Category: GlobeNewswire

  • MIL-OSI: EXL recognized as a Major Player in IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Data Modernization Services in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company, announced that it has been recognized as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Modernization Services 2024 Vendor Assessment (doc #US51234424, September 2024) report.

    The inaugural report evaluates 27 service providers across their core value propositions, execution and innovation capabilities, go-to-market strategy, and market impact.

    “Whether driven by AI adoption or not, data modernization services are a critical component of organizations’ strategies to become more efficient, agile, and growth-oriented businesses,” said Jennifer Hamel, senior research director, Enterprise Intelligence Services at IDC. “This study evaluates 27 vendors that have established themselves as trusted partners for navigating the complexities of data modernization and continue to expand and evolve their portfolios to meet organizations’ future needs across the enterprise intelligence architecture.”

    According to the report, “IDC considers EXL’s strategies around offerings, client adoption, employee skills and retention, and innovation and R&D as key strengths. EXL also showcased strengths in achieving business outcomes for clients with data modernization services through case studies across a variety of industries and business functions.”

    “At EXL, we take great pride in helping our clients realize the power of data and AI by creating modern data architecture, data flows and solutions for them,” said Vivek Jetley, president and global head of analytics at EXL. “We combine our data, domain and AI expertise to design and implement solutions that improve operational efficiency and customer experience. We’re proud to receive this recognition from the IDC MarketScape as we continue to help our clients optimize their processes and build their future successes.”

    IDC’s Enterprise Intelligence Services subscribers can read the IDC MarketScape report at idc.com.

    For more information about how EXL partners with clients to lay the data foundations of AI and improve operational efficiency and customer experience through the design and implementation of modern, agile, secure, and scalable data platforms, please visit here.   

    About IDC MarketScape:

    IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of technology and service suppliers in a given market. The research utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each supplier’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of technology suppliers can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective suppliers.

    About EXL

    EXL (Nasdaq: EXLS) is a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company. We partner with clients using a data and AI-led approach to reinvent business models, drive better business outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, analytics, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform operations for the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 55,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit  www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

    © 2024 ExlService Holdings, Inc.  All rights reserved. For more information go to www.exlservice.com/legal-disclaimer

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Technologies to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference October 31st

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies Inc. (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL), a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), today announced that Peter Evans, CEO will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 31st, 2024.

    DATE: October 31st
    TIME: 2.30pm – 3pm ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/3ASgcyv

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    About Xtract One Technologies
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that enable facility operators to prioritize and deliver improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on FacebookX, and LinkedIn.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Xtract One Investor Relations
    Chris Witty
    Darrow Associates
    646-438-9385
    cwitty@darrowir.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ONAR to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference October 31st

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reliant Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: RELT), soon to be Onar Holding Corporation, today announced that ONAR CEO, Claude Zdanow, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 31st, 2024.

    DATE: October 31st
    TIME: 3:00 PM ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/3ASgcyv
    Available for 1×1 meetings: November 1st, 4th, and 5th

    This will be a live, interactive online event where potential investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online potential investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • A reverse merger with Reliant Holdings, Inc.
    • Several strategic acquisitions that expanded their capabilities
    • A new partnership with iQSTEL, a leader in telecommunications and fintech
    • Anticipation of Regulation A+ offering to support future acquisitions

    About ONAR

    ONAR (OTCQB: RELT) is a dynamic marketing and business solutions network, soon to be publicly traded as Onar Holding Corporation. ONAR’s mission is to provide unparalleled service through an integrated, AI-driven approach, leveraging its diverse brand family’s strengths. Committed to honor, candor, and best-in-class results, ONAR aims to lead the industry by example, ensuring every client relationship is deeply rooted in trust and excellence.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to potential investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with potential investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional potential investors.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on ONAR’s current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These statements are not historical facts and are inherently uncertain and outside of ONAR’s control. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding ONAR’s expectations regarding its ability to achieve its financial and strategic goals, including surpassing $100 million in revenue and securing a NASDAQ listing; its ability to expand its client base and market share; and its ability to develop and launch new products and services. Actual results may differ materially from ONAR’s expectations and projections due to various risks and uncertainties, including market conditions, competition, the ability to protect intellectual property, the ability to manage growth, changes in laws and regulations, and other factors described in ONAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and ONAR undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    CONTACTS:
    ONAR
    Sara Scully
    Marketing Manager
    213-437-3081
    IR@onar.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Global Micro extends its GDPR and ISO 27001 compliance services to EU, UK and US clients with new offices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key points:

    • South Africa’s most experienced cloud provider is opening new offices across Europe, the UK and the US.
    • These offices make Microsoft licensing and compliance easier across Europe and the United States.
    • Global Micro’s expansion will further help businesses take advantage of the benefits of AI securely while complying with the necessary regulations.

    JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Micro, South Africa’s most experienced cloud provider with more than 30 years of experience, is set to open physical offices in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    These offices make Microsoft licensing and compliance easier across Europe and the United States. The company is uniquely positioned to help organisations deal with the challenges around compliance in the EU and US. 

    “It has become clear that there is significant demand for assistance to meet the compliance demands of GDPR and NIS 2 by the EU region, particularly with the EU parliament vowing to strengthen GDPR enforcement earlier this year.

    “Our M365 Security and Compliance offering covers all the 34 technical controls for ISO 27001 Information Security, upon which GDPR is based,” explains JJ Milner, the Managing Director of Global Micro.

    Furthermore, Global Micro can provide the US and European markets with an end-to-end service to achieve ISO 27001 certification as well as ensure GDPR and NIS2 compliance.

    The company already has a solid reputation with customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and its solutions have been thoroughly tested. They are highly regarded by 1,200 customers in the region. It has further enabled its customers to attain considerably better security than the norm, a key metric in the EU’s strict regulations.

    “The effectiveness of our unique approach to managed services is evidenced by the success of our customers who enjoy far higher levels of security. While the average Microsoft Secure Score is 44/100, our customers have an average score of 75/100,” he adds.

    The expansion of Global Micro’s physical presence globally will enable the company to provide Microsoft licensing to customers in all European countries, in accordance with European Union laws, as well as across the United Kingdom and the United States.

    The official launch has been a year in the making. This is due to the complexities of meeting the legislative and governance requirements for Microsoft, UK, EU and US, explains Milner.

    The new offices will be able to draw upon the company’s full staff complement, from its back office, project management and consulting services to sales and always-available technical support teams.

    A key benefit that the company will bring is a more effective approach to delivering and maintaining secure and compliant environments.

    Milner explains that its services are delivered as managed code, which allows for standardised, consistent and auditable change management.
    This approach creates a feedback loop across its 1200 managed customers, allows it to update its code base and releases improvements to all its customers.

    The opening of the offices is also intended to help customers take full advantage of Microsoft’s push into artificial intelligence (AI) via its Copilot offering in its Microsoft 365 software suite. “While AI can open up exciting new capabilities for businesses, it can also expose hidden vulnerabilities in a company’s security and compliance measures,” says Milner.

    Companies, therefore, must be able to use the technology securely and ensure that all their security settings are aligned across their users, devices, networks, applications and the entirety of their infrastructure.

    With more than 2,500 different security settings and constantly changing regulations that companies must adhere to, that is no small feat. It is a challenge that the Global Micro office will enable its European customers to meet without needing to retain a large security team.

    These offices are set to be the first physical points of presence that mark Global Micro’s global expansion.

    “We are committed to establishing office locations globally where our customers need a physical presence.

    “We are excited to help our customers deal with their challenges and take advantage of the significant opportunities that AI brings to augment their business,” concludes Milner.

    About Global Micro
    Global Micro leverages the power of technology to deliver IT solutions that build better futures. Trusted for more than 30 years and by thousands of companies across the world, we provide enterprise-grade cloud and cybersecurity, and compliance solutions designed to help businesses comply and succeed. By simplifying sophisticated technology, we make it accessible and affordable. Keeping up with the complexity of technology is difficult. We help make it easy.

    Contact:
    Carly Simon
    Email: critz@we-worldwide.com
    Phone: +27825082209

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df698123-4c87-4f31-b552-9fc8b47cf03b
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e8ab056-38ec-4b19-a3e2-1aaa431270a6
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd38ab44-70fc-45e6-b75e-d5ebdaa22a97

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Ambiq Expands Support for the Popular Zephyr RTOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ambiq®, a leading developer of ultra-low-power semiconductors and solutions enabling Edge AI, expands its support for the open-sourced Zephyr Project® Real-Time Operating System (RTOS). Zephyr is now available on the Apollo3 Family SoCs, Apollo4 Plus, Apollo4 Blue Plus, and the upcoming Apollo510 MCU, for high-performing AI at the edge.

    Manufacturers running Zephyr on the Apollo chips benefit from Ambiq’s signature Subthreshold Power Optimization Technology (SPOT®) for exceptional energy efficiency, low memory usage, a rich combination of design resources and documentation, easy-to-use development tools, strong community support, and flexibility. Embedded developers, already working within the Zephyr environment, can easily port their software to Ambiq’s chips to take advantage of the much lower power consumption, simplifying their development cycle and scaling their products for faster time to market.

    “We are excited to be part of the Zephyr ecosystem,” said Fumihide Esaka, CEO of Ambiq. “Introducing Zephyr embedded developers to Ambiq’s low power solutions dramatically expands their toolkit for creating higher performing and more energy efficient edge devices. I have no doubts that Zephyr’s versatility and powerful community with highly documented resources, coupled with Ambiq’s ultra-low power solutions, will appeal to embedded developers at businesses of all sizes.”

    “With the incredible growth Zephyr has experienced in the last few years including more than 100,000 commits on GitHub from more than 2,000 contributors, it is set to become a de-facto standard RTOS choice,” said Michael Gielda, Co-Founder of Antmicro and Chair of The Zephyr Project Marketing Committee. “We are thrilled to see Ambiq actively contributing to the ecosystem with support for their platforms to enable a next generation of low-power products running Zephyr.”

    Users can access Ambiq’s GitHub code for Zephyr to get started today.

    About Ambiq

    Ambiq’s mission is to develop the lowest-power semiconductor solutions to enable intelligent devices everywhere and drive a more energy-efficient, sustainable, and data-driven world. Ambiq has helped leading manufacturers worldwide create products that last weeks on a single charge (rather than days) while delivering a maximum feature set in compact industrial designs. Ambiq’s goal is to take Artificial Intelligence (AI) where it has never gone before in mobile and portable devices, using Ambiq’s advanced ultra-low power system on chip (SoC) solutions. Ambiq has shipped more than 250 million units. For more information, visit www.ambiq.com.

    About Zephyr

    The Zephyr Project is a Linux Foundation hosted Collaboration Project. It’s an open source collaborative effort uniting developers and users in building a best-in-class small, scalable, real-time operating system (RTOS) optimized for resource-constrained devices, across multiple architectures. For more information, visit zephyrproject.org and github.com/zephyrproject-rtos.

    Contact

    Charlene Wan
    VP of Branding, Marketing, and Investor Relations
    cwan@ambiq.com
    +1.512.879.2850

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5a9bfa9-89a3-43e1-8230-afbe2ba3f19c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Global Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Market Valuation Expected to Reach $2.11 Billion by 2032

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Market has been growing in the past years and is expected to continue at a substantial pace for years to come. Growing awareness and concern about the impacts of climate change are driving governments, businesses, and individuals to seek effective solutions for mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. The CDR market benefits from this heightened awareness and the urgent need for sustainable practices. A report from Custom Marketing Insights said that the global Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Market size is expected to record a CAGR of 14.8% from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 610.9 Million. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 2,115.5 Million.   The report said: “Stringent Regulatory Policies and Targets: Governments around the world are implementing and enhancing regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The imposition of carbon reduction targets and the integration of carbon pricing mechanisms create a favorable environment for the growth of the CDR market, as industries seek ways to comply with these regulations.   Advancements in CDR Technologies: Ongoing research and development efforts are leading to technological advancements in carbon removal methods. Improved efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of CDR technologies contribute to their wider adoption and growth in the market.   Increasing Corporate Sustainability Initiatives: Many companies are adopting sustainability goals and committing to achieving net-zero emissions. As part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, businesses are investing in CDR technologies to offset their carbon footprint, contributing to the overall growth of the market.”   Active carbon companies in the markets this week include: BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF), SLB (NYSE: SLB), DevvStream Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: DSTRF) (NEO: DESG), Base Carbon Inc. (OTCQX: BCBNF) (NEO: BCBN), LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA).

    Custom Marketing Insights continued: “Rising Investments and Funding: The CDR market is witnessing increased investments from both public and private sectors. Governments, venture capital firms, and major corporations are allocating funds to support research, development, and implementation of carbon removal technologies, fostering market growth.   Emergence of Carbon Offset Markets: The development of carbon offset markets, where entities can buy and sell carbon credits, provides financial incentives for the deployment of CDR technologies. This market dynamic encourages the adoption of carbon removal solutions as a means for businesses to offset their emissions and comply with regulatory requirements, thereby driving market growth.”

    BluSky Carbon Inc. (CSE: BSKY) (OTCQB: BSKCF) Commences Biochar Production in Arkansas BluSky Carbon Inc. (FWB: QE4 /WKN A401NM) (“BluSky” or the “Company”), an innovative entry into the carbon removal clean technology sector is very pleased to announce that it has commenced production of biochar at a dedicated facility in Arkansas. The event marks the official startup of initial biochar production aimed at servicing the recently announced $105 million, ten-year supply agreement (see Company news release dated Sept 24, 2024) (“Supply Agreement”).

    A video showing the equipment start-up and providing some insights into the facility, the region, and BluSky’s strategic plan is available here.

    The startup of the Vulcan Heavy system at this location represents the first of three units required to service the totality of the Supply Agreement. Once the other two units are procured and fully operational (see news release dated September 24, 2024), these machines are expected to produce a combined output of approximately 40,000 tons of biochar annually. It is also expected that production byproducts such as bio-oil and syngas may help reduce the Company’s overall production costs by providing some of the energy required to power the Vulcan systems, potentially along with surplus power capacity to contribute towards operating BluSky’s related carbon removal technologies (CDR) including its Medusa Carbon mineralization process and Kronos Direct Air Carbon Capture technology.

    The inaugural production plant has been dedicated as “AR1“ and is located at 110 Industrial Park Drive in Warren, Arkansas. The facility consists of a multi-room 50,000 sq/ft enclosure located on an 8.54-acre property. Warren services an established sustainable timber industry with a strong presence in the town and surrounding area. Nearby softwood wood chip production (mostly yellow pine) serves as a nearly limitless source of clean biomass feedstock for the BluSky Vulcan Heavy pyrolysis systems.

    BluSky CEO Will Hessert comments, “The facility is ideally suited for scalability. We have ample room for the three Vulcan Heavy units as required to service our initial regional contract, with additional room to double that production without the need to create more space. The property itself is large and well suited to handle industrial scale logistics and storage needs.”   CONTINUED Read this full press release and more news for BluSky Carbon at:   https://bluskycarbon.com/news/

    Other recent carbon developments in the markets of note include:

    SLB (NYSE: SLB), formerly known as Schlumberger, recently announced it was aiming to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture technology through an investment in Norway’s Aker Carbon Capture. SLB said that it will pay about $380 million, or 4.12 billion Norwegian kroner, for an 80% stake in the pure-play carbon capture company. The deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter.

    Schlumberger rebranded as SLB in 2022 as part of the company’s growing focus on lower-carbon technologies. SLB is targeting $3 billion in revenue from its new energy business by the end of the decade. CEO Olivier Le Peuch told analysts during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call that carbon capture and storage will be a leading contributor to that $3 billion target. SLB is participating in more than $400 million worth of tenders related to carbon capture and storage.

    DevvStream Holdings Inc. (NEO: DESG) (OTCQB: DSTRF), a leading carbon credit project co-development and generation firm specializing in technology-based solutions, recently announced an agreement (the “Agreement”) to purchase 1.2 million carbon credits from the Ipixuna REDD+ Project (the “Project”), subject to final approval by the board of Focus Impact Acquisition Corp. (“Focus Impact”). In exchange for the credits, the vendor will receive newly authorized shares of common stock of the public company (“NewCo”) resulting from DevvStream’s previously announced business combination with Focus Impact (the “Business Combination”). Upon closing of the Business Combination-projected to occur on or before October 31, 2024-NewCo is expected to be named DevvStream Corp. and begin trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “DEVS.” The Company expects the carbon credit purchase Agreement to close in conjunction with and conditional upon the Business Combination and Nasdaq listing.

    Base Carbon Inc. (NEO: BCBN) (OTCQX: BCBNF) with operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Base Carbon Capital Partners Corp. (together, with affiliates, “Base Carbon”, or the “Company”), recently announced that it has received a second transfer of 1,014,635 carbon credits from its Rwanda project, each designated with Verra’s Article 6 Authorized label.

    Pursuant to the terms of the project agreement with the DelAgua Group, the project developer, and the letter of authorization issued by the Government of Rwanda (“LOA”) with respect to the project, the Company has received a transfer of 1,014,635 Article 6 Authorized labeled carbon credits. This volume is net of 23,060 carbon credits which have been retired to contribute towards global emission reductions and 115,300 carbon credits to be made available to the Government of Rwanda pursuant to the terms of the LOA. The Company now holds a total inventory of 1,712,193 carbon credits generated from the Rwanda project, all designated with Verra’s Article 6 Authorized label.

    LanzaTech Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNZA), the carbon recycling company transforming waste carbon into sustainable fuels, chemicals, materials, and protein, has been awarded $3 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), as part of a broader $29 million investment program to advance its carbon management priorities. LanzaTech’s Project ADAPT (“Accelerating Decarbonization via Advanced Production Technologies”) was selected to address FECM’s priority of converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into environmentally responsible and economically valuable products…

    …”We are thrilled to receive this support from the U.S. Department of Energy to progress our work around scaling the conversion of waste CO2 to make some of the world’s most needed chemicals,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. “CO2 is an essential feedstock of today and the future, and Project ADAPT leverages our expertise and existing operations to accelerate the commercialization of transformational carbon capture and utilization technologies that deliver cleaner and more sustainable energy and products.”

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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

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

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    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group, LLC.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces US$1.0 Billion Equity Raise By Its International Affiliate Led By Prestigious New US Investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (the “Company” or “GDSH”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China and South East Asia, today announced that its international affiliate, DigitalLand Holdings Limited (“GDS International” or “GDSI”), which acts as the holding company for GDSH’s data center assets and operations outside of mainland China, has entered into definitive agreements for certain institutional private equity investors (the “Investors”) to subscribe for US$1.0 billion of Series B convertible preferred shares (the “Series B”) newly issued by GDSI.

    GDS International was established in 2022 with its corporate headquarters in Singapore. Its portfolio currently comprises approximately 480 MW of data center capacity in service and under construction and an additional 590 MW held for future development across strategic locations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia (Johor), Indonesia (Batam), and Japan (Tokyo).

    The US$1 billion Series B investment is mostly comprised of new US investors, led by Coatue Management with substantial participation by The Baupost Group. Together with GDSI’s existing equity, the Series B raise will be sufficient to capitalize the development of up to 1 GW of total data center capacity.

    GDSH has determined not to exercise its pre-emption rights for the Series B equity raise. Post closing and on an as-converted basis, GDSH will own approximately 37.6% of the equity interest of GDSI in the form of ordinary shares. The value of GDSH’s equity interest in GDSI implied by the Series B subscription price is approximately US$1.3 billion, equivalent to approximately US$6.75 per American Depositary Share of GDSH. Post closing, GDSH will no longer consolidate GDSI for accounting purposes and GDSH will no longer have the right to appoint a majority of directors to the Board of GDSI.

    “I am delighted to announce this new capital raising for our international business,” said Mr. William Huang, Chairman and CEO of GDSH and Chairman of GDSI. “Within a short period of time, we have created new markets in and around Singapore-Johor-Batam which are attracting both regional and global hyperscale demand. We see tremendous opportunities for growth in these markets as well as in other new markets which we are currently evaluating. The Series B equity issue benchmarks significant incremental value creation for our shareholders. We look forward to further achievements by our international business as we take it to the next level.”

    “Data centers are mission critical infrastructure to support the future of AI and cloud,” said Philippe Laffont, Founder of Coatue. “We have been very impressed by the management team, and its capabilities to execute and expand the footprint of the business in such a short period of time. We are excited to work alongside management to expand GDSI into a global leading data center platform.”

    “GDSI has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding data center platforms in the APAC region,” said Robert Yin, Partner at Coatue. “We believe GDSI is strategically positioned to capitalize on demand for future AI and hyperscale solutions, and we look forward to supporting the business in its continued expansion of next-generation infrastructure.”

    “As a shareholder of GDSH, we are extremely impressed with William and his team and GDSI’s ambitious and credible international expansion plan,” said Richard Carona, Partner, The Baupost Group. “We’re pleased to support their growth as part of this Series B financing.”

    The Closing is expected to occur as soon as the closing conditions provided in the definitive agreements are satisfied. It is expected that the Series B issuance will be exempted from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not involving a public offering or Regulation S under the Securities Act.

    The Series B shares and the ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Series B shares have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any of these securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    GDSI’s financial and legal advisors for this transaction are Morgan Stanley Asia Limited and White & Case, respectively. Latham & Watkins served as the legal advisor for Coatue.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in mainland China and, through an equity investment in its international affiliate, in Hong Kong and South East Asia. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company also builds, operates and transfers data centers at other locations selected by its customers in order to fulfill their broader requirements. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 23-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations.

    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 “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “is/are likely to,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “target,” “will,” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about GDS Holdings’ beliefs and expectations regarding the growth of its businesses and its revenue for the full fiscal year, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as GDS Holdings’ strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. GDS Holdings may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Forms 20-F and 6-K, in its current, interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause GDS Holdings’ actual results or financial performance to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: GDS Holdings’ goals and strategies; GDS Holdings’ future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the market for high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services in China and South East Asia; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its high-performance data centers, data center solutions and related services; GDS Holdings’ expectations regarding building, strengthening and maintaining its relationships with new and existing customers; the continued adoption of cloud computing and cloud service providers in China and South East Asia; risks and uncertainties associated with increased investments in GDS Holdings’ business and new data center initiatives; risks and uncertainties associated with strategic acquisitions and investments; GDS Holdings’ ability to maintain or grow its revenue or business; fluctuations in GDS Holdings’ operating results; changes in laws, regulations and regulatory environment that affect GDS Holdings’ business operations; competition in GDS Holdings’ industry in China and South East Asia; security breaches; power outages; and fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China, South East Asia and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in GDS Holdings’ filings with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 20-F, and with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions that GDS Holdings believes to be reasonable as of such date, and GDS Holdings does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com
    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Goodwin Petrilli Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisors Randy Petrilli, Matt Goodwin, Travis Whitaker and Jeff McWhorter of Goodwin Petrilli Financial have joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms. The advisors reported having approximately $205 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets*. They join LPL from Cambridge Investment Research.

    Based in Fort Collins, Co., the firm was founded in 1992 by Harry Goodwin, Matt’s father, who retired last year after serving clients for more than three decades. The ensemble practice offers a comprehensive range of financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families and businesses throughout Northern Colorado.

    “We have a strong local presence and have built our business through a solid referral network,” Goodwin said. “The team has a long history of working with educators in northern Colorado by helping them manage retirement assets and plan for retirement. Over the years, we’ve worked with multiple generations of clients who want to preserve their family legacies.”

    As client expectations continue to rise, the team at Goodwin Petrilli Financial turned to LPL for the next chapter of their business.

    “We were highly impressed by LPL’s technology, which allows us to provide more personalized and efficient services,” Petrilli said. “Our clients benefit by having one place where they can find all their account information, and we appreciate how programs work together in ClientWorks to manage our daily tasks — from meeting minutes to planning software. We are excited about LPL’s commitment to providing us with the resources and support we need to grow our business and deliver more value to clients.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Executive Vice President, Business Development, said, “On behalf of the entire LPL community, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Randy, Matt, Travis and Jeff. We are committed to delivering innovative technology, robust resources and strategic support to enable advisors to provide personalized advice and run thriving practices. We look forward to supporting the entire team at Goodwin Petrilli Financial for years to come.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) was founded on the principle that LPL should work for advisors and institutions, and not the other way around. Today, LPL is a leader in the markets we serve, serving more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at approximately 1,000 institutions and at approximately 580 registered investment advisor firms nationwide. We are steadfast in our commitment to the advisor-mediated model and the belief that Americans deserve access to personalized guidance from a financial professional. At LPL, independence means that advisors and institution leaders have the freedom they deserve to choose the business model, services and technology resources that allow them to run a thriving business. They have the flexibility to do business their way. And they have the freedom to manage their client relationships, because they know their clients best. Simply put, we take care of our advisors and institutions, so they can take care of their clients.

    Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Goodwin Petrilli Financial and LPL are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2023.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (704) 996-1840

    Tracking #649120

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ibex Unveils Wave iX AI Virtual Agent; Setting a New Standard for AI-Powered Customer Support

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced the launch of ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent, a sophisticated AI solution designed for seamless and scalable automated customer and brand interactions.

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent provides AI-driven voice and text conversations that are customized to align with a brand’s persona and specific business needs. It offers human-like, infinitely scalable, and hyper-personalized customer experiences while integrating seamlessly with existing agent support systems to facilitate swift escalation and efficient resolution of more complex customer issues.

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is more than a new AI solution, it is a transformative approach to the future of customer engagement,” said Bob Dechant, CEO of ibex. “ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent integrates the scalability and efficiency of AI with the necessary brand alignment, enabling businesses need to deliver exceptional, empathetic, and uniquely tailored customer experiences.”

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is a new groundbreaking AI-driven, digital-first customer experience solution within the ibex Wave iX solution suite, which comprises three strategic components—AgentAI, CustomerAI, and InsightsAI—and leverages cutting-edge Generative AI technology to deliver the next generation of AI and agent-assisted customer experience.

    A significant advantage of ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is its capacity for scalability on-demand. This flexibility enables businesses to dynamically adjust their customer service resources, ensuring optimal allocation during peak periods or unforeseen surges in demand. Coupled with the virtual agent’s empathetic and patient approach, this adaptability ensures that routine interactions are efficiently managed by ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent, allowing human customer service agents to concentrate of resolving more complex issues.

    Seamless customer interactions

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent also breaks down communication barriers by offering true omnichannel and multilanguage support. This capability ensures that businesses can effectively communicate with customers across any platform, in their preferred language, creating a seamless and inclusive experience.

    While ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent is designed to handle a wide range of customer inquiries autonomously, it also features a smooth escalation process to human agents when necessary.

    Businesses can easily customize ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent to match their unique brand personality. The platform allows for the creation of channel-specific personas, ensuring consistency across every customer interaction and enabling brands to achieve their desired impact, at scale.

    Always getting smarter

    ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent goes beyond simple query resolution. The platform is designed to understand multiple intents and complex tasks, learning and improving with each interaction. This sophisticated approach allows the virtual agent to gain a deep and accurate understanding of customer actions and patterns, enabling businesses to make rapid, informed choices that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    To ensure data security and regulatory compliance ibex has implemented strict governance measures in ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent.

    For more information about ibex Wave iX AI Virtual Agent or to schedule a demo, please visit here.

    About ibex 

    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

    ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Burris
    daniel.burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0c3b6ba9-0829-4dbc-96ea-4a56a032a004

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Savi Financial Corporation Earns $205,000 in the Third Quarter of 2024; Results Highlighted by NIM Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNT VERNON, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Savi Financial Corporation, Inc. (OTC Pink: SVVB), the bank holding company for SaviBank, today reported net income of $205,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2024. This compared to a net loss of $5,000, or a loss of $0.00 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $558,000, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $216,000, or a loss of $0.05 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1.59 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2023. All results are unaudited.

    “We reported improved third quarter 2024 operating results, compared to the preceding quarter, driven by increases in net interest income, lower non-interest expense and net interest margin expansion,” said Michal D. Cann, Chairman and President of Savi Financial Corporation. “Overall, loan growth was muted during the quarter, in part due to a slowdown in the local economy and uncertainties surrounding the election and future economic growth. However, we are seeing improvements in our loan pipeline, particularly with SBA loan originations. Further, we experienced good growth in core deposits during the quarter, with an increase in core deposits from local municipalities, which will allow us to reduce our reliance on brokered deposits to fund future growth.”

    “Loan growth was relatively flat compared to the preceding quarter and up 5% compared to a year ago. However, we did see good growth in the loan pipelines,” said Andrew Hunter, President and CEO of SaviBank. “We continue to seek out lending opportunities from our customers and anticipate slower than historic loan growth for the remainder of the year.”

    “The increase in loan yields during the quarter contributed to net interest margin (NIM) expansion of four basis points during the current quarter,” said Rob Woods, Chief Financial Officer of SaviBank. “We anticipate funding costs are near their peak and will continue to stabilize and should improve over the next few quarters if interest rates continue to decrease.” The Company’s NIM was 3.52% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 3.48% in the preceding quarter, and 3.66% in the third quarter a year ago. The NIM remains higher than the peer average of 3.21% posted by the 171 banks that comprised the Dow Jones U.S. Microcap Bank Index as of June 30, 2024. The cost of funds increased to 244 basis points during the third quarter of 2024, compared to 238 basis points in the preceding quarter.

    Merger

    On March 22, 2024, the Company announced that it had signed a Purchase and Assumption agreement whereby Lakewood, WA. based Harborstone Credit Union will acquire SaviBank in an all-cash transaction. The transaction is structured as a purchase agreement with Harborstone Credit Union purchasing substantially all assets and assuming substantially all liabilities of SaviBank. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2025, subject to receiving all regulatory approvals. Shareholders of Savi Financial have approved the acquisition.

    “We look forward to working with Harborstone Credit Union to continue our tradition of having a positive impact in our local communities,” said Cann. “We are deeply focused on providing resources and services for our customers to succeed, and believe that the additional services, products and locations Harborstone Credit Union provides will help us continue to meet the financial needs of our customers. Through the unique structure of this acquisition by Harborstone Credit Union, we believe we are maximizing value to our shareholders who have supported us over the years.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • The Company reported net income of $205,000 for the third quarter of 2024, compared to net loss of $5,000 for the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $558,000 for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Earnings per diluted share were $0.05 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to losses per diluted share of $0.00 in the preceding quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.13 in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest income was $5.06 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $4.86 million in the second quarter of 2024, and $5.03 million in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Total revenue, consisting of net interest income and non-interest income, was $5.88 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $6.04 million in the preceding quarter and $5.89 million in the third quarter a year ago.
    • Non-interest expense was $5.57 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $5.82 million in the preceding quarter, and $5.56 million in the third quarter a year ago. The decrease in non-interest expense during the third quarter of 2024 was largely due to lower salary and employee benefits compared to the prior quarter.
    • Average third quarter 2024 total loans increased 2% to $512.8 million, compared to $503.8 million in the second quarter of 2024, and increased 8% from $473.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. Total loans at September 30, 2024, decreased to $509.5 million from $512.1 million at June 30, 2024, and increased 5% compared to $487.2 million at September 30, 2023.
    • SBA and USDA loan production for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, totaled 22 loans for $14.5 million, compared to production of 18 loans for $14.8 million in the year-ago period.
    • Average third quarter 2024 total deposits grew 2% to $502.5 million, from $490.8 million in the preceding quarter, and increased 6% from $474.1 million in the third quarter a year ago. Total deposits increased 4% to $512.9 million, at September 30, 2024, compared to $492.1 million at June 30, 2024, and increased 7% compared to $481.5 million at September 30, 2023.
    • The Company recorded an $86,000 provision for credit losses in the third quarter of 2024, compared to a $255,000 provision in the second quarter of 2024, and a $350,000 credit to the provision in the third quarter of 2023.
    • Allowance for loan losses, as a percentage of total loans, was 1.18% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.19% at June 30, 2024, and 1.16% at September 30, 2023.
    • Nonperforming loans, as a percentage of total loans, was 0.26% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.24% at June 30, 2024, and 0.09% at September 30, 2023.
    • Nonperforming assets, as a percentage of total assets, was 0.21% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.20% at June 30, 2024, and 0.19% a year ago.
    • Net charge-offs were $214,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $35,000 in the second quarter of 2024, and $77,000 in the third quarter a year ago.
    • SaviBank capital levels remained above the threshold for well-capitalized institutions with a tier-1 leverage ratio of 8.19% at September 30, 2024.

    About Northwest Washington

    SaviBank currently operates six branches in Skagit County, two branches in Island County, one branch in Whatcom County and one branch in San Juan County. The Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties region stretches north from the greater Seattle/Everett/Bellevue metropolis to the Canadian border.

    The housing market in Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan counties remains stable, although it has fallen off the record high levels from the past few years. According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, the average home in Skagit County sold for $560,000, up 1.91% in September 30, 2024, compared to a year ago, and there was a 2.37 month supply of homes on the market. For Island County, the average house sold for $605,000, down 0.82% from a year ago and supply totaled 3.18 months. For Whatcom County, the average home sold for $611,000, up 10.38% from a year ago and supply totaled 2.61 months. For San Juan County, the average home sold for $829,000, down from 13.65% a year ago and supply totaled 9.05 months.

    Skagit’s population is projected to grow 3.84% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 11.41% during the same time frame. Whatcom County’s population is projected to grow 4.97% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 10.99%. Island County’s population is projected to grow 2.24% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 12.83%. San Juan County’s population is projected to grow 6.78% from 2024 through 2029, and median household income is projected to increase by 10.88%.

    Sources:
    https://www.nwmls.com/real-estate-news/monthly-market-snapshot/

    https://www.capitaliq.spglobal.com/ 

    About Savi Financial Corporation Inc. and SaviBank

    Savi Financial Corporation is the bank holding company which owns SaviBank. The Bank began operations April 11, 2005, and has 10 branch locations in Anacortes, Burlington, Bellingham, Concrete, Mount Vernon (2), Oak Harbor, Freeland, Sedro-Woolley, and Friday Harbor, Washington. The Bank provides loan and deposit services to customers who are predominantly small and middle-market businesses and individuals in and around Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan counties. As a locally-owned community bank, we believe that when everyone becomes Savi about their finances, our entire community benefits.
    For additional information about SaviBank, visit: www.SaviBank.com.

    About Harborstone Credit Union

    Harborstone Credit Union is a Washington-chartered and federally insured credit union headquartered in Lakewood, Washington. Founded in 1955 as McChord Federal Credit Union, serving airmen on McChord Air Force Base (now Joint Base Lewis McChord), Harborstone Credit Union has grown to become one of the largest credit unions in Washington State with over 91,000 members and approximately $2.1 billion in total assets. Harborstone Credit Union has sixteen branches located throughout King, Pierce, and Thurston counties and offers members a full range of products and services with the aim to assist members in achieving financial well-being through innovative financial solutions that foster thriving communities and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.harborstone.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this news release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to future plans and expectations, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, such as the businesses of Harborstone Credit Union and SaviBank may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected, the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from the acquisition may not be fully realized within the expected timeframes, disruption from the acquisition may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, associates, or suppliers, the required governmental approvals of the acquisition may not be obtained on the proposed terms and schedule, or Savi Financial shareholders may not approve the acquisition, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, we can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the companies or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the companies will be achieved. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the companies or any person acting on their behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements above. None of Harborstone Credit Union, Savi Financial or SaviBank undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

     
    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA                           
    (In thousands of dollars, except for ratios and per share amounts)                      
    Unaudited                              
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      Var %   June 30,
    2024
      Var %   September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      Var %
    SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                              
    Interest income $ 8,756     $ 7,573     16 %   $ 8,371     5 %   $ 24,962     $ 21,092     18 %
    Interest expense   (3,698 )     (2,539 )   46       (3,509 )   5       (10,411 )     (6,092 )   71  
    Net interest income   5,058       5,034     0       4,862     4       14,551       15,000     (3 )
    Provision for loan losses   (86 )     350     (125 )     (255 )   (66 )     (578 )     539     (207 )
                                                             
    NII after loss provision   4,972       5,384     (8 )     4,607     8       13,973       15,539     (10 )
    Non-interest income   825       852     (3 )     1,181     (30 )     2,587       2,796     (7 )
    Non-interest expense   (5,566 )     (5,559 )   0       (5,823 )   (4 )     (16,920 )     (16,415 )   3  
    Income before tax   231       677     (66 )     (35 )   (760 )     (360 )     1,920     (119 )
    Federal income tax expense   26       119     (78 )     (30 )   (187 )     (144 )     333     (143 )
    Net income $ 205     $ 558     (63 )%   $ (5 )   (4,200 )%   $ (216 )   $ 1,587     (114 )%
                                   
    PER COMMON SHARE DATA                              
    Number of shares outstanding (000s)   3,465       3,460     0 %     3,465     %     3,465       3,460     0.14 %
    Earnings per share, basic $ 0.06     $ 0.16     (63 )   $ (0.00 )   (4,200 )   $ (0.06 )   $ 0.46     (114 )
    Earnings per share, diluted $ 0.05     $ 0.13     (63 )   $ (0.00 )   (4,201 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.36     (114 )
    Market value   14.50       6.86     111       14.79     (2 )     14.50       6.86     111  
    Book value   10.93       10.95     (0 )     10.61     3       10.93       10.95     (0 )
    Market value to book value   132.63 %     62.65 %   112       139.40 %   (5 )     132.63 %     62.65 %   112  
                                   
    BALANCE SHEET DATA                              
    Assets $ 623,637     $ 591,370     5 %   $ 621,191     0 %   $ 623,637     $ 591,370     5 %
    Investments securities   36,629       35,140     4       34,698     6       36,629       35,140     4  
    Total loans   509,535       487,184     5       512,080     (0 )     509,535       487,184     5  
    Total deposits   512,912       481,476     7       492,140     4       512,912       481,476     7  
    Borrowings   52,500       52,500           72,000     (27 )     52,500       52,500      
    Sub Debt – Savi Financial Only   17,000       17,000           17,000           17,000       17,000      
    Shareholders’ equity   37,881       37,887     (0 )     36,777     3       37,881       37,887     (0 )
                                   
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA                              
    Average assets $ 622,414     $ 583,931     7 %   $ 612,262     2 %   $ 608,559     $ 557,460     9 %
    Average total loans   512,751       473,590     8       503,793     2       502,860       459,765     9  
    Average total deposits   502,526       474,076     6       490,753     2       498,373       456,093     9  
    Average shareholders’ equity   37,329       37,812     (1 )     36,678     2       37,534       37,082     1  
                                   
    ASSET QUALITY RATIOS                              
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries $ (214 )   $ (77 )   N/M     $ (35 )   N/M     $ (422 )   $ (266 )   N/M  
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans   (0.17 )%     (0.07 )%   N/M       (0.03 )%   N/M       (0.11 )%     (0.08 )%   N/M  
    Non-performing loans as a % of loans   0.26       0.09     183       0.24     6       0.26       0.09     183  
    Non-performing assets as a % of assets   0.21       0.19     10       0.20     4       0.21       0.19     10  
    Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans   1.18       1.16     2       1.19     (1 )     1.18       1.16     2  
    Allowance for loan losses as a % of non-performing loans   462.69       1,223.59     (62 )     492.30     (6 )     462.69       1,223.59     (62 )
                                   
    FINANCIAL RATIOSSTATISTICS                              
    Return on average equity   2.20 %     5.90 %   (63 )%     -0.05 %   (4,128 )%     -0.77 %     5.71 %   (113 )%
    Return on average assets   0.13       0.38     (66 )     (0.00 )   (4,133 )     (0.05 )     0.38     (112 )
    Net interest margin   3.52       3.66     (4 )     3.48     1       3.47       3.77     (8 )
    Efficiency ratio   81.59       92.23     (12 )     83.37     (2 )     85.53       92.24     (7 )
    Average number of employees (FTE)   136       145     (6 )     140     (3 )     142       146     (3 )
                                   
    CAPITAL RATIOS                              
                                   
    Tier 1 leverage ratio — Bank   8.19       8.24     (1 )%     8.27     (1 )%     8.19       8.24     (1 )%
    Common equity tier 1 ratio — Bank   9.59       9.08     6       9.36     2       9.59       9.08     6  
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio — Bank   9.59       9.08     6       9.36     2       9.59       9.08     6  
    Total risk-based capital ratio –Bank   10.78       10.22     5       10.56     2       10.78       10.22     5  
                                   

    Contact:
    Michal D. Cann
    Chairman & President
    Savi Financial Corporation
    (360) 399-7001

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: insightsoftware Eases Reporting for Finance Teams Using Workday, Freeing Time for More Strategic Work

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — insightsoftware, the most comprehensive provider of solutions for the Office of the CFO, today launched insightsoftware Reporting for Workday. Establishing a live connection with Workday enables finance teams to speed up report production so they can spend more time on strategic analysis. CFOs, controllers, financial analysts, accountants, operations, and IT managers can report financial data in near real time.

    Finance teams are increasingly seeking to go beyond their native ERP reporting capabilities to create custom reports that are perfectly adapted to their business needs. Consequently, finance professionals often devote considerable time to report creation or rely heavily on IT for support. Research conducted by insightsoftware found that 75% of finance professionals spend at least five to six hours weekly recreating financial reports, totaling 300 hours annually. This underscores the need for more adaptable and user-friendly reporting solutions that allow finance teams to extract greater value from their ERP data using familiar tools like Excel.

    insightsoftware Reporting for Workday empowers finance teams with live connectivity, facilitating more effective reporting on financial data. Built on insightsoftware’s robust connected data Platform, it leverages deep domain expertise with integrated business logic and context, enabling seamless reporting on general ledger data. Finance professionals can efficiently generate financial reports in Excel and delve into transaction details to resolve issues promptly.

    “We are thrilled to offer Workday users a new, more flexible approach to fulfilling their financial reporting needs. Finance teams can now streamline their reporting processes to drive impactful business decisions across their organizations,” said Lee An Schommer, Chief Product Officer and General Manager, FP&A at insightsoftware. “Developing this live connection with Workday demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing finance teams with exactly what they need to help fuel organizational growth.”

    insightsoftware Reporting for Workday offers finance teams a more flexible and intuitive environment for report creation in Excel, delivering the essential context and business understanding needed for crucial decision-making. This goes beyond what is possible with standard ERP and financial system reporting.

    insightsoftware Reporting for Workday is available across North America, EMEA, and APAC regions, ensuring global reach and support. Visit the insightsoftware website to learn more.

    About insightsoftware
    insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations, we transform how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions. With data at the heart of everything we do, insightsoftware enables automated processes, delivers trusted insights, boosts predictability, and increases productivity. Learn more at insightsoftware.com.

    Media Contacts
    Inkhouse for insightsoftware
    insightsoftware@inkhouse.com

    Daniel Tummeley
    Corporate Communications Manager
    PR@insightsoftware.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Flywire Survey Uncovers Increasing Demand for Flexible, Patient-Centric Payment Solutions in U.S. Healthcare

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    80% of respondents said they want the ability to pay for a medical bill in installments or as part of a payment plan

    60% cannot afford to pay for an unexpected illness or injury in one lump sum

    Additional Flywire research shows improving the patient payment experience can boost a hospital’s bottom line

    BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flywire Corporation (Nasdaq: FLYW), a global payments enablement and software company, has released its new report, Is Paying for Healthcare Consumer Friendly Yet? examining the topic of healthcare affordability and accessibility among patients in the U.S. The research highlights a significant disconnect between patient expectations and current billing practices in U.S. healthcare, and uncovers opportunities for healthcare providers to both improve the patient payment experience and increase collections.

    “Our research found that patients want medical statements that are easier to understand, the ability to pay bills securely online, and they want to pay in installments of longer than 12 months to better manage the high cost of healthcare,” said John Talaga, EVP and GM of Healthcare, Flywire. “By meeting these demands, hospitals and health systems can not only boost patient satisfaction but also protect the financial health of their organization, as we know that patients satisfied with the financial aspect of their care are more likely to pay their bill, return for service and refer their friends. Flywire helps providers engage patients at every stage of the financial journey, with easy to understand, affordable payment options – streamlining the collections process, while helping patients feel more in control of their medical expenses.”

    Patients Are Stressed About High and Unexpected Medical Costs

    With 89% of Americans concerned about rising medical costs, it’s no surprise that understanding bills has become a top priority for patients. 75% of those surveyed said medical bills are too complicated, up from 65% in 2021. Patients are also stressed about unexpected medical bills that may loom in the future: 60% of those surveyed said they cannot afford to pay for an unexpected illness or injury in one lump sum, which increased from 46% in 2021.

    Patients also emphasized the need for bills to be clearer, with many expressing a desire for simplified, easy-to-read statements that outline charges and payment options more effectively. In fact, nearly everyone surveyed (95%) agreed that there needs to be a better way to simplify and pay for medical bills.

    Patients want payment plans and financing options to help them afford medical bills

    93% say it should be easier to pay their medical bills over time. Those with a child in the household are more likely to say they would want to pay in installments than those without a child in the household (84% vs. 79%).

    81% said they would want to have the ability to pay for a medical expense over time – in installments or as part of a payment plan. Respondents cited both longer terms to pay and financing options as ways to make paying for medical bills more affordable, with 38% saying they would prefer to pay medical bills over 12 or 18 months, and 85% of respondents saying they wish they had consumer-friendly options, like buy-now, pay-later.

    Patients weigh payment security in healthcare payment decisions

    Security remains a top concern for American healthcare patients, with 67% of respondents worried about the potential for healthcare payment data breaches. This concern is exacerbated by the fact that 31% have already received notifications of a breach involving their healthcare or personal information, so it’s no surprise that 59% of patients are more concerned about payment security now than they were a few years ago.

    7 ways Flywire solves patients’ biggest payment concerns and boost health systems’ bottom lines

    Flywire’s solutions are designed to optimize the patient financial experience for health systems throughout the U.S., providing patients with a personalized pathway to pay off their balance that’s fully customized to meet every patient’s unique financial needs. And more data suggests that improving the payment experience is core to protecting the financial health of hospitals and health systems. A separate Total Economic Impact analysis showed that by using Flywire’s patient financial engagement platform, healthcare organizations increased revenue by 29% and reduced bad debt as a percentage of net revenue from 5.5% to 4%. Other Flywire clients have reported to reduce their cost per patient payment by 43%.

    As one client put it:

    “Implementing Flywire has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as an organization, because we have seen it in the feedback from our patients. We see, ‘Thank you for making the statements easy to understand,’ because patients weren’t understanding our statements. And ‘Thank you for having the option to go online and pay and be able to set up payment plans and make arrangements,’” said Sonya Turner, Senior Director Patient Accounting, Centra Healthcare

    Additionally, Flywire helps healthcare systems:

    1. Deliver more payment plan options with personalized payment plans that are tailored to patient financial capacity.

    2. Extend collection terms beyond 12 months with non-recourse, integrated financing.

    3. Provide a single platform for in-house and outsourced payment plans.

    4. Provide a single portal to make payments by integrating with an EHR strategy for a single-sign on experience

    5. Provide a secure way to pay online. Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS v 4.0, and more.

    6. Increase self-pay collection

    7. Reduce time spent dealing with accounts receivable.

    To view the complete report, please visit here

    About Flywire

    Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.

    Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

    Flywire supports more than 4,000 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on XLinkedIn and Facebook.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Flywire’s expectations regarding the benefits of its solutions to healthcare patients, Flywire’s business strategy and plans, market growth and trends. Flywire intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as, but not limited to, “believe,” “may,” “will,” “potentially,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “expect,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks, changes in circumstances, assumptions, and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in Flywire’s forward-looking statements include, among others, the factors that are described in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of Flywire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/. Additional factors may be described in those sections of Flywire’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, expected to be filed with the SEC in the fourth quarter of 2024. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Flywire undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Media Contacts

    Sarah King
    media@flywire.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Masha Kahn
    IR@Flywire.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: VT Insurance Agency LLC Selects Applied Digital Agency to Optimize Niche Commercial Lines Workflows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced that VT Insurance Agency LLC, a niche agency specializing in aerial application risks for fixed wing, rotor wing, and drone insurance, has selected Applied Digital Agency to automate the end-to-end commercial lines new business and remarketing workflows. VT Insurance Agency LLC leveraged the flexibility of Applied Epic and its Applied marketing, customer service, payments hub and submissions management applications to meet its unique business needs, reducing duplicative data entry and keeping information easily accessible to optimize the team’s operational and customer service efforts.

    “As our agency grew, we experienced inefficiencies with our previous agency management system due to the number of unnecessary clicks and data re-entry needed to market and service accounts,” said Vaughn Tolbert, owner, VT Insurance Agency LLC and national board member of the Unmanned Pilots Associate for Safety and Standards (U-Pass). “Applied Epic’s modern, customizable technology stood out to us because we were able to integrate our marketing and policy workflows and build out aviation-specific forms that populate information directly from Applied Epic, allowing data to flow through each step of the workflow and give more time to our customers.”

    Applied’s Digital Agency solution consists of a foundational management system, payment hub, online customer self-service and mobile technology, commercial lines application digitization and automation, and insurer connectivity, all hosted in the cloud. The fully integrated solution enables agencies to create higher-value business transactions and deliver superior customer experiences throughout the entire insurance lifecycle. By leveraging integrated applications that enable agencies to manage their entire business and eliminate duplicative work typically caused by multiple, disparate systems, digital agencies operate more efficiently, improve customer service, and accelerate growth and profitability across all lines of business.

    “Independent agents with lean teams must be strategic about the technology they use to enable their unique workflows and keep their bottom line in check,” said Anupam Gupta, chief product officer, Applied Systems. “Applied Digital Agency’s connected workflows and flexible infrastructure allow niche agencies to easily reuse account and policy data they’ve entered once across fields and forms throughout the insurance lifecycle, helping them work smarter and faster, and ultimately increase profitability.”

    # # #

     

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

     

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    About VT Insurance Agency LLC
    VT Insurance Agency is the nation’s leading aerial application drone insurance agency, with a strong focus on agricultural drones. The agency carries 75%-80% of all legal aerial application drone policies, offering Property and Casualty insurance services such as aerial application drone/aircraft, pleasure and business drone/aircraft, aviation commercial general liability, products and completed operations, premises, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and inventory. VT Insurance Agency is a proud national board member of the Unmanned Pilots Associate for Safety and Standards (U-Pass) and regularly helps push for regulation changes for drones in state and federal agencies.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Tabnine Unveils Industry-First, Hyper-Personalized AI Code Review Agent

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tabnine, the originators of the AI code assistant category, today unveiled the Tabnine Code Review Agent; introducing a first-of-its-kind AI software validation agent that enables organizations to produce higher quality, more secure code by leveraging and enforcing any given team’s unique best practices and standards for software development.

    This is the first in a wave of highly advanced AI agents and a suite of product capabilities within Tabnine that provides direct coaching and guidance to how the AI behaves. Tabnine’s Code Review Agent makes it effortless for organizations to codify their institutional knowledge, corporate policies, and software development standards, including best practices and patterns found in their “golden code repos.” The Tabnine Code Review Agent will then enforce adherence to those rules across the software development process. This explicit guidance builds on Tabnine’s personalized approach to AI code generation through awareness and understanding of both locally available code and data in the integrated development environment (IDE) and a company’s software repository. The combination allows Tabnine to fully adapt to and reflect the unique methods and preferences of each engineering team.

    “AI in software development is about much more than just generating more code; it’s greatest power might be in helping improve the quality, security, and compliance of code in real time as we work. By reviewing code at the pull request and ensuring that the code presented matches each team’s unique expectations, we are saving engineering teams significant time and effort while applying a level of rigor to the automation of code review that was never possible with static code analysis,” said Peter Guagenti, President at Tabnine. “Using a set of rules personalized to each given organization, the Tabnine Code Review Agent sets a new bar for the category. Tabnine’s unique approach to personalization allows our agents to behave like a fully onboarded member of your engineering team that is steeped in your team’s ways of working.”

    Tabnine Code Review Agent enables companies to provide the specific parameters they would like to see their code comply with via plain language, with no complex setup required. Tabnine converts this provided knowledge into a set of comprehensive rules. Additionally, Tabnine offers a vast array of predefined rules any team can activate, including commonly used industry standards, as well as language or product-specific best practices.

    When developers create a pull request, the Code Review Agent checks the code in the pull request against the rules established by their team. If any aspect of the code doesn’t conform with those rules, then the Agent flags it to the code reviewer, providing guidance on the issue and suggested edits to fix it. All of the rules are in plain English, which makes it easy to review and maintain over time. Tabnine administrators have complete control and can enable or disable specific rules, and set the severity of rules.

    Tabnine’s Code Review Agent will also soon be available within the full array of IDEs the company supports. The Agent passively reviews code as a developer works; flagging issues and offering suggestions as appropriate inside the code editor.

    The Code Review Agent is in Private Preview and open to any Tabnine enterprise customer. You can request early access by contacting Tabnine. Learn more about the Tabnine Code Review Agent and see it in action here.

    About Tabnine
    Tabnine helps development teams of every size use AI to accelerate and improve the software development life cycle. As the original AI coding assistant, Tabnine has been used by millions of developers around the world to boost code quality and developer happiness using generative AI. Unlike other coding assistants, Tabnine is the AI that you control; it is extensively personalized to your engineering team, private and secure (easily running in your controlled environments), never stores or trains on your company’s code or user data, and offers models trained exclusively on open-source code with permissive licenses to eliminate IP risks. Learn more at tabnine.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contact
    press@tabnine.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Engineers to Receive High-Demand Skills Training Through Innovative New Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Foresight Canada is announcing the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Engineers Upskilling Program (AME-UP). AME-UP is funded by Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada, and is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. These agreements will help thousands of workers find new careers through skills training and job placement in some of the fastest-growing industries in Canada.

    Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector faces pressure to adopt sustainable practices to meet climate targets and stay competitive. Traditional methods contribute to high emissions, waste, and inefficiencies, increasing the demand for greener, more efficient solutions. Cleantech innovations like energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction are crucial, but the transition requires a workforce equipped with specialized skills.

    To address this need, Foresight Canada has launched the 16-week AME-UP program, which connects engineers with cleantech employers, offering hands-on experience, real-world projects, and industry-specific training. Employers benefit from access to skilled engineers through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), helping shape the future workforce while supporting the shift to sustainable manufacturing.

    Upskill Canada, supported by funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) as part of the Upskilling for Industry Initiative, is Canada’s most ambitious talent initiative. Central to all Upskill Canada programs is the role of community training providers, who work closely with industry to identify in-demand skills. Upskilling workers through Upskill Canada programs creates new career pathways for workers and better positions Canadian companies to compete both domestically and internationally.

    Whether you’re an employer seeking top talent or a participant looking to upskill in cleantech, the AME-UP program is for you. Apply today to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

    Quick Facts

    Foresight Canada’s mission is to accelerate adoption of the world’s best clean technologies. Since 2013, they have supported 1280+ cleantech ventures, 150+ industry partners, and 300+ investor firms to deploy $1.77 billion in capital, achieve $511 million in revenues, and create 8,760+ high-paying jobs. Their domestic and international engagement includes collaboration with 2,000+ partners and collaborators.

    Quotes

    “Programs like AME-UP are essential to uniting innovators and industry leaders, bridging the gap between technical talent and our cleantech industry, and preparing Canada’s workforce to drive our future economy forward. By fostering collaboration through market-driven programs, we equip engineering talent with the knowledge needed to advance innovation, drive adoption and ensure employers have access to a highly trained, ready-to-impact workforce.” — Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

    “Upskill Canada’s partnership with Foresight Canada will allow more workers to access jobs in Canada’s growing advanced manufacturing sector. Graduates of the AME-UP program will be in high demand, bringing the most up-to-date skills to a rapidly changing industry.” — Rhonda Barnet, CEO, Palette Skills

    About Foresight Canada

    ​​Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they de-risk and simplify public and private sector adoption of the world’s best clean technologies to improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing urgent climate challenges.

    About Upskill Canada

    Upskill Canada is a national talent platform that helps fast-growing companies access the talent they need to compete and succeed globally while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. Upskill Canada programs are focused on strengthening key growth sectors: digital technology, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing.

    Think you are a great fit for the AME-UP program? Apply now:

    For Employers

    For Participants

    Questions about the program ? Reach out: upskill@foresightcac.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BlackLine Honored with Multiple Consecutive Industry Accolades

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL), the future-ready platform for the Office of the CFO, has been honored with the 2024 ‘Tech Cares’ and ‘Buyer’s Choice’ awards from TrustRadius, a leading B2B software peer review platform. BlackLine has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions while driving corporate social responsibility, marking its fifth consecutive year of recognition for exceptional employee and community programs.

    As a ‘Tech Cares’ award winner, BlackLine is one of 100 B2B technology companies recognized for outstanding dedication to sustainability, volunteerism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), generous donations, community impact, employee well-being and development, support for women in technology, and educational support.

    BlackLine’s TrustRadius Buyer’s Choice Award reinforces its position as a trusted platform for finance and accounting professionals. Based on real customer feedback and satisfaction ratings, the accolade highlights BlackLine’s ability to deliver significant ROI, ease of use, and strong customer support. These prestigious awards underscore BlackLine’s commitment to delivering customer-centric innovation that drives continuous transformation, providing immediate impact and sustained value to its global customer base.

    In addition to the TrustRadius honors, BlackLine was also recognized for the fifth consecutive year by G2, the world’s largest software marketplace, winning the Best Accounting & Finance Software award. This accolade reflects BlackLine’s success in delivering future-ready financial operations for the Office of the CFO, offering solutions that are accurate, efficient, and intelligent. The award, driven by overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified users, highlights BlackLine’s continued leadership in the market with its Financial Close Management solution.

    “We are honored to receive these recognitions from TrustRadius and G2 for both our market-leading solutions and our commitment to social impact,” said Therese Tucker, Founder and Co-CEO of BlackLine. “At BlackLine, our mission is to inspire, power, and guide digital finance transformation, and our values—Think, Create, Serve—are at the core of how we achieve this. We continually challenge ourselves to think critically, create innovative solutions, and serve both our customers and communities with purpose. These awards are a testament to the hard work of our BlackLiners and the trust our customers place in us as we continue to deliver future-ready financial operations globally.”

    Visit BlackLine’s site here to learn more about the company’s industry solutions. To read what customers are saying about BlackLine, visit the company’s page on TrustRadius here, and on G2’s website here.

    About BlackLine

    BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL), the future-ready platform for the Office of the CFO, drives digital finance transformation by empowering organizations with accurate, efficient, and intelligent financial operations.

    BlackLine’s comprehensive platform addresses mission-critical processes, including record-to-report and invoice-to-cash, enabling unified and accurate data, streamlined and optimized processes, and real-time insight through visibility, automation, and AI. BlackLine’s proven, collaborative approach ensures continuous transformation, delivering immediate impact and sustained value. With a proven track record of innovation, industry-leading R&D investment, and world-class security practices, more than 4,400 customers across multiple industries partner with BlackLine to lead their organizations into the future.

    For more information, please visit blackline.com.

    Media Contact:

    Samantha Darilek

    VP, Communications

    BlackLine

    samantha.darilek@blackline.com

    BlackLine Forward-looking Statements

    This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “would,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding our growth plans, strategies and opportunities.

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon BlackLine’s current plans, estimates and expectations, and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith beliefs and assumptions as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize or if any assumptions prove incorrect, actual performance or results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the Company’s ability to execute on its strategies, attract new customers, enter new geographies and develop, release and sell new features and solutions; and other risks and uncertainties described in the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information will also be set forth in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Awaken Greater Generosity: Pushpay Enhances Tools for Church Leaders Ahead of Giving Season

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pushpay, the leading payments and engagement solutions provider for mission-driven organizations, today announces several new product enhancements, deeper partner integrations, and tangible resources to equip today’s ministry leaders for a remarkable season of generosity. As nearly 30 percent of charitable giving occurs in the month of December, and roughly 10 percent in the last three days of the year, Pushpay’s latest innovations are designed to help churches inspire generosity within their community.

    With stock and crypto donations on the rise, today Pushpay announces a deeper connection with Engiven, a leading complex giving provider in the U.S., delivering seamless enrollment for Pushpay customers to receive and quickly process stock and cryptocurrency donations without an additional subscription fee. This includes no additional forms, and streamlined processing for customers and their donors.

    “Churches that enable noncash giving are far more likely to receive major gifts, especially at year-end,” said Co-Founder and CEO of Engiven, James Lawrence. “Pushpay has an amazing history of providing innovative solutions to the Church and I’m excited to see new pathways of generosity unlocked as together we make noncash giving more seamless for churches and their donors.”

    Acts of generosity—whether time, talent or tithes—are often a reflection of how connected someone is to their Church. In fact, recent Pushpay data shows that 57% of churches see an increase in overall giving when they focus on ways to engage and cultivate relationships with their people. Pushpay is releasing several new product features and enhancements to help increase connection and generosity leading into the 2024 holiday season, including:

    • Multi-Fund Giving: Allows donors to support multiple causes in one simple flow. Whether it’s missions, building projects, or specific ministries, donors will have the flexibility to distribute their gift across multiple purposes, all within a single, unified experience.
    • App improvements: The new in-app browser will allow users to securely open all external links—including the giving experience—without ever leaving their church app. The new in-app browser brings giving, forms, and other external links directly into the app experience, simply and securely, while limiting distractions from other browser tabs.
    • Resi livestream attendance in Pushpay Insights: An engaged community is a generous community. Pushpay customers can now have a holistic view of how people connect with their services—whether they are in the building or viewing from their home or other location. This feature allows churches to track Resi livestream attendance alongside in-person participation, bringing both data points into one easy-to-view platform via Pushpay Insights.
    • Auto schedule by event and week: Volunteers play a critical role in church, especially during the month of December. This new feature helps administrators efficiently create stronger, more efficient volunteer teams by simplifying the scheduling process. Administrators will be able to schedule volunteers for a single event or an entire week’s worth of services— all in a fraction of the time.

    “Our goal at Pushpay is to empower churches with the tools they need to engage their communities. Our latest innovations not only simplify the giving process but also help ministry leaders build deeper relationships with their congregation,” said Molly Matthews, Pushpay CEO. “By making generosity more accessible and seamless, we’re enabling churches to focus on what matters most—their mission and their people.”

    Lastly, the Company released a new Generosity Hub, which is an online collection of tools, resources and strategies to help ministry teams cultivate a culture of generosity. From general giving tips, to developing a Giving Tuesday campaign, or ways to leverage technology to deeper donor engagement, resources are targeted to help church leaders develop and execute a successful end of year giving strategy.

    Today’s announcement is further reinforcement of Pushpay’s continued commitment to deliver meaningful technology for the Church that helps people connect with people. In fact, 1.3 million moments of connection between churches and their communities are made possible through Pushpay technology every week, which has also resulted in more than $35 billion of generosity to help fuel the mission of the Church over the last five years alone. For more information about Pushpay, visit www.pushpay.com.

    About Pushpay
    Pushpay empowers mission-driven organizations to engage their communities by bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections. Through its innovative suite of products, Pushpay helps create cultures of generosity by streamlining donation processes, enhancing communications, and strengthening relationships. Pushpay’s purpose-built ministry solutions include ChurchStaq, ParishStaq, Pushpay Insights, Resi, and more— all designed to simplify operations and provide data driven insights to support the mission of its customers. Whether managing donations, organizing events, or connecting with community members, Pushpay’s integrated tools enable ministry leaders to focus on what matters most—growing their ministry and deepening engagement. For more information visit www.pushpay.com

    US Media / PR Contact:
    Chelsea Looney
    PR@pushpay.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Statement regarding the proposed issue of a prospectus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Statement regarding the proposed issue of a prospectus

    LEI Code 213800OVSRDHRJBMO720

    Albion Enterprise VCT PLC, Albion Technology & General VCT PLC and Albion Crown VCT PLC (“The Companies”)

    Statement regarding the proposed issue of a prospectus for the Albion VCTs Prospectus Top Up Offers

    The Companies are pleased to announce that, subject to obtaining the requisite regulatory approval, the Companies intend to launch prospectus top up offers of new ordinary shares for subscription in the 2024/2025 tax year (the “Offers”).

    The current intention is for the Companies, in aggregate, to raise up to £50 million, with over-allotment facilities of up to a further £30 million in aggregate, before issue costs, as follows:

      Amount to be raised under each Offer Over-allotment facility
    Albion Enterprise VCT PLC Offer £10 million £10 million
    Albion Technology & General VCT PLC Offer £20 million £10 million
    Albion Crown VCT PLC Offer £20 million £10 million

    Full details of the Offers will be contained in a prospectus that is expected to be made available in November 2024 on the Albion Capital website (www.albion.capital). Application for shares under the Offers will open in early January 2025.

    Enquiries:

    Will Fraser-Allen
    Managing Partner, Albion Capital
    Investment Manager
    Tel: 0207 601 1850

    29 October 2024

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: First Financial Northwest, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENTON, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ GS: FFNW), the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $608,000, or $(0.07) per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $1.6 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and net income of $1.5 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported a net loss of $128,000, or $(0.01) per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.1 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2023.

    The net loss for the quarter was primarily the result of a $1.6 million provision for credit losses. Our allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) analysis determined that a provision for credit losses of $1.6 million was appropriate as of September 30, 2024. This provision mainly relates to two participation loans totaling $6.0 million, for which we are not the lead lender. These loans, secured by short-term rehabilitation and assisted living facilities, have been individually evaluated and classified as “substandard” since March 2022 due to a decline in demand for the services provided at such facilities post-COVID. While payments on the loans were current as of September 30, 2024, updated appraisals received during the quarter resulted in an increase in our ACL. The loan guarantors are under contract to sell another property, with the sale expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024. Proceeds from this sale are expected to be applied to the two loans, which would improve our position. Additionally, the guarantors reported interest from a national real estate developer in purchasing one of the facilities, though no purchase agreement was entered into as of September 30, 2024. The ACL was also impacted by higher forecasted unemployment rates and increased construction and land development loan balances. Additionally, reserves for unfunded commitments increased by $75,000 due to increased construction lending activity during the quarter.

    “While we recorded a provision for credit losses during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, our credit quality remained strong, with only $853,000 in nonaccrual loans relative to our $1.14 billion total loan portfolio. Our strong credit quality is directly related to our top-notch lending department employees who originate, document and underwrite these loans,” stated Joseph W. Kiley III, President and CEO.

    “We also continue to work closely with Global Federal Credit Union (“Global”) to prepare for the closing of the pending transaction and to ensure a smooth transition for our customers and employees. I truly appreciate the efforts and patience of our employees, customers, and shareholders as we await the final required approval from the National Credit Union Administration before we can close the transaction,” concluded Kiley.

    Highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2024:

    • Net loans receivable totaled $1.13 billion at September 30, 2024, down $8.9 million from the prior quarter end.
    • Book value per share was $17.39 at September 30, 2024, compared to $17.51 at June 30, 2024, and $17.35 at September 30, 2023.
    • The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage and total capital ratios were 10.9% and 16.7% at September 30, 2024, compared to 10.9% and 16.6% at June 30, 2024, and 10.3% and 16.0% at September 30, 2023, respectively.
    • Credit quality remained strong with nonaccrual loans totaling only $853,000, or 0.07% of total loans.
    • A $1.6 million provision for credit losses was recorded in the current quarter, compared to a $200,000 recapture of provision for credit losses in the prior quarter and a $300,000 recapture of provision for credit losses in the comparable quarter in 2023.

    Deposits totaled $1.17 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.09 billion at June 30, 2024, and $1.21 billion at September 30, 2023. The $79.2 million increase in deposits at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, was due primarily to a $81.9 million increase in retail certificates of deposit and a $624,000 increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, partially offset by a $1.5 million, $1.4 million, $392,000, and $104,000 decline in interest-bearing demand deposits, money market deposits, savings and brokered deposits, respectively. The increased deposits were used to pay down our FHLB advances to $100.0 million at September 30, 2024, from $176.0 million at June 30, 2024.

    Advances from the FHLB totaled $100.0 million at September 30, 2024, down from $176.0 million at June 30, 2024, and $125.0 million at September 30, 2023, as the increase in deposits during the current quarter allowed us to reduce our reliance on FHLB advances. At September 30, 2024, the $100.0 million in FHLB advances were tied to cash flow hedge agreements where the Bank pays a fixed rate and receives a variable rate in return to assist in the Bank’s interest rate risk management efforts. These cash flow hedge agreements had a weighted average remaining term of 30.8 months and a weighted average fixed interest rate of 1.93% as of September 30, 2024. The average cost of borrowings was 3.19% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.64% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and 2.42% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    The following table presents a breakdown of our total deposits (unaudited):

      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2023
      Three
    Month
    Change
      One
    Year
    Change
    Deposits: (Dollars in thousands)
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 100,466   $ 99,842   $ 104,164   $ 624     $ (3,698 )
    Interest-bearing demand   55,506     57,033     60,816     (1,527 )     (5,310 )
    Savings   17,031     17,423     18,844     (392 )     (1,813 )
    Money market   495,978     497,345     501,168     (1,367 )     (5,190 )
    Certificates of deposit, retail   447,474     365,527     349,446     81,947       98,028  
    Brokered deposits   50,900     51,004     175,972     (104 )     (125,072 )
    Total deposits $ 1,167,355   $ 1,088,174   $ 1,210,410   $ 79,181     $ (43,055 )
     

    The following tables present an analysis of total deposits by branch office (unaudited):

    September 30, 2024
      Noninterest-bearing demand Interest-bearing demand Savings Money
    market
    Certificates of deposit, retail Brokered
    deposits
    Total
      (Dollars in thousands)
    King County              
    Renton $ 29,388 $ 14,153 $ 10,654 $ 305,836 $ 315,721 $ $ 675,752
    Landing   3,442   1,660   237   8,348   12,733     26,420
    Woodinville   1,968   2,234   959   8,852   11,522     25,535
    Bothell   2,965   1,151   401   1,536   5,918     11,971
    Crossroads   14,770   2,039   107   31,665   18,136     66,717
    Kent   5,417   10,502   44   16,053   8,562     40,578
    Kirkland   10,967   1,890   206   11,243   2,240     26,546
    Issaquah   1,186   294   18   2,547   6,580     10,625
    Total King County   70,103   33,923   12,626   386,080   381,412     884,144
    Snohomish County              
    Mill Creek   3,990   2,171   384   14,628   10,312     31,485
    Edmonds   9,254   6,831   330   18,549   13,281     48,245
    Clearview   5,587   5,242   1,462   21,206   12,251     45,748
    Lake Stevens   3,970   4,282   1,244   23,257   15,571     48,324
    Smokey Point   2,994   1,664   969   29,353   11,387     46,367
    Total Snohomish County   25,795   20,190   4,389   106,993   62,802     220,169
    Pierce County              
    University Place   2,940   53   4   1,848   1,458     6,303
    Gig Harbor   1,628   1,340   12   1,057   1,802     5,839
    Total Pierce County   4,568   1,393   16   2,905   3,260     12,142
                   
    Brokered deposits             50,900   50,900
                   
    Total deposits $ 100,466 $ 55,506 $ 17,031 $ 495,978 $ 447,474 $ 50,900 $ 1,167,355
    June 30, 2024
      Noninterest-bearing demand Interest-bearing demand Savings Money
    market
    Certificates of deposit, retail Brokered
    deposits
    Total
      (Dollars in thousands)
    King County              
    Renton $ 30,336 $ 14,380 $ 11,186 $ 306,176 $ 246,076 $ $ 608,154
    Landing   2,079   566   113   7,895   9,881     20,534
    Woodinville   1,953   2,949   987   10,931   10,845     27,665
    Bothell   3,336   847   398   1,595   6,055     12,231
    Crossroads   13,585   2,858   28   25,599   17,748     59,818
    Kent   7,729   8,142   42   14,525   7,448     37,886
    Kirkland   8,326   1,789   210   15,007   1,752     27,084
    Issaquah   1,287   232   22   3,971   6,202     11,714
    Total King County   68,631   31,763   12,986   385,699   306,007     805,086
    Snohomish County              
    Mill Creek   5,823   2,306   420   15,209   9,578     33,336
    Edmonds   10,418   9,470   402   20,255   12,753     53,298
    Clearview   4,810   4,888   1,444   18,695   9,504     39,341
    Lake Stevens   4,111   4,445   1,171   22,618   14,090     46,435
    Smokey Point   2,700   3,152   982   31,808   10,435     49,077
    Total Snohomish County   27,862   24,261   4,419   108,585   56,360     221,487
    Pierce County              
    University Place   2,385   41   2   1,819   1,503     5,750
    Gig Harbor   964   968   16   1,242   1,657     4,847
    Total Pierce County   3,349   1,009   18   3,061   3,160     10,597
                   
    Brokered deposits             51,004   51,004
                   
    Total deposits $ 99,842 $ 57,033 $ 17,423 $ 497,345 $ 365,527 $ 51,004 $ 1,088,174
     

    Net loans receivable totaled $1.13 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.14 billion at June 30, 2024, and $1.17 billion at September 30, 2023. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, loan repayments outpaced new loan fundings across all loan categories except construction and land development. The average balance of net loans receivable totaled $1.13 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.14 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and $1.17 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    The ACL represented 1.42% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.29% at both June 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023.

    Nonaccrual loans totaled $853,000 at September 30, 2024, compared to $4.7 million at June 30, 2024, and $201,000 at September 30, 2023. The decrease compared to the prior quarter was due primarily to the payoff of a $4.1 million commercial real estate loan that had been reported as nonaccrual as of June 30, 2024. The Bank did not incur any loss related to this credit. Additionally, there was no other real estate owned at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, or September 30, 2023.

    Net interest income totaled $8.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $9.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and $9.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    Total interest income was $19.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $19.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and $19.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase in total interest income during the current quarter was primarily due to interest income on interest-earning deposits held with banks which increased to $863,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, up 79.0% from $482,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2024, partially offset by decreases in interest income on loans and investments of $147,000 or 0.9% and $142,000 or 7.5%, respectively. The decrease in total interest income during the current quarter compared to the comparable quarter in 2023, was primarily due to decreases in interest income on loans of $260,000 or 1.5% and on investments of $374,000 or 17.7%, partially offset by increases in interest income on interest-earning deposits held with banks and dividends on FHLB stock of $338,000 or 64.4% and $37,000 or 32.7%, respectively.

    Yield on loans decreased to 5.86% during the recent quarter from 5.93% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and increased from 5.73% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. During the June 30, 2024 quarter, the Bank modified over $130 million in loans under its agreement with Global, resulting in a $214,000 increase in net deferred loan fees and costs, which increased the loan yield. In the most recent quarter, these fees and costs decreased by $266,000. The yield on investment securities for the current quarter was 4.30%, down from 4.38% last quarter and up from 3.98% a year ago.

    Total interest expense was $11.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and $10.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase from the quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, was due to increases in funding costs. Interest expense on deposits increased $250,000 or 2.6% to $9.7 million, while interest expense on other borrowings increased $364,000 or 42.9% to $1.2 million during the current quarter, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in interest expense on deposits was primarily due to a $32.5 million increase in the average balances of certificates of deposit, partially offset by declines of $28.9 million and $10.7 million in the average balances of brokered deposits and money market deposits, respectively. In addition, the average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 3.80% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, up from 3.71% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The increase in interest expense on other borrowings was due to a $22.4 million increase in the average balance of borrowings, coupled with a 55-basis point increase in the average cost of other borrowings to 3.19% during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in interest expense during the current quarter compared to the same quarter in 2023, was also due to increases in both the average balance and cost of outstanding borrowings, which increased by $26.1 million and 77 basis points, respectively.

    Net interest margin was 2.46% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.66% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and 2.69% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, was due primarily to continued pressure on funding costs. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased seven basis points to 5.66% during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 5.73% during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and increased 20 basis points from 5.46% during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 13 basis points to 3.72% during the quarter, from 3.59% during the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and increased 48 basis points from 3.24% during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The net interest margin for the month of September 2024 was 2.49%.

    Noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, totaled $677,000, up slightly from $673,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and unchanged from $677,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024, was primarily due to fluctuations related to our fintech focused venture capital investment more than offsetting the decreases in BOLI income, wealth management revenue and deposit and loan related fees in the quarter.

    Noninterest expense totaled $8.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to $7.9 million for the prior quarter, and $8.8 million for the same period in 2023. The increase from the June 30, 2024 quarter was primarily due to a $789,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits. This was because the June 2024 quarter included $939,000 in deferred loan costs related to loan modifications, which reduced salary and employee benefit expenses, compared to $117,000 in deferred loan costs in the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Partially offsetting this was a $411,000 refund from the defined benefit plan buyout following a final census review of remaining plan participants. Professional fees also declined by $164,000 in the current quarter, largely due to a $101,000 decline in transaction-related expenses and a $54,000 decline in legal fees. Compared to the September 30, 2023 quarter, the decline in noninterest expense was primarily due to a $412,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits, a $51,000 decrease in marketing expenses, a $35,000 decline in regulatory assessments, and $10,000 in lower occupancy and equipment expense. These reductions were partially offset by higher data processing, other general and administrative expenses and professional fees.

    First Financial Northwest, Inc. is the parent company of First Financial Northwest Bank; an FDIC insured Washington State-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Renton, Washington, serving the Puget Sound Region through 15 full-service banking offices. For additional information about us, please visit our website at ffnwb.com and click on the “Investor Relations” link at the bottom of the page.

    Forward-looking statements:
    When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management’s current expectations and forecasts regarding future events many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about, among other things, our pending transaction with Global Federal Credit Union (“Global”) whereby Global, pursuant to the definitive purchase and assumption agreement (the “P&A Agreement”), will acquire substantially all of the assets and assume substantially all of the liabilities of the Bank, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance or financial items, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ, possibly materially from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect our operating and stock performance. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or all of the parties to terminate the P&A Agreement; delays in completing the P&A Agreement; the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the Global transaction, including the P&A Agreement, on a timely basis or at all; delays or other circumstances arising from the dissolution of the Bank and the Company following completion of the P&A Agreement; diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities during the pending Global transaction; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement of the Global transaction; adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a recession or slowed economic growth; changes in the interest rate environment, including increases or decreases in the Federal Reserve benchmark rate and duration at which such interest rate levels are maintained, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the value of assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity; the impact of inflation and the current and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; the effects of any federal government shutdown; increased competitive pressures; legislative and regulatory changes; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; effects of critical accounting policies and judgments, including the use of estimates in determining the fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest and other external events on our business; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission – that are available on our website at www.ffnwb.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Press Release and in the other public statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    For more information, contact:
    Joseph W. Kiley III, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Rich Jacobson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (425) 255-4400

    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Dollars in thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
    Assets Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2023
      Three
    Month
    Change
      One
    Year
    Change
                       
    Cash on hand and in banks $ 8,423     $ 10,811     $ 8,074     (22.1 )%   4.3 %
    Interest-earning deposits with banks   72,884       48,173       49,618     51.3     46.9  
    Investments available-for-sale, at fair value   156,609       160,693       204,975     (2.5 )   (23.6 )
    Investments held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   2,462       2,456       2,450     0.2     0.5  
    Loans receivable, net of allowance of $16,265, $14,796, and $15,306 respectively   1,126,146       1,135,067       1,168,079     (0.8 )   (3.6 )
    Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost   5,403       8,823       6,803     (38.8 )   (20.6 )
    Accrued interest receivable   6,638       6,632       7,263     0.1     (8.6 )
    Deferred tax assets, net   2,690       2,360       3,156     14.0     (14.8 )
    Premises and equipment, net   18,584       19,007       19,921     (2.2 )   (6.7 )
    Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”), net   38,661       38,368       37,398     0.8     3.4  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   8,898       11,447       13,673     (22.3 )   (34.9 )
    Right of use asset (“ROU”), net   2,473       2,670       2,818     (7.4 )   (12.2 )
    Goodwill   889       889       889     0.0     0.0  
    Core deposit intangible, net   326       357       451     (8.7 )   (27.7 )
    Total assets $ 1,451,086     $ 1,447,753     $ 1,525,568     0.2     (4.9 )
                       
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                  
                       
    Deposits                  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 100,466     $ 99,842     $ 104,164     0.6     (3.6 )
    Interest-bearing deposits   1,066,889       988,332       1,106,246     7.9     (3.6 )
    Total deposits   1,167,355       1,088,174       1,210,410     7.3     (3.6 )
    Advances from the FHLB   100,000       176,000       125,000     (43.2 )   (20.0 )
    Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance   5,211       2,764       4,760     88.5     9.5  
    Lease liability, net   2,673       2,866       3,011     (6.7 )   (11.2 )
    Accrued interest payable   294       1,117       2,646     (73.7 )   (88.9 )
    Other liabilities   15,340       16,139       20,506     (5.0 )   (25.2 )
    Total liabilities   1,290,873       1,287,060       1,366,333     0.3     (5.5 )
                       
    Commitments and contingencies                  
                       
    Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding                   n/a   n/a
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding                  
    9,213,969 shares at September 30, 2024; 9,179,825 shares at June 30, 2024; and 9,179,510 shares at September 30, 2023   92       92       92     0.0     0.0  
    Additional paid-in capital   72,916       72,953       72,926     (0.1 )   (0.0 )
    Retained earnings   93,692       94,300       96,206     (0.6 )   (2.6 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (6,487 )     (6,652 )     (9,989 )   (2.5 )   (35.1 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   160,213       160,693       159,235     (0.3 )   0.6  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,451,086     $ 1,447,753     $ 1,525,568     0.2 %   (4.9 )%
    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Income Statements
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Quarter Ended        
      Sep 30,
    2024
      Jun 30,
    2024
      Sep 30,
    2023
      Three
    Month
    Change
      One
    Year
    Change
    Interest income                  
    Loans, including fees $ 16,658     $ 16,805     $ 16,918     (0.9 )%   (1.5 )%
    Investments   1,744       1,886       2,118     (7.5 )   (17.7 )
    Interest-earning deposits with banks   863       482       525     79.0     64.4  
    Dividends on FHLB Stock   150       144       113     4.2     32.7  
    Total interest income   19,415       19,317       19,674     0.5     (1.3 )
    Interest expense                  
    Deposits   9,748       9,498       9,205     2.6     5.9  
    Other borrowings   1,213       849       766     42.9     58.4  
    Total interest expense   10,961       10,347       9,971     5.9     9.9  
    Net interest income   8,454       8,970       9,703     (5.8 )   (12.9 )
    Provision (recapture of provision) for credit losses   1,575       (200 )     (300 )   (887.5 )   (625.0 )
    Net interest income after provision (recapture of provision) for credit losses   6,879       9,170       10,003     (25.0 )   (31.2 )
                       
    Noninterest income                  
    BOLI income   295       310       244     (4.8 )   20.9  
    Wealth management revenue   42       54       53     (22.2 )   (20.8 )
    Deposit related fees   236       240       247     (1.7 )   (4.5 )
    Loan related fees   96       97       79     (1.0 )   21.5  
    Other income (expense), net   8       (28 )     54     (128.6 )   (85.2 )
    Total noninterest income   677       673       677     0.6     0.0  
                       
    Noninterest expense                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   4,606       3,817       5,018     20.7     (8.2 )
    Occupancy and equipment   1,183       1,225       1,193     (3.4 )   (0.8 )
    Professional fees   585       749       553     (21.9 )   5.8  
    Data processing   838       856       742     (2.1 )   12.9  
    Regulatory assessments   165       170       200     (2.9 )   (17.5 )
    Insurance and bond premiums   113       118       111     (4.2 )   1.8  
    Marketing   46       47       97     (2.1 )   (52.6 )
    Other general and administrative   952       959       856     (0.7 )   11.2  
    Total noninterest expense   8,488       7,941       8,770     6.9     (3.2 )
    (Loss) income before federal income tax (benefit) provision   (932 )     1,902       1,910     (149.0 )   (148.8 )
    Federal income tax (benefit) provision   (324 )     347       409     (193.4 )   (179.2 )
    Net (loss) income $ (608 )   $ 1,555     $ 1,501     (139.1 )%   (140.5 )%
                       
    Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (0.07 )   $ 0.17     $ 0.16          
    Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (0.07 )   $ 0.17     $ 0.16          
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding   9,190,146       9,168,414       9,127,568          
    Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding   9,190,146       9,235,446       9,150,059          
     

    The following table presents a breakdown of the loan portfolio (unaudited):

      September 30, 2024 June 30, 2024 September 30, 2023
      Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Commercial real estate:                      
    Residential:                      
    Multifamily $ 132,811     11.6 %   $ 134,302     11.7 %   $ 140,022     11.7 %
    Total multifamily residential   132,811     11.6       134,302     11.7       140,022     11.7  
                           
    Non-residential:                      
    Retail   118,840     10.4       118,154     10.4       130,101     11.0  
    Office   73,778     6.5       74,032     6.4       72,773     6.1  
    Hotel / motel   54,716     4.8       55,018     4.8       63,954     5.4  
    Storage   32,443     2.8       32,636     2.8       33,229     2.8  
    Mobile home park   22,443     2.0       23,159     2.0       21,285     1.8  
    Warehouse   18,743     1.6       18,868     1.6       19,446     1.6  
    Nursing Home   11,407     1.0       11,474     1.0       11,676     1.0  
    Other non-residential   30,719     2.7       32,139     2.8       42,227     3.7  
    Total non-residential   363,089     31.8       365,480     31.8       394,691     33.4  
                           
    Construction/land:                      
    One-to-four family residential   42,846     3.8       39,908     3.5       43,532     3.7  
    Multifamily   7,227     0.6       6,078     0.5       2,043     0.2  
    Land development   10,148     0.8       9,800     0.8       9,766     0.8  
    Total construction/land   60,221     5.2       55,786     4.8       55,341     4.7  
                           
    One-to-four family residential:                      
    Permanent owner occupied   279,744     24.5       283,516     24.7       260,970     22.1  
    Permanent non-owner occupied   221,127     19.4       225,423     19.6       232,238     19.6  
    Total one-to-four family residential   500,871     43.9       508,939     44.3       493,208     41.7  
                           
    Business:                      
    Aircraft       0.0           0.0       1,981     0.2  
    Small Business Administration (“SBA”)   1,745     0.2       1,763     0.2       1,810     0.3  
    Paycheck Protection Plan (“PPP”)   238     0.0       316     0.0       551     0.0  
    Other business   12,416     1.1       12,984     1.1       23,633     1.9  
    Total business   14,399     1.3       15,063     1.3       27,975     2.4  
                           
    Consumer:                      
    Classic, collectible and other auto   58,085     5.1       56,758     4.9       59,955     5.1  
    Other consumer   12,935     1.1       13,535     1.2       12,193     1.0  
    Total consumer   71,020     6.2       70,293     6.1       72,148     6.1  
                           
    Total loans   1,142,411     100.0 %     1,149,863     100.0 %     1,183,385     100.0 %
    Less:                      
    ACL   16,265           14,796           15,306      
    Loans receivable, net $ 1,126,146         $ 1,135,067         $ 1,168,079      
                           
    Concentrations of credit: (1)                      
    Construction loans as % of total capital   36.8 %         34.8 %         37.8 %    
    Total non-owner occupied commercial
    real estate as % of total capital
      296.2 %         298.8 %         328.1 %    
     

    (1) Concentrations of credit percentages are for First Financial Northwest Bank only using classifications in accordance with FDIC regulatory guidelines.

    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Key Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)
     
      At or For the Quarter Ended
      Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,
        2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
      (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Performance Ratios: (1)                  
    Return on assets   (0.17 )%     0.43 %     (0.29 )%     0.31 %     0.39 %
    Return on equity   (1.50 )     3.88       (2.67 )     2.97       3.71  
    Dividend payout ratio   0.00       76.47       (108.33 )     100.00       79.26  
    Equity-to-assets ratio   11.04       11.10       10.91       10.74       10.44  
    Tangible equity ratio (2)   10.97       11.02       10.83       10.66       10.36  
    Net interest margin   2.46       2.66       2.55       2.54       2.69  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   116.46       117.01       116.40       115.84       116.94  
    Efficiency ratio   92.96       82.35       116.97       85.17       84.49  
    Noninterest expense as a percent of average total assets   2.32       2.21       3.05       2.18       2.29  
    Book value per common share $ 17.39     $ 17.51     $ 17.46     $ 17.61     $ 17.35  
    Tangible book value per share (2)   17.26       17.37       17.32       17.47       17.20  
                       
    Capital Ratios: (3)                  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   10.86 %     10.91 %     10.41 %     10.18 %     10.25 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio   15.43       15.39       14.98       14.90       14.75  
    Tier 1 capital ratio   15.43       15.39       14.98       14.90       14.75  
    Total capital ratio   16.68       16.64       16.24       16.15       16.00  
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios: (4)                  
    Nonaccrual loans as a percent of total loans   0.07 %     0.41 %     0.02 %     0.02 %     0.02 %
    Nonaccrual loans as a percent of total assets   0.06       0.32       0.01       0.01       0.01  
    ACL as a percent of total loans   1.42       1.29       1.30       1.28       1.29  
    Net charge-offs to average loans receivable, net   0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
                       
    Allowance for Credit Losses:                  
    ACL ‒ loans                  
    Beginning balance $ 14,796     $ 14,996     $ 15,306     $ 15,306     $ 15,606  
    Provision (recapture of provision) for credit losses   1,500       (200 )     (300 )           (300 )
    Charge-offs   (31 )           (10 )            
    Recoveries                            
    Ending balance $ 16,265     $ 14,796     $ 14,996     $ 15,306     $ 15,306  
                       
    Allowance for unfunded commitments                  
    Beginning balance $ 564     $ 564     $ 439     $ 439     $ 439  
    Provision for credit losses   75             125              
    Ending balance $ 639     $ 564     $ 564     $ 439     $ 439  
                       
    Provision (recapture of provision) for credit losses                  
    ACL – loans $ 1,500     $ (200 )   $ (300 )   $     $ (300 )
    Allowance for unfunded commitments   75             125              
    Total $ 1,575     $ (200 )   $ (175 )   $     $ (300 )
     

    (1) Performance ratios are calculated on an annualized basis.
    (2) Non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP equivalents.
    (3) Capital ratios are for First Financial Northwest Bank only.
    (4) Loans are reported net of undisbursed funds.

    FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Key Financial Measures
    (Unaudited)
     
      At or For the Quarter Ended
      Sep 30,   Jun 30,   Mar 31,   Dec 31,   Sep 30,
        2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Yields and Costs: (1)                  
    Yield on loans   5.86 %     5.93 %     5.88 %     5.83 %     5.73 %
    Yield on investments   4.30       4.38       4.11       4.11       3.98  
    Yield on interest-earning deposits   5.27       5.25       5.28       5.32       5.18  
    Yield on FHLB stock   7.73       8.63       7.79       7.29       6.57  
    Yield on interest-earning assets   5.66 %     5.73 %     5.62 %     5.56 %     5.46 %
                       
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   3.80 %     3.71 %     3.69 %     3.62 %     3.33 %
    Cost of borrowings   3.19       2.64       2.65       2.40       2.42  
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities   3.72 %     3.59 %     3.58 %     3.50 %     3.24 %
                       
    Cost of total deposits (2)   3.47 %     3.38 %     3.38 %     3.31 %     3.03 %
    Cost of funds (3)   3.44 %     3.30 %     3.31 %     3.23 %     2.97 %
                       
    Average Balances:                  
    Loans $ 1,131,473     $ 1,139,017     $ 1,160,156     $ 1,167,339     $ 1,171,483  
    Investments   161,232       173,102       202,106       206,837       211,291  
    Interest-earning deposits   65,149       36,959       37,032       65,680       40,202  
    FHLB stock   7,719       6,714       6,554       6,584       6,820  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 1,365,573     $ 1,355,792     $ 1,405,848     $ 1,446,440     $ 1,429,796  
                       
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 1,021,041     $ 1,029,608     $ 1,082,168     $ 1,127,690     $ 1,097,324  
    Borrowings   151,478       129,126       125,604       120,978       125,402  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,172,519       1,158,734       1,207,772       1,248,668       1,222,726  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   96,003       101,196       99,173       102,869       109,384  
    Total deposits and borrowings $ 1,268,522     $ 1,259,930     $ 1,306,945     $ 1,351,537     $ 1,332,110  
                       
    Average assets $ 1,453,431     $ 1,446,207     $ 1,495,753     $ 1,538,955     $ 1,522,224  
    Average stockholders’ equity   161,569       161,057       161,823       159,659       160,299  
     

    (1) Yields and costs are annualized.
    (2) Includes noninterest-bearing deposits.
    (3) Includes total borrowings and deposits (including noninterest-bearing deposits).

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) utilized in the United States, this earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures that include tangible equity, tangible assets, tangible book value per share, and the tangible equity-to-assets ratio. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios as presented are useful for both investors and management to understand the effects of goodwill and core deposit intangible, net and provides an alternative view of the Company’s performance over time and in comparison to the Company’s competitors. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation and are not a substitute for other measures in this earnings release that are presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    The following tables provide a reconciliation between the GAAP and non-GAAP measures:

      Quarter Ended
        Sep 30,
    2024
          Jun 30,
    2024
          Mar 31,
    2024
          Dec 31,
    2023
          Sep 30,
    2023
     
      (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Tangible equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share:
                                           
    Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 160,213     $ 160,693     $ 160,183     $ 161,660     $ 159,235  
    Less:                  
    Goodwill   889       889       889       889       889  
    Core deposit intangible, net   326       357       388       419       451  
    Tangible equity (Non-GAAP) $ 158,998     $ 159,447     $ 158,906     $ 160,352     $ 157,895  
                       
    Total assets (GAAP) $ 1,451,086     $ 1,447,753     $ 1,468,350     $ 1,505,082     $ 1,525,568  
    Less:                  
    Goodwill   889       889       889       889       889  
    Core deposit intangible, net   326       357       388       419       451  
    Tangible assets (Non-GAAP) $ 1,449,871     $ 1,446,507     $ 1,467,073     $ 1,503,774     $ 1,524,228  
                       
    Common shares outstanding at period end   9,213,969       9,179,825       9,174,425       9,179,510       9,179,510  
                       
    Equity-to-assets ratio (GAAP)   11.04 %     11.10 %     10.91 %     10.74 %     10.44 %
    Tangible equity-to-tangible assets ratio (Non-GAAP)   10.97       11.02       10.83       10.66       10.36  
    Book value per common share (GAAP) $ 17.39     $ 17.51     $ 17.46     $ 17.61     $ 17.35  
    Tangible book value per share (Non-GAAP)   17.26       17.37       17.32       17.47       17.20  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Jamf Ventures invests in LifeSaver Mobile

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today announced it has invested in LifeSaver Mobile, a leader in Distracted Driving Solutions, through its Jamf Ventures Investment Fund. 

    Announced in October 2022, Jamf Ventures strives to grow the Jamf and Apple ecosystem faster and more comprehensively than Jamf could do alone. The Fund facilitates Jamf partnerships with early-stage founders, entrepreneurs and innovators across the globe that focus on increasing security to further enhance the transformational power of Apple.

    “We’re thrilled to be a Jamf Ventures portfolio company and are excited to continue working with Jamf to eliminate the distracted operation of vehicles caused by our constant addiction to mobile device usage,” said Ted Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of LifeSaver Mobile. “When we first integrated with Jamf back in 2019, we knew we had something special. Our business customers, who typically include fleet managers, safety managers and risk managers, are reporting improved employee compliance, drops in fleet insurance claims and less distracted driving incidents. Our software platform can be used in any use case involving human operation of vehicles like rail transportation, above and below the wing aviation, and forklift operation, and joining Jamf’s family of portfolio companies just makes us more excited about where we could go next.”

    The road for Jamf and LifeSaver Mobile so far
    In March of 2022, Jamf announced the LifeSaver Mobile integration, meant to maximize driver safety easily and without gizmos and gadgets that added more hardware to the vehicle.

    The LifeSaver Mobile solution consists of a mobile application deployed to employees’ phones, with each app managed by a cloud-based fleet portal used by the company’s managers to administer the LifeSaver program. With Jamf, admins can streamline that deployment and prevent employees from deleting the app off of their devices, thus improving employee compliance. Further, LifeSaver gets an added layer of device restriction through real-time locking of iOS devices behind the wheel. The Jamf + LifeSaver Mobile integration prevents screen access, while still allowing phone calls and access to navigation, maximizing driver productivity.

    Why move from integration to investment now?
    According to the CDC, approximately 3,000 people die in accidents involving distracted driving each year. A significant percentage of these accidents are directly related to mobile device usage or texting while driving, and almost 40% of workplace-related fatalities result from transportation incidents.

    With mobile device adoption growing in the transportation sector and states nationwide cracking down even harder on distracted driving, there’s no better time to take the wheel than now.

    “Any time we see an opportunity for technology to make our lives safer, we immediately look for ways to help,” said Jake Mosey, VP of Business Development and Integrations at Jamf. “This investment into LifeSaver is a direct reflection of the hard work and mission-driven innovation Ted and his team have continued to produce. We couldn’t be more excited to work with them to achieve their mission of eliminating distracted driving through mobile solutions.”

    The investment and ongoing partnership with LifeSaver demonstrate Jamf’s ongoing commitment to providing the deskless workforce with optimized and secure mobile devices that empower them to succeed at work. After all, nearly 80% of the world’s workforce – or 2.7 billion people – don’t sit at a desk.

    Customers of the Jamf + LifeSaver integration can rest easy knowing the devices they’re deploying are keeping their employees safe, minimizing costs and empowering their workers to perform their jobs effectively, regardless of their whereabouts.

    LifeSaver joins cloud platform provider SwiftConnect, leading communications platform for hospitality brands Monscierge, and leading browser security provider Conceal as a member of Jamf Ventures.

    Learn more about Jamf and LifeSaver Mobile here and more about Jamf Ventures here.

    About Jamf
    Jamf’s purpose is to simplify work by helping organizations manage and secure an Apple experience that end users love and organizations trust. Jamf is the only company in the world that provides a complete management and security solution for an Apple-first environment that is enterprise secure, consumer simple and protects personal privacy. To learn more, visit www.jamf.com.

    Media Contact:
    Natali Brockett | media@jamf.com

    Investor Contact:
    Jennifer Gaumond | ir@jamf.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SECU Foundation Awards $1 Million to SPCA Wake for State’s First Regional Campus for Pets & People

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A $1 million challenge grant from SECU Foundation to SPCA of Wake County (SPCA Wake) will help the largest animal welfare organization in North Carolina establish a Regional Campus for Pets & People. The site will serve as a community hub to expand affordable pet care services and will include a new Learning Center that will provide more space to grow SPCA’s training capacity for new or potential pet owners and develop partnerships and programming for animal shelter professionals across the state.

    SPCA Wake supports 59 counties, including many rural and under-resourced communities, to help match homeless pets with families, prevent animals from entering area shelters, and address animal suffering, neglect, and overpopulation. In 2022, SPCA placed over 4,250 pets in new homes, provided over 7,300 spay or neuter surgeries, managed 6,700 pet helpline requests, and supplied over 159,000 pet meals to owners in need.

    “Pets bring people together and can provide a great source of comfort. It is our hope that the Foundation’s grant will shed light on the phenomenal work of SPCA Wake and the significant need for the new campus facility,” said SECU Foundation Board Chair Chris Ayers. “Our support along with that of many others will undoubtedly help SPCA Wake make a transformative impact in our communities.”

    “We are honored to be a part of SECU Foundation’s legacy of positive impact across North Carolina, and we are humbled to be the first animal welfare organization to receive funding for a capital project,” said SPCA of Wake County President and CEO Kim Janzen. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and the members of State Employees’ Credit Union, we have raised $20.3 million toward the total project goal of $27.5 million.”

    About SECU and SECU Foundation

    A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 87 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $56 billion in assets. It serves more than 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org, and the SECU Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $300 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.

    Contact: Jama Campbell, Executive Director, secufoundation@ncsecu.org

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f58a4914-50cd-44f1-8449-116e398af036

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis announces 2024 Board of Directors election results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBank Indianapolis” or “Bank”) today announced the results of the election of two Indiana Member Directors and three Independent Directors to its Board of Directors (“Board”). The following individuals were elected to the Board and will each serve four-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

    The new Indiana Member Directors are:

    • Dan L. Moore, executive chairman, Home Bank, S.B., Martinsville, Ind. Previously, Moore served as its chairman, president and CEO and director. Moore served on the Board from 2011 to 2022 and was Board Chair from 2019 to 2022. He also served as Chairman of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks in 2022.
    • Jamie R. Shinabarger, CEO, Springs Valley Bank & Trust Co., Jasper, Ind. Shinabarger also serves on the bank’s board of directors and of SVB&T Corp., the bank’s holding company in French Lick, Ind.

    The new Independent Directors are:

    • Kathryn M. Dominguez, professor of public policy and economics, University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy in Ann Arbor, Mich. She also serves as the school’s Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and is the co-faculty director of the Center on Finance, Law and Policy. Dominguez was appointed to the Board as an Independent Director to fill a partial term in 2023, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Risk Oversight Committee.
    • Charlotte C. Henry, former chief information technology officer for the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust, Detroit. Henry has been an Independent Director on the Board since 2017. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board’s Security and Technology Committee, and formerly served as the Chair of that committee.
    • Todd E. Sears (Public Interest Independent Director), vice president of development, Cohen Esrey, Indianapolis. Previously, Sears served as chief investment officer and chief financial officer of Valeo Financial Advisors and was executive vice president of research, policy and strategy at Kittle Property Group, Inc., in Indianapolis. Sears previously served as the executive vice president for the non-profit CDFI, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership. He has served as an Independent Director on the Board since 2021 and previously served on the Board’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council from 2012-2018.

    Annually, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency determines the size of the Board and designates at least a majority, but no more than 60%, of the directorships as member directorships and the remainder as independent directorships. Independent directors are nominated by the Board after consultation with the Bank’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council and the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

    Media contact:
    Scott Thien, Sr. Communications Lead
    317-902-3103
    sthien@fhlbi.com

    Building Partnerships. Serving Communities
    FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members’ customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and they receive no Congressional appropriations. One of 11 independent regional cooperative banks across the U.S., FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn, and Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: First Northwest Bancorp Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORT ANGELES, Wash., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    CEO Commentary
    “This was a quarter of mixed results. Progress on customer deposit gathering and the termination of the FDIC Consent Order was overshadowed by a quarterly loss driven by additional provisions primarily related to certain equity loans made to high net worth, accredited investors.

    The teamwork and collaboration between Staff, Management and the Board to address the matters identified in the Consent Order is demonstrative of the qualifications, determination and capabilities of the First Fed team. We appreciate that the FDIC acknowledged the planning, monitoring and execution required to comply with the Order and validation that all of these matters were properly addressed. I am very proud of this accomplishment, and I would like to thank all of the many people within the bank who worked tirelessly to reach this achievement less than one year after the Order was issued.

    Through an internal review of our loan portfolio and with consultation with our prudential regulators, it was determined that larger provisions were required in the second quarter of 2024. As a result, we decided it was appropriate to file a restated quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and identified a material weakness in the design of certain internal controls. The loans for which we increased reserves were originated between 2020 and 2023. More recent vintages of our loan portfolio are performing well as we have engaged in lending and partnerships that we have evaluated as having a relatively lower risk profile. The provision for credit losses after the amendment was $8.7 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    Management and the Board of Directors take the reported material weakness very seriously. We have taken corrective action to address the basis for the restatement and are working to promptly remediate. 

    We also acknowledge the ongoing lawsuits filed by some of the Water Station equipment borrowers. We intend to vigorously defend against these claims, which we believe are meritless. We also intend to continue pursuing collection of all monies owed by the litigants using all available legal means.

    Moving forward, the highly capable bankers at First Fed are focused on continuing to build relationships with small businesses and individuals in the communities we serve. We continue to pursue inroads in SBA, treasury, maritime lending, first and second mortgage lending and community banking. We are introducing products and services to meet our customers where they are and to enhance their overall experience with First Fed. We believe that focusing on these fundamentals of Community Banking will improve our results and our overall franchise value.”

    — Matthew P. Deines, President and CEO, First Northwest Bancorp

    2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS   3Q 24     2Q 24     3Q 23     2024 YTD     2023 YTD  
    OPERATING RESULTS (in millions)                                        
    Net (loss) income   $ (2.0 )   $ (2.2 )   $ 2.5     $ (3.8 )   $ 7.8  
    Pre-provision net interest income     14.0       14.2       15.0       42.2       47.2  
    Provision for credit losses     3.1       8.7       0.4       12.8       0.2  
    Noninterest expense     15.8       15.6       14.4       45.8       44.5  
    Total revenue, net of interest expense *     15.8       21.6       17.9       53.5       54.2  
    PER SHARE DATA                                        
    Basic and diluted (loss) earnings   $ (0.23 )   $ (0.25 )   $ 0.28     $ (0.43 )   $ 0.87  
    Book value     17.17       16.81       16.20       17.17       16.20  
    Tangible book value *     17.00       16.64       16.03       17.00       16.03  
    BALANCE SHEET (in millions)                                        
    Total assets   $ 2,255     $ 2,216     $ 2,154     $ 2,255     $ 2,154  
    Total loans     1,735       1,698       1,635       1,735       1,635  
    Total deposits     1,712       1,708       1,658       1,712       1,658  
    Total shareholders’ equity     161       159       156       161       156  
    ASSET QUALITY                                        
    Net charge-off ratio(1)     0.10 %     1.70 %     0.30 %     0.67 %     0.10 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     1.35       1.07       0.11       1.35       0.11  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans                                        
    to total loans     1.27       1.14       1.04       1.27       1.04  
    Nonaccrual loan coverage ratio     72       82       714       72       714  
    (1)  Performance ratios are annualized, where appropriate.
    *See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
                                             
    2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS (Continued)   3Q 24     2Q 24     3Q 23     2024 YTD     2023 YTD  
    SELECTED RATIOS                                        
    Return on average assets(1)     -0.36 %     -0.40 %     0.46 %     -0.23 %     0.50 %
    Return on average equity(1)     -4.91       -5.47       6.17       -3.14       6.50  
    Return on average tangible common equity(1) *     -4.96       -5.53       6.23       -3.17       6.57  
    Net interest margin     2.70       2.76       2.97       2.74       3.22  
    Efficiency ratio     100.31       72.32       80.52       85.54       82.06  
    Bank common equity tier 1 (CETI) ratio     12.20       12.40       13.43       12.20       13.43  
    Bank total risk-based capital ratio     13.44       13.49       14.38       13.44       14.38  
    (1)  Performance ratios are annualized, where appropriate.
    *See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
                                             
      2024 Significant Items as of September 30, 2024
    Year-to-date net loss of $3.8 million was primarily due to a provision for credit losses of $12.8 million as the collectability of a small number of loan relationships continued to deteriorate and additional reserves were taken on purchased loan pools.
    First Fed Bank (“First Fed” or the “Bank”) balance sheet restructuring contributed to an improved year-to-date yield on earning assets by 16-basis points over the prior year end to 5.44%.
      –  Sale-leaseback transaction completed in the second quarter, resulting in a $7.9 million gain on sale of premises and equipment.
      –  Sold $23.2 million of lower-yielding security investments which resulted in $2.1 million year-to-date loss on sale.
      –  Purchased $53.3 million of higher-yielding security investments year-to-date.
      –  Continued conversion of lower-yielding bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) with one conversion completed in the first quarter and an exchange in the third quarter. Two additional policy restructures expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
    Net interest margin decreased over the prior year end from 3.13% to 2.74%, impacted by the increase in deposit and borrowing costs outpacing increased yields on loans and investments.
    Loan mix shifted away from construction and commercial real estate into commercial business, auto, multi-family real estate, one-to-four family and home equity compared to the prior year end. The weighted-average rate on new loans year-to-date was 8.5%.
    Borrowings increased $14.1 million, or 4.4%, to $335.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $320.9 million at December 31, 2023.
    Repurchased 214,132 shares during the first quarter, which closed out the October 2020 Stock Repurchase Plan.
    Repurchased 98,156 shares during the third quarter under the new share repurchase plan approved in April 2024. 
    Year-to-date deposit growth of $34.7 million, or 2.0%, to $1.71 billion, with a $30.0 million shift from savings to money market accounts. Cost of total deposits increased over the prior year end from 1.66% to 2.49%.
    Estimated insured deposits totaled $1.3 billion, or 77% of total deposits at September 30, 2024. Available liquidity to uninsured deposit coverage remained strong at 142% at September 30, 2024.
    Classified loans increased to 2.71% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 2.12% at December 31, 2023.
    Nonperforming assets increased $11.7 million year-to-date mainly due to three commercial loan relationships included in commercial construction, commercial real estate and commercial business.
    Completed a reduction-in-force impacting 9% of our workforce on July 24, 2024. This action, along with year-to-date headcount management through attrition, is expected to result in a reduction in current levels of compensation expense by approximately $820,000 per quarter starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.
       

    First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) (“First Northwest” or the “Company”) today reported a net loss of $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to a net loss of $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2024 and net income of $2.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. Basic and diluted loss per share were $0.23 for the third quarter of 2024, compared to basic and diluted loss per share of $0.25 for the second quarter of 2024 and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.28 for the third quarter of 2023. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company generated a return on average assets of -0.36%, a return on average equity of -4.91% and a return on average tangible common equity* of -4.96%. Loss before provision for income taxes was $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to a loss before provision for income taxes of $2.8 million for the preceding quarter, a decrease of $417,000, or 15.1%, and decreased $6.3 million compared to income of $3.1 million for the third quarter of 2023.

    The Bank recorded reserves on individually analyzed loans totaling $1.9 million due to the uncertain future cash flows from specific loan relationships in the third quarter of 2024. An additional credit loss on loans of $1.8 million was attributable to an increase in the reserve on pooled commercial business loans, with a reserve loss rate of 3.4% applied to that segment of the loan portfolio at period end. We believe the reserve on individually analyzed loans does not represent a universal decline in the collectability of all loans in the portfolio. We continue to work on resolution plans for all troubled borrowers. The provision for credit losses on loans had a significant negative impact on net income and was the only reason for the net loss recorded for the third quarter of 2024.

    Steps taken to restructure the Bank’s balance sheet continue to have a positive impact. The fair value hedge on loans, tied to the compounded overnight index swap using the secured overnight financing rate index, established in the first quarter of 2024 added $946,000 to interest income year-to-date. The fair value hedge on loans reduces interest rate risk by reducing liability sensitivity while increasing interest income. We estimate that if rates remain unchanged, this hedge will add $1.3 million of annualized interest income in 2024. The estimated impact will be reduced if the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) implements additional rate cuts during the year. The Bank expects to maintain a positive carry on its derivative for up to 75-basis points of additional rate cuts.

    The balance sheet restructure plan also includes the conversion of BOLI policies in order to reinvest in higher yielding products. The first $6.1 million policy earning 2.58% was surrendered during the first quarter and reinvested into a policy earning 5.18%. In the third quarter of 2024, a $1.3 million policy earning 3.18% was exchanged and reinvested into a policy earning 5.73%. The remaining surrender and exchange transactions are expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

    Net Interest Income
    Total interest income decreased $405,000 to $28.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $28.6 million in the previous quarter, and increased $2.4 million compared to $25.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. Interest income decreased in the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to interest reversals for loans placed on nonaccrual totaling $619,000. The interest adjustments were partially offset by higher yields on performing loans combined with increased loan volume. Interest and fees on loans increased year-over-year as the loan portfolio grew as a result of draws on new and existing lines of credit, originations of commercial real estate, commercial business and home equity loans, and auto and manufactured home loan purchases. Loan yields increased over the prior year due to higher rates on new originations as well as the repricing of variable and adjustable-rate loans tied to the Prime Rate or other indices.

    Total interest expense decreased $190,000 to $14.2 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $14.4 million in the second quarter of 2024, and increased $3.3 million compared to $10.9 million in the third quarter of 2023. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was lower primarily due to lower rates on advances combined with decreased advance volumes. The decrease was partially offset by a 9-basis point increase in the cost of deposits to 2.56% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, from 2.47% for the prior quarter as a result of customers continuing to shift deposit balances into higher earning products. The increase over the third quarter of 2023 was the result of a 71-basis point increase in the cost of deposits from 1.85% in the third quarter one year ago. A shift in the deposit mix from transaction and savings accounts to money market accounts and time deposits also added to the higher cost of deposits compared to the third quarter of 2023. Higher costs of brokered time deposits also contributed to additional deposit costs with a 57-basis point increase to 4.88% for the current quarter compared to 4.31% for the third quarter one year ago.

    Net interest income before provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2024 decreased $215,000, or 1.5%, to $14.0 million, compared to $14.2 million for the preceding quarter, and decreased $930,000, or 6.2%, from the third quarter one year ago. The impact of the September FRB rate cut will be reflected beginning with fourth quarter 2024 interest income and expenses.

    The Company recorded a $3.1 million provision for credit losses on loans in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to reserves taken individually analyzed loans and Current Expected Credit Loss model loss factor increases attributable to pooled commercial business and multi-family loans at quarter end. Credit loss provision increases were offset by decreases to the loss factors applied to consumer, commercial real estate and one-to-four family loans. Higher loss factors applied to unfunded commitments and a moderate increase in commitment balances also resulted in a provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments of $57,000 for the quarter. The total provision for credit loss recorded for the third quarter of 2024 was $3.1 million, compared to a credit loss provision of $8.7 million for the preceding quarter and a provision of $371,000 for the third quarter of 2023.

    The net interest margin decreased to 2.70% for the third quarter of 2024, from 2.76% for the prior quarter, and decreased 27-basis points from 2.97% for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease over the linked quarter is primarily due to the accrued interest reversed on three nonperforming commercial loans during the three months ended September 30, 2024, partially offset by an increase in interest income earned on a higher volume of loans. Investment securities also had decreased volume due to regular payments and lower yields due to variable-rate securities compared to the preceding quarter. The Company reported reduced rates and declining volume of borrowings during the quarter which lowered costs; however, these savings were partially offset by an increase in cost due to a higher volume of retail customer deposits. The decrease in net interest margin from the same quarter one year ago is due to higher funding costs for deposits and borrowed funds. Organic loan production comprised 73% of new loan commitments for the third quarter with the remaining 27% added through purchases of higher-yielding loans from established third-party relationships. The Bank’s fair value hedging agreements on securities and loans added $188,000 and $395,000, respectively, to interest income for the third quarter of 2024.

    The yield on average earning assets for the third quarter of 2024 decreased 11-basis points to 5.44% compared to 5.55% for the second quarter of 2024 and increased 30-basis points from 5.14% for the third quarter of 2023. The third quarter decrease is attributable to the accrued interest reversed on nonperforming loans, a lower yield and volume of investment securities and a decrease in the balance of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock. The year-over-year increase in interest income was primarily due to higher average loan balances augmented by increases in yields on all earning assets, which were positively impacted by the higher rate environment.

    The cost of average interest-bearing liabilities decreased 5-basis points to 3.23% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 3.28% for the second quarter of 2024, and increased 63-basis points from 2.60% for the third quarter of 2023. Total cost of funds decreased to 2.82% for the third quarter of 2024 from 2.87% in the prior quarter and increased from 2.23% for the third quarter of 2023. Current quarter decreases were due to lower average balances and costs on borrowings. The Bank continues to offer higher rate specials on money market and CD accounts to attract and retain retail customer deposits. The average brokered CD balance decreased $5.5 million from the linked quarter with a 6-basis point decrease in the average rate paid on brokered funds.

    The increase in cost of average interest-bearing liabilities over the same quarter last year was driven by higher rates paid on deposits and borrowings and higher average CD balances. The Company attracted and retained funding through the use of promotional products and a focus on digital account acquisition. The mix of retail deposit balances shifted from no or low-cost transaction and savings accounts towards higher cost term certificate and higher yield money market accounts. Retail CDs represented 29.3%, 26.8% and 27.6% of retail deposits at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Average interest-bearing deposit balances increased $44.8 million, or 3.2%, to $1.45 billion for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024 and increased $75.0 million, or 5.4%, compared to $1.38 billion for the third quarter of 2023.

    Selected Yields   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Loan yield     5.51 %     5.62 %     5.51 %     5.38 %     5.31 %
    Investment securities yield     4.90       5.01       4.75       4.53       4.18  
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits     3.00       2.91       2.86       2.52       2.22  
    Cost of total deposits     2.56       2.47       2.43       2.12       1.85  
    Cost of borrowed funds     4.35       4.76       4.52       4.50       4.45  
    Net interest spread     2.21       2.27       2.28       2.40       2.54  
    Net interest margin     2.70       2.76       2.76       2.84       2.97  
                                             

    Noninterest Income
    Noninterest income decreased to $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $7.4 million for the second quarter of 2024. Nonrecurring second quarter transactions included a sale-leaseback transaction which resulted in a gain on sale of premises and equipment of $7.9 million, partially offset by a $2.1 million loss on the sale of lower-yielding available-for-sale securities. Income from the gain on sale of loans in the third quarter of 2024 includes $51,000 from SBA loans, compared to $116,000 in the prior quarter. Write-downs on sold loan servicing rights mark-to-market valuation totaled $161,000 for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $103,000 in the prior quarter. Other noninterest income includes a valuation gain on partnership investments of $279,000 compared to a loss of $56,000 in the preceding quarter.

    Noninterest income decreased 38.7% from $2.9 million in the same quarter one year ago. The third quarter of 2023 included $750,000 in credit enhancements reimbursed to the Company on Splash charge-offs recorded in other noninterest income. The quarter ended September 30, 2023, also included a $102,000 gain on sale of mortgage loans, compared to a $6,000 gain in the third quarter of 2024.

    Noninterest Income                                        
    $ in thousands   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Loan and deposit service fees   $ 1,059     $ 1,076     $ 1,102       1,068     $ 1,068  
    Sold loan servicing fees and servicing rights mark-to-market     10       74       219       276       98  
    Net gain on sale of loans     58       150       52       33       171  
    Net (loss) gain on sale of investment securities           (2,117 )           (5,397 )      
    Net gain on sale of premises and equipment           7,919                    
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance     315       293       243       260       252  
    Other income     337       (48 )     572       831       1,315  
    Total noninterest income   $ 1,779     $ 7,347     $ 2,188     $ (2,929 )   $ 2,904  
                                             

    Noninterest Expense
    Noninterest expense totaled $15.9 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $15.6 million for the preceding quarter and $14.4 million for the third quarter a year ago. Increases were primarily due to one-time severance payouts of $704,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2024, partially offset by a decrease in occupancy due to the one-time tax assessment on the sale-leaseback of $359,000 paid in the previous quarter. Other expense increased this quarter primarily due to $161,000 of additional credit related expenses.

    The increase in total noninterest expenses compared to the third quarter of 2023 is mainly due to current quarter one-time severance payouts of $704,000, additional payroll tax expense of $342,000 and additional medical benefit expense of $162,000. Payroll tax expense in the third quarter of 2023 included accretion of the employee retention credit (“ERC”) which reduced the expense by $293,000. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Bank stopped the recognition of the ERC for the foreseeable future. Occupancy increased due to the additional rent of $416,000 from the previous quarter sale-leaseback transaction. Other increases compared to the third quarter of 2023 included $51,000 in stockholder communications, $103,000 of state taxes, $163,000 in FDIC insurance premiums, and $269,000 of additional credit related expenses. These increases were partially offset by lower legal fees of $204,000, consulting fees of $146,000 and advertising costs of $91,000. The Company continues to focus on controlling compensation expense and reducing advertising and other discretionary spending to improve earnings.

    Noninterest Expense                                        
    $ in thousands   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Compensation and benefits   $ 8,582     $ 8,588     $ 8,128     $ 7,397     $ 7,795  
    Data processing     2,085       2,008       1,944       2,107       1,945  
    Occupancy and equipment     1,553       1,799       1,240       1,262       1,173  
    Supplies, postage, and telephone     360       317       293       351       292  
    Regulatory assessments and state taxes     548       457       513       376       446  
    Advertising     409       377       309       235       501  
    Professional fees     698       684       910       1,119       929  
    FDIC insurance premium     533       473       386       418       369  
    Other expense     1,080       906       580       3,725       926  
    Total noninterest expense   $ 15,848     $ 15,609     $ 14,303     $ 16,990     $ 14,376  
                                             
    Efficiency ratio     100.31 %     72.32 %     88.75 %     150.81 %     80.52 %
                                             

    Investment Securities
    Investment securities increased $4.2 million, or 1.4%, to $310.9 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $306.7 million three months earlier, and increased $1.5 million compared to $309.3 million at September 30, 2023. The market value of the portfolio increased $8.1 million during the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to the market rally in the second half the third quarter which drove the yield curve lower. At September 30, 2024, municipal bonds totaled $81.4 million and comprised the largest portion of the investment portfolio at 26.2%. Agency issued mortgage-backed securities (“MBS agency”) were the second largest segment, totaling $78.5 million, or 25.3%, of the portfolio at quarter end. Included in MBS non-agency were $29.6 million of commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), of which 89.8% were in “A” tranches and the remaining 10.2% were in “B” tranches. Our largest exposure in the CMBS portfolio at September 30, 2024, was to long-term care facilities, which comprised 65.0%, or $19.2 million, of our private label CMBS securities. All of the CMBS bonds had credit enhancements ranging from 28.8% to 71.8%, with a weighted-average credit enhancement of 55.3%, that further reduced the risk of loss on these investments.

    The estimated average life of the securities portfolio was approximately 7.4 years at September 30, 2024, 7.8 years at the prior quarter end and 7.7 years for the third quarter of 2023. The effective duration of the portfolio was approximately 3.9 years at September 30, 2024, compared to 4.3 years in the prior quarter and 4.9 years at the end of the third quarter of 2023. Our recent investment purchases have primarily been floating rate securities to take advantage of higher short-term rates above those offered on cash and to reduce our liability sensitivity.

    Investment Securities Available for Sale, at Fair Value                                        
    $ in thousands   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Municipal bonds   $ 81,363     $ 78,825     $ 87,004     $ 87,761     $ 93,995  
    U.S. Treasury notes                             2,377  
    International agency issued bonds (Agency bonds)                             1,703  
    U.S. government agency issued asset-backed securities (ABS agency)     13,296       13,982       14,822       11,782        
    Corporate issued asset-backed securities (ABS corporate)     16,391       16,483       13,929       5,286        
    Corporate issued debt securities (Corporate debt):                                        
    Senior positions     10,241       9,066       13,617       9,270       16,975  
    Subordinated bank notes     43,817       43,826       39,414       42,184       37,360  
    U.S. Small Business Administration securities (SBA)     9,317       9,772       7,911              
    Mortgage-backed securities:                                        
    U.S. government agency issued mortgage-backed securities (MBS agency)     78,549       77,301       83,271       63,247       66,946  
    Non-agency issued mortgage-backed securities (MBS non-agency)     57,886       57,459       65,987       76,093       89,968  
    Total securities available for sale, at fair value   $ 310,860     $ 306,714     $ 325,955     $ 295,623     $ 309,324  
                                             

    Loans and Unfunded Loan Commitments
    Net loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $36.7 million, or 2.2%, to $1.71 billion at September 30, 2024, from $1.68 billion at June 30, 2024, and increased $96.4 million, or 6.0%, from $1.62 billion one year ago.

    Commercial business loans increased $38.2 million, primarily attributable to a $29.0 million increase in our Northpointe Bank Mortgage Purchase Program participation, organic originations totaling $7.9 million and draws on existing lines of credit of $5.7 million which were partially offset by payments. One-to-four family loans increased $5.9 million during the third quarter of 2024 as a result of $14.2 million in residential construction loans that converted to permanent amortizing loans, partially offset by payoffs and scheduled payments. Home equity loans increased $4.3 million over the previous quarter due to organic home equity loan production of $5.5 million and draws on new and existing commitments of $4.6 million, partially offset by payoffs and scheduled payments. Multi-family loans increased $3.7 million during the current quarter. The increase was primarily the result of $9.2 million of construction loans converting into permanent amortizing loans, partially offset by payoffs and scheduled payments. Commercial real estate loans increased $497,000 during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter as originations of $8.6 million were offset by payoffs and scheduled payments.

    Construction loans decreased $11.6 million during the quarter, with $23.4 million converting into fully amortizing loans, partially offset by draws on new and existing loans. New single-family residence construction loan commitments totaled $4.1 million in the third quarter, compared to $2.7 million in the preceding quarter. Auto and other consumer loans decreased $4.4 million during the third quarter of 2024 as payoffs and scheduled payments were higher than $5.8 million of new auto loan purchases, a $4.3 million manufactured home loan pool and individual manufactured home loan purchases totaling $1.2 million. 

    The Company originated $3.4 million in residential mortgages during the third quarter of 2023 and sold $3.9 million, with an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 2.06%. This production compares to residential mortgage originations of $5.0 million in the preceding quarter with sales of $4.9 million, and an average gross margin of 2.05%. Single-family home inventory remained historically low and higher market rates on mortgage loans continued to limit saleable mortgage loan production through much of the third quarter.

    Loans by Collateral and Unfunded Commitments                                        
    $ in thousands   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    One-to-four family construction   $ 51,607     $ 49,440     $ 70,100     $ 60,211     $ 72,991  
    All other construction and land     45,166       58,346       55,286       69,484       71,092  
    One-to-four family first mortgage     469,053       434,840       436,543       426,159       409,207  
    One-to-four family junior liens     14,701       13,706       12,608       12,250       12,859  
    One-to-four family revolving open-end     48,459       44,803       45,536       42,479       38,413  
    Commercial real estate, owner occupied:                                        
    Health care     29,407       29,678       29,946       22,523       22,677  
    Office     17,901       19,215       17,951       18,468       18,599  
    Warehouse     11,645       14,613       14,683       14,758       14,890  
    Other     64,535       56,292       55,063       61,304       57,414  
    Commercial real estate, non-owner occupied:                                        
    Office     49,770       50,158       53,099       53,548       53,879  
    Retail     49,717       50,101       50,478       51,384       51,466  
    Hospitality     62,282       62,628       66,982       67,332       61,339  
    Other     82,573       84,428       93,040       94,822       96,083  
    Multi-family residential     354,118       350,382       339,907       333,428       325,338  
    Commercial business loans     86,904       79,055       90,781       76,920       75,068  
    Commercial agriculture and fishing loans     15,369       14,411       10,200       5,422       4,437  
    State and political subdivision obligations     404       405       405       405       439  
    Consumer automobile loans     144,036       151,121       139,524       132,877       134,695  
    Consumer loans secured by other assets     132,749       129,293       122,895       108,542       104,999  
    Consumer loans unsecured     4,411       5,209       6,415       7,712       9,093  
    Total loans   $ 1,734,807     $ 1,698,124     $ 1,711,442     $ 1,660,028     $ 1,634,978  
                                             
    Unfunded commitments under lines of credit or existing loans   $ 166,446     $ 155,005     $ 148,736     $ 149,631     $ 154,722  
                                             

    Deposits
    Total deposits increased $3.4 million to $1.71 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.71 billion at June 30, 2024, and increased $53.9 million, or 3.3%, compared to $1.66 billion one year ago. During the third quarter of 2024, total retail customer deposit balances increased $23.4 million and brokered deposit balances decreased $20.0 million. Compared to the preceding quarter, there were balance increases of $18.1 million in consumer time deposits, $17.7 million in business money market accounts, $7.9 million in consumer demand accounts and $7.7 million in business time deposits. These increases were partially offset by decreases in business demand accounts of $26.4 million, brokered time deposits of $20.0 million, consumer money market accounts of $7.4 million, business savings accounts of $6.5 million, consumer savings accounts of $5.3 million and public fund time deposits of $941,000, during the third quarter of 2024. Increases in time deposits and money market accounts were driven by customer behavior as they sought out higher rates. Overall, the current rate environment continues to contribute to greater competition for deposits with ongoing deposit rate specials offered to attract new funds.

    The Company estimates that $401.0 million, or 23%, of total deposit balances were uninsured at September 30, 2024. Approximately $265.7 million, or 16%, of total deposits were uninsured business and consumer deposits with the remaining $135.3 million, or 8%, consisting of uninsured public funds at September 30, 2024. Uninsured public fund balances were fully collateralized. The Bank holds an FHLB standby letter of credit as part of our participation in the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission program which covered $115.5 million of related deposit balances while the remaining $19.8 million of uninsured tribal accounts was fully covered through pledged securities at September 30, 2024.

    As of September 30, 2024, consumer deposits made up 58% of total deposits with an average balance of $24,000 per account, business deposits made up 22% of total deposits with an average balance of $51,000 per account, public fund deposits made up 8% of total deposits with an average balance of $1.6 million per account and the remaining 12% of account balances are brokered time deposits. We have maintained the majority of our public fund relationships for over 10 years. Approximately 70% of our customer base is located in rural areas, with 18% in urban areas and the remaining 12% are brokered deposits as of September 30, 2024.

    Deposits                                        
    $ in thousands   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits   $ 252,999     $ 276,543     $ 252,083     $ 269,800     $ 280,475  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     167,202       162,201       169,418       182,361       179,029  
    Money market accounts     433,307       423,047       362,205       372,706       374,269  
    Savings accounts     212,763       224,631       242,148       253,182       260,279  
    Certificates of deposit, retail     441,665       398,161       443,412       410,136       379,484  
    Total retail deposits     1,507,936       1,484,583       1,469,266       1,488,185       1,473,536  
    Certificates of deposit, brokered     203,705       223,705       207,626       169,577       179,586  
    Total deposits   $ 1,711,641     $ 1,708,288     $ 1,676,892     $ 1,657,762     $ 1,653,122  
                                             
    Public fund and tribal deposits included in total deposits   $ 139,729     $ 138,439     $ 132,652     $ 128,627     $ 130,974  
    Total loans to total deposits     101 %     99 %     102 %     100 %     99 %
                                             
    Deposit Mix   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     14.8 %     16.2 %     15.0 %     16.3 %     17.0 %
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     9.8       9.5       10.1       11.0       10.8  
    Money market accounts     25.3       24.8       21.6       22.5       22.6  
    Savings accounts     12.4       13.1       14.4       15.3       15.7  
    Certificates of deposit, retail     25.8       23.3       26.5       24.7       23.0  
    Certificates of deposit, brokered     11.9       13.1       12.4       10.2       10.9  
                                             
    Cost of Deposits for the Quarter Ended   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Interest-bearing demand deposits     0.45 %     0.47 %     0.45 %     0.45 %     0.46 %
    Money market accounts     2.65       2.40       2.08       1.48       1.22  
    Savings accounts     1.64       1.62       1.63       1.54       1.42  
    Certificates of deposit, retail     4.16       4.10       4.13       3.92       3.52  
    Certificates of deposit, brokered     4.88       4.94       4.94       4.72       4.31  
    Cost of total deposits     2.56       2.47       2.43       2.12       1.85  
                                             

    Asset Quality
    The allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACLL”) increased $2.6 million from $19.3 million at June 30, 2024, to $22.0 million at September 30, 2024. The ACLL as a percentage of total loans was 1.27% at September 30, 2024, increasing from 1.14% at June 30, 2024, and increasing from 1.04% one year earlier. The current quarter increase can be attributed to $1.9 million of additional reserves taken on individually evaluated commercial business loans due uncertainty in the collectability of these loans. The pooled loan reserve increased $1.2 million due to higher loss factors applied to commercial business and multi-family loans, partially offset by lower loss factors applied to one-to-four family, commercial real estate, home equity, auto and other consumer loans. Loss factors were revised based on the results of an annual loss driver analysis, in conjunction with other relevant factors, to update each segment’s sensitivity to qualitative factors used in the calculation of the pooled reserve at September 30, 2024.

    Nonperforming loans totaled $30.4 million at September 30, 2024, an increase of $6.8 million from June 30, 2024, primarily attributable to a $5.6 million delinquent commercial real estate relationship and two commercial business loans with an aggregate total of $1.7 million placed on nonaccrual due to credit concerns. The percentage of the allowance for credit losses on loans to nonperforming loans decreased to 72% at September 30, 2024, from 82% at June 30, 2024, and from 714% at September 30, 2023. This ratio continues to decline as higher balances of real estate loans are included in nonperforming assets with no significant corresponding increase to the ACLL as these secured loans are considered adequately reserved for based on information currently available.

    Classified loans increased $7.2 million to $46.9 million at September 30, 2024, due to the downgrade of one $6.4 million commercial real estate loan and ten commercial business loans totaling $5.6 million during the third quarter, partially offset by loan payoffs totaling $5.0 million. An $11.2 million construction loan relationship, which became a classified loan in the fourth quarter of 2022; an $8.1 million commercial construction loan relationship, which became classified in the previous quarter; and a $6.2 million commercial loan relationship, which became classified in the fourth quarter of 2023, account for 55% of the classified loan balance at September 30, 2024. The Bank has exercised legal remedies, including the appointment of a third-party receiver and foreclosure actions, to liquidate the underlying collateral to satisfy the real estate loans in two of these three collateral dependent relationships. The Bank is also closely monitoring certain equity program loans, with 14 loans totaling $5.9 million included in classified loans at September 30, 2024, and an additional nine loans totaling $3.1 million included in the special mention risk grading category.

    $ in thousands   3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans     1.27 %     1.14 %     1.05 %     1.05 %     1.04 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans     72       82       92       94       714  
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans     1.75       1.39       1.14       1.12       0.15  
    Net charge-off ratio (annualized)     0.10       1.70       0.19       0.14       0.30  
                                             
    Total nonaccrual loans   $ 30,376     $ 23,631     $ 19,481     $ 18,644     $ 2,374  
    Reserve for unfunded commitments   $ 704     $ 647     $ 548     $ 817     $ 828  
                                             

    Capital
    Total shareholders’ equity increased to $160.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $158.9 million three months earlier, due to an increase in the after-tax fair market values of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio of $6.3 million, partially offset by a net loss of $2.0 million, a decrease in the after-tax fair market values of derivatives of $1.2 million, share repurchases totaling $1.0 million and dividends declared of $659,000.

    Book value per common share was $17.17 at September 30, 2024, compared to $16.81 at June 30, 2024, and $16.20 at September 30, 2023. Tangible book value per common share* was $17.00 at September 30, 2024, compared to $16.64 at June 30, 2024, and $16.03 at September 30, 2023.

    Capital levels for both the Company and its operating bank, First Fed, remain in excess of applicable regulatory requirements and the Bank was categorized as “well-capitalized” at September 30, 2024. Common Equity Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios at September 30, 2024, were 12.2% and 13.4%, respectively.

        3Q 24     2Q 24     1Q 24     4Q 23     3Q 23  
    Equity to total assets     7.13 %     7.17 %     7.17 %     7.42 %     7.25 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets *     7.06       7.10       7.10       7.35       7.17  
    Capital ratios (First Fed Bank):                                        
    Tier 1 leverage     9.39       9.38       9.74       9.90       10.12  
    Common equity Tier 1 capital     12.20       12.40       12.56       13.12       13.43  
    Tier 1 risk-based     12.20       12.40       12.56       13.12       13.43  
    Total risk-based     13.44       13.49       13.57       14.11       14.38  
                                             

    Share Repurchase Program and Cash Dividend
    First Northwest continued to return capital to our shareholders through cash dividends and share repurchases during the third quarter of 2024. We repurchased 98,156 shares of common stock under the Company’s April 2024 Stock Repurchase Plan (“Repurchase Plan”) at an average price of $10.19 per share for a total of $1.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2024, leaving 846,123 shares remaining under the plan. In addition, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $652,000 in the third quarter of 2024.

    ____________________
    *
     See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.

    Awards/Recognition
    The Company received several accolades as a leader in the community in the last year.

    In September 2024, the First Fed team was recognized in the 2024 Best of Olympic Peninsula surveys, winning Best Bank and Best Lender in Clallam County; Best Bank and Best Financial Advisor in the West End; and Best Lender in Jefferson County. First Fed was also a finalist for Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Employer and Best Financial Advisor in Jefferson County; Best Customer Service, Best Employer and Best Financial Advisor in Clallam County; and Best Customer Service and Best Employer in the West End.
    In May 2024, First Fed, along with the First Fed Community Foundation, were honored to be ranked second on the Puget Sound Business Journal Midsize Corporate Philanthropists list.
    In October 2023, the First Fed team was honored to bring home the Gold for Best Bank in the Best of the Northwest survey hosted by Bellingham Alive for the second year in a row.
    In September 2023, the First Fed team was recognized in the 2023 Best of Olympic Peninsula surveys as a finalist for Best Employer in Kitsap County and Best Bank and Best Financial Institution in Bainbridge.
       

    About the Company
    First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) is a financial holding company engaged in investment activities including the business of its subsidiary, First Fed Bank. First Fed is a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution which has served its customers and communities since 1923. Currently First Fed has 16 locations in Washington state including 12 full-service branches. First Fed’s business and operating strategy is focused on building sustainable earnings by delivering a full array of financial products and services for individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and commercial customers. In 2022, First Northwest made an investment in The Meriwether Group, LLC, a boutique investment banking and accelerator firm. Additionally, First Northwest focuses on strategic partnerships to provide modern financial services such as digital payments and marketplace lending. First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012 and completed its initial public offering in 2015 under the ticker symbol FNWB. The Company is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, including our ability to collect, the outcome of litigation and statements regarding our mission and vision, and include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts, and other statements often identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management beliefs and expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety of factors including, but not limited to: increased competitive pressures; changes in the interest rate environment; the credit risks of lending activities; pressures on liquidity, including as a result of withdrawals of deposits or declines in the value of our investment portfolio; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets; legislative and regulatory changes; the risk of inaccuracies in the reporting of our financial condition as a result of the material weakness in our internal controls; and other factors described in the Companys latest Annual Report on Form 10-K under the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”),which are available on our website at www.ourfirstfed.com and on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.

    Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this press release and in the other public statements we make may turn out to be incorrect because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf and the Company’s operating and stock price performance may be negatively affected. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for 2024 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Companys operations and stock price performance.

    For More Information Contact:
    Matthew P. Deines, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Geri Bullard, EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
    IRGroup@ourfirstfed.com
    360-457-0461

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)

        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023     Three Month Change     One Year Change  
    ASSETS                                        
    Cash and due from banks   $ 17,953     $ 19,184     $ 20,609       -6.4 %     -12.9 %
    Interest-earning deposits in banks     64,769       63,995       63,277       1.2       2.4  
    Investment securities available for sale, at fair value     310,860       306,714       309,324       1.4       0.5  
    Loans held for sale     378       1,086       689       -65.2       -45.1  
    Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses on loans $21,970, $19,343, and $16,945)     1,714,416       1,677,764       1,618,033       2.2       6.0  
    Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost     14,435       13,086       12,621       10.3       14.4  
    Accrued interest receivable     8,939       9,466       8,093       -5.6       10.5  
    Premises and equipment, net     10,436       10,714       17,954       -2.6       -41.9  
    Servicing rights on sold loans, at fair value     3,584       3,740       3,729       -4.2       -3.9  
    Bank-owned life insurance, net     41,429       41,113       40,318       0.8       2.8  
    Equity and partnership investments     14,912       15,085       14,623       -1.1       2.0  
    Goodwill and other intangible assets, net     1,083       1,084       1,087       -0.1       -0.4  
    Deferred tax asset, net     10,802       12,216       16,611       -11.6       -35.0  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     41,490       40,715       26,577       1.9       56.1  
    Total assets   $ 2,255,486     $ 2,215,962     $ 2,153,545       1.8 %     4.7 %
                                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                        
    Deposits   $ 1,711,641     $ 1,708,288     $ 1,657,762       0.2 %     3.3 %
    Borrowings     334,994       302,575       300,416       10.7       11.5  
    Accrued interest payable     2,153       3,143       2,276       -31.5       -5.4  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     43,424       41,771       34,651       4.0       25.3  
    Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance     2,485       1,304       2,375       90.6       4.6  
    Total liabilities     2,094,697       2,057,081       1,997,480       1.8       4.9  
                                             
    Shareholders’ Equity                                        
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding                       n/a       n/a  
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,365,979 at September 30, 2024; issued and outstanding 9,453,247 at June 30, 2024; and issued and outstanding 9,630,735 at September 30, 2023     94       94       96       0.0       -2.1  
    Additional paid-in capital     93,218       93,985       95,658       -0.8       -2.6  
    Retained earnings     100,660       103,322       113,579       -2.6       -11.4  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (26,424 )     (31,597 )     (45,850 )     16.4       42.4  
    Unearned employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) shares     (6,759 )     (6,923 )     (7,418 )     2.4       8.9  
    Total shareholders’ equity     160,789       158,881       156,065       1.2       3.0  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,255,486     $ 2,215,962     $ 2,153,545       1.8 %     4.7 %
                                             

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

        Quarter Ended                  
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023     Three Month Change     One Year Change  
    INTEREST INCOME                                        
    Interest and fees on loans receivable   $ 23,536     $ 23,733     $ 21,728       -0.8 %     8.3 %
    Interest on investment securities     3,786       3,949       3,368       -4.1       12.4  
    Interest on deposits in banks     582       571       524       1.9       11.1  
    FHLB dividends     302       358       214       -15.6       41.1  
    Total interest income     28,206       28,611       25,834       -1.4       9.2  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                                        
    Deposits     10,960       10,180       7,699       7.7       42.4  
    Borrowings     3,226       4,196       3,185       -23.1       1.3  
    Total interest expense     14,186       14,376       10,884       -1.3       30.3  
    Net interest income     14,020       14,235       14,950       -1.5       -6.2  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES                                        
    Provision for credit losses on loans     3,077       8,640       880       -64.4       249.7  
    Provision for (recapture of) credit losses on unfunded commitments     57       99       (509 )     -42.4       111.2  
    Provision for credit losses     3,134       8,739       371       -64.1       744.7  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     10,886       5,496       14,579       98.1       -25.3  
    NONINTEREST INCOME                                        
    Loan and deposit service fees     1,059       1,076       1,068       -1.6       -0.8  
    Sold loan servicing fees and servicing rights mark-to-market     10       74       98       -86.5       -89.8  
    Net gain on sale of loans     58       150       171       -61.3       -66.1  
    Net loss on sale of investment securities           (2,117 )           100.0       n/a  
    Net gain on sale of premises and equipment           7,919             -100.0       n/a  
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance     315       293       252       7.5       25.0  
    Other income     337       (48 )     1,315       802.1       -74.4  
    Total noninterest income     1,779       7,347       2,904       -75.8       -38.7  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                                        
    Compensation and benefits     8,582       8,588       7,795       -0.1       10.1  
    Data processing     2,085       2,008       1,945       3.8       7.2  
    Occupancy and equipment     1,553       1,799       1,173       -13.7       32.4  
    Supplies, postage, and telephone     360       317       292       13.6       23.3  
    Regulatory assessments and state taxes     548       457       446       19.9       22.9  
    Advertising     409       377       501       8.5       -18.4  
    Professional fees     698       684       929       2.0       -24.9  
    FDIC insurance premium     533       473       369       12.7       44.4  
    Other expense     1,080       906       926       19.2       16.6  
    Total noninterest expense     15,848       15,609       14,376       1.5       10.2  
    (Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes     (3,183 )     (2,766 )     3,107       -15.1       -202.4  
    (Benefit) provision for income taxes     (1,203 )     (547 )     603       -119.9       -299.5  
    Net (loss) income   $ (1,980 )   $ (2,219 )   $ 2,504       10.8 %     -179.1 %
                                             
    Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share   $ (0.23 )   $ (0.25 )   $ 0.28       8.0 %     -182.1 %
                                             

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

        Nine Months Ended September 30,     Percent  
        2024     2023     Change  
    INTEREST INCOME                        
    Interest and fees on loans receivable   $ 70,036     $ 62,531       12.0 %
    Interest on investment securities     11,367       9,886       15.0  
    Interest on deposits in banks     1,798       1,545       16.4  
    FHLB dividends     942       628       50.0  
    Total interest income     84,143       74,590       12.8  
    INTEREST EXPENSE                        
    Deposits     31,252       18,261       71.1  
    Borrowings     10,708       9,092       17.8  
    Total interest expense     41,960       27,353       53.4  
    Net interest income     42,183       47,237       -10.7  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES                        
    Provision for credit losses on loans     12,956       1,195       984.2  
    (Recapture of) provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments     (113 )     (1,024 )     89.0  
    Provision for credit losses     12,843       171       7,410.5  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     29,340       47,066       -37.7  
    NONINTEREST INCOME                        
    Loan and deposit service fees     3,237       3,273       -1.1  
    Sold loan servicing fees and servicing rights mark-to-market     303       400       -24.3  
    Net gain on sale of loans     260       405       -35.8  
    Net loss on sale of investment securities     (2,117 )           100.0  
    Net gain on sale of premises and equipment     7,919             100.0  
    Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance     851       668       27.4  
    Other income     861       2,203       -60.9  
    Total noninterest income     11,314       6,949       62.8  
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                        
    Compensation and benefits     25,298       23,812       6.2  
    Data processing     6,037       6,063       -0.4  
    Occupancy and equipment     4,592       3,596       27.7  
    Supplies, postage, and telephone     970       1,082       -10.4  
    Regulatory assessments and state taxes     1,518       1,259       20.6  
    Advertising     1,095       2,471       -55.7  
    Professional fees     2,292       2,619       -12.5  
    FDIC insurance premium     1,392       939       48.2  
    Other     2,566       2,623       -2.2  
    Total noninterest expense     45,760       44,464       2.9  
    (Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes     (5,106 )     9,551       -153.5  
    (Benefit) provision for income taxes     (1,303 )     1,903       -168.5  
    Net (loss) income     (3,803 )     7,648       -149.7  
    Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in Quin Ventures, Inc.           160       -100.0  
    Net (loss) income attributable to parent   $ (3,803 )   $ 7,808       -148.7 %
                             
    Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share   $ (0.43 )   $ 0.87       -149.4 %
                             

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

        As of or For the Quarter Ended  
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     March 31, 2024     December 31, 2023     September 30, 2023  
    Performance ratios:(1)                                        
    Return on average assets     -0.36 %     -0.40 %     0.07 %     -1.03 %     0.46 %
    Return on average equity     -4.91       -5.47       0.98       -14.05       6.17  
    Average interest rate spread     2.21       2.27       2.28       2.40       2.54  
    Net interest margin(2)     2.70       2.76       2.76       2.84       2.97  
    Efficiency ratio(3)     100.3       72.3       88.8       150.8       80.5  
    Equity to total assets     7.13       7.17       7.17       7.42       7.25  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     118.0       117.6       118.3       118.2       120.0  
    Book value per common share   $ 17.17     $ 16.81     $ 17.00     $ 16.99     $ 16.20  
                                             
    Tangible performance ratios:(1)                                        
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(4)     7.06 %     7.10 %     7.10 %     7.35 %     7.17 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(4)     -4.96       -5.53       0.99       -14.20       6.23  
    Tangible book value per common share(4)   $ 17.00     $ 16.64     $ 16.83     $ 16.83     $ 16.03  
                                             
    Asset quality ratios:                                        
    Nonperforming assets to total assets at end of period(5)     1.35 %     1.07 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.11 %
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans(6)     1.75       1.39       1.14       1.12       0.15  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans(6)     72.33       81.85       92.18       93.92       713.77  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans     1.27       1.14       1.05       1.05       1.04  
    Annualized net charge-offs to average outstanding loans     0.10       1.70       0.19       0.14       0.30  
                                             
    Capital ratios (First Fed Bank):                                        
    Tier 1 leverage     9.4 %     9.4 %     9.7 %     9.9 %     10.1 %
    Common equity Tier 1 capital     12.2       12.4       12.6       13.1       13.4  
    Tier 1 risk-based     12.2       12.4       12.6       13.1       13.4  
    Total risk-based     13.4       13.5       13.6       14.1       14.4  
                                             
    Other Information:                                        
    Average total assets   $ 2,209,333     $ 2,219,370     $ 2,166,187     $ 2,127,655     $ 2,139,734  
    Average total loans     1,718,402       1,717,830       1,678,656       1,645,418       1,641,206  
    Average interest-earning assets     2,061,970       2,072,280       2,027,821       1,980,226       1,994,251  
    Average noninterest-bearing deposits     252,911       251,442       249,283       259,845       276,294  
    Average interest-bearing deposits     1,452,817       1,408,018       1,422,116       1,379,059       1,377,734  
    Average interest-bearing liabilities     1,747,649       1,762,858       1,714,474       1,675,044       1,661,996  
    Average equity     160,479       163,079       161,867       155,971       160,994  
    Average common shares — basic     8,756,765       8,783,086       8,876,236       8,928,620       8,906,526  
    Average common shares — diluted     8,756,765       8,783,086       8,907,184       8,968,828       8,934,882  
    Tangible assets(4)     2,253,914       2,214,361       2,238,446       2,200,230       2,151,849  
    Tangible common equity(4)     159,217       157,280       158,932       161,773       154,369  
    (1) Performance ratios are annualized, where appropriate.
    (2) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) Total noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income and total other noninterest income.
    (4) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
    (5) Nonperforming assets consists of nonperforming loans (which include nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due), real estate owned and repossessed assets.
    (6) Nonperforming loans consists of nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due.
       

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)

        As of or For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
    Performance ratios:(1)                
    Return on average assets     -0.23 %     0.50 %
    Return on average equity     -3.14       6.50  
    Average interest rate spread     2.25       2.83  
    Net interest margin(2)     2.74       3.22  
    Efficiency ratio(3)     85.54       82.06  
    Equity to total assets     7.13       7.25  
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     117.9       121.0  
    Book value per common share   $ 17.17     $ 16.20  
                     
    Tangible performance ratios:(1)                
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(4)     7.06 %     7.17 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(4)     -3.17       6.57  
    Tangible book value per common share(4)   $ 17.00     $ 16.03  
                     
    Asset quality ratios:                
    Nonperforming assets to total assets at end of period(5)     1.35 %     0.11 %
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans(6)     1.75       0.15  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans(6)     72.33       713.77  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans     1.27       1.04  
    Annualized net charge-offs to average outstanding loans     0.67       0.10  
                     
    Capital ratios (First Fed Bank):                
    Tier 1 leverage     9.4 %     10.1 %
    Common equity Tier 1 capital     12.2       13.4  
    Tier 1 risk-based     12.2       13.4  
    Total risk-based     13.4       14.4  
                     
    Other Information:                
    Average total assets   $ 2,198,337     $ 2,102,980  
    Average total loans     1,705,088       1,698,394  
    Average interest-earning assets     2,054,052       1,959,946  
    Average noninterest-bearing deposits     251,218       284,282  
    Average interest-bearing deposits     1,427,743       1,333,696  
    Average interest-bearing liabilities     1,741,683       1,619,763  
    Average equity     161,803       160,573  
    Average common shares — basic     8,805,124       8,910,391  
    Average common shares — diluted     8,805,124       8,930,404  
    Tangible assets(4)     2,253,914       2,151,849  
    Tangible common equity(4)     159,217       154,369  
    (1) Performance ratios are annualized, where appropriate.
    (2) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (3) Total noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income and total other noninterest income.
    (4) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
    (5) Nonperforming assets consists of nonperforming loans (which include nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due), real estate owned and repossessed assets.
    (6) Nonperforming loans consists of nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due.
       

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)

        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023     Three Month Change     One Year Change  
        (In thousands)  
    Real Estate:                                        
    One-to-four family   $ 395,792     $ 389,934     $ 369,950     $ 5,858     $ 25,842  
    Multi-family     353,813       350,076       325,496       3,737       28,317  
    Commercial real estate     376,008       375,511       381,508       497       (5,500 )
    Construction and land     95,709       107,273       143,434       (11,564 )     (47,725 )
    Total real estate loans     1,221,322       1,222,794       1,220,388       (1,472 )     934  
    Consumer:                                        
    Home equity     76,960       72,613       64,424       4,347       12,536  
    Auto and other consumer     281,198       285,623       248,786       (4,425 )     32,412  
    Total consumer loans     358,158       358,236       313,210       (78 )     44,948  
    Commercial business     155,327       117,094       101,380       38,233       53,947  
    Total loans receivable     1,734,807       1,698,124       1,634,978       36,683       99,829  
    Less:                                        
    Derivative basis adjustment     (1,579 )     1,017             (2,596 )     (1,579 )
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     21,970       19,343       16,945       2,627       5,025  
    Total loans receivable, net   $ 1,714,416     $ 1,677,764     $ 1,618,033     $ 36,652     $ 96,383  
                                             

    Selected loan detail:

        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     September 30, 2023     Three Month Change     One Year Change  
        (In thousands)  
    Construction and land loans breakout                                        
    1-4 Family construction   $ 43,125     $ 56,514     $ 63,371     $ (13,389 )   $ (20,246 )
    Multifamily construction     29,109       43,341       54,318       (14,232 )     (25,209 )
    Nonresidential construction     17,500       1,015       18,746       16,485       (1,246 )
    Land and development     5,975       6,403       6,999       (428 )     (1,024 )
    Total construction and land loans   $ 95,709     $ 107,273     $ 143,434     $ (11,564 )   $ (47,725 )
                                             
    Auto and other consumer loans breakout                                        
    Triad Manufactured Home loans   $ 129,600     $ 125,906     $ 101,339     $ 3,694     $ 28,261  
    Woodside auto loans     126,129       131,151       124,833       (5,022 )     1,296  
    First Help auto loans     15,971       17,427       5,079       (1,456 )     10,892  
    Other auto loans     2,064       2,690       5,022       (626 )     (2,958 )
    Other consumer loans     7,434       8,449       12,513       (1,015 )     (5,079 )
    Total auto and other consumer loans   $ 281,198     $ 285,623     $ 248,786     $ (4,425 )   $ 32,412  
                                             
    Commercial business loans breakout                                        
    PPP loans   $     $ 5     $ 45     $ (5 )   $ (45 )
    Northpointe Bank MPP     38,155       9,150       162       29,005       37,993  
    Secured lines of credit     37,686       28,862       35,833       8,824       1,853  
    Unsecured lines of credit     1,571       1,133       919       438       652  
    SBA loans     7,219       7,146       9,149       73       (1,930 )
    Other commercial business loans     70,696       70,798       55,272       (102 )     15,424  
    Total commercial business loans   $ 155,327     $ 117,094     $ 101,380     $ 38,233     $ 53,947  
                                             

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    This press release contains financial measures that are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP measures are presented where management believes the information will help investors understand the Company’s results of operations or financial position and assess trends. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure is also provided. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Other banking companies may use names similar to those the Company uses for the non-GAAP financial measures the Company discloses, but may calculate them differently. Investors should understand how the Company and other companies each calculate their non-GAAP financial measures when making comparisons. Reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures are presented below.

    Calculation of Total Revenue:

        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     March 31, 2024     December 31, 2023     September 30, 2023  
        (Dollars in thousands)  
    Net interest income   $ 14,020     $ 14,235     $ 13,928     $ 14,195     $ 14,950  
    Noninterest income     1,779       7,347       2,188       (2,929 )     2,904  
    Total revenue, net of interest expense(1)   $ 15,799     $ 21,582     $ 16,116     $ 11,266     $ 17,854  
     
    (1)  We believe this non-GAAP metric provides an important measure with which to analyze and evaluate income available for noninterest expenses.
     

    Calculations Based on Tangible Common Equity:

        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024     March 31, 2024     December 31, 2023     September 30, 2023  
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 160,789     $ 158,881     $ 160,506     $ 163,340     $ 156,065  
    Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets     1,083       1,084       1,085       1,086       1,087  
    Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights     489       517       489       481       609  
    Total tangible common equity   $ 159,217     $ 157,280     $ 158,932     $ 161,773     $ 154,369  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,255,486     $ 2,215,962     $ 2,240,020     $ 2,201,797     $ 2,153,545  
    Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets     1,083       1,084       1,085       1,086       1,087  
    Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights     489       517       489       481       609  
    Total tangible assets   $ 2,253,914     $ 2,214,361     $ 2,238,446     $ 2,200,230     $ 2,151,849  
                                             
    Average shareholders’ equity   $ 160,479     $ 163,079     $ 161,867     $ 155,971     $ 160,994  
    Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets     1,084       1,085       1,085       1,086       1,087  
    Average disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights     517       489       481       608       557  
    Total average tangible common equity   $ 158,878     $ 161,505     $ 160,301     $ 154,277     $ 159,350  
                                             
    Net (loss) income   $ (1,980 )   $ (2,219 )   $ 396     $ (5,522 )   $ 2,504  
    Common shares outstanding     9,365,979       9,453,247       9,442,796       9,611,876       9,630,735  
    GAAP Ratios:                                        
    Equity to total assets     7.13 %     7.17 %     7.17 %     7.42 %     7.25 %
    Return on average equity     -4.91 %     -5.47 %     0.98 %     -14.05 %     6.17 %
    Book value per common share   $ 17.17     $ 16.81     $ 17.00     $ 16.99     $ 16.20  
    Non-GAAP Ratios:                                        
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)     7.06 %     7.10 %     7.10 %     7.35 %     7.17 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(1)     -4.96 %     -5.53 %     0.99 %     -14.20 %     6.23 %
    Tangible book value per common share(1)   $ 17.00     $ 16.64     $ 16.83     $ 16.83     $ 16.03  
     
    (1)  We believe these non-GAAP metrics provide an important measure with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength. In addition, we believe that use of tangible equity and tangible assets improves the comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangibles.
     

    FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)

        September 30, 2024     September 30, 2023  
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 160,789     $ 156,065  
    Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets     1,083       1,087  
    Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights     489       609  
    Total tangible common equity   $ 159,217     $ 154,369  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,255,486     $ 2,153,545  
    Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets     1,083       1,087  
    Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights     489       609  
    Total tangible assets   $ 2,253,914     $ 2,151,849  
                     
    Average shareholders’ equity   $ 161,803     $ 160,573  
    Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets     1,085       1,088  
    Average disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights     496       690  
    Total average tangible common equity   $ 160,222     $ 158,795  
                     
    Net (loss) income   $ (3,803 )   $ 7,808  
    Common shares outstanding     9,365,979       9,630,735  
    GAAP Ratios:                
    Equity to total assets     7.13 %     7.25 %
    Return on average equity     -3.14 %     6.50 %
    Book value per common share   $ 17.17     $ 16.20  
    Non-GAAP Ratios:                
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)     7.06 %     7.17 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(1)     -3.17 %     6.57 %
    Tangible book value per common share(1)   $ 17.00     $ 16.03  
     
    (1)  We believe these non-GAAP metrics provide an important measure with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength. In addition, we believe that use of tangible equity and tangible assets improves the comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangibles.
     

    Images accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e387e9e8-0a9a-4306-8623-41b739acb402
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4a433c9b-6823-47f3-8843-0d8138f89182
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5ca9bb6-4a5d-45aa-8336-dd1ae06f0786
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b9aaf8c-4fd4-437d-af24-7ba8fc60616c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Sono Group N.V. to Present at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference October 31st

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNICH, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The solar technology company Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) (hereafter referred to as “Sono” or the “Company”, parent company to Sono Motors GmbH or “Sono Motors”) is pleased to announce that George O’Leary, Managing Director, CEO and CFO of Sono, will present live at the AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 31st, 2024.

    DATE: October 31st
    TIME: 1:00 – 1:30 pm ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/3ASgcyv
    Available for 1×1 meetings: November 1, 4 and 5

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    About Sono Group N.V.

    Sono Group N.V. (OTCQB: SEVCF) and its wholly owned subsidiary Sono Motors GmbH are on a pioneering mission to accelerate the revolution of mobility by making every commercial vehicle solar. Their disruptive solar technology has been developed to enable seamless integration into all types of commercial vehicles to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions and pave the way for climate-friendly mobility. The companies’ unmatched solar technology has multiple applications in commercial vehicles such as buses, trailers, trucks, vans and recreational vehicles.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Sono Group N.V.
    Press:
    press@sonomotors.com | ir.sonomotors.com/news-events
    Investors:
    ir@sonomotors.com | ir.sonomotors.com
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonogroupnv

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SBB Research Group Foundation Awards Additional Grants to 3 Illinois Nonprofits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organization’s missions (organizations listed alphabetically): 

    • The Dragonfly Foundation (Highland Park, IL) provides support and resources to pediatric cancer patients and their families by partnering with local hospitals during diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. The initial grant supported pediatric cancer patients and families at eight Chicagoland hospitals. The funds covered urgent needs, including rent, lodging during treatment, winter clothing, and groceries.
    • Project Kennedy (Glenwood, IL) leverages their platform to foster awareness and support individuals battling cancer, their loved ones, and their communities. They offer emotional support, inspiring those touched by the challenges of cancer. With the initial grant Project Kennedy awarded two scholarships, delivered ’Kare Baskets’, provided groceries to 10 families, and distributed Easter bags to children being treated for cancer at their four partner hospitals.
    • Willow House (Bannockburn, IL) is dedicated to offering grief support and educational resources to young individuals, families, schools, and other affected communities coping with the loss of a family member. They aspire to ensure that no child, teenager, or parent undergoes the grieving process alone. Willow House used the initial grant to enhance their Expressive Arts program, providing art supplies for three monthly groups with 58 attendees, over half of whom were children under 18. The funds also supported their Spanish-speaking groups by marketing programs, translating materials, and supplying meeting resources.

    “We are happy to support these incredible organizations as they continue their essential work, providing critical resources and support to families facing cancer and grief in our community,” said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. 

    The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly.

    About the SBB Research Group Foundation 

    The SBB Research Group Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that furthers the philanthropic mission of SBB Research Group LLC (SBBRG), a Chicago-based investment management firm led by Sam Barnett, Ph.D., and Matt Aven. The Foundation provides grants to support ambitious organizations solving unmet needs with thoughtful, long-term strategies. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the SBBRG STEM Scholarship, which supports students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees. 

    Contact: Erin Noonan 
    Organization: SBB Research Group Foundation 
    Email: grants@sbbrg.org
    Address: 450 Skokie Blvd, Building 600, Northbrook, IL 60062, United States 
    Phone: 1-847-656-1111
    Website: https://www.sbbrg.org

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: World’s Lowest Fee Bitcoin and Ether ETPs (Ticker: BTC, Ticker: ETH) Garner $750,000,000 Inflows in First Three Months of Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Grayscale Investments®, an asset management firm with over a decade of expertise in crypto investing, offering more than 25 crypto investment products, and manager of Grayscale® Bitcoin Mini Trust  (NYSE Arca: BTC) and Grayscale® Ethereum Mini Trust (NYSE Arca: ETH), today announced that its lowest-fee* Bitcoin and Ether ETPs – symbols: BTC and ETH – have together garnered more than $750,000,000 inflows since the products launched on July 31, 2024, and July 23, 2024, respectively, just three months ago. 

    Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (“BTC”) and Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (“ETH”), exchange traded products, are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (or the ’40 Act) and therefore are not subject to the same regulations and protections as 1940 Act registered ETFs and mutual funds. 

    “Crypto is still in the very early stages of adoption, and the success of BTC and ETH to-date is emblematic of strong client demand for low-cost ETPs that enable simple, convenient, flexible exposure to top crypto assets,” said John Hoffman Grayscale Managing Director, Head of Distribution and Partnerships. “Grayscale has long prioritized bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem because we believe our clients deserve the ability to gain exposure to digital assets through the trusted ETP wrapper. The Grayscale team is focused on helping all investors navigate the digital asset class, as they seek to future-proof their financial portfolios and practices.”  

    Since July 2024: 

    • Grayscale® Bitcoin Mini Trust (NYSE Arca: BTC) is the lowest-cost Bitcoin ETP in the world with over $2B AUM, as of October 24, 2024, at 0.15% (15bps) annually.  
    • Grayscale® Ethereum Mini Trust (NYSE Arca: ETH) is the lowest-fee Ether ETP in the world with over $1B AUM, as of October 24, 2024, at 0.15% (15bps) annually.  
    • Combined, BTC and ETH, have generated net inflows of over $750,000,000 to-date. 

    Symbols: BTC and ETH are the most cost-effective financial products for investors looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin and Ether, the market-leading assets in the transformational blockchain technology industry. 

    The Grayscale team is pleased to provide industry-leading research, content, and no-cost resources for investors and financial professionals. If you’d like to learn more, please email info@grayscale.com or call 866-775-0313 to speak directly to a member of the Grayscale team.  

    For additional information about BTC, please visit: https://etfs.grayscale.com/btc  

    For additional information about ETH, please visit: https://etfs.grayscale.com/eth  

    * BTC is low cost based on gross expense ratio at 0.15%. ETH is low cost based on gross expense ratio at 0% for the first 6 months of trading for the first $2.0 billion. After the Trust reaches $2.0 billion in assets or after 6-month waiver period, the fee will be 0.15%. See prospectus for additional fee waiver information. Brokerage fees and other expenses may still apply. 

    Please read the prospectuses carefully before investing in BTC and ETH (the “Trusts”). Foreside Fund Services, LLC is the Marketing Agent for the Trusts. 

    An investment in the Trusts is subject to a high degree of risk and heightened volatility. Digital assets are not suitable for an investor that cannot afford the loss of the entire investment. An investment in the Trusts is not an investment in Ether or Bitcoin. Investing involves significant risk, including possible loss of principle.   

    About Grayscale Investments® 

    Grayscale enables investors to access the digital economy through a family of future-forward investment products. Founded in 2013, Grayscale has a proven track record and deep expertise as the world’s largest crypto asset manager. Investors, advisors, and allocators turn to Grayscale for single asset, diversified, and thematic exposure.  

    Media Contact 
    Jennifer Rosenthal
    press@grayscale.com 

    Client Contact 
    866-775-0313
    info@grayscale.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Eagle Bancorp Montana Earns $2.7 Million, or $0.34 per Diluted Share, in the Third Quarter of 2024; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.1425 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HELENA, Mont., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), (the “Company,” “Eagle”), the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and $2.6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, net income was $6.3 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $7.9 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2023.

    Eagle’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1425 per share on October 17, 2024. The dividend will be payable December 6, 2024, to shareholders of record November 15, 2024. The current dividend represents an annualized yield of 3.49% based on recent market prices.

    “We produced improved top and bottom line operating results during the third quarter of 2024, with net interest income and noninterest income both increasing compared to the second quarter of 2024,” said Laura F. Clark, President and CEO. “As in previous quarters, we continued to remain selective on the loans we added during the quarter, while adhering to disciplined loan pricing. The result was tempered loan growth during the third quarter of 1.1%, and 4.0% year-over-year. Total deposits increased 2.0% during the quarter over the linked quarter, as we continue to maintain our attractive deposit mix. With our strong deposit franchise, pristine credit quality, and ample capital levels, we are well positioned for growth throughout the remainder of the year and into 2025.”

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights (at or for the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, except where noted):

    • Net income was $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and $2.6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the third quarter a year ago.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024, a seven basis point contraction compared to 3.41% in the preceding quarter and the third quarter a year ago.
    • Revenues (net interest income before the provision for credit losses, plus noninterest income) were $20.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $19.9 million in the preceding quarter and $21.6 million in the third quarter a year ago.
    • The accretion of the loan purchase discount into loan interest income from acquisitions was $167,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to accretion on purchased loans from acquisitions of $304,000 in the preceding quarter.
    • Total loans increased 4.0% to $1.53 billion, at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.48 billion a year earlier, and increased 1.1% compared to $1.52 billion at June 30, 2024.
    • Total deposits increased $35.0 million or 2.2% to $1.65 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to a year earlier, and increased $31.6 million or 2.0%, compared to June 30, 2024.
    • The allowance for credit losses represented 1.12% of portfolio loans and 356.7% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.10% of portfolio loans and 209.3% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2023.
    • The Company’s available borrowing capacity was approximately $348.1 million at September 30, 2024.
            September 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)     Borrowings Outstanding Remaining Borrowing Capacity
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances $ 219,167 $ 219,365
    Federal Reserve Bank discount window     28,734
    Correspondent bank lines of credit     100,000
    Total       $ 219,167 $ 348,099
               
    • The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend in the second quarter of $0.1425 per share on September 6, 2024, to shareholders of record August 16, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Results

    Eagle’s total assets increased 4.0% to $2.15 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $2.06 billion a year ago, and increased 2.2% compared to $2.10 billion three months earlier. The investment securities portfolio totaled $307.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $308.8 million a year ago, and $306.9 million at June 30, 2024.

    Eagle originated $58.0 million in new residential mortgages during the quarter and sold $51.0 million in residential mortgages, with an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.31%. This production compares to residential mortgage originations of $60.6 million in the preceding quarter with sales of $53.2 million and an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.01%. Mortgage volumes remain low as rates have continued to be elevated relative to rates on existing mortgages.

    Total loans increased $58.9 million, or 4.0%, compared to a year ago, and $17.2 million, or 1.1%, from three months earlier. Commercial real estate loans increased 5.2% to $644.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $612.0 million a year earlier. Commercial real estate loans were comprised of 69.3% non-owner occupied and 30.7% owner occupied at September 30, 2024. Agricultural and farmland loans increased 5.8% to $290.0 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $274.1 million a year earlier. Residential mortgage loans increased 6.7% to $156.8 million, compared to $146.9 million a year earlier. Commercial loans increased 10.2% to $143.2 million, compared to $130.0 million a year ago. Commercial construction and development loans decreased 17.3% to $125.3 million, compared to $151.6 million a year ago. Home equity loans increased 12.5% to $93.6 million, residential construction loans increased 8.5% to $52.2 million, and consumer loans decreased 1.3% to $29.4 million, compared to a year ago.

    “Our deposit mix continued to shift towards higher yielding deposits due to the higher interest rate environment. However, we anticipate deposit rates will continue to stabilize or improve following the recent Fed rate cuts,” said Miranda Spaulding, CFO.

    Total deposits increased to $1.65 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $1.62 billion at September 30, 2023, and at June 30, 2024. Noninterest-bearing checking accounts represented 25.4%, interest-bearing checking accounts represented 12.7%, savings accounts represented 12.9%, money market accounts comprised 21.3% and time certificates of deposit made up 27.7% of the total deposit portfolio at September 30, 2024. Time certificates of deposit include $22.1 million in brokered certificates at September 30, 2024, compared to $40.0 million at September 30, 2023, and $26.2 million at June 30, 2024. The average cost of total deposits was 1.76% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 1.70% in the preceding quarter and 1.28% in the third quarter of 2023. The estimated amount of uninsured deposits was approximately $307.0 million, or 18% of total deposits, at September 30, 2024, compared to $284.0 million, or 17% of total deposits, at June 30, 2024.

    Shareholders’ equity was $177.7 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $157.3 million a year earlier and $170.2 million three months earlier. Book value per share increased to $22.17 at September 30, 2024, compared to $19.69 a year earlier and $21.23 three months earlier. Tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding, was $17.23 at September 30, 2024, compared to $14.55 a year earlier and $16.25 three months earlier.  

    Operating Results

    “Our core NIM declined slightly during the third quarter, compared to the preceding quarter, due to relatively flat yields on interest earning assets and cost of funds expansion,” said Clark. “We anticipate continued stabilization and eventual improvement in our cost of funds as we continue through this rate cycle.”

    Eagle’s NIM was 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024, a seven basis point contraction compared to 3.41% in both the preceding quarter and the third quarter a year ago. The interest accretion on acquired loans totaled $167,000 and resulted in a three basis-point increase in the NIM during the third quarter of 2024, compared to $304,000 and a seven basis-point increase in the NIM during the preceding quarter. Funding costs for the third quarter of 2024 were 2.89%, compared to 2.78% in the second quarter of 2024 and 2.37% in the third quarter of 2023. Average yields on interest earning assets for the third quarter of 2024 increased to 5.66%, compared to 5.64% in the second quarter of 2024 and 5.27% in the third quarter a year ago. For the first nine months of 2024, the NIM was 3.36% compared to 3.57% for the first nine months of 2023.

    Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased to $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $15.6 million in both the second quarter of 2024, and in the third quarter of 2023. Year-to-date, net interest income decreased 1.3% to $46.6 million, compared to $47.3 million in the same period one year earlier.

    Revenues for the third quarter of 2024 increased 4.4% to $20.8 million, compared to $19.9 million in the preceding quarter and decreased 3.9% compared to $21.6 million in the third quarter a year ago. In the first nine months of 2024, revenues were $59.9 million, compared to $64.2 million in the first nine months of 2023. The decrease compared to the first nine months a year ago was largely due to lower volumes in mortgage banking activity.

    Total noninterest income increased 16.7% to $5.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $4.3 million in the preceding quarter, and decreased 17.4% compared to $6.0 million in the third quarter a year ago. The increase from the preceding quarter was largely due to income from bank owned life insurance of $724,000. Net mortgage banking income, the largest component of noninterest income, totaled $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $2.4 million in the preceding quarter and $4.3 million in the third quarter a year ago. This decrease compared to the third quarter a year ago was largely driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans. This was impacted by lower mortgage loan volumes. In the first nine months of 2024, noninterest income decreased 21.9% to $13.2 million, compared to $16.9 million in the first nine months of 2023. Net mortgage banking income decreased 36.0% to $7.2 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared to $11.3 million in the first nine months of 2023. These decreases were driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans.

    Third quarter noninterest expense was $17.3 million, which was unchanged compared to the preceding quarter and a 3.4% decrease compared to $17.9 million in the third quarter a year ago. Lower salaries and employee benefits contributed to the decrease compared to the year ago quarter. In the first nine months of 2024, noninterest expense decreased 3.0% to $51.6 million, compared to $53.2 million in the first nine months of 2023.

    For the third quarter of 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense of $529,000. This compared to income tax expense of $444,000 in the preceding quarter and $524,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 16.3%, compared to 16.6% for the third quarter of 2023. The year-to-date effective tax rate was 17.5% for 2024 compared to 19.5% for the same period in 2023.

    Credit Quality

    During the third quarter of 2024, Eagle recorded a provision for credit losses of $277,000. This compared to a $412,000 provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter and $588,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses represented 356.7% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2024, compared to 330.8% three months earlier and 209.3% a year earlier. Nonperforming loans were $4.8 million at September 30, 2024, $5.1 million at June 30, 2024, and $7.8 million a year earlier.

    Net loan charge-offs totaled $17,000 in the third quarter of 2024, compared to net loan charge-offs of $2,000 in the preceding quarter and net loan charge-offs of $108,000 in the third quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses was $17.1 million, or 1.12% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $16.8 million, or 1.11% of total loans, at June 30, 2024, and $16.2 million, or 1.10% of total loans, a year ago.

    Capital Management

    The ratio of tangible common shareholders’ equity (shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) to tangible assets (total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) was 6.56% at September 30, 2024, from 5.75% a year ago and 6.33% three months earlier. As of September 30, 2024, the Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements and is deemed well capitalized. The Bank’s Tier 1 capital to adjusted total average assets was 9.87% as of September 30, 2024.

    About the Company

    Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Helena, Montana, and is the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, a community bank established in 1922 that serves consumers and small businesses in Montana through 29 banking offices. Additional information is available on the Bank’s website at www.opportunitybank.com. The shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “EBMT.”

    Forward Looking Statements

    This release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “will” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; statements regarding our business plans, prospects, mergers, growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; general economic conditions and political events, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected including the ability of the U.S. Congress to increase the U.S. statutory debt limit, as needed, as well as the impact of the 2024 U.S. presidential election; the emergence or continuation of widespread health emergencies or pandemics including the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to vaccine efficacy and immunization rates, new variants, steps taken by governmental and other authorities to contain, mitigate and combat the pandemic, adverse effects on our employees, customers and third-party service providers, the increase in cyberattacks in the current work-from-home environment, the ultimate extent of the impacts on our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity and prospects, continued deterioration in general business and economic conditions could adversely affect our revenues and the values of our assets and liabilities, lead to a tightening of credit and increase stock price volatility, and potential impairment charges; the impact of volatility in the U.S. banking industry, including the associated impact of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by governmental agencies in response thereto; the possibility that future credit losses may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior, adverse developments with respect to U.S. economic conditions and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and labor shortages on economic conditions and our business; an inability to access capital markets or maintain deposits or borrowing costs; competition among banks, financial holding companies and other traditional and non-traditional financial service providers; loan demand or residential and commercial real estate values in Montana; the concentration of our business in Montana; our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial real estate, commercial business and agricultural loans; the costs and effects of legal, compliance and regulatory actions, changes and developments, including the initiation and resolution of legal proceedings (including any securities, bank operations, consumer or employee litigation); inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments; adverse changes in the securities markets that lead to impairment in the value of our investment securities and goodwill; other economic, governmental, competitive, regulatory and technological factors that may affect our operations; our ability to implement new technologies and maintain secure and reliable technology systems including those that involve the Bank’s third-party vendors and service providers; cyber incidents, or theft or loss of Company or customer data or money; our ability to appropriately address social, environmental, and sustainability concerns that may arise from our business activities; the effect of our recent or future acquisitions, including the failure to achieve expected revenue growth and/or expense savings, the failure to effectively integrate their operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings and the diversion of management time on issues related to the integration.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and the company undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States, or GAAP, the Financial Ratios and Other Data contains non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures include: 1) core efficiency ratio, 2) tangible book value per share and 3) tangible common equity to tangible assets. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance and performance trends, and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. In particular, the use of tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to tangible assets is prevalent among banking regulators, investors and analysts.

    The numerator for the core efficiency ratio is calculated by subtracting acquisition costs and intangible asset amortization from noninterest expense. Tangible assets and tangible common shareholders’ equity are calculated by excluding intangible assets from assets and shareholders’ equity, respectively. For these financial measures, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangible. Tangible book value per share is calculated by dividing tangible common shareholders’ equity by the number of common shares outstanding. We believe that this measure is consistent with the capital treatment by our bank regulatory agencies, which exclude intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios and present this measure to facilitate the comparison of the quality and composition of our capital over time and in comparison, to our competitors.

    Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure of tangible book value per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for book value per share or total shareholders’ equity determined in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies. Reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are presented below.

                   
    Balance Sheet              
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)       (Unaudited)  
                September 30, June 30, September 30,
                  2024     2024     2023  
                     
    Assets:              
      Cash and due from banks       $ 22,954   $ 22,361   $ 19,743  
      Interest bearing deposits in banks       19,035     1,401     1,040  
      Federal funds sold           200          
      Total cash and cash equivalents       42,189     23,762     20,783  
      Securities available-for-sale, at fair value       306,982     306,869     308,786  
      Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock       11,218     10,136     10,438  
      Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock       4,131     4,131     4,131  
      Mortgage loans held-for-sale, at fair value       13,429     10,518     17,880  
      Loans:              
      Real estate loans:            
      Residential 1-4 family         156,811     157,053     146,938  
      Residential 1-4 family construction       52,217     50,228     48,135  
      Commercial real estate         644,019     627,326     611,963  
      Commercial construction and development     125,323     137,427     151,614  
      Farmland           145,356     142,353     143,789  
      Other loans:              
      Home equity           93,646     93,213     83,221  
      Consumer           29,445     29,118     29,832  
      Commercial           143,190     143,641     129,952  
      Agricultural           144,645     137,134     130,329  
      Total loans           1,534,652     1,517,493     1,475,773  
      Allowance for credit losses         (17,130 )   (16,830 )   (16,230 )
      Net loans           1,517,522     1,500,663     1,459,543  
      Accrued interest and dividends receivable       14,844     13,195     13,657  
      Mortgage servicing rights, net         15,443     15,614     15,738  
      Assets held-for-sale, at cost         257     257      
      Premises and equipment, net         100,297     98,397     92,979  
      Cash surrender value of life insurance, net       52,852     48,529     47,647  
      Goodwill           34,740     34,740     34,740  
      Core deposit intangible, net         4,834     5,168     6,264  
      Other assets           26,375     26,976     30,478  
      Total assets         $ 2,145,113   $ 2,098,955   $ 2,063,064  
                     
    Liabilities:              
      Deposit accounts:              
      Noninterest bearing       $ 419,760   $ 400,113   $ 435,655  
      Interest bearing           1,230,752     1,218,752     1,179,823  
      Total deposits         1,650,512     1,618,865     1,615,478  
      Accrued expenses and other liabilities       38,593     35,804     31,597  
      FHLB advances and other borrowings       219,167     215,050     199,757  
      Other long-term debt, net         59,111     59,074     58,962  
      Total liabilities         1,967,383     1,928,793     1,905,794  
                     
    Shareholders’ Equity:              
      Preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares      
      authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)              
      Common stock (par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized;      
      8,507,429 shares issued; 8,016,784, 8,016,784 and 7,988,132      
      shares outstanding at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and      
      September 30, 2023, respectively       85     85     85  
      Additional paid-in capital         109,040     108,962     109,422  
      Unallocated common stock held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan   (4,154 )   (4,297 )   (4,727 )
      Treasury stock, at cost (490,645, 490,645 and 519,297 shares at      
      September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively)           (11,124 )   (11,124 )   (11,574 )
      Retained earnings           98,979     97,413     94,979  
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax     (15,096 )   (20,877 )   (30,915 )
      Total shareholders’ equity       177,730     170,162     157,270  
      Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,145,113   $ 2,098,955   $ 2,063,064  
                     
    Income Statement      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                  September 30, June 30, September 30,   September 30,
                    2024   2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Interest and dividend income:                
      Interest and fees on loans     $ 23,802 $ 22,782 $ 21,068   $ 68,526 $ 57,942  
      Securities available-for-sale       2,598   2,631   2,794     7,953   8,586  
      FRB and FHLB dividends       266   264   212     777   480  
      Other interest income       94   145   20     268   66  
        Total interest and dividend income       26,760   25,822   24,094     77,524   67,074  
    Interest expense:                  
      Interest expense on deposits       7,190   6,884   5,152     20,622   11,767  
      FHLB advances and other borrowings       3,084   2,625   2,672     8,206   5,993  
      Other long-term debt       684   681   683     2,048   2,035  
        Total interest expense       10,958   10,190   8,507     30,876   19,795  
    Net interest income         15,802   15,632   15,587     46,648   47,279  
    Provision for credit losses       277   412   588     554   1,186  
        Net interest income after provision for credit losses     15,525   15,220   14,999     46,094   46,093  
                             
    Noninterest income:                
      Service charges on deposit accounts       430   428   447     1,258   1,313  
      Mortgage banking, net       2,602   2,417   4,338     7,196   11,252  
      Interchange and ATM fees       662   640   643     1,865   1,861  
      Appreciation in cash surrender value of life insurance     1,038   320   382     1,646   1,165  
      Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities                 (222 )
      Other noninterest income       251   464   225     1,239   1,541  
        Total noninterest income       4,983   4,269   6,035     13,204   16,910  
                             
    Noninterest expense:                
      Salaries and employee benefits       9,894   10,273   10,837     29,885   31,614  
      Occupancy and equipment expense       2,134   2,104   1,956     6,337   6,100  
      Data processing       1,587   1,382   1,486     4,494   4,270  
      Advertising         277   316   340     846   930  
      Amortization         337   348   386     1,054   1,201  
      Loan costs         385   412   517     1,195   1,426  
      FDIC insurance premiums       295   284   301     878   862  
      Professional and examination fees       438   423   408     1,345   1,484  
      Other noninterest expense       1,923   1,765   1,644     5,576   5,311  
        Total noninterest expense       17,270   17,307   17,875     51,610   53,198  
                             
    Income before provision for income taxes       3,238   2,182   3,159     7,688   9,805  
    Provision for income taxes       529   444   524     1,343   1,913  
    Net income         $ 2,709 $ 1,738 $ 2,635   $ 6,345 $ 7,892  
                             
    Basic earnings per common share     $ 0.35 $ 0.22 $ 0.34   $ 0.81 $ 1.01  
    Diluted earnings per common share     $ 0.34 $ 0.22 $ 0.34   $ 0.81 $ 1.01  
                             
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding       7,836,921   7,830,925   7,784,279     7,830,947   7,787,987  
                             
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding       7,860,138   7,845,272   7,791,966     7,848,196   7,792,593  
                             
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION   (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three or Nine Months Ended
          September 30, June 30, September 30,
            2024     2024     2023  
               
    Mortgage Banking Activity (For the quarter):      
      Net gain on sale of mortgage loans $ 1,691   $ 1,600   $ 3,591  
      Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives   159     12     (71 )
      Mortgage servicing income, net   752     805     818  
      Mortgage banking, net   $ 2,602   $ 2,417   $ 4,338  
               
    Mortgage Banking Activity (Year-to-date):      
      Net gain on sale of mortgage loans $ 4,705     $ 8,551  
      Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives   (2 )     234  
      Mortgage servicing income, net   2,493       2,467  
      Mortgage banking, net   $ 7,196     $ 11,252  
               
    Performance Ratios (For the quarter):      
      Return on average assets   0.51 %   0.33 %   0.51 %
      Return on average equity   6.56 %   4.30 %   6.63 %
      Yield on average interest earning assets   5.66 %   5.64 %   5.27 %
      Cost of funds     2.89 %   2.78 %   2.37 %
      Net interest margin   3.34 %   3.41 %   3.41 %
      Core efficiency ratio*   81.47 %   85.22 %   80.89 %
               
    Performance Ratios (Year-to-date):      
      Return on average assets   0.41 %     0.53 %
      Return on average equity   5.19 %     6.54 %
      Yield on average interest earning assets   5.59 %     5.07 %
      Cost of funds     2.78 %     1.94 %
      Net interest margin   3.36 %     3.57 %
      Core efficiency ratio*   84.47 %     81.01 %
               
    * The core efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing non-interest expense, exclusive of acquisition
    costs and intangible asset amortization, by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.    
               
               
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION      
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)      
            (Unaudited)  
    Asset Quality Ratios and Data: As of or for the Three Months Ended
          September 30, June 30, September 30,
            2024     2024     2023  
               
      Nonaccrual loans   $ 3,859   $ 4,012   $ 7,753  
      Loans 90 days past due and still accruing   944     1,076      
      Total nonperforming loans     4,803     5,088     7,753  
      Other real estate owned and other repossessed assets   4     4      
      Total nonperforming assets   $ 4,807   $ 5,092   $ 7,753  
               
      Nonperforming loans / portfolio loans   0.31 %   0.34 %   0.53 %
      Nonperforming assets / assets   0.22 %   0.24 %   0.38 %
      Allowance for credit losses / portfolio loans   1.12 %   1.11 %   1.10 %
      Allowance for credit losses/ nonperforming loans   356.65 %   330.78 %   209.34 %
      Gross loan charge-offs for the quarter $ 22   $ 12   $ 122  
      Gross loan recoveries for the quarter $ 5   $ 10   $ 14  
      Net loan charge-offs for the quarter $ 17   $ 2   $ 108  
               
               
          September 30, June 30, September 30,
            2024     2024     2023  
    Capital Data (At quarter end):      
      Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share $ 22.17   $ 21.23   $ 19.69  
      Tangible book value per share** $ 17.23   $ 16.25   $ 14.55  
      Shares outstanding   8,016,784     8,016,784     7,988,132  
      Tangible common equity to tangible assets***   6.56 %   6.33 %   5.75 %
               
    Other Information:        
      Average investment securities for the quarter $ 305,730   $ 306,207   $ 319,308  
      Average investment securities year-to-date $ 308,688   $ 310,168   $ 335,898  
      Average loans for the quarter **** $ 1,547,246   $ 1,513,313   $ 1,476,584  
      Average loans year-to-date **** $ 1,519,951   $ 1,506,303   $ 1,417,291  
      Average earning assets for the quarter $ 1,874,669   $ 1,837,418   $ 1,812,610  
      Average earning assets year-to-date $ 1,847,468   $ 1,833,867   $ 1,768,361  
      Average total assets for the quarter $ 2,116,839   $ 2,077,448   $ 2,052,443  
      Average total assets year-to-date $ 2,086,951   $ 2,072,013   $ 1,999,864  
      Average deposits for the quarter $ 1,622,254   $ 1,625,882   $ 1,602,770  
      Average deposits year-to-date $ 1,624,936   $ 1,625,826   $ 1,596,201  
      Average equity for the quarter $ 165,162   $ 161,533   $ 158,933  
      Average equity year-to-date $ 163,106   $ 162,084   $ 160,917  
               
    ** The tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity,  
    less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding.      
    *** The tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’  
    equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible.  
    **** Includes loans held for sale      
           
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures              
                           
    Core Efficiency Ratio     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands)   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
              September 30, June 30, September 30,   September 30,  
                2024     2024     2023       2024     2023    
    Calculation of Core Efficiency Ratio:              
      Noninterest expense $ 17,270   $ 17,307   $ 17,875     $ 51,610   $ 53,198    
      Intangible asset amortization   (337 )   (348 )   (386 )     (1,054 )   (1,201 )  
        Core efficiency ratio numerator   16,933     16,959     17,489       50,556     51,997    
                           
      Net interest income   15,802     15,632     15,587       46,648     47,279    
      Noninterest income   4,983     4,269     6,035       13,204     16,910    
        Core efficiency ratio denominator   20,785     19,901     21,622       59,852     64,189    
                           
      Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)   81.47 %   85.22 %   80.89 %     84.47 %   81.01 %  
                           
    Tangible Book Value and Tangible Assets   (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   September 30, June 30, September 30,
                  2024     2024     2023  
    Tangible Book Value:            
      Shareholders’ equity     $ 177,730   $ 170,162   $ 157,270  
      Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net     (39,574 )   (39,908 )   (41,004 )
        Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 138,156   $ 130,254   $ 116,266  
                     
      Common shares outstanding at end of period   8,016,784     8,016,784     7,988,132  
                     
      Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share (GAAP) $ 22.17   $ 21.23   $ 19.69  
                     
      Tangible common shareholders’ equity (tangible book value)      
        per share (non-GAAP)     $ 17.23   $ 16.25   $ 14.55  
                     
    Tangible Assets:            
      Total assets       $ 2,145,113   $ 2,098,955   $ 2,063,064  
      Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net     (39,574 )   (39,908 )   (41,004 )
        Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 2,105,539   $ 2,059,047   $ 2,022,060  
                     
      Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets      
        (non-GAAP)         6.56 %   6.33 %   5.75 %
                     
    Contacts: Laura F. Clark, President and CEO
      (406) 457-4007
      Miranda J. Spaulding, SVP and CFO
      (406) 441-5010  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MEF Releases 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint to Accelerate Innovation Across Automated Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  MEF, a global industry association of network, cloud, security, and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, today announced the availability of its 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint, outlining the next phase in the evolution of Network-as-a-Service.

    “Our 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint unites industry stakeholders around a shared vision for NaaS and serves as a comprehensive guide for service providers to develop, deliver, and manage NaaS offerings across a standards-based automated ecosystem,” said blueprint author Stan Hubbard, Principal Analyst, MEF. “In the coming months, our focus is on deepening collaboration across the ecosystem to unlock the market’s full potential and meet the surging enterprise demand for high-performance, AI-driven, and cloud-optimized networks.”

    Enterprises are increasingly turning to NaaS, which is uniquely positioned to meet top priorities for digital transformation, including enhanced cybersecurity, cloud migration, and support for AI and GenAI workloads. MEF’s 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint highlights how the rapid rise of GenAI has unlocked new NaaS-related revenue opportunities for service providers, particularly in multi-cloud environments.

    The 2025 NaaS Industry Blueprint serves as a foundational resource for service providers, cloud providers, technology suppliers, and other ecosystem participants, emphasizing the need for collaboration across multiple fronts to maximize market opportunities. The blueprint identifies key areas for alignment and collaboration, providing progress updates to guide companies in these efforts, including:

    • Unified Definition of NaaS: Establishes a clear definition of NaaS integrating on-demand connectivity, application assurance, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud networking within an automated ecosystem.
    • Key NaaS Features: Identifies 36 key features, including 20 essential customer-facing features highlighted in MEF’s NaaS Customer Experience white paper.
    • NaaS Use Cases: Explores customer requirements and service provider solutions for four core NaaS use cases—on-demand connectivity, SD-WAN, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and multi-cloud connectivity.
    • NaaS Automated Ecosystem: Reports progress on the NaaS automated ecosystem built on standardized services and Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) APIs that automate business and operational functions between ecosystem participants.

    The blueprint also highlights MEF’s ongoing efforts to extend NaaS capabilities to enterprise customers, enabling organizations to leverage standardized MEF LSO APIs for greater control, flexibility, and visibility over their network environments. MEF’s recently released NaaS Customer Experience white paper identifies what enterprises can expect from NaaS offerings, including cloud-like scalability, dynamic connectivity, real-time performance insights, and enhanced cybersecurity.

    MEF’s test and certification programs play a pivotal role in accelerating NaaS adoption by building trust and ensuring interoperability across the ecosystem. Certification programs validate that service and technology providers meet the stringent requirements for delivering automation-ready NaaS services. As of October 2024, 15 technology and service providers have achieved MEF 3.0 certification for SASE and SD-WAN. Growing industry commitment to certified and standardized services provides enterprises and service providers with the confidence to invest in and deploy NaaS solutions at scale.

    The NaaS Industry Blueprint is available for download at MEF.net/NaaS. For more information about MEF standards, automation APIs, and certifications, visit MEF.net.

    About MEF
    MEF is a global consortium of service, cloud, cybersecurity, and technology providers collaborating to accelerate enterprise digital transformation. It delivers standards-based frameworks, services, technologies, APIs, and certification programs to enable Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) across an automated ecosystem. MEF is the defining authority for certified Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) business and operational APIs and Carrier Ethernet, SASE, SD-WAN, Zero Trust, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies and services. MEF’s Global NaaS Event (GNE) convenes industry leaders building and delivering the next generation of NaaS solutions. For more information about MEF, visit MEF.net and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter

    Media Contact:
    Melissa Power
    MEF
    pr@mef.net

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: AutoScheduler Adds Vice President of Customer Success to Reinforce Focus on Successful Customer Implementations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, announces that Ian Johnston has joined the company as the Vice President of Customer Success. He will replace Stephen Zujkowski, who is retiring. Ian has over a decade of experience in supply chain operations, logistics management, and strategic leadership. He will use his expertise to help AutoScheduler’s customers gain value and success from deploying AutoScheduler solutions. He will be the face of success for all AutoScheduler’s customers, ensuring the talented implementation team continues delivering exceptional services and fostering true partnerships.

    “As a leader within Amazon, Ian has demonstrated a deep understanding of operational planning and championed many technology implementations that enabled transformative changes within numerous operations,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “His rich and diverse experience in leading and supporting innovation and a keen understanding of driving customer excellence make him a perfect fit for this pivotal role at AutoScheduler.AI.”

    “I am looking forward to setting new benchmarks for excellence in customer success with the best project delivery experiences, clear communications, and robust customer relationships, enabling AutoScheduler.AI to be the market leader in warehouse orchestration,” says Ian Johnston, Vice President, Customer Success, AutoScheduler.AI. “I am dedicated to driving value for clients through our innovative solutions and aligning AutoScheduler’s capabilities with customer needs.”

    As Vice President of Customer Success, Ian oversees the strategy, execution, and management of all aspects of customer deployment and satisfaction. He will ensure that customers derive maximum value from AutoScheduler, leading to improved fulfillment, better labor utilization, and lower costs. As the leader in the Customer Success organization, he will drive measurable positive business outcomes, customer satisfaction, retention, and expansion across the customer base.

    Before joining AutoScheduler.AI, Ian served as Director of Supply Chain at Amazon, overseeing North America’s largest heavy bulky logistics network, which included managing demand forecasting, capacity management, and product development for the U.S. and Canada. Ian’s leadership contributed to significant advancements in operational efficiency, including the development of several novel planning products that enhanced forecast accuracy and capacity flexibility, reducing Amazon’s cost to serve and improving delivery speeds. Prior to Amazon, Ian served as a Marine Infantry Officer, where he led combat operations in Afghanistan and deterrence operations in Southeast Asia. He later served at the White House, supporting two administrations and several high-profile events.

    Ian holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, a BA in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from The Citadel, and is actively pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate at the University of San Diego.

    About AutoScheduler.AI
    AutoScheduler.AI orchestrates warehouse activities directly on top of your WMS, optimizing operations for peak performance. Developed alongside industry leaders like P&G and successfully deployed at prominent companies such as Pepsi, General Mills, and Unilever, our AI and Machine Learning platform seamlessly integrates with your existing systems. Focused on labor planning, inventory workflow, human-robotics interaction, and space utilization, we streamline operations, reducing travel and inventory handling while maximizing OTIF rates and labor efficiency. With prescriptive analytics driving insights, our clients harness the power to enhance efficiencies and generate value across their supply chains. Reach out to us at info@autoscheduler.ai for more information.

    Contact:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR
    Becky@MediaFirst.Net
    Cell: (404) 421-8497

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/199e4f06-1419-40e1-8665-b27f4eb199cd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: New CINQ by Coinstar™ Digital Wallet Launches Crypto and Stablecoin Capabilities Powered by Zero Hash

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zero Hash, the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform, today announced its partnership with Coinstar®, LLC, a global financial services leader, to embed crypto payments capabilities within CINQ by Coinstar, a new digital wallet designed to expand how consumers use and manage their finances. This collaboration allows up to 9,500 of Coinstar’s 17,000+ network of kiosks across the U.S. to facilitate cash-to-crypto transactions.

    Through a partnership with Zero Hash, CINQ by Coinstar has launched with the initial ability to purchase cryptocurrency and stablecoins with cash at more than 9,500 Coinstar kiosks across the U.S., or through the CINQ by Coinstar mobile app. Users of the CINQ by Coinstar app, powered by Zero Hash, can seamlessly move in, out and between cash, stablecoins and crypto. A broader range of digital payment services for the CINQ by Coinstar wallet are expected to follow in 2025 as recently announced by Coinstar.

    The overarching objective of the partnership is to provide a seamless mechanism of dollar digitalization to the large percentage of underbanked and underserved households within the United States. Specifically: 

    • The unbanked who now have access to an electronic cash account
      • 6% of Adult Americans are unbanked; 24.6 million Americans are underbanked (Source: Fed Reserve, 2024)
    • The immigrant remitting money home
      • About half of all remittances are cash-based among the most common users (Source: Visa, 2023)

    “Zero Hash is delighted to partner with Coinstar, a household brand in money transformation for more than 30 years. Its vast network of self-serve kiosks and mobile apps will help further expand access to the underbanked and immigrants looking to remit funds. Upwards of 50% of remittances are cash-based and the multiple “hops” in remittance often mean these transfers incur high fees. Linking this cash infrastructure to the “network of networks” which is crypto and stablecoins, provides a key unlock for cheaper and quicker remittances for example,” said Edward Woodford, CEO and Founder at Zero Hash. “ CINQ by Coinstar has been able to seamlessly embed our regulatory compliant infrastructure to support new ways for cash-preferred customers to move safely and seamlessly between fiat and crypto use cases.”

    Powered by Zero Hash’s identity verification service, every customer is validated before cash can be entered into the kiosk for crypto, stablecoin and fiat transactions. Additional controls include Documentary Verification and Liveness Verification before certain services may be enabled. Users can buy over 25 crypto and stablecoin assets with paper currency at Coinstar kiosks in major grocery stores across North America as well as through the CINQ by Coinstar mobile app. Users can also connect multiple bank accounts, with Zero Hash’s platform facilitating USD deposits via ACH, allowing users to hold balances in cash or crypto and easily manage their financial needs.

    “Zero Hash has been an incredible partner in helping us extend our trusted services into the digital world,” said Kevin McColly, CEO of Coinstar. “Their secure and industry leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure has allowed us to seamlessly bridge the gap between cash and cryptocurrency, making it easier for our customers to access and manage their finances.” 

    There are two ways to get started buying cryptocurrency through Zero Hash at Coinstar kiosks:

    1. Download the CINQ by Coinstar app, verify your account and visit a Coinstar kiosk with your cash. Or connect your bank account in the app and get started immediately.
    2. Visit a Coinstar kiosk, select cryptocurrency from the options and choose CINQ by Coinstar to get started with your crypto purchase through Zero Hash. Enter your mobile number at the kiosk and last 4 SSN or Date of Birth, then download the CINQ by Coinstar app and complete your account setup.

    To learn more about CINQ by Coinstar and follow along for additional product innovations, visit www.cinqwallet.com, or to find a CINQ by Coinstar enabled kiosk, visit our kiosk finder here.1

    1: The CINQ by Coinstar wallet is available in all 50 states. However, Zero Hash enabled Kiosks are not currently available in all states, including the state of New York.  Transactional limits may also apply.

    About Zero Hash  
    Zero Hash is the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure provider that seamlessly connects fiat, crypto and stablecoins in one platform, enabling a better way to move and transfer money and value globally.

    Through its embeddable infrastructure, start-ups, enterprises and Fortune 500 companies build a diverse range of use cases: cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization, wallets and on and off-ramps.

    Zero Hash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

    Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 US jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. In Canada, Zero Hash LLC is registered as a Money Service Business with FINTRAC.

    Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered with AUSTRAC as a Digital Currency Exchange Provider, with DCE registered provider number DCE100804170-001.  This registration enables Zero Hash to offer its crypto services in Australia.  Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is registered on the New Zealand register of financial service providers, with Financial Service Provider (FSP)  number FSP1004503.  A FSP in New Zealand is a registration and does not mean that Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed by a New Zealand regulator to provide crypto services.  Zero Hash Australia Pty Ltd.’s registration on the New Zealand register of financial service providers does not mean that Zero Hash Australia is subject to active regulation or oversight by a New Zealand regulator.  Zero Hash Europe B.V. is registered as a Virtual Asset Services Provider (VASP) registration by the Dutch Central Bank (Relation number: R193684).  Zero Hash Europe Sp. Zoo is registered as a VASP by the Tax Administration Chamber of Poland in Katowice (Registration number RDWW – 1212).

    Connect with Zero Hash
    Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Medium

    Zero Hash Contact

    Shaun O’keeffe

    (855) 744-7333

    media@zerohash.com

    Zero Hash Disclosures
    Zero Hash services and product offerings, including the availability of kiosk services, may not be available in all jurisdictions. Zero Hash accounts are not subject to FDIC or SIPC protections, or any such equivalent protections that may exist outside of the US. Zero Hash’s technical support and enablement of any asset is not an endorsement of such asset and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any crypto asset. The value of any cryptocurrency, including digital assets pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or any other asset, may go to zero. Zero Hash is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Zero Hash does not provide any securities services and is not a custodian of securities, including security tokens, on behalf of customers. 

    About Coinstar, LLC
    Coinstar® is a global leader in money transformation and the largest physical self-serve financial network with a digital wallet, CINQ by Coinstar. Through its digital wallet, mobile app and network of 24,000 kiosks in North America and Europe, Coinstar offers a wide range of financial services which enable users to transform their physical currency. Its reliable payment solutions offer one-stop shopping experiences at convenient kiosk locations including coin conversion to cash, NO FEE eGift cards and charitable donations as well as account transfer services powered by our bank partners. Users can also move money and transact more seamlessly in the digital world through CINQ by Coinstar with the ability to buy, sell and transfer cryptocurrencies in its initial rollout. For brand advertisers, Coinstar offers adPlanet™ Retail Media Group, which enables lead generation on the interactive kiosk screen and a digital out of home network that delivers advertising via high-definition screens on top of Coinstar kiosks at select retail and grocery locations. For more information on Coinstar, visit www.coinstar.com.

    The MIL Network