 0.57     $ 0.53     $ 0.46     $ 0.57     $ 0.50     $ 1.10     $ 0.94  
    Diluted EPS     0.56       0.53       0.45       0.56       0.50       1.09       0.94  
    Book value per common share     30.39       30.08       29.37       29.53       28.49       30.39       28.49  
    Tangible book value per common share1     22.68       22.33       21.61       21.72       20.62       22.68       20.62  
    Dividends paid per common share outstanding2     0.22       0.22       0.20       0.20       0.20       0.44       0.40  
                                 
    Common Stock Data:                            
    Shares outstanding at period end     54,265       54,297       54,517       54,446       54,350       54,265       54,350  
    Weighted average basic shares outstanding for the period     54,251       54,486       54,489       54,409       54,457       54,368       54,451  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the period     54,766       55,123       55,237       54,932       54,823       54,944       54,832  
                                 
    Summary of Credit Ratios:                            
    ACL to total LHI     1.19 %     1.19 %     1.18 %     1.21 %     1.16 %     1.19 %     1.16 %
    NPAs to total assets     0.60       0.77       0.62       0.52       0.65       0.60       0.65  
    NPAs, excluding nonaccrual purchase credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans, to total assets3     0.60       0.77       0.62       0.52       0.65       0.60       0.65  
    NPAs to total loans and OREO     0.79       1.03       0.83       0.70       0.85       0.79       0.85  
    Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding3     0.05       0.17       0.32       0.01       0.28       0.11       0.25  
                                 
    Summary Performance Ratios:                            
    Return on average assets3     1.00 %     0.94 %     0.78 %     0.96 %     0.87 %     0.97 %     0.83 %
    Return on average equity3     7.56       7.27       6.17       7.79       7.10       7.42       6.72  
    Return on average tangible common equity1, 3     10.79       10.49       9.04       11.33       10.54       10.64       10.03  
    Efficiency ratio     61.15       60.91       67.04       61.94       59.11       61.03       60.72  
    Net interest margin     3.33       3.31       3.20       3.30       3.29       3.32       3.27  
                                 
    Selected Performance Metrics – Operating:                        
    Diluted operating EPS1   $ 0.56     $ 0.54     $ 0.54     $ 0.59     $ 0.52     $ 1.10     $ 1.05  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets1, 3     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.28 %     1.38 %     1.42 %     1.39 %     1.42 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans1, 3     1.82       1.89       1.72       1.83       1.83       1.86       1.83  
    Operating return on average assets1,3     1.00       0.96       0.93       1.00       0.91       0.98       0.93  
    Operating return on average tangible common equity1,3     10.79       10.70       10.69       11.74       10.94       10.75       11.14  
    Operating efficiency ratio1     61.15       60.62       62.98       60.63       58.41       60.88       58.57  
                                 
    Veritex Holdings, Inc. Capital Ratios:                        
    Average stockholders’ equity to average total assets     13.19 %     12.96 %     12.58 %     12.31 %     12.26 %     13.07 %     12.34 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets1     10.16       9.95       9.54       9.37       9.14       10.16       9.14  
    Tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage)4     10.73       10.55       10.32       10.06       10.06       10.73       10.06  
    Common equity tier 1 capital4     11.05       11.04       11.09       10.86       10.49       11.05       10.49  
    Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets4     11.32       11.31       11.36       11.13       10.75       11.32       10.75  
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets4     13.46       13.46       13.96       13.91       13.45       13.46       13.45  
    Risk-weighted assets4   $ 11,435,978     $ 11,318,220     $ 11,247,813     $ 11,290,800     $ 11,450,997     $ 11,435,978     $ 11,450,997  

    1 Refer to the section titled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” after the financial highlights for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    2 Dividend amount represents dividend paid per common share subsequent to each respective quarter end.
    3 Annualized ratio for quarterly metrics.
    4 June 30, 2025 ratios and risk-weighted assets are estimated.

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (In thousands)


        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)       (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from banks   $ 66,696     $ 81,088     $ 52,486     $ 54,165     $ 53,462  
    Interest bearing deposits in other banks     703,869       768,702       802,714       1,046,625       598,375  
    Cash and cash equivalents     770,565       849,790       855,200       1,100,790       651,837  
    Debt securities, net     1,418,804       1,463,157       1,478,538       1,423,610       1,349,354  
    Other investments     73,986       69,452       69,638       71,257       75,885  
    Loans held for sale (“LHFS”)     69,480       69,236       89,309       48,496       57,046  
    LHI, MW     669,052       571,775       605,411       630,650       568,047  
    LHI, excluding MW     8,783,988       8,828,672       8,899,133       9,028,575       9,209,094  
    Total loans     9,522,520       9,469,683       9,593,853       9,707,721       9,834,187  
    ACL     (112,262 )     (111,773 )     (111,745 )     (117,162 )     (113,431 )
    Bank-owned life insurance     86,048       85,424       85,324       84,776       84,233  
    Bank premises, furniture and equipment, net     116,642       112,801       113,480       114,202       105,222  
    Other real estate owned (“OREO”)     9,218       24,268       24,737       9,034       24,256  
    Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization     25,006       27,974       28,664       32,825       35,817  
    Goodwill     404,452       404,452       404,452       404,452       404,452  
    Other assets     212,889       210,863       226,200       211,471       232,518  
    Total assets   $ 12,527,868     $ 12,606,091     $ 12,768,341     $ 13,042,976     $ 12,684,330  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Deposits:                    
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   $ 2,133,294     $ 2,318,645     $ 2,191,457     $ 2,643,894     $ 2,416,727  
    Interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits     5,009,137       5,180,495       5,061,157       4,204,708       3,979,454  
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,792,750       2,679,221       2,958,861       3,625,920       3,744,596  
    Correspondent money market deposits     482,739       486,762       541,117       561,489       584,067  
    Total deposits     10,417,920       10,665,123       10,752,592       11,036,011       10,724,844  
    Accounts payable and other liabilities     135,647       151,579       183,944       168,415       180,585  
    Advances from FHLB     169,000                          
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     156,082       155,909       230,736       230,536       230,285  
    Total liabilities     10,878,649       10,972,611       11,167,272       11,434,962       11,135,714  
    Stockholders’ equity:                    
    Common stock     617       615       613       613       612  
    Additional paid-in capital     1,329,803       1,329,626       1,328,748       1,324,929       1,321,995  
    Retained earnings     545,015       526,044       507,903       493,921       473,801  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (38,528 )     (42,170 )     (65,076 )     (40,330 )     (76,713 )
    Treasury stock     (187,688 )     (180,635 )     (171,119 )     (171,119 )     (171,079 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     1,649,219       1,633,480       1,601,069       1,608,014       1,548,616  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 12,527,868     $ 12,606,091     $ 12,768,341     $ 13,042,976     $ 12,684,330  

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (In thousands, except per share data)

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months
    Ended
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Interest income:                            
    Loans, including fees   $ 149,354   $ 146,505   $ 154,998     $ 167,261   $ 166,979   $ 295,859   $ 328,921  
    Debt securities     16,883     17,106     16,893       15,830     15,408     33,989     29,103  
    Deposits in financial institutions and Fed Funds sold     8,039     9,244     11,888       12,571     7,722     17,283     15,772  
    Equity securities and other investments     847     870     940       1,001     1,138     1,717     2,038  
    Total interest income     175,123     173,725     184,719       196,663     191,247     348,848     375,834  
    Interest expense:                            
    Transaction and savings deposits     48,080     45,165     44,841       47,208     45,619     93,245     92,403  
    Certificates and other time deposits     28,539     30,268     40,279       46,230     44,811     58,807     85,303  
    Advances from FHLB     113     27     130       47     1,468     140     2,859  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     2,056     2,824     3,328       3,116     3,113     4,880     6,227  
    Total interest expense     78,788     78,284     88,578       96,601     95,011     157,072     186,792  
    Net interest income     96,335     95,441     96,141       100,062     96,236     191,776     189,042  
    Provision for credit losses     1,750     4,000     2,300       4,000     8,250     5,750     15,750  
    Provision (benefit) for unfunded commitments     1,500     1,300     (401 )             2,800     (1,541 )
    Net interest income after provisions     93,085     90,141     94,242       96,062     87,986     183,226     174,833  
    Noninterest income:                            
    Service charges and fees on deposit accounts     5,702     5,611     5,612       5,442     4,974     11,313     9,870  
    Loan fees     2,735     2,495     2,265       3,278     2,207     5,230     4,717  
    Loss on sales of debt securities             (4,397 )                 (6,304 )
    Government guaranteed loan income, net     1,688     3,301     5,368       780     1,320     4,989     3,934  
    Customer swap income     1,550     700     509       271     326     2,250     775  
    Other income     1,824     2,182     699       3,335     1,751     4,006     4,248  
    Total noninterest income     13,499     14,289     10,056       13,106     10,578     27,788     17,240  
    Noninterest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits     34,957     36,624     37,446       37,370     32,790     71,581     66,155  
    Occupancy and equipment     4,511     4,650     4,633       4,789     4,585     9,161     9,262  
    Professional and regulatory fees     5,558     4,931     5,564       4,903     5,617     10,489     11,670  
    Data processing and software expense     5,507     5,403     5,741       5,268     5,097     10,910     9,953  
    Marketing     2,612     2,032     2,896       2,781     1,976     4,644     3,522  
    Amortization of intangibles     2,438     2,438     2,437       2,438     2,438     4,876     4,876  
    Telephone and communications     233     330     323       335     365     563     626  
    Other     11,346     10,426     12,154       12,216     10,273     21,772     19,193  
    Total noninterest expense     67,162     66,834     71,194       70,100     63,141     133,996     125,257  
    Income before income tax expense     39,422     37,596     33,104       39,068     35,423     77,018     66,816  
    Income tax expense     8,516     8,526     8,222       8,067     8,221     17,042     15,458  
    Net income   $ 30,906   $ 29,070   $ 24,882     $ 31,001   $ 27,202   $ 59,976   $ 51,358  
                                 
    Basic EPS   $ 0.57   $ 0.53   $ 0.46     $ 0.57   $ 0.50   $ 1.10   $ 0.94  
    Diluted EPS   $ 0.56   $ 0.53   $ 0.45     $ 0.56   $ 0.50   $ 1.09   $ 0.94  
    Weighted average basic shares outstanding     54,251     54,486     54,489       54,409     54,457     54,368     54,451  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     54,766     55,123     55,237       54,932     54,823     54,944     54,832  
    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)

        For the Quarter Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
        Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest
    Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
      Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest
    Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
      Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest
    Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Assets                                    
    Interest-earning assets:                                    
    Loans1   $ 8,875,970     $ 141,688   6.40 %   $ 8,886,905     $ 140,329   6.40 %   $ 9,344,482     $ 160,323   6.90 %
    LHI, MW     523,203       7,666   5.88       426,724       6,176   5.87       420,946       6,656   6.36  
    Debt securities     1,440,369       16,883   4.70       1,467,220       17,106   4.73       1,352,293       15,408   4.58  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     707,933       8,039   4.55       827,751       9,244   4.53       560,586       7,722   5.54  
    Equity securities and other investments     70,779       847   4.80       70,696       870   4.99       78,964       1,138   5.80  
    Total interest-earning assets     11,618,254       175,123   6.05       11,679,296       173,725   6.03       11,757,271       191,247   6.54  
    ACL     (112,369 )             (111,563 )             (115,978 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets     933,328               938,401               937,413          
    Total assets   $ 12,439,213             $ 12,506,134             $ 12,578,706          
                                         
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                                    
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits   $ 5,502,672     $ 48,080   3.50 %   $ 5,449,091     $ 45,165   3.36 %   $ 4,570,329     $ 45,619   4.01 %
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,742,655       28,539   4.17       2,726,309       30,268   4.50       3,591,035       44,811   5.02  
    Advances from FHLB and Other     9,813       113   4.62       2,333       27   4.69       106,648       1,468   5.54  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     155,985       2,056   5.29       191,638       2,824   5.98       230,141       3,113   5.44  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     8,411,125       78,788   3.76       8,369,371       78,284   3.79       8,498,153       95,011   4.50  
                                         
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                                    
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     2,244,745               2,345,586               2,346,908          
    Other liabilities     142,925               170,389               192,036          
    Total liabilities     10,798,795               10,885,346               11,037,097          
    Stockholders’ equity     1,640,418               1,620,788               1,541,609          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 12,439,213             $ 12,506,134             $ 12,578,706          
                                         
    Net interest rate spread2           2.29 %           2.24 %           2.04 %
    Net interest income and margin3       $ 96,335   3.33 %       $ 95,441   3.31 %       $ 96,236   3.29 %

    1 Includes average outstanding balances of LHFS of $62.2 million, $66.3 million and $58.5 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2024, respectively, and average balances of LHI, excluding MW.
    2 Net interest rate spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    3 Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    4 Yields and rates for the quarter are annualized

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (In thousands, except percentages)
        For the Six Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
        Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
      Average
    Outstanding
    Balance
      Interest
    Earned/
    Interest Paid
      Average
    Yield/
    Rate4
    Assets                        
    Interest-earning assets:                        
    Loans1   $ 8,881,407     $ 282,017   6.40 %   $ 9,314,148     $ 317,908   6.86 %
    LHI, MW     475,230       13,842   5.87       350,252       11,013   6.32  
    Debt securities     1,453,721       33,989   4.71       1,323,644       29,103   4.42  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks     767,511       17,283   4.54       572,589       15,772   5.54  
    Equity securities and other investments     70,738       1,717   4.89       77,616       2,038   5.28  
    Total interest-earning assets     11,648,607       348,848   6.04       11,638,249       375,834   6.49  
    ACL     (111,969 )             (114,104 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets     935,850               933,229          
    Total assets   $ 12,472,488             $ 12,457,374          
                             
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits   $ 5,476,030     $ 93,245   3.43 %   $ 4,604,887     $ 92,403   4.04 %
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,734,527       58,807   4.34       3,437,385       85,303   4.99  
    Advances from FHLB and Other     6,094       140   4.63       103,819       2,859   5.54  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes     173,713       4,880   5.67       230,011       6,227   5.44  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     8,390,364       157,072   3.78       8,376,102       186,792   4.48  
                             
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                        
    Noninterest-bearing deposits     2,294,887               2,351,112          
    Other liabilities     156,580               192,422          
    Total liabilities     10,841,831               10,919,636          
    Stockholders’ equity     1,630,657               1,537,738          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 12,472,488             $ 12,457,374          
                             
    Net interest rate spread2           2.26 %           2.01 %
    Net interest income and margin3       $ 191,776   3.32 %       $ 189,042   3.27 %

    1Includes average outstanding balances of LHFS of $64.2 million and $56.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and average balances of LHI, excluding MW.
    2 Net interest rate spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.
    3 Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    4 Yields and rates for the six month periods are annualized

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)


    Yield Trend
        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
    Average yield on interest-earning assets:                            
    Loans1   6.40 %   6.40 %   6.56 %   6.89 %   6.90 %   6.40 %   6.86 %
    LHI, MW   5.88     5.87     5.83     6.75     6.36     5.87     6.32  
    Total Loans   6.37     6.38     6.53     6.89     6.88     6.38     6.84  
    Debt securities   4.70     4.73     4.61     4.55     4.58     4.71     4.42  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   4.55     4.53     4.87     5.41     5.54     4.54     5.54  
    Equity securities and other investments   4.80     4.99     5.18     5.25     5.80     4.89     5.28  
    Total interest-earning assets   6.05 %   6.03 %   6.15 %   6.49 %   6.54 %   6.04 %   6.49 %
                                 
    Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities:                            
    Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits   3.50 %   3.36 %   3.57 %   4.00 %   4.01 %   3.43 %   4.04 %
    Certificates and other time deposits   4.17     4.50     4.83     5.00     5.02     4.34     4.99  
    Advances from FHLB and other   4.62     4.69     4.88     5.73     5.54     4.63     5.54  
    Subordinated debentures and subordinated notes   5.29     5.98     5.74     5.38     5.44     5.67     5.44  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.76 %   3.79 %   4.12 %   4.46 %   4.50 %   3.78 %   4.48 %
                                 
    Net interest rate spread2   2.29 %   2.24 %   2.03 %   2.03 %   2.04 %   2.26 %   2.01 %
    Net interest margin3   3.33 %   3.31 %   3.20 %   3.30 %   3.29 %   3.32 %   3.27 %

      
    1Includes average outstanding balances of LHFS of $62.2 million, $66.3 million, $46.4 million, $54.3 million and $58.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and June 30, 2024, respectively and $64.2 million and $56.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024 respectively, and average balances of LHI, excluding MW.
    2 Net interest rate spread is the average yield on interest-earning assets minus the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.

    3 Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

    Supplemental Yield Trend

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
    Average cost of interest-bearing deposits   3.73 %   3.74 %   4.07 %   4.44 %   4.46 %   3.73 %   3.33 %
    Average costs of total deposits, including noninterest-bearing   2.93     2.91     3.16     3.42     3.46     2.92     2.48  
    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)


       
    LHI and Deposit Portfolio Composition    
        Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    LHI1                                        
    Commercial and Industrial (“C&I”)   $ 2,692,209     30.6 %   $ 2,717,037     30.7 %   $ 2,693,538     30.2 %   $ 2,728,544     30.2 %   $ 2,798,260     30.4 %
    Real Estate:                                        
    Owner occupied commercial (“OOCRE”)     800,881     9.1       795,808     9.0       780,003     8.8       807,223     8.9       806,285     8.7  
    Non-owner occupied commercial (“NOOCRE”)     2,311,466     26.3       2,266,526     25.6       2,382,499     26.7       2,338,094     25.9       2,369,848     25.7  
    Construction and land     1,142,457     13.0       1,214,260     13.7       1,303,711     14.7       1,436,540     15.8       1,536,580     16.7  
    Farmland     31,589     0.4       31,339     0.4       31,690     0.4       32,254     0.4       30,512     0.3  
    1-4 family residential     1,086,342     12.3       1,021,293     11.6       957,341     10.7       944,755     10.5       917,402     10.0  
    Multi-family residential     718,946     8.2       782,412     8.9       750,218     8.4       738,090     8.2       748,740     8.1  
    Consumer     8,796     0.1       8,597     0.1       9,115     0.1       11,292     0.1       9,245     0.1  
    Total LHI1   $ 8,792,686     100 %   $ 8,837,272     100 %   $ 8,908,115     100 %   $ 9,036,792     100 %   $ 9,216,872     100 %
                                             
    MW     669,052           571,775           605,411           630,650           568,047      
                                             
    Total LHI1   $ 9,461,738         $ 9,409,047         $ 9,513,526         $ 9,667,442         $ 9,784,919      
                                             
    Total LHFS     69,480           69,236           89,309           48,496           57,046      
                                             
    Total loans   $ 9,531,218         $ 9,478,283         $ 9,602,835         $ 9,715,938         $ 9,841,965      
                                             
    Deposits                                        
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 2,133,294     20.5 %   $ 2,318,645     21.7 %   $ 2,191,457     20.4 %   $ 2,643,894     24.0 %   $ 2,416,727     22.5 %
    Interest-bearing transaction     603,861     5.8       863,462     8.1       839,005     7.8       421,059     3.8       523,272     4.9  
    Money market     3,856,812     37.0       3,730,446     35.0       3,772,964     35.1       3,462,709     31.4       3,268,286     30.5  
    Savings     548,464     5.3       586,587     5.5       449,188     4.2       320,940     2.9       187,896     1.8  
    Certificates and other time deposits     2,792,750     26.8       2,679,221     25.1       2,958,861     27.5       3,625,920     32.8       3,744,596     34.9  
    Correspondent money market accounts     482,739     4.6       486,762     4.6       541,117     5.0       561,489     5.1       584,067     5.4  
    Total deposits   $ 10,417,920     100 %   $ 10,665,123     100 %   $ 10,752,592     100 %   $ 11,036,011     100 %   $ 10,724,844     100 %
                                             
    Total loans to deposits ratio     91.5 %         88.9 %         89.3 %         88.0 %         91.8 %    
                                             
    Total loans to deposit ratio, excluding MW loans and LHFS     84.4 %         82.9 %         82.8 %         81.9 %         85.9 %    

    1Total LHI does not include deferred fees of $8.7 million, $8.6 million, $9.0 million, $8.2 million and $7.8 million at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively.


    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)

    Asset Quality
      For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Mar 31,
    2025
      Dec 31,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2025
      Jun 30,
    2024
      (Dollars in thousands)        
    NPAs:                          
    Nonaccrual loans $ 61,142     $ 69,188     $ 52,521     $ 55,335     $ 58,537     $ 61,142     $ 58,537  
    Nonaccrual PCD loans1   196       196             70       73       196       73  
    Accruing loans 90 or more days past due2   4,641       3,249       1,914       2,860       143       4,641       143  
    Total nonperforming loans held for investment (“NPLs”)   65,979       72,633       54,435       58,265       58,753       65,979       58,753  
    Other real estate owned (“OREO”)   9,218       24,268       24,737       9,034       24,256       9,218       24,256  
    Total NPAs $ 75,197     $ 96,901     $ 79,172     $ 67,299     $ 83,009     $ 75,197     $ 83,009  
                               
    Charge-offs:                          
    1-4 family residential $     $     $     $     $ (31 )   $     $ (31 )
    Multifamily                           (198 )           (198 )
    OOCRE                                       (120 )
    NOOCRE   (215 )     (3,090 )     (5,113 )           (1,969 )     (3,305 )     (6,262 )
    C&I   (1,571 )     (918 )     (4,586 )     (2,259 )     (5,601 )     (2,489 )     (6,547 )
    Consumer   (55 )     (212 )     (420 )     (54 )     (30 )     (267 )     (101 )
    Total charge-offs $ (1,841 )   $ (4,220 )   $ (10,119 )   $ (2,313 )   $ (7,829 )   $ (6,061 )   $ (13,259 )
                               
    Recoveries:                          
    1-4 family residential $ 1     $ 21     $ 2     $ 3     $     $ 22     $ 1  
    OOCRE   186                         120       186       120  
    NOOCRE               1,323                          
    C&I   131       32       1,047       1,962       361       163       457  
    MW                     46                    
    Consumer   262       195       30       33       497       457       546  
    Total recoveries $ 580     $ 248     $ 2,402     $ 2,044     $ 978     $ 828     $ 1,124  
                               
    Net charge-offs $ (1,261 )   $ (3,972 )   $ (7,717 )   $ (269 )   $ (6,851 )   $ (5,233 )   $ (12,135 )
                               
    Provision for credit losses $ 1,750     $ 4,000     $ 2,300     $ 4,000     $ 8,250     $ 5,750     $ 15,750  
                               
    ACL $ 112,262     $ 111,773     $ 111,745     $ 117,162     $ 113,431     $ 112,262     $ 113,431  
                               
    Asset Quality Ratios:                          
    NPAs to total assets   0.60 %     0.77 %     0.62 %     0.52 %     0.65 %     0.60 %     0.65 %
    NPAs, excluding nonaccrual PCD loans, to total assets   0.60       0.77       0.62       0.52       0.65       0.60       0.65  
    NPAs to total LHI and OREO   0.79       1.03       0.83       0.70       0.85       0.79       0.85  
    NPLs to total LHI   0.70       0.77       0.57       0.60       0.60       0.70       0.60  
    NPLs, excluding nonaccrual PCD loans, to total LHI   0.70       0.77       0.57       0.60       0.60       0.70       0.60  
    ACL to total LHI   1.19       1.19       1.18       1.21       1.16       1.19       1.16  
    ACL to total LHI, excluding MW   1.28       1.27       1.25       1.30       1.23       1.28       1.23  
    Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding3   0.05       0.17       0.32       0.01       0.28       0.11       0.25  

    1 Nonaccrual PCD loans consist of PCD loans that transitioned upon adoption of ASC 326 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses and were accounted for on a pooled basis that have subsequently been placed on nonaccrual status.
    2 Accruing loans greater than 90 days past due exclude purchase credit deteriorated loans greater than 90 days past due that are accounted for on a pooled basis.
    3 Annualized ratio for quarterly metrics.

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    We identify certain financial measures discussed in this earnings release as being “non-GAAP financial measures.” In accordance with SEC rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, in our statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios calculated using exclusively either one or both of (i) financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and (ii) operating measures or other measures that are not non-GAAP financial measures.

    The non-GAAP financial measures that we present in this earnings release should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures that we present in this earnings release may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. You should understand how such other financial institutions calculate their financial measures that appear to be similar or have similar names to the non-GAAP financial measures we have discussed in this earnings release when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

    Tangible Book Value Per Common Share. Tangible book value is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as total stockholders’ equity less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (b) tangible book value per common share as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by number of common shares outstanding. For tangible book value per common share, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is book value per common share.

    We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in changes from period to period in book value per common share exclusive of changes in core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of increasing total book value while not increasing our tangible book value.

    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity and presents our tangible book value per common share compared with our book value per common share:

        As of
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Tangible Common Equity                    
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 1,649,219     $ 1,633,480     $ 1,601,069     $ 1,608,014     $ 1,548,616  
    Adjustments:                    
    Goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Core deposit intangibles     (13,868 )     (16,306 )     (18,744 )     (21,182 )     (23,619 )
    Tangible common equity   $ 1,230,899     $ 1,212,722     $ 1,177,873     $ 1,182,380     $ 1,120,545  
    Common shares outstanding     54,265       54,297       54,517       54,446       54,350  
                         
    Book value per common share   $ 30.39     $ 30.08     $ 29.37     $ 29.53     $ 28.49  
    Tangible book value per common share   $ 22.68     $ 22.33     $ 21.61     $ 21.72     $ 20.62  

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets. Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) tangible common equity as total stockholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; (b) tangible assets as total assets less goodwill and core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) tangible common equity to tangible assets as tangible common equity (as described in clause (a)) divided by tangible assets (as described in clause (b)). For tangible common equity to tangible assets, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is total stockholders’ equity to total assets.

    We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the relative changes from period to period in common equity and total assets, in each case, exclusive of changes in core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and other intangible assets have the effect of increasing both total stockholders’ equity and assets while not increasing our tangible common equity or tangible assets.

    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity and total assets to tangible assets and presents our tangible common equity to tangible assets:

        As of
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Tangible Common Equity                    
    Total stockholders’ equity   $ 1,649,219     $ 1,633,480     $ 1,601,069     $ 1,608,014     $ 1,548,616  
    Adjustments:                    
    Goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Core deposit intangibles     (13,868 )     (16,306 )     (18,744 )     (21,182 )     (23,619 )
    Tangible common equity   $ 1,230,899     $ 1,212,722     $ 1,177,873     $ 1,182,380     $ 1,120,545  
    Tangible Assets                    
    Total assets   $ 12,527,868     $ 12,606,091     $ 12,768,341     $ 13,042,976     $ 12,684,330  
    Adjustments:                    
    Goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Core deposit intangibles     (13,868 )     (16,306 )     (18,744 )     (21,182 )     (23,619 )
    Tangible Assets   $ 12,109,548     $ 12,185,333     $ 12,345,145     $ 12,617,342     $ 12,256,259  
    Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets     10.16 %     9.95 %     9.54 %     9.37 %     9.14 %

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity. Return on average tangible common equity is a non-GAAP measure generally used by financial analysts and investment bankers to evaluate financial institutions. We calculate: (a) net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles (which we refer to as “return”) as net income, plus amortization of core deposit intangibles, less tax benefit at the statutory rate; (b) average tangible common equity as total average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and average core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization; and (c) return (as described in clause (a)) divided by average tangible common equity (as described in clause (b)). For return on average tangible common equity, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is return on average equity.

    We believe that this measure is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in the return on common equity, exclusive of the impact of core deposit intangibles. Goodwill and core deposit intangibles have the effect of increasing total stockholders’ equity while not increasing our tangible common equity. This measure is particularly relevant to acquisitive institutions that may have higher balances in goodwill and core deposit intangibles than non-acquisitive institutions.

    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, average tangible common equity to average common equity and net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles, net of taxes to net income and presents our return on average tangible common equity:

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2025   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands)
    Net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles                            
    Net income   $ 30,906     $ 29,070     $ 24,882     $ 31,001     $ 27,202     $ 59,976     $ 51,358  
    Adjustments:                            
    Plus: Amortization of core deposit intangibles     2,438       2,438       2,437       2,438       2,438       4,876       4,876  
    Less: Tax benefit at the statutory rate     512       512       512       512       512       1,024       1,024  
    Net income available for common stockholders adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles   $ 32,832     $ 30,996     $ 26,807     $ 32,927     $ 29,128     $ 63,828     $ 55,210  
                                 
    Average Tangible Common Equity                            
    Total average stockholders’ equity   $ 1,640,418     $ 1,620,788     $ 1,604,335     $ 1,583,401     $ 1,541,609     $ 1,630,657     $ 1,537,738  
    Adjustments:                            
    Average goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Average core deposit intangibles     (15,467 )     (17,904 )     (20,342 )     (22,789 )     (25,218 )     (16,679 )     (26,437 )
    Average tangible common equity   $ 1,220,499     $ 1,198,432     $ 1,179,541     $ 1,156,160     $ 1,111,939     $ 1,209,526     $ 1,106,849  
    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (Annualized)     10.79 %     10.49 %     9.04 %     11.33 %     10.54 %     10.64 %     10.03 %

    VERITEX HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)

    Operating Earnings, Pre-tax, Pre-provision Operating Earnings and performance metrics calculated using Operating Earnings and Pre-tax, Pre-provision Operating Earnings, including Diluted Operating Earnings per Share, Operating Return on Average Assets, Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Operating Return on Average Assets, Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Operating Return on Average Loans, Operating Return on Average Tangible Common Equity and Operating Efficiency Ratio. Operating earnings, pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings and the performance metrics calculated using these metrics, listed below, are non-GAAP measures used by management to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. We calculate (a) operating earnings as net income plus BOLI 1035 exchange charges, plus severance payments, plus loss on sales of debt securities available for sale (“AFS”), net, plus FDIC special assessment, less tax impact of adjustments, plus nonrecurring tax adjustments. We calculate (b) diluted operating earnings per share as operating earnings as described in clause (a) divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding. We calculate (c) pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings as operating earnings as described in clause (a) plus provision for income taxes, plus provision (benefit) for credit losses and unfunded commitments. We calculate (d) pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets as pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings as described in clause (a) divided by total average assets. We calculate (e) operating return on average assets as operating earnings as described in clause (a) divided by total average assets. We calculate (f) operating return on average tangible common equity as operating earnings as described in clause (a), adjusted for the amortization of intangibles and tax benefit at the statutory rate, divided by total average tangible common equity (average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and average core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization). We calculate (g) operating efficiency ratio as noninterest expense plus adjustments to operating noninterest expense divided by noninterest income plus adjustments to operating noninterest income, plus net interest income.

    We believe that these measures and the operating metrics calculated utilizing these measures are important to management and many investors in the marketplace who are interested in understanding the ongoing operating performance of the Company and provide meaningful comparisons to its peers.

    The following tables reconcile, as of the dates set forth below, operating net income and pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings and related metrics:

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
        Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2025   Jun 30, 2024
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Operating Earnings                            
    Net income   $ 30,906   $ 29,070   $ 24,882   $ 31,001   $ 27,202   $ 59,976   $ 51,358
    Plus: BOLI 1035 exchange charges1         517                 517    
    Plus: Severance payments2             1,545     1,487     613         613
    Plus: Loss on sales of AFS securities, net             4,397                 6,304
    Plus: FDIC special assessment                     134         134
    Operating pre-tax income     30,906     29,587     30,824     32,488     27,949     60,493     58,409
    Less: Tax impact of adjustments         109     1,248     307     166     109     1,489
    Plus: Nonrecurring tax adjustments         229     193         527     229     527
    Operating earnings   $ 30,906   $ 29,707   $ 29,769   $ 32,181   $ 28,310   $ 60,613   $ 57,447
                                 
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding     54,766     55,123     55,237     54,932     54,823     54,944     54,832
    Diluted EPS   $ 0.56   $ 0.53   $ 0.45   $ 0.56   $ 0.50   $ 1.09   $ 0.94
    Diluted operating EPS   $ 0.56   $ 0.54   $ 0.54   $ 0.59   $ 0.52   $ 1.10   $ 1.05

    1Represents non-recurring charges for the completion of a 1035 exchange of BOLI contracts.
    2Severance payments relate to certain restructurings made during the periods disclosed.

        For the Quarter Ended   For the Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun 30, 2025   Mar 31, 2025   Dec 31, 2024   Sep 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2024   Jun 30, 2025   Jun 30, 2024
    Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Earnings                            
    Net income   $ 30,906     $ 29,070     $ 24,882     $ 31,001     $ 27,202     $ 59,976     $ 51,358  
    Plus: Provision for income taxes     8,516       8,526       8,222       8,067       8,221       17,042       15,458  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses and unfunded commitments     3,250       5,300       1,899       4,000       8,250       8,550       14,209  
    Plus: Severance payments3                 1,545       1,487       613             613  
    Plus: Loss on sale of AFS securities, net                 4,397                         6,304  
    Plus: BOLI 1035 exchange charges2           517                         517        
    Plus: FDIC special assessment                             134             134  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings   $ 42,672     $ 43,413     $ 40,945     $ 44,555     $ 44,420     $ 86,085     $ 88,076  
                                 
    Average total assets   $ 12,439,213     $ 12,506,134     $ 12,750,972     $ 12,861,918     $ 12,578,706     $ 12,472,488     $ 12,457,374  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average assets1     1.38 %     1.41 %     1.28 %     1.38 %     1.42 %     1.39 %     1.42 %
                                 
    Average loans   $ 9,399,173     $ 9,313,629     $ 9,449,565     $ 9,661,774     $ 9,765,428     $ 9,356,637     $ 9,664,400  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision operating return on average loans1     1.82 %     1.89 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     1.83 %     1.86 %     1.83 %
                                 
    Average total assets   $ 12,439,213     $ 12,506,134     $ 12,750,972     $ 12,861,918     $ 12,578,706     $ 12,472,488     $ 12,457,374  
    Return on average assets1     1.00 %     0.94 %     0.78 %     0.96 %     0.87 %     0.97 %     0.83 %
    Operating return on average assets1     1.00       0.96       0.93       1.00       0.91       0.98       0.93  
                                 
    Operating earnings adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles                            
    Operating earnings   $ 30,906     $ 29,707     $ 29,769     $ 32,181     $ 28,310     $ 60,613     $ 57,447  
    Adjustments:                            
    Plus: Amortization of core deposit intangibles     2,438       2,438       2,437       2,438       2,438       4,876       4,876  
    Less: Tax benefit at the statutory rate     512       512       512       512       512       1,024       1,024  
    Operating earnings adjusted for amortization of core deposit intangibles   $ 32,832     $ 31,633     $ 31,694     $ 34,107     $ 30,236     $ 64,465     $ 61,299  
                                 
    Average Tangible Common Equity                            
    Total average stockholders’ equity   $ 1,640,418     $ 1,620,788     $ 1,604,335     $ 1,583,401     $ 1,541,609     $ 1,630,657     $ 1,537,738  
    Adjustments:                            
    Less: Average goodwill     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )     (404,452 )
    Less: Average core deposit intangibles     (15,467 )     (17,904 )     (20,342 )     (22,789 )     (25,218 )     (16,679 )     (26,437 )
    Average tangible common equity   $ 1,220,499     $ 1,198,432     $ 1,179,541     $ 1,156,160     $ 1,111,939     $ 1,209,526     $ 1,106,849  
    Operating return on average tangible common equity1     10.79 %     10.70 %     10.69 %     11.74 %     10.94 %     10.75 %     11.14 %
                                 
    Efficiency ratio     61.15 %     60.91 %     67.04 %     61.94 %     59.11 %     61.03 %     60.72 %
    Operating efficiency ratio                            
    Net interest income   $ 96,335     $ 95,441     $ 96,141     $ 100,062     $ 96,236     $ 191,776     $ 189,042  
    Noninterest income     13,499       14,289       10,056       13,106       10,578       27,788       17,240  
    Plus: BOLI 1035 exchange charges2           517                         517        
    Plus: Loss on sale of AFS securities, net                 4,397                         6,304  
    Operating noninterest income     13,499       14,806       14,453       13,106       10,578       28,305       23,544  
    Noninterest expense     67,162       66,834       71,194       70,100       63,141       133,996       125,257  
    Less: FDIC special assessment                             134             134  
    Less: Severance payments3                 1,545       1,487       613             613  
    Operating noninterest expense   $ 67,162     $ 66,834     $ 69,649     $ 68,613     $ 62,394     $ 133,996     $ 124,510  
    Operating efficiency ratio     61.15 %     60.62 %     62.98 %     60.63 %     58.41 %     60.88 %     58.57 %

    1 Annualized ratio for quarterly metrics.
    2 Represents non-recurring charges for the completion of a 1035 exchange of BOLI contracts.
    3 Severance payments relate to certain restructurings made during the periods disclosed.

    The MIL Network

  • India reaffirms commitment to ‘Pact for Future’ at UN dialogue

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India reiterated its strong commitment to the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Declaration on Future Generations, during the third interactive informal dialogue held to review the pact.

    Describing the initiative as a vital step in the global community’s collective efforts to address emerging and long-term challenges, India emphasised the importance of inclusive, forward-looking international cooperation.

    The informal interactive dialogue on Thursday aimed to provide a platform for member States to exchange ideas and share practices, looking ahead to 2028 in the implementation of the pact.

    At the Summit of the Future on 22 September 2024, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future and its annexes: the Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. This historic agreement is the culmination of years of inclusive dialogue and collaboration aimed at modernising international cooperation to address today’s realities and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

    “India believes the 2028 review should be results-oriented and forward-looking. We must particularly ensure dedicated attention to critical reform areas, especially UN Security Council expansion and international financial architecture reform, where progress has been insufficient,” said Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, addressing the session.

    “As regards Security Council reforms, the majority agree that the body should be reflective of the current geopolitical realities. This would be critical to enhance the Council’s credibility, legitimacy and efficacy. During the 79th session, the IGN has concluded without any concrete progress. Member states need to redouble the efforts to achieve real reforms and resist efforts by a group of countries to maintain the status quo. Negotiations based on a text need to commence at the earliest,” he added.

    He asserted that India strongly supports strategic alignment to maximise impact and avoid duplication.

    “Ideally, UN@80 goals should have been part of the Pact framework and pursued as part of negotiations among member states last year. However, moving forward, we should ensure that implementation and review of the Pact should be aligned with UN@80 initiative,” Harish stressed.

    Emphasising that the review should be linked with the 2027 SDG Summit outcomes to create a unified narrative on sustainable development progress, the Ambassador said, “we should also build on sectoral reviews including the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the World Social Summit, the WSIS+20 Review and Peacebuilding Architecture Review while leveraging existing mechanisms like the High-Level Political Forum and ECOSOC for reporting.”

    India also called for coherence and complementarities with ongoing processes within the G20, WTO, World Bank and IMF, particularly in the context of sustainable financing and fair and equitable global financial architecture.

    “India believes that these ongoing reviews and processes, as mentioned above, must inform the design and content of the 2028 Pact review. The 2028 review must not only be a stock-taking exercise but should deliver concrete next steps for the implementation cycle ahead. We particularly need clear benchmarks for Security Council reform with timelines for text-based negotiations,” Harish noted.

    He further said that an important outcome of the implementation of GDC is the decision to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance within the UN Framework.

    “We look forward to a fruitful conclusion of the on-going negotiations and adoption of the modalities resolution on the basis of consensus. India remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Pact and its annexes and look forward to continued dialogue and briefings in this regard,” he concluded.

    (IANS)

  • Right reforms to spur investment, credit and GDP growth in India: HSBC

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At a time when global supply chains are getting rejigged, if India can do the right reforms, it could become a meaningful producer and exporter of goods, which could spur investment, credit and GDP growth, an HSBC report said on Friday.

    In the chicken-and-egg debate of who rises first, GDP growth or credit growth, we thankfully, have a new contender – reforms, said the report by HSBC Global Investment Research.

    “The reforms include lowering tariff rates, signing trade deals, welcoming FDI inflows, and improving ease of doing business. A start has been made. But for impact, reforms need to run deep,” it added.

    The report said that market memory can be short.

    “Same time last year, we were fretting about weak deposit growth. Today, we are fretting about weak credit growth. We believe one thing is common across both episodes. That while all eyes are on the RBI to resolve the situation, the central bank can only partly address the problem using the monetary policy levers at its disposal,” it further stated.

    Instead, the root of the problem, and the real solution, in both instances, lies elsewhere – the real economy and the composition of GDP growth.

    Last year’s deposit drag was a two-fold problem – concerns on tepid deposit growth and compositional shifts (too few sticky deposits). Once inflation started to fall, the RBI loosened monetary policy, pushing base money growth up.

    “Real deposit growth started to rise in early 2025. But did the RBI solve the entire problem? Perhaps not. Some rise in deposits would have happened anyway (the credit-deposit ratio tends to mean revert). And the deposit composition problem persists,” the report mentioned.

    Can the RBI help? Yes, it can, and it has, by cutting the repo rate by 100bp, and infusing large amounts of domestic liquidity.

    “Will it solve the entire credit slowdown problem? Likely not. Because just as the deposit composition issue had its roots in the real economy, the credit softness issue does too,” said the report.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF played key role in Ukraine’s uncovering of massive underground pesticide production

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release 20/2025 
    PDF version

    A far-reaching investigation coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has played a central part in uncovering a sophisticated criminal network in Ukraine which engaged in mass production and counterfeiting of agrochemical products. These were falsely labelled under some of the leading agrochemical brands in Europe and the USA. As a result, Ukrainian authorities conducted 89 searches across the country that led to the seizure of hundreds of tons of illicit products worth over 2.3 million EUR. 

    Ukrainian authorities recently dismantled a large-scale criminal network producing and selling illicit pesticides on an industrial scale. Police raids uncovered several underground workshops and resulted in the confiscation of more than 175 tons of counterfeit agrochemicals as well as raw materials for their production. These were ordered from China and contained potent and poisonous substances. 

    In addition, a separate production of packaging for these products was discovered, together with fake labels, plastic packaging, holographic security elements of various trademarks and seals of business entities. Part of the seized products are believed to have been intended for European market, posing a significant threat to food security, environmental safety and legitimate agrochemical companies. You can read more about the operation in the press release of the Ukrainian State Customs Service here and the National Police of Ukraine here.

    OLAF’s role in the operation focused on strategic gathering, analysis and sharing of intelligence as well as cross-border coordination that led to the setting up of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) between Romania, Ukraine and OLAF under the umbrella of EUROJUST. The investigation started in 2023 with a 2024 to the seizure of additional 1000 litres of counterfeit crop protection products in Romania and in the end helped to identify and later dismantle the source: an illegal large-scale manufacturing operation in Ukraine. 

    National Police of Ukraine, Department for Combating Smuggling and Violations of Customs Rules of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, Office of the Prosecutor General in Ukraine as well as Financial and economic Police Bihor county in Romania and Public Prosecution office Oradea in Romania provided critical support during the operation. 

    Ville Itälä, Director-General of OLAF, said: “This is a textbook example of how operational actions unfold across borders. What started like isolated seizures in Bulgaria and Romania turned out to be the surface of a much deeper operation in Ukraine. Thanks to the methodical investigation and strong cooperation with our partners, we were able to trace the supply chain all the way to the source. This way, we help to protect not only European markets but also legitimate businesses, farmers and the environment.”

    OLAF remains committed to tackling cross-border crime and protecting the European Union from the dangers posed by counterfeit products. 

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    X: x.com/EUAntiFraud
    Bluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social

    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, please leave us your contact data.
     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 21 July

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLICATIONS

    Wednesday 23 July

    Blue light status of emergency response vehicles

    Transport Committee

    The Transport Committee will write to Transport for London and the British Transport Police about their decision to take away the blue light status of emergency response unit vehicles, which was one of the key recommendations of the London Assembly 7/7 Review Committee’s 2006 report on the response to the tube and bus bombings.

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310/ [email protected]

     

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Tuesday 22 July

    Capital funding and delivery

    Budget and Performance Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    Transport for London (TfL) has proposed an extension of the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle, to Lewisham, including the potential for a further extension beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.

    The project is estimated to cost between £5.2 billion to £8.7 billion (at 2021 prices), with an additional £800 million to £1.9 billion required to extend the line further to Hayes.

    The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee will hear from experts and TfL on the potential funding options for the Bakerloo line extension, and other new and future capital projects.

    Guests are:

    • Professor Tony Travers, Professor in Practice and Associate Dean, the London School of Economics
    • John Kavanagh, Programme Director, Infrastructure, Business LDN 
    • Chris Whitehouse, Technical Director, WSP 
    • Maurice Lange, Analyst, Centre for Cities 
    • Manish Gupta, Corporate Finance Director, TfL 
    • Lucinda Turner, Director of Spatial Planning, TfL

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]

     

    Wednesday 23 July

    Paying for and building transport projects at low cost

    Budget and Performance Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    According to reports, Madrid tripled the length of its metro system in just 12 years — faster and cheaper than almost any other city in the world. The 35-mile (56 kilometre) program of expansion between 1995 and 1999 cost around $2.8 billion (in 2024 prices). London’s Jubilee Line Extension, built at the same time as Madrid’s expansion, cost nearly ten times more per mile than Madrid’s program.

    The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee will hear from experts on why the cost for building transport infrastructure in the UK is much higher than neighbouring countries.

    Guests are:

    • Ben Hopkinson, Head of Housing & Infrastructure, Centre for Policy Studies
    • Dr Alexander Budzier, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Global Projects 
    • Gareth Dennis, Railway Engineer and writer, Railnatter

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Export Awards – Trimax Mowing Systems wins Exporter of the Year at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

    Source: EMA

    Trimax Mowing Systems, a manufacturer and exporter of premium mowing equipment, has won the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Exporter of the Year Award at a gala event this evening held at the Mercury Baypark arena in Mount Maunganui.
    Kiwi-made lawn mowers used by groundskeepers at Windsor Castle
    Trimax has sold more than 33,000 lawn mower decks worldwide from its base in Tauranga, with revenue having tripled in the last five years. The New Zealand-made lawn mowers are trusted by groundskeepers in locations as varied as Windsor Castle in the UK to multiple PGA golf courses in the United States.
    High-precision control devices sold to alternative fuel markets globally
    Oasis Engineering, a manufacturer of high-pressure control devices for gases, won the Excellence in Innovation Award. The company first rose to fame in the 1980s by developing a ball valve for CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tanks, which became the industry standard.
    Today, Oasis Engineering operates a specialist high-precision turning and machining factory in Tauranga, from where it exports control devices to more than 40 countries. The company is recognised as an exemplar in the use of automation and robotics, and for outstanding product development in the global alternative fuel market.
    Providing cloud-based workspaces for US healthcare professionals
    The Best Emerging Business Award was won by Carepatron, a provider of secure, cloud-based healthcare workspaces for clinicians to manage clients, appointments and payments.
    The company uses technology, and AI in particular, in its customer support and product development. Founded in 2021, today Carepatron is hyperscaling exports into the US market, where it is growing rapidly.
    Individuals making significant contributions to export success
    There were two joint winners of the Export Achievement Award, which recognises an individual who has made a material contribution to the export success of a business. These were Sarah Webb of LawVu and Karl Stevenson of Bluelab.
    Sarah Webb has been a founding force behind LawVu, which provides cloud-based legal workspaces for in-house legal teams. Currently, the Chief Operating Officer, Webb has been instrumental in transforming LawVu into a globally recognised legal tech platform.
    Karl Stevenson is the Head of Product at Bluelab, a manufacturer of precision instruments for measuring pH, electrical conductivity and temperature in controlled agricultural environments.
    Stevenson is recognised as a champion of design thinking in New Zealand’s export sector. He has also made a lasting impact on the Tauranga business community, having co-founded local Design Thinking Meetups, which foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and are open to everyone from entrepreneurs to engineers.
    Tauranga entrepreneur Steve Saunders recognised with Services to Export Award
    Finally, the Services to Export Award was presented to Steve Saunders for his outstanding contribution to the exporting success of the Bay of Plenty region. The co-founder of Robotics Plus, and numerous other exporting businesses, Saunders has served for 12 years on Priority One, the economic development organisation for the Western Bay of Plenty.
    He co-founded the Newnham Park Innovation Centre, as well as Mount Pack & Cool, one of the largest and most technologically advanced packhouses in the Bay of Plenty.
    Saunders champions Māori investment in agriculture and innovation, and is a long-time supporter of the Young Innovators Awards for Year 7-13 students.
    Celebrating the Bay of Plenty exporting community
    The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses and individuals who export goods and services to markets around the world.
    The event is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Sharp Tudhope, Air NZ Cargo, Page Macrae, Zespri, and Orbit Travel, and supporting partners NZTE, Comvita and Port of Tauranga.
    The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. EMA Chief Executive John Fraser-Mackenzie says, “The EMA is an integral part of the Bay of Plenty business community, so we’re delighted these awards showcase the inspiring businesses and individuals from the region who are succeeding in offshore markets. Well done to all the winners!
    “The awards are more than just recognition, they’re a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the network of export-focused companies that drive the region’s economic success.”
    Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee Warwick Downing says, “This year’s winners exemplify the innovation, resilience, and global ambition that define the Bay of Plenty’s export community.
    “Their success is a testament to the region’s ability to compete, and thrive, on the world stage.”
    Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank Mike Atkins says, “We congratulate all the winners; they are true export champions of the Bay of Plenty region.
    “At ASB, we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, clean tech, and food and fibre. Our partnership with ExportNZ in celebrating these awards underscores that commitment.”
    Executive Director of ExportNZ Josh Tan says, “These awards showcase the significant contribution this region makes to New Zealand’s exporting success.
    “Congratulations to all the winners on their outstanding achievements, which highlight the export sector’s strong start to the year and reinforce our nation’s well-earned reputation for quality in products and services.”
    Complete list of winners and full judges’ citations   ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards
    1. Exporter of the Year – in partnership with Sharp Tudhope
    Winner: Trimax Mowing Systems – a designer and manufacturer of tractor-powered rotary and flail mowers for commercial use.
    Highly Commended: LawVu
    This award recognises the outstanding success of a business that is established in its international growth journey, with more than five years of international operations and total annual revenue above $5 million.
    Judges’ citation: The judges were impressed by Trimax’s continued commitment to innovate and grow in their niche but hugely valuable market. The company has built up extensive dealer networks in the United States, the UK and Australia, and Trimax mowers are trusted by groundmen in locations as varied as England’s Windsor Castle to PGA golf courses in the United States.
    The company’s leadership has embedded innovation and product development throughout the enterprise, and their growth in recent times shows that this is paying divid

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mexican Illegal Alien Charged for Orchestrating ‘Kidnapping’ Hoax

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Mexican Illegal Alien Charged for Orchestrating ‘Kidnapping’ Hoax

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after the Department of Justice, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles, arrested and filed charges against Mexican illegal alien Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon for fabricating a false story to smear federal law enforcement

    Earlier this month, legacy media ran with a false story that ICE agents and bounty hunters “kidnapped” Calderon at gunpoint and held her hostage in a warehouse

    After her family held a press conference orchestrated by their attorney, ICE spent days investigating the kidnapping claims and searching for her — at times, literally detention cell to detention cell

    “Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon was never arrested or kidnapped by ICE or bounty hunters—this criminal illegal alien scammed innocent Americans for money and diverted limited DHS resources from removing the worst of the worst from Los Angeles communities

    Politicians and activist media peddled these smears that were designed to demonize law enforcement and evade accountability

    Calderon will now face justice and the media and politicians who swallowed and pushed this garbage should be embarrassed

    Calderon is charged with conspiracy and making false statements to federal officers and if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California sends more search and rescue crews to Texas

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 17, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of 3 additional Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R) members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts.  A total of 42 California US&R members are now in Kerr, Texas supporting the mission.  

    This deployment of Human Remains Detection (HRD) Teams includes canines and their handlers. Today’s deployment comes from the Oakland Fire Department and Sacramento Fire Department.   Los Angeles County, Menlo Park, Orange County and Riverside County all have team members on the ground in Texas aiding in the search.  

    California personnel deployed use highly-developed and specialized skills to assist emergency operations in and around the hardest hit areas of flooding.  The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) is working in close coordination with Texas and through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

    We help our fellow Americans in times of need. California is proud to assist in the ongoing response to the devastating Texas floods.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Canine teams from California have been requested, and been approved for, extending their work assignments from 14 to 21 days.  To prevent overworking the dogs, a rotation schedule has been implemented where the canines work two consecutive days in the field, followed by a rest day at Base of Operations. 

    “This is a very difficult task. I appreciate the hard work being done by our crews under very difficult conditions,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Cal OES is proud to help those in need in Texas.”  

    This deployment builds on California’s far-reaching efforts to aid other states during emergencies. In 2023, California deployed Urban Search and Rescue members to Hawaii to support wildfire response. In 2022, California deployed firefighters, disaster recovery experts, and other personnel to Montana, New Mexico, and Oregon. In 2021, California sent fire engines to assist Oregon’s response to the Bootleg Fire and Specialized Urban Search and Rescue Resources teams to Florida following the Surfside condo collapse.

    This deployment does not impact California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis issued the following statement regarding the death of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd:“This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd…

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced the High Speed Rail Authority is suing the Trump administration over its illegal termination of federal grants funding the project. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the High Speed Rail Authority…

    News SACRAMENTO – As Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders continue to work on extending the state’s preeminent climate program – Cap-and-Invest – new reports out this week highlight how critical the program is to the state’s economic future, and how…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California sues to stop Trump’s politically motivated attack on high-speed rail

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 17, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced the High Speed Rail Authority is suing the Trump administration over its illegal termination of federal grants funding the project.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the High Speed Rail Authority is suing the Trump administration over its politically-motivated termination of $4 billion in federal grants to the project.

    The lawsuit alleges that termination of the agreements is petty, political retribution, motivated by President Trump’s personal animus toward California and the high-speed rail project, not by facts on the ground. 

    Trump’s termination of federal grants for California high-speed rail reeks of politics. It’s yet another political stunt to punish California.

    In reality, this is just a heartless attack on the Central Valley that will put real jobs and livelihoods on the line. We’re suing to stop Trump from derailing America’s only high-speed rail actively under construction. 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Today’s action comes as the project enters the track laying phase, is actively building across 171 miles, has built more than 50 major railway structures – including bridges, overpasses, and viaducts – and completed over 60 miles of guideway. 

    In the last year, high-speed rail has marked significant progress – with all environmental reviews spanning 463 miles from Los Angeles to the Bay Area complete, the electrification of Caltrain complete, trainset selection underway, station and track construction on deck, continued work with partner rail systems to create a southwest regional high-speed rail network, and more than 15,000 good paying jobs created. Passenger service is expected in the coming years, between 2030 and 2033.

    High speed rail is a key part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating jobs throughout the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – As Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders continue to work on extending the state’s preeminent climate program – Cap-and-Invest – new reports out this week highlight how critical the program is to the state’s economic future, and how…

    News What you need to know: With the Trump administration illegally terminating grant agreements funding California high-speed rail, Governor Newsom said the state is “putting all options on the table” to fight Trump’s action. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Jennifer Osborn, of Orangevale, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Industrial Relations. Osborn has been Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Red White & Bloom Brands Reports Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that it has filed its consolidated audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Financial Statements”), together with the related management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”), and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the “Annual Filings”).

    As previously disclosed, the Company’s Annual Filings and its interim financial statements and MD&A for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 (the “2025-Q1 Filings”) were delayed beyond the prescribed deadlines under applicable Canadian securities laws. As a result, a failure-to-file cease trade order (“FFCTO”) was issued by the applicable securities regulator, effective July 3, 2025.

    With the Annual Filings now completed, the Company is working diligently to finalize and file the 2025-Q1 Filings. The FFCTO will remain in effect until the 2025-Q1 Filings are completed and the applicable securities regulator revokes the order.

    2024 Fourth Quarter (“2024-Q4”) Consolidated Results Compared to Restated 2023 Fourth Quarter (“2023-Q4”)

    • Revenues were $18.7 million for 2024-Q4, representing a $2.8 million increase compared to restated 2023-Q4 revenues of $15.9 million.
    • Gross profit, after fair value adjustments, was $5.4 million for 2024-Q4, a decrease of $5.1 million from restated 2023-Q4 gross profit after fair value adjustments of $10.6 million.
    • Operating expenses totaled $9.1 million for 2024-Q4, a decrease of $3.7 million compared to restated 2023-Q4 operating expenses of $12.8 million.
    • EBITDA was $6.3 million for 2024-Q4, an increase of $97.6 million compared to restated 2023-Q4 negative adjusted EBITDA of $91.3 million which included $94.6 million in non-cash impairments.1

    Fiscal Year 2024 (“2024-YTD”) Consolidated Results Compared to Restated Fiscal Year 2023 (“2023-YTD”)

    • Revenues for 2024-YTD were $80.2 million, reflecting a $10.6 million increase compared to restated 2023-YTD revenues of $69.6 million.
    • Gross profit, after fair value adjustments, for 2024-YTD totaled $28.4 million, an increase of $3.4 million from restated 2023-YTD gross profit after fair value adjustments of $25.0 million., marking an increase of $3.4 million.
    • Operating expenses for 2024-YTD were $40.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million compared to restated 2023-YTD operating expenses of $31.0 million.
    • EBITDA was $10.8 million for 2024-YTD, a net increase improvement of $99.76 million compared to 2023-YTD negative adjusted EBITDA of $89.0 million which included $94.6 million in non-cash impairments.

    For additional details on the Company’s financial results, refer to the Company’s filings at SEDAR+: www.sedarplus.ca

    About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

    Red White & Bloom is a multi-state cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. RWB is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and International markets.

    Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
    Investor and Media Relations
    Edoardo Mattei, CFO
    IR@RedWhiteBloom.com
    947-225-0503

    __________________________
    1Refer to Note 33, Discontinued Operations, of the Company’s 2024-YE Financial Statements for details on impairments.

    Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/

    Follow us on social media:

    @rwbbrands
    Facebook @redwhitebloombrands
    Instagram @redwhitebloombrands

    Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. There is no assurance that the near-term priorities outlined in this press release will yield results in line with management expectations. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the cannabis industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, market size, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

    There are several important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property, and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally; risks related to regulatory approvals. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also been assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

    THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

    NON-IFRS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL OR OPERATING MEASURES
    The Company references non-IFRS and supplementary financial or operating measures, including, but not limited to, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are most likely not comparable to similar measures presented by other public company issuers including those operating in the cannabis industry. Non-IFRS measures provide investors with additional insights into the Company’s financial and operating performance which may not be garnered from traditional IFRS measures. The management of the Company, including its key decision makers, use non-IFRS measures in assessing the Company’s financial and operating performance. The Company calculates EBITDA as net income or loss excluding current and deferred income tax expense, finance expense, interest expenses, interest income and amortization of discounts, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss excluding current and deferred income tax expense, finance expense, interest income and amortization of discounts, depreciation and amortization, fair value changes in biological assets, realized fair value changes in inventory sold, share based compensation, termination costs, gains or losses on evaluation of financial instruments, impairments of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, impairment of property, plant and equipment, accreted interest on leases and applicable short term and long term liabilities, gains or losses on asset disposals, gains or losses on settlement of debt, gains or losses on debt modification, foreign exchange, expected credit losses and bad debt expense, acquisition costs, business transaction costs, gain on extinguishment of payables, and non-recurring expenses such as carrying costs associated with dormant assets and penalties and late fees.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Red White & Bloom Brands Reports Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that it has filed its consolidated audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Financial Statements”), together with the related management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”), and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the “Annual Filings”).

    As previously disclosed, the Company’s Annual Filings and its interim financial statements and MD&A for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 (the “2025-Q1 Filings”) were delayed beyond the prescribed deadlines under applicable Canadian securities laws. As a result, a failure-to-file cease trade order (“FFCTO”) was issued by the applicable securities regulator, effective July 3, 2025.

    With the Annual Filings now completed, the Company is working diligently to finalize and file the 2025-Q1 Filings. The FFCTO will remain in effect until the 2025-Q1 Filings are completed and the applicable securities regulator revokes the order.

    2024 Fourth Quarter (“2024-Q4”) Consolidated Results Compared to Restated 2023 Fourth Quarter (“2023-Q4”)

    • Revenues were $18.7 million for 2024-Q4, representing a $2.8 million increase compared to restated 2023-Q4 revenues of $15.9 million.
    • Gross profit, after fair value adjustments, was $5.4 million for 2024-Q4, a decrease of $5.1 million from restated 2023-Q4 gross profit after fair value adjustments of $10.6 million.
    • Operating expenses totaled $9.1 million for 2024-Q4, a decrease of $3.7 million compared to restated 2023-Q4 operating expenses of $12.8 million.
    • EBITDA was $6.3 million for 2024-Q4, an increase of $97.6 million compared to restated 2023-Q4 negative adjusted EBITDA of $91.3 million which included $94.6 million in non-cash impairments.1

    Fiscal Year 2024 (“2024-YTD”) Consolidated Results Compared to Restated Fiscal Year 2023 (“2023-YTD”)

    • Revenues for 2024-YTD were $80.2 million, reflecting a $10.6 million increase compared to restated 2023-YTD revenues of $69.6 million.
    • Gross profit, after fair value adjustments, for 2024-YTD totaled $28.4 million, an increase of $3.4 million from restated 2023-YTD gross profit after fair value adjustments of $25.0 million., marking an increase of $3.4 million.
    • Operating expenses for 2024-YTD were $40.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million compared to restated 2023-YTD operating expenses of $31.0 million.
    • EBITDA was $10.8 million for 2024-YTD, a net increase improvement of $99.76 million compared to 2023-YTD negative adjusted EBITDA of $89.0 million which included $94.6 million in non-cash impairments.

    For additional details on the Company’s financial results, refer to the Company’s filings at SEDAR+: www.sedarplus.ca

    About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

    Red White & Bloom is a multi-state cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. RWB is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and International markets.

    Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
    Investor and Media Relations
    Edoardo Mattei, CFO
    IR@RedWhiteBloom.com
    947-225-0503

    __________________________
    1Refer to Note 33, Discontinued Operations, of the Company’s 2024-YE Financial Statements for details on impairments.

    Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/

    Follow us on social media:

    @rwbbrands
    Facebook @redwhitebloombrands
    Instagram @redwhitebloombrands

    Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. There is no assurance that the near-term priorities outlined in this press release will yield results in line with management expectations. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the cannabis industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, market size, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

    There are several important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property, and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally; risks related to regulatory approvals. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also been assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

    THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

    NON-IFRS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL OR OPERATING MEASURES
    The Company references non-IFRS and supplementary financial or operating measures, including, but not limited to, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are most likely not comparable to similar measures presented by other public company issuers including those operating in the cannabis industry. Non-IFRS measures provide investors with additional insights into the Company’s financial and operating performance which may not be garnered from traditional IFRS measures. The management of the Company, including its key decision makers, use non-IFRS measures in assessing the Company’s financial and operating performance. The Company calculates EBITDA as net income or loss excluding current and deferred income tax expense, finance expense, interest expenses, interest income and amortization of discounts, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss excluding current and deferred income tax expense, finance expense, interest income and amortization of discounts, depreciation and amortization, fair value changes in biological assets, realized fair value changes in inventory sold, share based compensation, termination costs, gains or losses on evaluation of financial instruments, impairments of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, impairment of property, plant and equipment, accreted interest on leases and applicable short term and long term liabilities, gains or losses on asset disposals, gains or losses on settlement of debt, gains or losses on debt modification, foreign exchange, expected credit losses and bad debt expense, acquisition costs, business transaction costs, gain on extinguishment of payables, and non-recurring expenses such as carrying costs associated with dormant assets and penalties and late fees.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Red White & Bloom Brands Reports Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that it has filed its consolidated audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Financial Statements”), together with the related management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”), and accompanying CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the “Annual Filings”).

    As previously disclosed, the Company’s Annual Filings and its interim financial statements and MD&A for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 (the “2025-Q1 Filings”) were delayed beyond the prescribed deadlines under applicable Canadian securities laws. As a result, a failure-to-file cease trade order (“FFCTO”) was issued by the applicable securities regulator, effective July 3, 2025.

    With the Annual Filings now completed, the Company is working diligently to finalize and file the 2025-Q1 Filings. The FFCTO will remain in effect until the 2025-Q1 Filings are completed and the applicable securities regulator revokes the order.

    2024 Fourth Quarter (“2024-Q4”) Consolidated Results Compared to Restated 2023 Fourth Quarter (“2023-Q4”)

    • Revenues were $18.7 million for 2024-Q4, representing a $2.8 million increase compared to restated 2023-Q4 revenues of $15.9 million.
    • Gross profit, after fair value adjustments, was $5.4 million for 2024-Q4, a decrease of $5.1 million from restated 2023-Q4 gross profit after fair value adjustments of $10.6 million.
    • Operating expenses totaled $9.1 million for 2024-Q4, a decrease of $3.7 million compared to restated 2023-Q4 operating expenses of $12.8 million.
    • EBITDA was $6.3 million for 2024-Q4, an increase of $97.6 million compared to restated 2023-Q4 negative adjusted EBITDA of $91.3 million which included $94.6 million in non-cash impairments.1

    Fiscal Year 2024 (“2024-YTD”) Consolidated Results Compared to Restated Fiscal Year 2023 (“2023-YTD”)

    • Revenues for 2024-YTD were $80.2 million, reflecting a $10.6 million increase compared to restated 2023-YTD revenues of $69.6 million.
    • Gross profit, after fair value adjustments, for 2024-YTD totaled $28.4 million, an increase of $3.4 million from restated 2023-YTD gross profit after fair value adjustments of $25.0 million., marking an increase of $3.4 million.
    • Operating expenses for 2024-YTD were $40.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million compared to restated 2023-YTD operating expenses of $31.0 million.
    • EBITDA was $10.8 million for 2024-YTD, a net increase improvement of $99.76 million compared to 2023-YTD negative adjusted EBITDA of $89.0 million which included $94.6 million in non-cash impairments.

    For additional details on the Company’s financial results, refer to the Company’s filings at SEDAR+: www.sedarplus.ca

    About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

    Red White & Bloom is a multi-state cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. RWB is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and International markets.

    Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
    Investor and Media Relations
    Edoardo Mattei, CFO
    IR@RedWhiteBloom.com
    947-225-0503

    __________________________
    1Refer to Note 33, Discontinued Operations, of the Company’s 2024-YE Financial Statements for details on impairments.

    Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/

    Follow us on social media:

    @rwbbrands
    Facebook @redwhitebloombrands
    Instagram @redwhitebloombrands

    Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company’s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words “estimate”, “project”, “belief”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “predict”, “may” or “should” and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. There is no assurance that the near-term priorities outlined in this press release will yield results in line with management expectations. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s business plan and matters relating thereto, risks associated with the cannabis industry, competition, regulatory change, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, market size, and the volatility of the Company’s common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

    There are several important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the Company’s proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to the Company’s operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property, and reliable supply chains; risks related to the Company and its business generally; risks related to regulatory approvals. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company’s forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also been assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

    THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

    NON-IFRS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL OR OPERATING MEASURES
    The Company references non-IFRS and supplementary financial or operating measures, including, but not limited to, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are most likely not comparable to similar measures presented by other public company issuers including those operating in the cannabis industry. Non-IFRS measures provide investors with additional insights into the Company’s financial and operating performance which may not be garnered from traditional IFRS measures. The management of the Company, including its key decision makers, use non-IFRS measures in assessing the Company’s financial and operating performance. The Company calculates EBITDA as net income or loss excluding current and deferred income tax expense, finance expense, interest expenses, interest income and amortization of discounts, and depreciation and amortization. The Company calculates Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss excluding current and deferred income tax expense, finance expense, interest income and amortization of discounts, depreciation and amortization, fair value changes in biological assets, realized fair value changes in inventory sold, share based compensation, termination costs, gains or losses on evaluation of financial instruments, impairments of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, impairment of property, plant and equipment, accreted interest on leases and applicable short term and long term liabilities, gains or losses on asset disposals, gains or losses on settlement of debt, gains or losses on debt modification, foreign exchange, expected credit losses and bad debt expense, acquisition costs, business transaction costs, gain on extinguishment of payables, and non-recurring expenses such as carrying costs associated with dormant assets and penalties and late fees.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Catalysing Sustainable & Green Infrastructure Financing for Achieving Net Zero – Inaugural Address delivered by Shri M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India – July 03, 2025 – at the Conference on Green Infrastructure Finance at College of Agriculture Banking, RBI, Pune

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Catalysing Sustainable & Green Infrastructure Financing for Achieving Net Zero
    (Inaugural Address delivered by Shri M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India – July 03, 2025 – at the Conference on Green Infrastructure Finance at College of Agriculture Banking, RBI, Pune)

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa Ramps Up Energy Investment Drive with Dedicated Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

    Source: APO

    South Africa is positioning itself as a premier investment destination in Africa’s energy transition, with a strategic push across the entire energy value chain – from oil and gas exploration to renewables and green hydrogen. At African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, an “Invest in South Africa” Roundtable will bring together top-tier investors, policymakers and energy executives to spotlight the country’s evolving regulatory landscape, its new national oil company and a host of bankable infrastructure projects.

    This year’s roundtable brings together a powerful lineup of speakers driving South Africa’s energy future, including Shahrukh Mirza, VP LNG Development at ExxonMobil, Stefano Marani, CEO of Renergen Limited, and senior representatives from both the newly formed South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) and the South African National Energy Development Institute.

    South Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a critical transformation: years of load-shedding and grid instability has prompted bold reforms aimed at liberalizing the energy market, fast-tracking private-sector participation and diversifying supply sources. As the government unbundles Eskom and opens transmission infrastructure to independent power producers, investor interest in South Africa’s power and gas markets is growing sharply. Meanwhile, the Integrated Resource Plan and Renewable Energy Masterplan are paving the way for expanded solar, wind and battery storage deployment, backed by robust public-private collaboration.

    The upstream oil and gas sector is also entering a pivotal new phase. The recently established SANPC is spearheading fresh exploration efforts and opening up acreage across frontier basins, including the Orange Basin – an area that has drawn renewed interest following a string of offshore discoveries in neighboring Namibia. Energy major Shell has secured approval for a five-well drilling campaign in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep block, while TotalEnergies is targeting a two-well wildcat campaign in South Africa’s portion of the Orange Basin, slated for 2026. With upcoming licensing opportunities, transparent fiscal terms and enhanced data packages, South Africa is well-positioned to attract both new market entrants and experienced independents to its upstream sector.

    In its gas monetization strategy, South Africa is advancing efforts to leverage domestic resources – including those under development by Renergen at the Virginia Gas Project – to support helium exports and the production of LNG for transport and industrial fuel use. The country’s Gas Master Plan, currently under review, sets out a roadmap for critical infrastructure, including LNG terminals, pipeline expansions and strategic gas storage, aimed at enhancing long-term energy security. At the same time, public-private initiatives such as the green hydrogen corridor – linking the Northern Cape to key export hubs – are laying the groundwork for large-scale hydrogen production, backed by the region’s exceptional solar and wind potential.

    “As South Africa retools its regulatory environment and builds momentum behind energy diversification, AEW 2025 stands as the ideal venue to connect capital with opportunity. From the Orange Basin’s high-impact prospects to scalable renewables and gas monetization, the country is open for business,” says Oré Onegbesan, Program Director, AEW.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies:
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reappointment of Executive Directors to SFC

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Government announced today (July 18) that the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571), has reappointed Ms Christina Choi Fung-yee, Mr Rico Leung Chung-yin and Mr Michael Duignan as the Executive Directors of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of three years from August 1, 2025, August 28, 2025, and November 1, 2025, respectively.
     
    A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “Ms Choi, Mr Leung and Mr Duignan have made valuable contributions to the work of the SFC. We are confident that they will continue to contribute towards the effective performance of the SFC’s statutory functions to foster market development and sound regulation.”
     
    Ms Choi was appointed as the Executive Director (Investment Products) of the SFC in 2016. She will continue to serve as Executive Director (Investment Products) until October 31, 2025, and assume the post of Executive Director (Corporate Finance) of the SFC with effect from November 1, 2025.
     
    Mr Leung was appointed as the Executive Director (Supervision of Markets) of the SFC in 2019. He will continue to assume the management responsibility for Supervision of Markets.
     
    Mr Duignan was appointed as the Executive Director (Corporate Finance) of the SFC in 2022. He will assume the post of Executive Director (Enforcement) in the new term.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Rhythm of Innovation (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by FS at Rhythm of Innovation (English only) (with photos/video) 
    Sunny (Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), young talents from Hong Kong and beyond,
     
    Good afternoon.
     
         It’s a real pleasure to be at this gathering, joined by so many energetic and passionate young innovators.
     
         Just moments ago, I had the chance to speak with some of you, interns and graduates from various incubation programmes here at Science Park. I must say I am truly impressed by your passion, creativity and drive to make a difference in life.
     
         Innovation and technology – or I&T – is a space full of promise. For a long time, people in Hong Kong have favoured careers like doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. While these are respectable and rewarding professions, today, I&T has become one of the most exciting avenues for young people to succeed. It is a sector of the future where you can find a meaningful career with positive impact on the community and the world.
     
         Take DeepSeek for example.  It is a remarkable venture launched by a group of young innovators. Their high-efficiency, low-cost model has captured global attention and admiration. And they are just one of many success stories. Across both the Mainland and Hong Kong, young people are driving change through groundbreaking products and creative solutions that are shaping industries and transforming lives.
     
         And if you’re thinking about a career in I&T, let me say: Hong Kong is the place to be.
     
         This Government puts I&T as a policy priority. We focus on sectors where we have competitive strengths, namely artificial intelligence, biomedicine, fintech as well as new energy and new materials. To expedite their development, we are actively attracting world-class enterprises and top talent to Hong Kong, especially those working on cutting-edge technologies.  And we are nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of start-ups, with patient capital support.  By setting up the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, we seek to channel private sector funds to companies even at their nascent stage. 
     
         As an international financial centre, we also provide comprehensive funding support for start-ups and companies at various stages of development, from angel investments, venture capital and private equity to IPO.
     
         Apart from finance, Hong Kong has a number of other unique advantages. 
     
         For example, we are home to world-class universities and research institutions. We are the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100. Our research institutions are among the best in Asia and the world.  Our two medical schools are among the world’s top 25. 
     
         Besides, we have a thriving start-up ecosystem.  As of last year, Hong Kong had around 4 700 start-ups, a 40 per cent increase compared to 2020. And our innovation flagships like Science Park and Cyberport provide the space, infrastructure, mentorship, resources, networks and programmes that support their growth and dreams.
     
         There’s more. The Northern Metropolis on the boundary with Shenzhen – an area about one-third the size of Hong Kong – is being developed into an I&T powerhouse.
     
         With special cross-boundary policies and facilitation, the Northern Metropolis in conjunction with sister cities in the Greater Bay Area, like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, is fast becoming a global hub for R&D, tech innovation and commercialisation, as well as advanced manufacturing.
     
         And just as important – we offer a safe, open, multicultural environment that welcomes talent from all over the world.
     
         To those of you who are coming from the Mainland or overseas, I wish you to know that Hong Kong welcomes you. If you are inspired by what you see here, come and join us. Since launching our talent admission schemes in December 2022, we’ve received nearly 500 000 applications – and over 220 000 talented individuals have arrived in Hong Kong, many with their young families. They chose Hong Kong for its opportunities, unparalleled connectivity, quality of life, excellent education system, and many more.
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, the greatest asset of Hong Kong has always been its people – and that includes you: our next generation of innovators, creators and leaders.
     
         I look forward to seeing many of you again in the future – not just as students or interns, but as key members of Hong Kong’s I&T community.
     
         Once again, I thank the HKSTP for organising this amazing and meaningful gathering.
     
         Let me end by wishing you all good health, successful careers, and a bright future. Keep dreaming, keep creating, and keep moving forward.
     
         Thank you very much.
    Issued at HKT 18:06

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: MoneyHero Group Regains Compliance with Nasdaq Minimum Bid Price Requirement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (Nasdaq: MNY) (“MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia, today announced that it has received a written notice (the “Compliance Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) dated July 17, 2025, informing the Company that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth under the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”).

    As previously announced, the Company was notified by Nasdaq on April 7, 2025 that the Company was not in compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement as the closing bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares was below US$1.00 per share for a period of 30 consecutive business days.

    According to the Compliance Notice, the Company regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement because the closing bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares has been US$1.00 per share or greater for 10 consecutive business days, from July 2, 2025 to July 16, 2025, and the matter is now closed.

    About MoneyHero Group

    MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory. The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero had over 260 commercial partner relationships as at March 31, 2025, and had approximately 5.7 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving APAC’s digital economy, please visit www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

    For inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    MoneyHero IR Team
    IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CICC successfully hosts the 3rd China–Southeast Asia Economic and Finance Forum in Singapore

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On July 15, China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) successfully convened the 3rd China–Southeast Asia Economic and Finance Forum 2025. H.E. Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of China to Singapore graced the event as a keynote speaker. The forum brought together nearly 300 government officials, institutional investors, business leaders, and CICC representatives from across Asia. Held under the theme “The Great Rewiring: China–Southeast Asia Pivot in a Realigning Global Economy”, the forum served as a high-level platform for dialogue and collaboration on macroeconomic trends, regional investment opportunities, and cross-border capital flows between China and Southeast Asia.

    H.E. Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of China to Singapore, emphasized that China upholds the principle of openness and cooperation, and is committed to advancing globalization. He expressed that China looks forward to working closely with ASEAN under the vision of “amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness”, which would deepen mutual benefits, and jointly promote regional prosperity as well as global development.

    In her opening speech, Liang Dongqing, Member of CICC’s Management Committee mentioned the theme of this year’s forum is inspired by the “great rewiring” of the global economy. Southeast Asia stands out as the most favoured destination for A-share listed manufacturing companies to go abroad, which highlights China and the region’s steadfast partnership and interdependence. Stephen Ng, Head of CICC Southeast Asia and South Asia and CEO of CICC Singapore addressed the audience that the annual forum has witnessed the evolution of connectivity between China and Southeast Asia—from its early beginnings three years ago to its rapid development today, which has significantly reshaped and strengthened regional economic ties.

    Other keynote speakers include Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of 01.AI and Chairman of Sinovation Ventures, who said that generative AI will also be a super productivity booster for the economy. Professor Bert Hofman of the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore highlighted that China’s continued investment in research and technology has effectively helped optimize its export structure. At the same time, two-way direct investment between China and ASEAN has continuously deepened.

    Throughout the day, the Forum featured keynote speeches and in-depth discussions across multiple panels and sub-forums. Guest speakers and experts shared insights on a broad spectrum of topics, including reconfiguring supply chains, emerging investment trends in China, the evolution of consumer markets, market strategy, the global expansion of AI, strategic asset allocation, exchange rate outlook, as well as synergy between Chinese innovation and Southeast Asia’s economic transformation, among others.

    The Forum served as a platform to further strengthen CICC’s presence in Southeast Asia and support the firm’s efforts to seize new opportunities arising from the deepening economic ties and growing capital flows between China and the region. Looking ahead, CICC will continue to expand its network and business activities across Southeast Asia, enhance its cooperation with local partners, and facilitate cross-border investment and capital market integration, while contributing to regional financial development.

    About CICC

    China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC, 601995.SH, 3908.HK) was established in 1995. Our experience in professional services includes leading several prominent transactions, reflecting our close involvement in China’s economic reform and development. Our vision is to become a first-class investment bank with international competitiveness. As an investment bank with Chinese roots and international reach, CICC continues bringing first-class financial services through its extensive network and outstanding cross-border capability to help our clients accomplish their strategic development goals.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile’s JPush Empowers Beijing Hyundai Auto Finance to Build an Efficient and Secure Mobile Financial Service Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that its push notification solution, JPush, has partnered with Beijing Hyundai Auto Finance Co., Ltd. (“BHAF”) to empower the automotive finance provider with JPush’s efficient message delivery and secure communication services.

    Driven by the digital transformation sweeping the financial sector, BHAF is embracing change and striving to build an intelligent, mobile financial service system. To enhance customer service efficiency and employee collaboration, BHAF has launched a dedicated mobile platform that integrates core functions, such as financial services, customer support, risk management, and internal operations. Powered by advanced technology, JPush has played a key role in providing robust support for this platform.

    • Seamless full coverage to ensure uninterrupted service
      JPush fully supports various operating systems including Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, QuickApp, and Web. It is compatible with JPush channels, APNs (Apple Push Notification service), FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) and the system-level push messaging channels of various mobile brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, VIVO, Meizu, ASUS, NIO Phone. This ensures that BHAF’s customers and employees can receive critical messages in a timely and stable manner on various devices, enabling the seamless delivery of financial services.
    • High-concurrency, financial-grade channels for guaranteed message delivery
      JPush has established multiple high-reliability, high-concurrency message delivery channels. By leveraging its intelligent channel optimization and keep-alive technologies, JPush ensures the instant and accurate delivery of time-sensitive financial messages such as loan progress updates, repayment reminders, pending approvals, and risk alerts. This helps BHAF avoid delays or message loss that could negatively affect customer experience or internal decision-making.
    • Dual assurance of precision targeting and compliance-level security
      JPush supports customized labeling and aliases based on user profiles and business scenarios. This enables refined push notifications, such as loan product recommendations, repayment reminders, and employee task alerts. These capabilities significantly enhance information delivery efficiency and user experience. Furthermore, JPush has passed the security evaluation by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) and is connected to the national SDK management service platform. Its strict data encryption and storage mechanisms provide BHAF with dual-layer protection for customer privacy and business data, fully complying with the stringent regulatory requirements of the financial industry.

    A financial-grade mobile service hub featuring high efficiency, precision, and security has been established through the deep integration of JPush and BHAF’s mobile platform. Internally, employee approval processes have been accelerated and collaboration efficiency significantly improved. Externally, customers benefit from greater transparency in loan processing and timely repayment reminders, resulting in a fully upgraded service experience. These improvements optimize operations, lower service costs, and foster business model innovation while enhancing customer satisfaction through technology.

    Looking ahead, Aurora Mobile will continue to deepen its strategic partnership with BHAF. Leveraging its industry-leading push notification and financial technology solutions, the two parties will jointly explore cutting-edge digital applications, including intelligent risk control, precision marketing, and personalized services. These efforts will help strengthen BHAF’s digital foundation and provide sustained intelligent momentum for its high-quality business growth.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In US
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile’s JPush Empowers Beijing Hyundai Auto Finance to Build an Efficient and Secure Mobile Financial Service Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that its push notification solution, JPush, has partnered with Beijing Hyundai Auto Finance Co., Ltd. (“BHAF”) to empower the automotive finance provider with JPush’s efficient message delivery and secure communication services.

    Driven by the digital transformation sweeping the financial sector, BHAF is embracing change and striving to build an intelligent, mobile financial service system. To enhance customer service efficiency and employee collaboration, BHAF has launched a dedicated mobile platform that integrates core functions, such as financial services, customer support, risk management, and internal operations. Powered by advanced technology, JPush has played a key role in providing robust support for this platform.

    • Seamless full coverage to ensure uninterrupted service
      JPush fully supports various operating systems including Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, QuickApp, and Web. It is compatible with JPush channels, APNs (Apple Push Notification service), FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) and the system-level push messaging channels of various mobile brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, VIVO, Meizu, ASUS, NIO Phone. This ensures that BHAF’s customers and employees can receive critical messages in a timely and stable manner on various devices, enabling the seamless delivery of financial services.
    • High-concurrency, financial-grade channels for guaranteed message delivery
      JPush has established multiple high-reliability, high-concurrency message delivery channels. By leveraging its intelligent channel optimization and keep-alive technologies, JPush ensures the instant and accurate delivery of time-sensitive financial messages such as loan progress updates, repayment reminders, pending approvals, and risk alerts. This helps BHAF avoid delays or message loss that could negatively affect customer experience or internal decision-making.
    • Dual assurance of precision targeting and compliance-level security
      JPush supports customized labeling and aliases based on user profiles and business scenarios. This enables refined push notifications, such as loan product recommendations, repayment reminders, and employee task alerts. These capabilities significantly enhance information delivery efficiency and user experience. Furthermore, JPush has passed the security evaluation by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) and is connected to the national SDK management service platform. Its strict data encryption and storage mechanisms provide BHAF with dual-layer protection for customer privacy and business data, fully complying with the stringent regulatory requirements of the financial industry.

    A financial-grade mobile service hub featuring high efficiency, precision, and security has been established through the deep integration of JPush and BHAF’s mobile platform. Internally, employee approval processes have been accelerated and collaboration efficiency significantly improved. Externally, customers benefit from greater transparency in loan processing and timely repayment reminders, resulting in a fully upgraded service experience. These improvements optimize operations, lower service costs, and foster business model innovation while enhancing customer satisfaction through technology.

    Looking ahead, Aurora Mobile will continue to deepen its strategic partnership with BHAF. Leveraging its industry-leading push notification and financial technology solutions, the two parties will jointly explore cutting-edge digital applications, including intelligent risk control, precision marketing, and personalized services. These efforts will help strengthen BHAF’s digital foundation and provide sustained intelligent momentum for its high-quality business growth.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In US
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Remittix Announces Imminent Launch of Ethereum-Based Crypto-to-Fiat PayFi Protocol, Unveils $250,000 Community Giveaway

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KOŠICE, Slovakia, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Remittix, a next-generation PayFi protocol built on the Ethereum blockchain, today announced the imminent launch of its real-world crypto-to-fiat payment solution. The platform, which enables users to send crypto and settle in fiat across global bank accounts, mobile wallets, and payment rails, is set to go live in the coming weeks. In celebration of the upcoming launch, Remittix has also kicked off a $250,000 giveaway campaign to reward early supporters and build community engagement.

    The announcement comes amid heightened activity on the Ethereum network, with ETH trading at a five-month high of $3,350 and open interest rising sharply. Remittix leverages Ethereum’s smart contract infrastructure to enable near-instant cross-border settlements, with built-in compliance layers designed for regional licensing in Africa and Southeast Asia.

    “Cross-border remittance remains one of the most underserved areas in both traditional and decentralized finance,” said a spokesperson from Remittix. “We’re excited to roll out a solution that brings together speed, cost-efficiency, and real-world applicability while maintaining decentralization.”

    Key Highlights:

    • Launch-Ready Protocol: Real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion infrastructure developed on Ethereum.
    • Global Remittance Use Case: Supports fiat delivery to local banks and wallets across emerging markets.
    • Strong Investor Backing: Over $16.3 million raised and 550 million tokens sold to date.
    • Governance-Driven: Built with smart contracts supporting DAO-based upgrades and community input.
    • Launch Giveaway: A $250,000 prize pool is now live via Gleam.io to engage users ahead of the full rollout.

    The Remittix protocol is part of a growing trend in PayFi (Payment Finance), a new category in DeFi focused on merging blockchain innovation with traditional financial use cases. As Ethereum continues to evolve, solutions like Remittix are increasingly viewed as critical bridges between Web3 and everyday financial activity.

    Giveaway and Participation:

    To participate in the official Remittix $250,000 giveaway, users can visit: https://gleam.io/competitions/nz84L-250000-remittix-giveaway
    More information on the project and presale details is available at https://remittix.io/

    Follow Remittix on social media: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Contact:
    Andy Černý
    andy@remittix.io

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93c9e09c-2a89-4f2c-9778-cc596196c52b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d6500b3-001c-4d9a-8d3e-569c6112e2d3

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19574445-db94-4cc2-8c22-76718998ddcc

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK, Philippines launch coalition to boost emerging market finance

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK, Philippines launch coalition to boost emerging market finance

    The UK and the Philippines have partnered to launch a groundbreaking initiative to channel more global capital into emerging markets.

    The ‘EMDE Public Markets Coalition’ was unveiled at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville this July, as part of a Sevilla Platform for Action Initiative on ‘Public Markets Mobilisation for Development. This initiative aims to redirect a portion of the $255 trillion flowing through listed equity and bond markets toward crucial development projects in emerging markets and developing economies. 

    With only a small fraction of global public market investments currently reaching emerging economies like the Philippines, even a modest shift could transform financing for climate resilience and sustainable development projects. The Coalition will develop a Toolkit to guide development banks, finance institutions, and investors in mobilizing climate and development investments in emerging markets through public markets. This will help direct more capital to the Philippines and and similar economies.

    The Government of the Philippines endorses the initiative, co-hosted its FFD4 launch event, and will play a key role in its implementation. The initiative will be co-implemented by the Government of Norway and the African Development Bank (AfDB). It has also received endorsement from the Governments of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), British International Investment (BII) and the Centre for Development Finance Studies (CDFS). 

    Undersecretary Joven Balbosa of the Philippines’ Department of Finance said:

    The Philippines is proud to continue our partnership with the UK to mobilise finance toward sustainable development and climate action. Public markets are powerful vehicles for mobilisation, with both equity and debt financing proving crucial in meeting climate and development targets.

    The Rt Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington, UK Minister for International Development, highlighted the coalition’s significance:

    We need to see a transformation in how the public and private sectors work together to mobilise capital to power development progress. Even a small shift in the way this money is invested could unlock massive change and new opportunities for investors, ensuring more countries, communities, and businesses have the finance they need to solve the most difficult development challenges.

    Commissioner McJill Bryant Fernandez of the Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission noted that:

    The launch of the EMDE Public Markets Coalition is a timely step toward mobilizing global capital for sustainable development. For the Philippines, improving market access and de-risking investments enable more Filipino enterprises to secure long-term financing for climate-smart growth. We hope to see more countries and partners join us in scaling this agenda to create transformative change across emerging markets.

    The initiative aligns with the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to make Britain a clean energy superpower while helping partners, like the Philippines, build climate resilience. 

    British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils highlighted the strong partnership between the UK and the Philippines:

    I am proud that the UK and Philippines have teamed up to show how public markets can boost financing for sustainable development projects, thereby driving quantifiable, lasting change. Together, we have shown that the public sector has a role to play in facilitating this, by creating robust ecosystems that enable more private capital to be redirected to sustainable investments.

    The UK’s MOBILIST programme, which provides capital and technical assistance to support companies in emerging markets to list on stock exchanges, serves as a foundation for the new coalition. This approach has already proven effective in channelling institutional investment toward development projects. In 2024, MOBILIST invested $12.5 million in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Citicore Renewables Energy Corporation, a renewable energy developer and operator of solar, hydro, and wind energy platforms in the Philippines. MOBILIST’s investment played a catalytic role in the IPO, which was valued at a total of $86 million and also attracted private institutional investors.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

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

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    2025-06-30
    President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  
    On the morning of June 30, President Lai Ching-te met with Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom. In remarks, President Lai thanked the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals. Noting that two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) arrangement, the president said that today Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP, which will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He expressed hope of the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) so that together we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Minister Alexander and wish a fruitful outcome for the 27th round of Taiwan-UK trade talks later today. Taiwan-UK relations have grown closer in recent years. We have not only continued to strengthen cooperation in such fields as offshore wind power, innovative technologies, and culture and education but also have established regular dialogue mechanisms in the critical areas of economics and trade, energy, and agriculture. The UK is currently Taiwan’s fourth-largest European trading partner, second-largest source of investment from Europe, and third-largest target for investment in Europe. Two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an ETP arrangement. This was particularly meaningful, as it was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. Today, this arrangement is yielding further results. I am delighted that Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and advance industrial development on both sides. I also want to thank the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This month, the UK published its Strategic Defence Review 2025 and National Security Strategy 2025, which oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. These not only demonstrate that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals but also show that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable from those of the transatlantic regions. In addition, last November, the House of Commons passed a motion which made clear that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 neither established the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over Taiwan nor determined Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. The UK government also responded to the motion by publicly expressing for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758, opposing any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. For this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan and the UK have the advantage of being highly complementary in the technology sector. In facing the restructuring of global supply chains and other international economic and trade developments, I believe that Taiwan and the UK are indispensable key partners for one another. I look forward to the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP so that together, we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. In closing, I wish Minister Alexander a pleasant and successful visit. And I hope he has the opportunity to visit Taiwan for personal travel in the future. Minister Alexander then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great personal honor to meet with everyone today to discuss further deepening the UK-Taiwan trade relationship and explore the many opportunities our two sides can pursue together. He mentioned that he traveled to Taiwan in 2022 when he was a private citizen, a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, so he is delighted to be back to see the strength of the UK-Taiwan relationship and the strengthening of that relationship. He said that relationship is built on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared vision for open, resilient, and rules-based economic cooperation. As like-minded partners, he pointed out, our collaboration continues to grow across multiple sectors, and he is here today to further that momentum. Minister Alexander stated that on trade and investment, he is proud that this morning we signed the ETP Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade, Energy and Net Zero, which will provide a clear framework for our future cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded access and market-shaping engagement between our two economies. The minister said he believes that together with our annual trade talks, this partnership will help UK’s firms secure new commercial opportunities, improve regulatory alignment, and promote long-term investment in key growth areas, which in turn will also support Taiwan’s efforts to expand high-quality trade relationships with trusted partners. Minister Alexander said that President Lai’s promotion of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s recently published industrial and trade strategies are very well-aligned, as both cover clean energy and semiconductors as well as advanced manufacturing. He then provided an example, saying that both sides plan to invest in AI infrastructure and compute power-creating opportunities for great joint research in the future. By combining our strengths in these areas, he said, we can open the door to innovative collaboration and commercial success for both sides. He mentioned that yesterday he visited the Taiwan Space Agency, commenting that in sectors such as satellite technology, green energy, and cyber security, British expertise and trusted standards can provide meaningful solutions. Noting that President Lai spoke in his remarks of the broader challenge of peace and security in the region, Minister Alexander stated that the United Kingdom has, of course, also continued to affirm its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with its G7 partners. The UK-Taiwan relationship is strategic, enduring, and growing, he stated, and they reaffirm and remain firm in their longstanding position and confident in their ability to work together to support both prosperity and resilience in both of our societies. Minister Alexander said that, as Taiwan looks to diversify capital and build global partnerships, they believe the UK represents a strong and ambitious investment destination, particularly for Taiwanese companies at the very forefront of robotics, clean tech, and advanced industry. He pointed out that the UK’s markets are stable, open, and aligned with Taiwan’s vision of a high-tech, sustainable future, adding that he looks forward to our discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation across all of these areas and more. The delegation also included Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific at the UK Department for Business and Trade. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.   

    Details
    2025-06-27
    President Lai confers decoration on former Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo
    On the morning of June 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon former Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Ohashi Mitsuo in recognition of his firm convictions and tireless efforts in promoting Taiwan-Japan exchanges. In remarks, President Lai stated that Chairman Ohashi cares for Taiwan like a family member, and expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their partnership, bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and jointly build secure and stable non-red supply chains as we boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies and jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Every meeting I have with Chairman Ohashi, with whom I have worked side by side for many years, is warm and friendly. I recall that when we met last year, Chairman Ohashi said that he often thinks about what Japan can do for Taiwan and what Taiwan can do for Japan, and that it is that mutual concern that makes us so close. This was a truly moving statement illustrating the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. Chairman Ohashi has also said numerous times that our bilateral relations may very well be the best in the entire world, and that in fact they may serve as a model to other countries. Indeed, Chairman Ohashi is himself an exemplary model for friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan. His spirit of always working tirelessly to promote Taiwan-Japan exchanges is truly admirable. Assuming the position of chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in 2011, he served during the terms of former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, continuously making positive contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Over these past 14 years, Taiwan and Japan have signed over 50 major agreements, spanning the economy and trade, fisheries, and taxes, among other areas. In 2017, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association underwent name changes, strengthening the essence and significance of Taiwan-Japan relations. These great achievements were all made possible thanks to the firm convictions and tireless efforts of Chairman Ohashi. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am delighted to confer upon Chairman Ohashi the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to express our deepest thanks for his outstanding contributions. Chairman Ohashi is not just a good friend of Taiwan, but someone who cares for Taiwan like a family member. When a major earthquake struck in 2016, he personally went to Tainan to assess the situation and meet with the city government. This outpouring of friendship and support across borders was deeply moving. As we look to the future, I hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to deepen our partnership. In addition to bringing about the early signing of an EPA, I also hope that we can expand collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, energy, and AI, continue building secure and stable non-red supply chains, and boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Chairman Ohashi has said, the close bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan is one the world can be proud of. I would like to thank him once again for his contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan ties. Taiwan will continue to forge ahead side by side with Japan, jointly safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy and mutually advancing prosperous development. I wish Chairman Ohashi good health, happiness, peace, and success in his future endeavors, and invite him to return to Taiwan often to visit old friends. Chairman Ohashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his kind words. He stated that the Taiwan-Japan relationship is not only worthy of praise; it can also serve as a superb model in the world for bilateral relations that is worthy of study by other countries. He added that this is the result of the collective efforts of President Lai as well as many other individuals. Chairman Ohashi said that the current international situation is rather severe, with wars and conflicts occurring between many neighboring countries. He said that there is a growing trend of nuclear weapon proliferation, emphasizing that use of such weapons would cause significant harm between nations. He also pointed out that some countries even use nuclear weapons as a threat, leading to instability and impacting the global situation. Chairman Ohashi said that neither Taiwan nor Japan possesses nuclear weapons, which is something to be proud of. That is why, he said, we can declare that a world without nuclear weapons is a peaceful world. He also mentioned that during his tenure as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he consistently upheld this principle in his work. Chairman Ohashi said that the mission of the World Federalist Movement (WFM) is to promote world peace. He said that the WFM has branches in countries worldwide, with the WFM of Japan being one of the most prominent, and that it also aspires to achieve the goal of world peace. Having served as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for 14 years, he said, he is now stepping down from this role and will serve as the chairman of the WFM of Japan, aiming to promote peace in countries around the world. Chairman Ohashi said that both Taiwan and Japan can take pride in our friendly bilateral relationship, emphasizing that if the good relationship between Japan and Taiwan could be offered as an example to countries around the world, there would be no more wars. He expressed his sincere hope that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan and Japan can work together to jointly promote world peace. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-06-25
    President Lai meets Japan’s former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki
    On the afternoon of June 25, President Lai Ching-te met with Kobayashi Takayuki, Japan’s former economic security minister and a current member of the House of Representatives. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope to combine the strengths of the democratic community to build resilient, reliable non-red supply chains, and ensure a resilient global economy and sustainable development. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and that Japan will continue supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), enhancing our own bilateral partnership, as doing so would create win-win situations and further contribute to regional economic security and stability. The following is a translation of President Lai’s remarks: I welcome Representative Kobayashi back to Taiwan for another visit after seven years. During his last visit, he was with a delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division, and we met at the Executive Yuan. I am very happy to see him again today. Representative Kobayashi has long paid close attention to matters involving economic security, technological innovation, and aerospace policy. He also made a stunning debut in last year’s LDP presidential election, showing that he is truly a rising star and an influential figure in the political sphere. With this visit, Representative Kobayashi is demonstrating support for Taiwan with concrete action, which is very meaningful. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. We thank the many Japanese prime ministers, including former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, for the many times they have highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at important international venues, and for expressing opposition to the use of force or coercion to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. I hope that Taiwan and Japan can engage in more cooperation and exchanges to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region in all aspects. In particular, China in recent years has been actively expanding its red supply chains, which threaten the global free trade system and advanced technology markets. Taiwan hopes to combine the strengths of the democratic community to build resilient, reliable non-red supply chains. In the semiconductor industry, for example, Taiwan has excellent advanced manufacturing capabilities, while Japan plays an important role in materials, equipment, and key technologies. I am confident that, given the experience that Taiwan and Japan have in cooperating, we can build an industrial supply chain composed of democratic nations to ensure a resilient global economy and sustainable development. I hope that Taiwan and Japan can bring about the early signing of an EPA in order to deepen our bilateral trade and investment exchanges and cooperation. I also hope that Japan will continue supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP, enhancing our own bilateral partnership, as doing so would create win-win situations and further contribute to regional economic security and stability. Taiwan and Japan are democratic partners that share the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. I firmly believe that so long as we work together, we can certainly address the challenges posed by authoritarianism, and bring prosperity and development to the Indo-Pacific region. In closing, I welcome Representative Kobayashi once again. I am certain that this visit will help enhance Taiwan-Japan exchanges and deepen our friendship. Representative Kobayashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with him, and noting that this was his second visit to Taiwan following a trip seven years prior, when he came with his good friend from college and then-Director of the LDP Youth Division Suzuki Keisuke, now Japan’s minister of justice. Representative Kobayashi mentioned a Japanese kanji that he is very fond of – 絆 (kizuna) – which means “deep ties of friendship.” He emphasized that a key purpose of this visit to Taiwan was to reiterate the deep ties of friendship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to deep historical ties, he said, Taiwan and Japan also enjoy a like-minded partnership in terms of economic, personnel, and friendship-oriented exchanges. He went on to say that at the strategic level, Taiwan and Japan also have deep ties of friendship, and that for Japan, it is strategically important that Taiwan not be isolated under any circumstances. Representative Kobayashi emphasized that cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and even cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the United States, are more important now than ever, and that another important focus of this visit is the non-red supply chains referred to earlier by President Lai. He said that as Japan’s first economic security minister and the person currently in charge of the LDP’s policy on economic security, he is acutely aware of the important impact of economic security on national interests, and therefore looks forward to further exchanging views regarding Taiwan’s concrete steps to build non-red supply chains. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Virturo Broker Launches Enhanced AI-Powered Trading Suite at London Investor Summit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virturo unveiled its next-generation trading technologies, reaffirming its leadership in premium CFD, Forex, and crypto brokerage for high-net-worth clients, at the July 2025 London Investor Summit. Virturo, the pioneering multi-asset broker, today reaffirms its commitment to high-net-worth clients by leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI-driven analytics. With its proprietary MarketFlow™ engine and AI-powered RiskGuard™ tools, Virturo delivers institutional-grade execution speed, robust security, and intelligent portfolio management across CFDs, Forex, and cryptocurrencies.

    A Unified Vision: Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Deep Expertise

    Since its launch, Virturo has focused on creating a world of opportunity for every client—whether opening a Basic Retail account or leveraging our VIP Professional tier. Through our proprietary MarketFlow™ engine, traders gain access to deep liquidity across CFDs, Forex, and cryptocurrencies, fractional positions on blue-chip equities, and algorithm-driven order execution that adapts in real time to market conditions. Beyond technology, Virturo’s dedicated team of Investment Specialists goes the extra mile: hosting one-on-one portfolio reviews, delivering bespoke market insights, and tailoring risk parameters to each individual’s objectives. From interactive webinars on emerging asset classes to around-the-clock chat support, we ensure that every investor—regardless of account size—benefits from institutional-grade tools, personalized guidance, and a seamless trading experience.

    • MarketFlow™ Engine: Sub-millisecond execution across 3,000+ CFDs—including Equities, Forex, Indices, Commodities, and Cryptocurrencies—powered by ultra-low-latency feeds and intelligent order-routing.
    • CryptoVault™ Security: Multi-signature, air-gapped cold-storage for all digital assets, with real-time monitoring to protect against market extremes.
    • RiskGuard™ Suite: Configurable stop-loss, take-profit, trailing-stop, and live volatility analytics, combined with detailed margin and exposure reports.
    • GDPR & Regulatory Compliance: Full adherence to GDPR protocols, encrypted data storage, client data rights, plus compliance with MiFID II and global financial standards. Client funds are held in segregated accounts with protection up to €85,000 per account.
    • Client Support & Education: A comprehensive learning library, one-on-one strategy sessions, and 24/5 live-chat and phone support ensure that both retail and institutional investors receive personalized guidance.

    These features have made Virturo a top choice in Virturo reviews and positioned the company as a leading virturo broker: https://virturo.com/trading-accounts/ for sophisticated traders worldwide.

    A Platform Built for Every Trader

    Virturo offers access to 3,000+ instruments—from major and exotic Forex pairs to global stock CFDs, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies—all through a single, unified interface. Whether you’re speculating on oil price swings, hedging equity exposure, or capitalizing on Bitcoin’s momentum, our platform delivers ultra-tight spreads, sub-0.04-second execution, and transparent pricing you can depend on.

    Five Tailored Account Tiers

    To ensure every client has the precise tools and service level they need, Virturo has designed five progressive account tiers:

    • Basic ($500 minimum deposit): Entry-level leverage and spreads, core market-analysis tools, our weekly market newsletter, and full access to educational resources.
    • Prime ($2,500 minimum deposit): Improved spreads and commissions, enhanced leverage, unlimited educational content, and your own dedicated Investment Specialist.
    • Apex ($25,000 minimum deposit): Market-grade spreads, maximum leverage, tailored commissions, exclusive analyst sessions, priority support, and premier-events access.
    • Alpha ($100,000 minimum deposit): All Apex benefits plus zero commissions, guaranteed stop-loss protection, TradingView Pro integration, and on-demand market analysis.
    • Zenith ($250,000 minimum deposit): The ultimate institutional-style experience: dedicated team support, IPO/ICO access, priority transactions, a loyalty package, and every Alpha feature.

    Each tier unlocks progressively deeper insights, customisable risk controls, and ever-more personalised service—ensuring that whether you’re just beginning or managing a complex portfolio, Virturo adapts to your needs.

    Virturo Academy: Education Meets Execution

    We believe that informed clients are successful clients. That’s why Virturo Academy offers:

    • Structured Learning Paths on trading fundamentals, derivatives mechanics, and advanced algorithmic strategies
    • Live Webinars & Workshops featuring senior analysts and guest experts
    • Interactive Video Tutorials and step-by-step guides on our platform’s advanced tools
    • Weekly Newsletters summarising key market events, economic indicators, and trading opportunities

    From basic charting techniques to sophisticated portfolio optimisation, Virturo Academy equips you with the knowledge to trade confidently.

    Market Outlook & Thought Leadership

    With Bitcoin recently surpassing $118,000—driven by record-setting institutional inflows and ETF developments—Alex cautions that “digital assets are no longer fringe; they’re essential for a diversified, inflation-hedged portfolio.” His insights echo Virturo’s latest analysis on how AI-driven tools and robust security are making crypto mainstream.

    Alex further advises: “Wealth isn’t just what you earn. It’s what your capital earns while you sleep.” Through Virturo’s advanced analytics and personalized strategies, clients can confidently participate in both established and emerging markets.

    About Virturo

    Virturo is a next-generation, award-winning multi-asset broker offering CFDs on Equities, Forex, Indices, Commodities, and Cryptocurrencies. Owned by Finastra LTD and operating under stringent GDPR and international financial regulations, Virturo empowers high-net-worth and institutional investors with cutting-edge technology, top-tier security, and a client-centric approach. For more information or to read the latest Virturo review, visit www.virturo.com or contact media@virturo.com.

    Social Links

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virturo-uk/

    YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Virturo_Official

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Virturo/61570821814759/

    Media contact

    Brand: Virturo

    Contact: Media team

    Email: media@virturo.com

    Website: https://virturo.com

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