Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI: Arbor Realty Trust Announces Tax Treatment of 2024 Dividends

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UNIONDALE, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR), today announced the tax treatment of its 2024 dividend distributions for common and preferred shares of beneficial interest.

    For tax reporting purposes, 100% of the distributions paid on our common stock during 2024 will be classified as dividend income. The 2024 taxable distributions with respect to our common stock traded under ticker symbol ABR are summarized as follows:

    Common Shares (CUSIP #038923108)
    Record Date   Payment Date   Total Distribution Per Share   Non-Qualified Dividend (1)   Qualified Dividend   Capital Gain Distribution
    3/4/2024   3/15/2024   $ 0.43     $ 0.43     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    5/17/2024   5/31/2024     0.43       0.43       0.00       0.00  
    8/16/2024   8/30/2024     0.43       0.43       0.00       0.00  
    11/15/2024   11/27/2024     0.43       0.43       0.00       0.00  
            $ 1.72     $ 1.72     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                         

    The 2024 taxable distributions with respect to our 6.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock traded under ticker symbol ABR-PD are summarized as follows:

    6.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (CUSIP #038923876)
    Record Date   Payment Date   Total Distribution Per Share   Non-Qualified Dividend (1)   Qualified Dividend   Capital Gain Distribution
    1/15/2024   1/30/2024   $ 0.3984375     $ 0.3984375     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    4/15/2024   4/30/2024     0.3984375       0.3984375       0.00       0.00  
    7/15/2024   7/30/2024     0.3984375       0.3984375       0.00       0.00  
    10/15/2024   10/30/2024     0.3984375       0.3984375       0.00       0.00  
            $ 1.5937500     $ 1.5937500     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                         

    The 2024 taxable distributions with respect to our 6.25% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock traded under ticker symbol ABR-PE are summarized as follows:

    6.25% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (CUSIP #038923868)
    Record Date   Payment Date   Total Distribution Per Share   Non-Qualified Dividend (1)   Qualified Dividend   Capital Gain Distribution
    1/15/2024   1/30/2024   $ 0.390625     $ 0.390625     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    4/15/2024   4/30/2024     0.390625       0.390625       0.00       0.00  
    7/15/2024   7/30/2024     0.390625       0.390625       0.00       0.00  
    10/15/2024   10/30/2024     0.390625       0.390625       0.00       0.00  
            $ 1.562500     $ 1.562500     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                         

    The 2024 taxable distributions with respect to our 6.25% Series F Fixed to Floating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock traded under ticker symbol ABR-PF are summarized as follows:

    6.25% Series F Fixed to Floating Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (CUSIP #038923850)
    Record Date   Payment Date   Total Distribution Per Share   Non-Qualified Dividend (1)   Qualified Dividend   Capital Gain Distribution
    1/15/2024   1/30/2024   $ 0.390625     $ 0.390625     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
    4/15/2024   4/30/2024     0.390625       0.390625       0.00       0.00  
    7/15/2024   7/30/2024     0.390625       0.390625       0.00       0.00  
    10/15/2024   10/30/2024     0.390625       0.390625       0.00       0.00  
            $ 1.562500     $ 1.562500     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  
                                         

    (1) May be eligible for the 20% qualified business income deduction applicable to certain REIT dividends under IRC Section 199A(b)(1)(B).

    For shareholders that may be required to report excess inclusion income to the Internal Revenue Service, we are pleased to report that in 2024, we will not pass through any excess inclusion income to our shareholders. As a result, no portion of the 2024 dividends should be treated as excess inclusion income for federal income tax purposes.

    We do not issue K-1s to holders of our common and preferred stock. Please contact your financial advisor or broker to obtain information on a 1099 form.

    Note: Shareholders are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of our dividend distributions.

    About Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

    Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental (SFR) portfolios, and other diverse commercial real estate assets. Headquartered in New York, Arbor manages a multibillion-dollar servicing portfolio, specializing in government-sponsored enterprise products. Arbor is a leading Fannie Mae DUS® lender and Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer, and an approved FHA Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender. Arbor’s product platform also includes bridge, CMBS, mezzanine and preferred equity loans. Rated by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, Arbor is committed to building on its reputation for service, quality and customized solutions with an unparalleled dedication to providing our clients excellence over the entire life of a loan.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Arbor can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Arbor’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions generally, and the real estate markets specifically, continued ability to source new investments, changes in interest rates and/or credit spreads, and other risks detailed in Arbor’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and its other reports filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Arbor expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Arbor’s expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Contact:
    Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.
    Paul Elenio, Chief Financial Officer
    516-506-4422
    pelenio@arbor.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Pressley Bill Renaming Post Office on Dorchester Ave Signed into Law Last Month by President Biden

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Washington (January, 29, 2025) – Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) marked the Lunar New Year by celebrating the enactment of their legislation to name the U.S. Postal Service office on Dorchester Avenue in Boston after the late Caroline Chang (1940-2018), a community leader and lifelong AAPI activist in Boston’s Chinatown community. The bill passed the House in February of last year and was signed into law by President Biden in November.
    “I am proud that our legislation to honor community leader, public servant, and activist Caroline Chang is law,” said Senator Markey. “Caroline Chang played an instrumental role in Boston’s Asian American community and her decades of public service to her community will now finally be physically memorialized.”
    “Who we honor in our federal buildings and monuments matters, and I am so thrilled that Caroline Chang is getting the recognition she deserves for her lifelong service to Boston, the Massachusetts 7th, and our Commonwealth,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I was especially honored to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Caroline’s family and celebrate the enactment of this bill, the very first federal building in the Commonwealth to be named in honor of an AAPI individual. This is a living tribute to her life, values, and incredible impact she’s had on Boston’s Chinatown community and beyond. I’m grateful to Caroline’s family, our community partners, our Senate colleagues, and President Biden for working with us to get this bill over the finish line.”
    “Caroline dedicated her life to ensure all people were treated equally and fairly. Born to an immigrant family, Caroline spoke for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. She saw firsthand, discrimination towards her community and did something about it. She recognized the deficiencies in health care in minority neighborhoods, and did something about it. She recognized shortages in affordable housing, and did something about it. Her career and achievements will forever be remembered through the dedication of this post office in her name,” said Russell Eng, Caroline Chang’s nephew. “Our family is proud of Caroline’s work, and are very grateful to Congresswoman Pressley, her incredible staff, the Massachusetts delegation to Congress and the Senate, President Biden for signing this law, and especially the Asian Community of Massachusetts for nominating her.
    “The Asian American community is forever great full for the work of Caroline Chang in uplifting the needs and rights of the Chinese Immigrant community. She is a pioneer in our community to fight for equal access to government resources for the public good. Many of our non profit community organizations such as South Cove Health Center, Asian American Civil Association, Asian American  Community Development Corporation and Chinese Historical Society are the fruit of Caroline’s work,” said Suzanne Lee, Founder of Chinese Progressive Association. “We are excited to have the Post Office named in honor of her. There’s no better representation of public service than Caroline Chang.”
    There are currently 617 postal facilities in Massachusetts. Of those facilities renamed, only one honors a woman and five honor a person of color. With the enactment of this bill, the USPS office at 25 Dorchester Avenue is now the first federal building in Massachusetts to be named after an AAPI individual.
    Caroline Chang spent her life serving the Boston Chinatown community. Born and raised in Chinatown, Caroline served as an interpreter in her early life for community members seeking medical care. In 1970, Boston Mayor Kevin White appointed Chang as the manager of Chinatown’s Little City Hall, where she advocated on behalf of residents. Chang went on to receive her law degree from Suffolk Law School in 1970 and spent more than 30 years with the United States Department of Health and Human Services as the Regional Manager for the Office for Civil Rights, making her the highest-ranking Asian American in the federal government in New England at the time.
    Throughout her years of public service, Caroline Chang played a founding role in several organizations that continue to serve the Boston Chinatown community, including:
    The South Cove Community Health Center
    The Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC)
    The Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE)
    The Harry H. Dow Memorial Legal Assistance Fund
    The Asian American Civic Association (AACA)
    The Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
    A copy of the bill text can be found here, and Caroline’s biography is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso: Confirm Doug Burgum and Chris Wright to Lead America’s Golden Age of Energy Dominance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate floor ahead of confirmation votes for Governor Doug Burgum, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of the Interior, and Chris Wright, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to be the Secretary of Energy.
    Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
    Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
    “I rise today to talk about prices, energy, and the economy.
    “My message is simple: Unleashing American energy will help lower prices. It is essential.
    “Energy is often called the master resource. By controlling our own energy production, we control our own future.
    “Not long ago, America was the leading producer of energy in the world. President Trump made America energy independent for the first time in decades.
    “That changed in four short years under the prior administration. We went from energy dominance to energy dependence.
    “The previous administration went on a regulatory rampage. It was disastrous. The result was painfully high prices for food and for fuel.
    “Suddenly, Washington was attacking energy producers and energy workers in states like my home state of Wyoming. America found itself turning to adversaries for energy.
    “Let me ask a simple question.
    “Does anyone believe we were better off relying on dictators in China, Russia, Venezuela and Iran to power America?
    “Does anyone believe we were better off when energy prices were sky high?
    “Were Americans more prosperous?
    “The answer is no.
    “For the past four years, the previous administration treated energy as the enemy.
    “Governor Doug Burgum and Chris Wright will treat American energy as the God-given blessing it is.
    “Available, affordable, reliable, American energy is an asset.
    “Energy is the source of American strength. It is a solution to bring down painfully high prices.
    “America is an energy superpower. We should act like it.
    “Working together, Governor Burgum and Chris Wright will be a powerhouse energy team.
    “Governor Burgum grew up in Arthur, North Dakota – population: 400.
    “He studied business at Stanford University. He built Great Plains, a software company, into a global public company.
    “As Governor of North Dakota for the last 8 years, he drove his state’s transformation into an energy and technology leader.
    “Instead of blocking energy production, he invited and incentivized companies to operate in North Dakota. In turn, his state produced more and more energy.
    “In his Senate hearing, Governor Burgum explained this success.
    “He said, ‘We live in a time of tremendous abundance, and we can access that abundance by prioritizing innovation over regulation.’
    “He is spot on.
    “I questioned Governor Burgum in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
    “We have more than 600,000 acres of federal land in Wyoming that were previously approved for energy production.
    “The previous administration never offered those acres for lease.
    “It also blocked using land even though energy explorers purchased the right to that land over 4 years ago.
    “I am glad Governor Burgum committed to quickly address this issue. He will take the common-sense action of unlocking our lands for oil and gas production.
    “Chris Wright is also an innovative leader.
    “He studied nuclear fusion at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then worked in solar and geothermal engineering.
    “At Liberty Energy – a fracking company he founded and where he is currently the CEO – Wright’s creative, data-driven leadership kickstarted the American fracking revolution.
    “What I like most about Mr. Wright is that he tells the truth about energy production.
    “He acknowledges climate change is real. He knows more American energy is the solution, not the problem. His energy realism is welcomed news.
    “When I spoke with Mr. Wright in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, we agreed about the need for an all-of-the-above energy strategy,including nuclear energy.
    “Mr. Wright agrees with me that it is not in America’s best interest to be dependent on imported uranium from Russia.
    “Congress passed my legislation to ban the import of Russian uranium in the United States. The Secretary of Energy has discretion to provide waivers to companies to import Russian uranium.
    “I am pleased that Mr. Wright committed to using these waivers only in very limited and extreme circumstances.
    “He also pledged to work with us to end uranium imports from Communist China.
    “These are positive steps towards rebuilding America’s nuclear supply.
    “Both Governor Burgum and Mr. Wright are optimistic about America’s energy future.
    “I strongly support them. They are America’s energy all stars.
    “They have laid out an inspiring vision for lowering prices, building up our energy supply, and dealing with our adversaries from a position of strength.
    “Later today, the Senate will vote to confirm Governor Burgum. Chris Wright’s confirmation will soon follow. They deserve strong support here in the Senate.
    “With their leadership, the age of climate alarmism is over. The golden age of American energy dominance is here.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Wicker Reintroduces Bill to Develop National Broadband Strategy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today reintroduced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide, as well as a plan to implement this strategy. Previous reports from the Government Accountability Office found that federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping. The office has recommended that the executive branch develop the national broadband strategy outlined in this bill.
    “Under the previous administration, broadband programs were utterly mismanaged, keeping resources out of the communities that need reliable internet connection the most. The PLAN for Broadband Act would prevent wasteful spending and help streamline communication and coordination between the agencies tasked with rolling out broadband initiatives,” Senator Wicker said.
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Speaks on the Senate Floor About the Ceasefire in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) last night took to the Senate floor to express his relief by the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and stress the importance of creating a viable, secure, independent, and demilitarized Palestinian state.  
    Senator Welch emphasized that there is no solution that offers lasting peace, and continued U.S. support, other than two independent states. 
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 
    Senator Welch’s remarks, as delivered, can be read here and below: 
    “Like all of us I was enormously relieved by the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, the gradual release of hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid for the two million desperate Palestinians who are trapped inside Gaza.   
    “Despite the daunting challenges ahead and the many factors that could derail negotiations to implement Stage Two of the agreement, I’m cautiously hopeful that this could be the beginning of the end of a war that has traumatized millions of Palestinians and Israelis for more than 16 months.   
    “There will come a time for the accounting of the conduct of the war, which has caused such appalling loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives, including tens of thousands of children, of health workers, aid workers, and journalists, and massive destruction of property, including practically every hospital, every school, and university in Gaza. These things must not be forgotten, and that means investigating and holding people accountable under the laws of war.     
    “But today, I want to speak briefly on an issue that is key to the lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis that we seek. And that is the creation of a viable, secure, independent, and demilitarized Palestinian state. 
    “The war in Gaza was triggered, of course, by the merciless slaughter on October 7, 2023, of 1,200 innocent Israelis, Americans and others, and the abduction of some 250 hostages, many of whom have died.  But as we all know, the Middle East conflict began many decades earlier. And some would say centuries ago. Ethnic hatred and religious intolerance passed down from one generation to the next have fueled seemingly endless violence perpetrated by extremists on both sides. And it’s created a chronic state of insecurity for Israelis, and insecurity and humiliation, poverty, and hopelessness for Palestinians.  
    “In the West Bank, Israel’s ever-expanding settlement construction—in violation of UN resolutions and contrary to U.S. policy—has created a patchwork of separate and unequal enclaves and illegal outposts, provoking frequent acts of deadly violence by Israeli settlers and also by Palestinian extremists.  
    “Gaza, with the overt support of the Netanyahu government, became an open-air prison for two million impoverished Palestinians dependent on international aid and under the ruthless control of Hamas.   
    “And throughout this period, the wealthy Arab states have called for a Palestinian state. But they have expended minimal political capital or resources in furtherance of that goal. A lot of talk, very little action. 
    “Successive Palestinian leaders have squandered opportunities to make necessary political and economic reforms, while Mr. Netanyahu has worked to create conditions on the ground that would actually make a Palestinian state impossible. 
    “Despite this grim reality—and it is a grim reality—the attention focused on the remarkable life of President Jimmy Carter after his death on December 29th, reminded us that even in the most difficult circumstances peace is possible between long-standing enemies. It happened. But that possibility depends on the quality of leadership. 
    “If there ever were a time when the leaders of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, their Arab neighbors, and the United States should put the interests of regional peace and economic cooperation and development, including an independent Palestinian state, over personal and political ambition—it is now. It is now. 
    “Gaza is in ruins. Hamas and Hezbollah—still a threat—pose less of a threat than at any time in recent history. The horrific Assad regime is gone. Iran is also weaker. Most Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians want peace. But given the absence of visionary and courageous leaders in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the possibility that a path to a Palestinian state will emerge really does depend on the Trump Administration using its diplomatic influence far more forcefully and effectively than previous U.S. administrations—including the first Trump Administration—were willing to do.   
    “We’ve got to act. And it will require the same of Congress, which in the past has restricted itself to enacting tighter and tighter sanctions on the Palestinians causing increasing desperation and resentment for innocent Palestinians, while at the same time, opposing any incentives on Israel to stop settlement construction and settler violence. 
    “There are those who believe that because of Israel’s construction of settlements, walls, fences, separate highways, factories, and farms in the West Bank, that the West Bank and Gaza can never be reconfigured into a viable Palestinian state. Having seen a current map of the West Bank, I can certainly understand that. 
    “But others reject the very idea of a Palestinian state as incompatible with Israel’s security, without proposing any alternative that would preserve Israel as a democracy in which all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity; religion, have equal rights. Given Hamas’ horrific attack on October 7th, I can also easily understand that. 
    “Then, on January 25th, President Trump called for “cleaning out” of Gaza, suggesting that a million and half Palestinians should be resettled in Jordan and Egypt. And you know, seriously, there’s just so many things wrong and unrealistic with that reprehensible and unworkable idea that it barely deserves a response, beyond the predictable and immediate repudiation by all those who would be impacted. It’s not serious. 
    “But to me, as elusive as it may seem, there really is no solution that offers lasting peace, and continued U.S. support, other than two independent states—Israel and Palestine, side-by-side. A Palestinian state will only be possible if both sides are pressured to make the difficult compromises both sides they so far refused to make. And only the United States and our heretofore reluctant Arab allies can exert the kind of pressure that’s necessary to bring people to an agreement. 
    “Mr. President, there have been far too many missed opportunities and disappointments since the Oslo and Camp David Accords, and far too much needless death and destruction resulting from the unchecked ambitions of leaders motivated by their worst instincts. History will judge us whether we seize this moment to finally chart a different course. A course that does enable Israelis and Palestinians to finally accept that there is no turning back the clock, that both are there to stay, and that as many Palestinian and Israeli neighbors have shown throughout years of conflict and loss, they have far more in common than their differences.  
    “Mr. President, I yield back.” 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Grills Nominee for FBI Director Kash Patel on Election Denialism: “What’s so hard about just saying that Biden won the 2020 election?”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today grilled Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), about his refusal to acknowledge that President Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election. Senator Welch highlighted that Trump’s ‘Big Lie’ that President Biden did not win the election led to the January 6th insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. Senator Welch also stressed the importance of combatting any attempt to weaponize the Justice Department and the FBI under the Trump Administration. 
    Sen. Welch: “What’s so hard about just saying that Biden won the 2020 election? What’s hard about that?” 
    Mr. Patel: “Senator, as I’ve said before, that President Biden was certified and sworn in, and he was the president. I don’t know how else to say it.”  Sen. Welch:“Well, the other way to say it is he won.” 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Kash Patel during Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the next Director of the FBI: 
    Read key excerpts of the exchange: 
    Senator Peter Welch: Let me tell you the source of my ongoing concern, which I regret it sometimes does not seem to be a common concern. We had a catastrophe for our democracy on January 6th…It troubles me that so many people have difficulty saying that Biden won the election…What’s so hard about just saying that Biden won the 2020 election? What’s hard about that? 
    Kash Patel, Nominee for FBI Director: Senator, as I’ve said before, that President Biden was certified and sworn in, and he was the president. I don’t know how else to say it.  Welch:Well, the other way to say it is he won. 
    Patel:He was the president. 
    Welch: The other way to say it is he won. I can say Trump won. I didn’t vote for him—but he won. Al Gore said Bush won when they were having that recount in Florida. And we have had a peaceful transfer of power here in very contested elections. I’ll just be very direct with you about why I think this is of consequence. Donald Trump has never acknowledged that he lost in 2020, and he invited people to come to the Capitol on January 6th to ‘stop the steal’. After that happened, police officers died. People were injured. It created enormous, ongoing bitterness within the country. That’s your boss. Do you believe that the 2020 election was stolen as President Trump says it is? 
    Patel: My opinions on the 2020 election have been expressed in this hearing and he’s entitled to whatever opinions he wants. 
    Welch: Do you agree with him that the election was stolen in 2020? 
    Patel: Millions of Americans have expressed concern going back to multiple elections over election integrity. 
    Welch: You know, you’re so skillful. You understand what I’m asking you. Can you say the words: Joe Biden won the 2020 election? 
    Patel: Joe Biden was the president of the United States. 
    Welch: I’m just saying this: there’s a difference. I can say the words ‘Donald Trump won.’ I don’t like to say it, but I must say it. And you cannot say that Joe Biden won the election. 
    Patel: What I can say is the same for both of them, Senator. Both of their elections were certified, and one was, and one now is president. 
    •••
     Welch: Bottom line here: you’re going to have tough job. And you’re going to have a tough boss, because he gets it in his mind he wants to do something, nothing gets in the way. And there’s going to come a time when an FBI Director, or an Attorney General, has to make a decision about the Constitution and what is being requested, and can that person at that time—when the important values of the Constitution are at stake—say no to a person who is insisting you take an action? 
    Patel: Senator, that’s why I think it’s time, for the first time in this country’s history, that a public defender be the next Director of the FBI because no one knows more about the Constitution and due process than PD’s. 
    Welch: Well, you know you’re appealing to mutual pride here, with a public defender. But you know what? I still understand you didn’t answer the question. That’s the public defender in me, ok?  
    And I say this to my colleagues: We cannot have a weaponized Justice Department or FBI. What’s weaponized is in the eye of the beholder, like the prosecutions of President Trump, and I get that. We cannot, cannot have it. But what I think we all have to acknowledge, when we’ve got a president who’s basically saying a political enemy—whether it’s [Kamala] Harris, whether it’s Liz Cheney, whether it’s Adam Schiff—should be prosecuted, that’s doing damage to the mutual goal we have of not weaponizing a department. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple reports first quarter results

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple reports first quarter results

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: OPEC Fund and Mauritania strengthen cooperation with US$120 million-partnership agreement

    Source: The OPEC Fund for International Development

    January 30, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have signed a landmark Country Partnership Framework Agreement to cooperate on key development initiatives during the period 2025-2027, earmarking US$120 million in new development financing focusing on the country’s development priorities.

    The funding will finance critical projects that contribute to projects promoting renewable energy, clean water, food security, improved transport and clean cooking. In addition the OPEC Fund is pledging to provide up to US$500,000 in grants for capacity-building, project preparation and technical assistance.

    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said during a visit to the capital Nouakchott: “We are proud to help improve the lives of people and communities for a more resilient future.

    Our commitment to Mauritania is focused on bolstering key sectors of the economy. Technical assistance and strong project preparation are vital to mobilize additional development funding, enable public-private partnerships (PPPs) and attract private sector investment.”

    An OPEC Fund delegation led by President Alkhalifa is visiting Mauritania from January 30-31, 2025. The delegation expects to meet Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay, Minister of Economy and Finance Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh and other government officials to discuss implementation of the Country Partnership Framework Agreement and explore opportunities for further cooperation.

    The OPEC Fund’s financing will support key projects that align with the country’s objectives of advancing clean energy, food security, water & sanitation while supporting sustainable and inclusive development and strengthening infrastructure for women and youth in particular. Joint initiatives also aim to strengthen Mauritania’s PPP regulatory framework and boost private sector investment.

    The Country Partnership Framework Agreement underscores the longstanding relationship between the OPEC Fund and Mauritania, with more than US$250 million in loans provided to the country for various infrastructure and development projects to date.

    About the OPEC Fund

    The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively.

    The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world.

    The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

    To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech and Employment – Report: Over 280,000 employees in the tech sector laid off in 2024, another 11,000 job cuts in 2025 – Associated News Network

    Source: Associated News Network

    As new rounds of mass layoffs at major technology companies are being announced in 2025, I am reaching out with our latest report, examining the workforce reductions that occurred around the world in 2024. We also discovered at least 11,000 employees in the technology sector have lost their jobs since the beginning of the year.

    The team at RationalFX aggregated layoff announcements sourced from U.S. WARN notices, the job portal TrueUp, TechCrunch and the Layoffs.fyi layoff tracker for the entirety of 2024. We also looked into the latest layoffs since the beginning of January 2025, focusing on companies in the technology sector.

    According to our research, at least 280,991 employees in tech companies were laid off last year, while January brought another 11,299 job reductions from major companies, including Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon.

    Here are a few key takeaways from the report:

    • Globally, 280,991 layoffs occurred in the tech sector in 2024. In the U.S. alone, 267 companies reduced their workforce with a combined 157,950 job losses.
    • More than half of all layoffs in the tech sector were initiated by U.S.-based companies (157,950 or 56.21% of all), followed by 19,495 job cuts in German companies, 14,740 layoffs in South Korean firms, 14,675 layoffs in Chinese ones, and 12,608 job cuts in companies based in Japan.
    • The tech company with the most significant layoffs in 2024 was U.S. PC maker Dell, which reduced its headcount by 18,500, followed by Intel (15,100 layoffs), and Amazon (14,968 layoffs).
    • California is the U.S. state with the most tech sector layoffs, accounting for 40.4% of all job cuts in the U.S. and roughly 22.7% of all tech layoffs in the world. In 2024, 126 California-based tech firms laid off a combined 63,791 employees.
    • In January 2025, another 11,299 employees in tech companies lost their positions, with this number representing only the confirmed layoffs. Thousands more have been left unemployed with no official statement by their employers.

    Together, the 21 companies with the largest layoffs in 2024 announced a total of 156,654 job reductions. The wave of layoffs continues as companies focus on cutting costs, downsizing, and streamlining operations following significant hiring sprees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments in artificial intelligence have also pushed the number of layoffs high as simpler, repetitive tasks are assigned to AI systems, while human workers are either transferred to other departments or laid off.

    Further details about the layoffs in the tech sector and the reasons for job reductions, as well as the complete methodology behind our research, are available in the full report.  (ref. https://www.rationalfx.com/forex-brokers/the-tech-industrys-workforce-crisis-2024s-layoffs-surpass-280000-and-continue-in-2025/ )

    Daniel Lane
    Data Analyst
    AssociatedNews Network

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Immediate Assessment of Aviation Safety

    Source: The White House

    MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
    THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION
    ADMINISTRATION

    SUBJECT:       Immediate Assessment of Aviation Safety

    On January 29, 2025, a commercial aircraft and a military helicopter horrifically collided near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.  American families today woke up without their loved ones after what should have been a routine trip, and the entire Nation mourns the loss of the victims.

    This shocking event follows problematic and likely illegal decisions during the Obama and Biden Administrations that minimized merit and competence in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The Obama Administration implemented a biographical questionnaire at the FAA to shift the hiring focus away from objective aptitude.  During my first term, my Administration raised standards to achieve the highest standards of safety and excellence.  But the Biden Administration egregiously rejected merit-based hiring, requiring all executive departments and agencies to implement dangerous “diversity equity and inclusion” tactics, and specifically recruiting individuals with “severe intellectual” disabilities in the FAA.   

    On my second day in office, I ordered an immediate return to merit-based recruitment, hiring, and promotion, elevating safety and ability as the paramount standard.  Yesterday’s devastating accident tragically underscores the need to elevate safety and competence as the priority of the FAA. 

    Consistent with the Presidential Memorandum of January 21, 2025 (Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation), I am further ordering the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (Administrator) to review all hiring decisions and changes to safety protocols made during the prior 4 years, and to take such corrective action as necessary to achieve uncompromised aviation safety, including the replacement of any individuals who do not meet qualification standards.  This review shall include a systematic assessment of any deterioration in hiring standards and aviation safety standards and protocols during the Biden Administration.

    Consistent with the Presidential Memorandum of January 21, 2025, the Secretary and the Administrator shall take all actions necessary to reverse concerning safety and personnel trends during the prior 4 years, instill an unwavering commitment to aviation safety, and ensure that all Americans fly with peace of mind

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Miners celebrate support for economic growth – Straterra

    Source: Straterra Inc

    Miners are celebrating the Government’s support for growing mining’s contribution to the economy with the release of a minerals strategy and critical minerals list today, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “The Government is listening, so this is a good day – not just for miners, but also all the businesses that make mining possible, including those producing mining equipment, technology, and services,” Vidal says. “They provide jobs and contribute to the economy. We have been asking for some years for buy-in from the Government to support mining growth that benefits workers in New Zealand, and their communities.
    “It is great to see facts, evidence, and science being used in decision making to further develop mining. Let’s be clear, that is not at the expense of the environment and there won’t be a mine on every corner.
    “The strategy has been developed through consultation and it is important it has a clear vision. We need this to put a marker in the ground for global markets indicating that we can be part of the minerals supply chain. Minerals are needed for energy, technology, medicine, transport, infrastructure, communications, and food production.
    “Identifying critical minerals helps with this. New Zealand has its own unique path and that includes acknowledgement that some of what is already mined here is critical to our economy. So, the list released today rightly includes gold and metallurgical coal.
    “While thermal coal not on the list, it does not mean it is not critical, and the strategy acknowledges the role thermal coal plays in keeping the lights on and businesses running. Coal is critical to national energy security and users of coal energy face a supply risk if domestic miners are forced to exit the market before affordable alternative fuel sources are readily available.
    “Productivity is at the heart of the strategy and mining is one of the most productive sectors in New Zealand, which translates into high wages.
    “The strategy recognises the value of responsible mining and New Zealand can be proud our strict employment and health and safety laws and stringent environmental regulations that back that.
    “What has been missing is an enabling business environment. The Fast-track Approvals Act is a game changer and there is interest in it from law makers around the globe.
    “We also need investment and with that, basics such as banking and insurance. While on the investment front there is plenty of interest in New Zealand mining, is disappointing to see debanking of coal mining in New Zealand due to arbitrary moral judgements. If banks start making ‘moral’ judgements, where does that end? I fail to see how banks can refuse to do business with legal and legitimate business entities.
    “We must not go backwards now on political whims. The foundations are starting to form to enable the mining sector to double the value of exports and contribute to economic growth, jobs, and regional development and to do what benefits New Zealanders.”
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – Housing market close to a trough – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand edged -0.1% lower in January, marking the fifth month in a row with limited movement.

    The CoreLogic Home Value Index (HVI) shows that after a cumulative decline of -4.1% over the six months from March to August, there has only been a further combined fall of -0.4% since then – a potential sign that a rebound in prices could be taking shape.
    The national median value now stands at $803,819, which is -17.5% below the record highs from late 2021/early 2022, but still 16.3% above the pre-COVID level from March 2020.
    Around the main centres, it was a broadly flat month in January, with Tauranga and Ōtepoti Dunedin both seeing growth of +0.1%, and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch at -0.1%. Kirikiriroa Hamilton stood out, growing +0.5%, while Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington remained soft (-0.6%).
    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said the recent stability in property values at the national level could be a sign of future growth potential.
    “Since the ‘mini downturn’ seen through the middle part of last year petered out in August, national property values have been in a holding pattern – not moving clearly in either direction,” he said.
    “But with mortgage rates having dropped significantly from their peaks, property sales volumes have continued to rise in recent months and may well start to reduce the available stock of listings on the market in the near term.”
    “That would create more competitive pressure amongst buyers, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see property values start to rise again shortly.”
    He noted some caution was still warranted.

    “After all, not all areas have stopped falling, including Wellington. Given that the economy remains soft and the labour market subdued, it is unlikely we will see a sharp upturn in values.”

    He also noted debt to income ratio caps will also play a role in dampening the market in 2025.

    Index results for January 2025 – national and main centres


     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From post-COVID peak
    From 2024 mini peak
    From pre-COVID levels
    Median  value
    Aotearoa New Zealand
    -0.1%
    -0.3%
    -4.3%
    -17.5%
    -4.5%
    16.3%
    $803,819
    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
    -0.1%
    -0.3%
    -6.5%
    -22.1%
    -6.5%
    8.5%
    $1,069,140
    Kirikiriroa Hamilton
    0.5%
    1.6%
    -1.6%
    -12.0%
    -1.7%
    20.0%
    $748,944
    Tauranga
    0.1%
    0.5%
    -3.6%
    -17.1%
    -3.8%
    21.1%
    $904,920
    Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
    -0.6%
    -1.7%
    -7.4%
    -25.1%
    -8.5%
    4.8%
    $790,007
    Ōtautahi Christchurch
    -0.1%
    -0.1%
    0.0%
    -6.8%
    -1.1%
    41.0%
    $661,721
    Ōtepoti Dunedin
    0.1%
    0.1%
    0.9%
    -10.8%
    -1.2%
    11.1%
    $611,677


    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

    Tamaki Makaurau Auckland’s sub-markets were a mixed bag in January, with North Shore recording a 0.3% rise, and Waitakere and Manukau flat (with Auckland City only down slightly, by -0.1%). However, in the more outlying areas the value patterns were weaker, with falls of between -0.3% and -0.5% in Papakura, Franklin, and Rodney.

    Over a slightly longer three-month horizon, there have been signs of growth in North Shore and Waitakere (0.8% and 0.7% respectively), although other parts of Auckland have remained more subdued.
    Mr Davidson commented: “It would appear that the downwards momentum across many parts of Auckland is slowing, and North Shore certainly looks to be a market worth keeping an eye on as a possible guide to where the rest of the city goes in the next few months.”

    “Even so, with buyers still having plenty of choice, not least because of the pipeline of new property still being completed in Auckland, it’s difficult to see a broad-based upturn kicking off anytime soon.”

     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From post-COVID peak
    From 2024 mini peak
    From pre-COVID levels
    Median value
    Rodney
    -0.5%
    -1.8%
    -7.0%
    -21.5%
    -7.1%
    14.3%
    $1,216,586
    Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
    0.3%
    0.8%
    -3.6%
    -18.0%
    -3.6%
    10.1%
    $1,291,965
    Waitakere
    0.0%
    0.7%
    -5.1%
    -23.8%
    -5.1%
    7.4%
    $942,671
    Auckland City
    -0.1%
    -0.8%
    -8.1%
    -23.1%
    -8.1%
    4.1%
    $1,131,326
    Manukau
    0.0%
    0.0%
    -6.4%
    -22.9%
    -6.4%
    12.1%
    $1,014,115
    Papakura
    -0.4%
    -0.9%
    -7.2%
    -23.4%
    -7.5%
    12.6%
    $815,455
    Franklin
    -0.3%
    -0.5%
    -5.8%
    -22.7%
    -5.8%
    16.3%
    $900,200

    Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

    The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area still stands out in terms of lingering property value weakness. Indeed, values dipped across the board in January, ranging from fairly modest declines in Kapiti Coast and Porirua, up to drops of 0.6% in Lower Hutt and 0.7% in Wellington City itself.

    As Mr Davidson noted: “Parts of the Wellington area may be showing signs of optimism, or at least less pessimism.”

    “But the latest data still shows that values in and around the Capital are generally facing continued downwards pressure, linked to the elevated level of listings available on the market, and presumably also the underlying concerns about public sector employment.”

     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From post-COVID peak
    From 2024 mini peak
    From pre-COVID levels
    Median value
    Kāpiti Coast
    -0.1%
    0.0%
    -4.5%
    -21.9%
    -6.7%
    13.5%
    $808,515
    Porirua
    -0.2%
    0.2%
    -3.7%
    -22.4%
    -4.7%
    11.0%
    $752,261
    Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
    -0.4%
    -1.4%
    -6.1%
    -24.2%
    -6.9%
    7.1%
    $708,418
    Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
    -0.6%
    -1.8%
    -6.7%
    -26.3%
    -8.1%
    6.7%
    $670,538
    Wellington City
    -0.7%
    -2.1%
    -8.6%
    -25.3%
    -9.8%
    2.4%
    $886,088

    Regional results

    The early signs of some modest gains in property values that had started to become evident around regional areas in November and December have continued into January. That being said, Gisborne did drop by -0.5%, and Palmerston North and Invercargill also edged lower in January. But seven of the other eight markets covered in this section were either flat or rose by up to 0.3%, with New Plymouth showing a more robust 0.9% increase.

    “It remains early in the process, but there are signs in a number of provincial areas that lower mortgage rates have brought the falls in property values to an end, and some modest growth might even have restarted in certain markets,” Mr Davidson said.

    “Again, there’s cause for caution about how strong or sudden an upturn in property values might be in 2025, especially with the unemployment rate still rising. But the first signs of growth nevertheless seem to be emerging.”

     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From post-COVID peak
    From 2024 mini peak
    From pre-COVID levels
    Median value
    Ahuriri Napier
    0.2%
    1.3%
    -3.6%
    -19.1%
    -3.6%
    14.5%
    $689,554
    Te Papaioea Palmerston North
    -0.2%
    -0.7%
    -3.4%
    -19.0%
    -3.8%
    15.1%
    $601,785
    Heretaunga Hastings
    0.1%
    -0.6%
    -4.9%
    -18.9%
    -4.9%
    22.0%
    $690,337
    Whangārei
    0.3%
    -0.2%
    -5.8%
    -20.8%
    -5.8%
    12.8%
    $719,145
    Whanganui
    0.1%
    -0.2%
    2.5%
    -13.3%
    -1.7%
    28.8%
    $486,074
    Rotorua
    0.0%
    -0.1%
    -0.4%
    -13.5%
    -1.5%
    22.5%
    $608,130
    Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Gisborne
    -0.5%
    -1.6%
    -7.8%
    -17.9%
    -8.5%
    23.7%
    $581,918
    Whakatū Nelson
    0.1%
    -0.3%
    1.7%
    -11.7%
    -0.3%
    15.6%
    $742,790
    Ngāmotu New Plymouth
    0.9%
    0.9%
    0.6%
    -1.0%
    -1.0%
    48.1%
    $703,040
    Waihōpai Invercargill
    -0.2%
    -0.5%
    2.5%
    -2.8%
    -0.5%
    27.7%
    $468,161
    Tāhuna Queenstown
    0.1%
    0.4%
    2.4%
    -5.1%
    -0.7%
    31.5%
    $1,631,244

    Property market outlook

    Looking ahead, Mr Davidson noted that the continued slowdown in net migration continues to dampen overall population growth and marginal demand for property, especially in the rental sector.
    He said that would likely weigh on investor sentiment in the near term.

    “Even so, the tax rules have become more favourable for mortgaged investors again, and of course lower interest rates are shrinking the top-ups from other income that are typically required to sustain rental property cashflows. Some extra demand from investors this year is firmly on the cards, although the debt to income ratio rules will be something this group may have to weigh up too.”

    “Other buyer groups will also tend to target property in a lower mortgage rate environment, and certainly conditions remain favourable for first home buyers too. A more liquid and faster-moving market may also help existing owner-occupiers to get their house sold and allow them to press ahead with the next purchase.”

    “All in all, 2025 looks set to be a stronger year for the property market than 2024, but the slowly emerging growth in values in some areas is not universal yet, and the upturn this year could well be more muted than in the past,” he concluded.

    For more property news and insights, visit www.corelogic.co.nz/news-research.

    Notes:

    The CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.

    The detailed ‘frequently asked questions’ and methodological information can be found at: https://www.corelogic.co.nz/our-data/hedonic-index

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tax policy proposal would boost NZ racing

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Racing Minister, Winston Peters has announced the Government is preparing public consultation on GST policy proposals which would make the New Zealand racing industry more competitive. 

    “The racing industry makes an important economic contribution. New Zealand thoroughbreds are in demand overseas as racehorses and for breeding. The domestic thoroughbred industry put nearly a billion dollars into the economy in 2022/23,” Mr Peters says. 

    Bloodstock breeders often join together in a joint venture when investing in a thoroughbred, helping with the initial purchase price and ongoing costs.

    Mr Peters says common practice amongst joint ventures including bloodstock breeders is to individually claim GST deductions in their own GST returns. Inland Revenue has however recently concluded that the current rules do not allow this.   

    “To comply with this, breeders would incur the compliance cost of registering and filing GST returns for each horse separately every month or every two months. The Government is proposing to take a pragmatic approach and avoid imposing compliance costs by allowing current practice. 

    “If this proposal proceeds, it will place the New Zealand industry on a more equal footing with the Australian industry,” Mr Peters said.

    The consultation document is expected to be published in the coming months on taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz.

    Mr Peters also congratulated New Zealand Bloodstock on the just completed 99th National Yearling Sales at Karaka, with combined sales of $86m.

    A highlight was the record $2.4m paid for a Savabeel-sired filly – the highest price ever paid for a filly sold in New Zealand. 

    “The sales show the New Zealand bloodstock industry is in good health and the industry presents major potential for growth both domestically and through international interest,” Mr Peters says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Latest climate target as useful as a screen door on a submarine – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace has slammed the Luxon Government for failing to protect future generations after releasing New Zealand’s latest climate target of a 1-5% additional reduction in emissions by 2035, saying it’s “about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.”
    Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson says, “This target is an absolute joke, yet the climate crisis is no laughing matter.”
    “Against the backdrop of Luxon’s war on nature, not only is this target too weak to protect our kids and grandkids from a disastrous future but there is no plan to achieve even the targets we already have.”
    Under the Paris Agreement on climate change, nations are required to submit a so-called nationally determined contribution (NDC) every four years. Each NDC must represent an increase in ambition on the last, which was submitted in 2021.
    “Every parent and grandparent wants to pass on a safe and stable world to our kids. That requires brave and visionary leadership, both of which Luxon is lacking,” says Larsson.
    “Luxon’s vision for New Zealand seems to be a landscape ripped open by coal mines, a coastline dotted with oil rigs and fields crammed with cows, knee deep in mud and effluent.”
    The Luxon Government controversially overturned the 2018 ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, despite advice from MFAT that this is likely to breach our recent free trade agreements with the EU and UK. Coal mines are included in the list for fast-tracking, overriding community will and environmental laws. Luxon has also exempted New Zealand’s most polluting industry – dairying – from paying for its emissions through the Emissions Trading Scheme.
    “Our country is doing worse on climate change than it was ten years ago,” says Larsson. “This is what happens when you let polluters write the policy.”
    Documents released to Greenpeace under the Official Information Act reveal the unprecedented influence of the meat and dairy industry over environmental policy in Luxon’s Government. Emails, texts and briefings show that Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ and Beef + Lamb NZ have used privileged access to Ministers to draft policy on freshwater and climate change, to advise on Government communications and to push central Government to instruct local councils to weaken their environmental policies.
    “The increasingly rampant wildfires, floods and cyclones we’re witnessing around us are a sign that our planet is sick. If governments won’t stand up to polluters to protect our kids and grandkids, as Luxon has shown he will not, then people will use the courts, protest and other means to save their children from climate disaster,” says Larsson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Tiwai Peninsula vegetation fire update #2

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are back on Tiwai Peninsula in Invercargill today, where the large vegetation fire has not grown further overnight.
    The fire grew to 1,200 hectares yesterday in hot, windy conditions but was contained by the end of the day.
    Incident Controller Hamish Angus says there will be 35 firefighters on site today, with support from five helicopters, the Department of Conservation and local forestry companies.
    “Our focus today is on knocking out those remaining hotspots,” he says.
    “We’re expecting winds to pick up over the next few days, so we want to make sure there’s nothing left here that could get the fire under way again.
    “It’s too early to say what caused the fire, but we will have fire investigators here today looking into that.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Fire restrictions eased in parts of Mid-South Canterbury

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has revoked the restrictions on lighting outdoor fires in the lower-lying areas of Mid-South Canterbury from 8am on Friday 31 January.
    Mid-South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands says that as fire danger has eased in these areas after recent rainfall, they are now back in an open fire season until further notice.
    In a restricted fire season, people need a permit from Fire and Emergency to light an outdoor fire.
    In an open season, permits are not needed, but people are asked to take reasonable precautions when lighting fires.
    “As well as the rain we’ve now had, the outlook for the next few weeks is cooler and damper, which means there’s less chance of a wildfire starting and spreading through vegetation,” Rob Hands says.
    The areas in Mid-South Canterbury which have moved to an open fire season include Cattle Creek, Waihaorunga, Waimate Coastal, Waimate, Timaru Coastal, Albury, Cannington, Clayton, Geraldine Plains, Mt Somers, Ashburton Plains, and Ashburton Coastal.
    The Mackenzie Basin and high country – including Rangitata and Rakaia Gorges, and Ashburton Lakes – remain in a restricted fire season, as those areas continue to be affected by hot, dry conditions.
    Rob Hands says people should not become careless with fires, just because the season has changed.
    “While rain has reduced the fire risk in the low-lying areas, people must take care to prevent unwanted fires getting started,” he says.
    “Even if you are in an open season, you should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to see if it’s safe to have an outdoor fire at your location.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: Spartan Capital Securities Serves as Sole Placement Agent in Virpax Pharmaceuticals’ $6 Million Follow-On Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Capital Securities, LLC, a leading full-service investment banking and financial advisory firm, is proud to announce its role as sole placement agent for Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) in the successful close of its $6 million follow-on offering.

    Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) is a preclinical-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel drug delivery systems for pain management and central nervous system disorders. The proceeds from the offering will enable Virpax to support the ongoing clinical trial development of Probudur, fund marketing and advertising efforts, for general corporate purposes, and to provide working capital.

    “We are pleased to support Virpax Pharmaceuticals in this offering and look forward to seeing the continued progress of their innovative drug delivery technologies,” said John Lowry, CEO of Spartan Capital Securities. “Spartan Capital remains committed to helping emerging biotech and pharmaceutical companies access the capital they need to advance groundbreaking solutions that address unmet medical needs.”

    Legal counsel for Virpax Pharmaceuticals was provided by Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP, with representation by Ross Carmel and Benjamin Sklar. Spartan Capital Securities was represented by Lucosky Brookman LLP, with Scott Linsky, Raymond Ressy, and Xiafan Cheng serving as counsel.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws.

    About Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRPX) is a preclinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel and proprietary drug delivery systems to address various pain indications and enhance compliance. The company’s innovative pipeline aims to advance non-opioid and non-addictive treatments for pain and central nervous system disorders, improving the quality of life for patients worldwide.

    About Spartan Capital Securities, LLC

    Spartan Capital Securities, LLC is a premier full-service investment banking firm offering a comprehensive range of advisory services to institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals. Known for its expertise in capital raising, strategic advisory, and asset management, Spartan Capital delivers tailored solutions to meet clients’ financial goals. For more information about Spartan Capital Securities, visit www.spartancapital.com.

    Contact:
    Spartan Capital Securities, LLC
    45 Broadway, 19th Floor
    New York, NY 10006
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  • MIL-OSI: Riverview Bancorp Reports Net Income of $1.2 Million in Third Fiscal Quarter 2025; Results Highlighted by Net Interest Margin Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq GSM: RVSB) (“Riverview” or the “Company”) today reported earnings of $1.2 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.6 million, or $0.07 per diluted share in the second fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, and $1.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the third fiscal quarter a year ago.

    In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net income was $3.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2024.

    “Riverview’s operating performance during the third fiscal quarter reflected steady improvements, with net interest margin expansion as a result of stabilizing funding costs and higher loan yields,” stated Nicole Sherman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “While loan payoffs impacted net loan growth during the third quarter, loan production outperformed the previous three quarters and newly funded loans are being boarded at higher rates than the legacy portfolio. Although we still have work to do, we remain focused on managing our balance sheet and improving our performance metrics and profitability in the remainder of fiscal year 2025.”

    Third Quarter Highlights (at or for the period ended December 31, 2024)

    • Net interest income increased to $9.4 million for the quarter, compared to $8.9 million in the preceding quarter and $9.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.60% for the quarter, a 14 basis point improvement compared to the preceding quarter and a 11 basis point improvement compared to the year ago quarter.
    • Riverview Trust Company assets under management increased to $872.6 million at December 31, 2024. Asset management fees continue to improve and increased to $1.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
    • Asset quality remained strong, with non-performing assets at $469,000, or 0.03% of total assets at December 31, 2024.
    • Riverview recorded no provision for credit losses during the current quarter, compared to a $100,000 provision in the preceding quarter and no provision in the year ago quarter.
    • Total loans were $1.05 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.06 billion at September 30, 2024, and $1.02 billion at December 31, 2023.
    • Total deposits were $1.22 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.24 billion at September 30, 2024 and $1.22 billion at December 31, 2023.
    • Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $6.20 at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.33 at September 30, 2024, and $6.21 at December 31, 2023.

    Income Statement Review
    Riverview’s net interest income was $9.4 million in the current quarter, compared to $8.9 million in the preceding quarter, and $9.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. The increase compared to the preceding quarter was driven by higher interest earning asset yields due to higher origination rates on new loan growth as well as loan repricing in addition to the recognition of a loan prepayment fee and related loan fees totaling $318,000. In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, net interest income was $27.2 million, compared to $29.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024. Investment income decreased compared to the nine month period a year ago due to the strategic investment restructuring that was executed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

    Riverview’s NIM was 2.60% for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, a 14 basis point increase compared to 2.46% in the preceding quarter and a 11 basis-point increase compared to 2.49% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. “As anticipated, NIM improved during the quarter, as higher yields in interest earning assets offset the modest increase in deposit costs,” said David Lam, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. “With the recent Fed rate reductions, we anticipate deposit costs to further stabilize in future quarters. Additionally, the rate cuts reduced the interest expense on borrowings, which also benefitted NIM during the current quarter.” In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, the net interest margin was 2.51% compared to 2.64% in the same period a year earlier.

    Investment securities decreased $17.8 million during the quarter to $337.2 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $354.9 million at September 30, 2024, and decreased $92.0 million compared to $429.1 million at December 31, 2023. The average securities balances for the quarters ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, were $364.2 million, $378.4 million, and $458.0 million, respectively. The weighted average yields on securities balances for those same periods were 1.82%, 2.05%, and 2.01%, respectively. The duration of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2024 was approximately 5.3 years. The anticipated investment cashflows over the next twelve months is approximately $42.8 million. There were no investment purchases during the third fiscal quarter of 2025.

    Riverview’s yield on loans improved to 4.97% during the third fiscal quarter, compared to 4.80% in the preceding quarter, and 4.56% in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. “Loan yields improved during the current quarter as a result of higher rates on new loan originations and higher rates on existing loans that have come up for repricing, when compared to the existing loan portfolio. We continue to explore opportunities to enhance our loan yield by expanding our commercial business portfolio offerings to include more variable rate loan structures,” said Mike Sventek, EVP and Chief Lending Officer. Deposit costs increased to 1.32% during the third fiscal quarter compared to 1.26% in the preceding quarter, and 0.68% in the third fiscal quarter a year ago due to clients seeking higher deposit yields. The increase from clients seeking higher deposit yields was less impactful quarter over quarter compared to the increase from the third fiscal quarter a year ago given the relative change in the interest rate environment during those respective periods.

    Non-interest income was $3.3 million during the third fiscal quarter of 2025 compared to $3.8 million in the preceding quarter and $3.1 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2024. The preceding quarter included approximately $525,000 in income related to a legal expense recovery from the prior year. In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, non-interest income increased to $10.5 million compared to $9.7 million in the same period a year ago.

    Asset management fees were $1.4 million during the third fiscal quarter and the second fiscal quarter, and $1.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Asset management fees increased compared to the year ago quarter due to new client relationships and the continued positive market performance in the equity markets during the third quarter. Riverview Trust Company’s assets under management were $872.6 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $871.6 million at September 30, 2024, and $942.4 million at December 31, 2023.

    Non-interest expense was $11.2 million during the third fiscal quarter, compared to $10.7 million in the preceding quarter and $10.6 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Salary and employee benefits, the largest component of non-interest expense, remained flat during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter. Professional fees increased during the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter due to higher consulting costs. Additionally, non-interest expense for preceding quarter included a fraud loss recovery. The efficiency ratio was 87.6% for the third fiscal quarter, compared to 83.7% for the previous quarter and 85.2% in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Year-to-date, non-interest expense was $32.8 million compared to $30.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024.

    Riverview’s effective tax rate for the third fiscal quarter of 2025 was 21.8%, compared to 21.4% for the preceding quarter and 20.6% for the year ago quarter.

    Balance Sheet Review
    While loan production increased during the third quarter, total loans decreased primarily due to two large loan payoffs. Total loans decreased $15.9 million during the quarter to $1.05 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.06 billion three months earlier and increased $26.9 million compared to $1.02 billion a year earlier. Riverview’s loan pipeline was $49.1 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $43.5 million at the end of the preceding quarter. New loan originations during the quarter were $31.1 million, compared to $25.6 million in the preceding quarter and $51.3 million in the third fiscal quarter a year ago. Since December 31, 2024, the loan pipeline has increased to $64.2 million.

    Undisbursed construction loans totaled $19.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $34.1 million at September 30, 2024, with the majority of the undisbursed construction loans expected to be funded over the next several quarters. The decrease was due to one large construction project being completed during the quarter and moving out of the construction category to a permanent loan category, before being paid off. Undisbursed homeowner association loans for the purpose of common area maintenance and repairs totaled $14.5 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $11.1 million at September 30, 2024. Revolving commercial business loan commitments totaled $46.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $48.4 million at September 30, 2024. Utilization on these loans totaled 17.60% at December 31, 2024, compared to 23.88% at September 30, 2024. The weighted average rate on loan originations during the quarter was 7.04% compared to 7.65% in the preceding quarter.

    The office building loan portfolio totaled $113.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $112.4 million at September 30, 2024. The average loan balance of the office building loan portfolio was $1.5 million with an average loan-to-value ratio of 53.8% and an average debt service coverage ratio of 1.99x. Office building loans within the Portland core consists of three loans totaling $20.6 million which is approximately 18.2% of the total office building loan portfolio or 2.0% of total loans.

    Non-interest checking and interest checking accounts, as a percentage of total deposits, totaled 46.8% at December 31, 2024, compared to 49.2% at September 30, 2024, and 51.1% at December 31, 2023. The decrease in non-interest checking account balances during the quarter was in part due to seasonal client calendar year-end activity for payments and distributions. As in prior quarters, money market balances and CDs increased during the quarter as we are still seeing a subset of clients still looking for higher yields. Total deposits decreased $18.5 million during the quarter to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.24 billion at September 30, 2024, and were unchanged compared to a year ago. Riverview Bank had moved customer deposits to Riverview Trust as a higher yielding deposit alternative and those assets were all retained within the Company during the period of increasing interest rates and the Company has the ability to move or reciprocate these deposits back to the Bank if the need arises.

    FHLB advances decreased $18.1 million during the quarter to $84.2 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $102.3 million at September 30, 2024. FHLB advances decreased during the quarter as a result of the decrease in investment securities and loans receivable balances with the proceeds from both used to pay down borrowings.

    Shareholders’ equity was $158.3 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $160.8 million three months earlier and $158.5 million one year earlier. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) was $6.20 at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.33 at September 30, 2024, and $6.21 at December 31, 2023. Riverview paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share on January 14, 2025, to shareholders of record on January 2, 2025.

    Credit Quality
    “Asset quality metrics continue to remain very stable, as we continue to diligently monitor our loan portfolio closely for any signs of stress,” said Robert Benke, EVP and Chief Credit Officer. Non-performing loans, excluding SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans (“government guaranteed loans”) (non-GAAP) totaled $168,000 or 0.02% of total loans as of December 31, 2024, compared to $149,000, or 0.01% of total loans at September 30, 2024, and $186,000, or 0.02% of total loans at December 31, 2023. There was one non-performing government guaranteed loan totaling $301,000 at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024. At December 31, 2024, including government guaranteed loans, non-performing assets were $469,000, or 0.03% of total assets.

    Riverview recorded $114,000 in net loan charge-offs for the current quarter. This compared to $2,000 in net loan recoveries for the preceding quarter. Riverview recorded no provision for credit losses for the current quarter, compared to $100,000 in provision for credit losses for the preceding quarter.

    Classified assets were $225,000 at December 31, 2024, compared to $326,000 at September 30, 2024, and $215,000 at December 31, 2023. The classified assets to total capital ratio was 0.1% at December 31, 2024, compared to 0.2% at September 30, 2024, and 0.1% a year earlier. Criticized assets were $50.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $50.7 million at September 30, 2024, and $37.2 million at December 31, 2023. Criticized assets remained stable during the current quarter compared to the prior quarter. The increase compared to a year ago was primarily due to one relationship that was moved to the criticized asset category during the preceding quarter as the loans goes through probate. The Company does not anticipate any loss from this relationship.

    The allowance for credit losses was $15.4 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $15.5 million at September 30, 2024, and $15.4 million at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses represented 1.47% of total loans at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.46% at September 30, 2024, and 1.51% a year earlier. The allowance for credit losses to loans, net of government guaranteed loans (non-GAAP), was 1.54% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.53% at September 30, 2024, and 1.59% a year earlier.

    Capital/Liquidity
    Riverview continues to maintain capital levels well in excess of the regulatory requirements to be categorized as “well capitalized” with a total risk-based capital ratio of 16.47% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 10.86% at December 31, 2024. Tangible common equity to average tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP) was 8.84% at December 31, 2024.

    Riverview has approximately $450.1 million in available liquidity at December 31, 2024, including $164.4 million of borrowing capacity from the FHLB and $285.7 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”). At December 31, 2024, the Bank had $84.2 million in outstanding FHLB borrowings.

    At December 31, 2024, the uninsured deposit ratio was 23.8%. Available liquidity under the FRB borrowing line would cover nearly 100% of the estimated uninsured deposits and available liquidity under both the FHLB and FRB borrowing lines would cover 155% of the estimated uninsured deposits.

    On September 25, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program. Under this repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to $2.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions. Once the repurchase program is effective, the repurchase program will continue until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or 12 months after the effective date, depending upon market conditions. During the third quarter, the Company repurchased 200,073 shares of common stock at an average price of $5.43.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in Riverview’s core operations reflected in the current quarter’s results and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below.

    Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share:
                         
    (Dollars in thousands)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      March 31,
    2024
       
                         
    Shareholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 158,270     $ 160,774     $ 158,472     $ 155,588      
    Exclude: Goodwill     (27,076 )     (27,076 )     (27,076 )     (27,076 )    
    Exclude: Core deposit intangible, net     (196 )     (221 )     (298 )     (271 )    
    Tangible shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)   $ 130,998     $ 133,477     $ 131,098     $ 128,241      
                         
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 1,508,609     $ 1,548,397     $ 1,590,623     $ 1,521,529      
    Exclude: Goodwill     (27,076 )     (27,076 )     (27,076 )     (27,076 )    
    Exclude: Core deposit intangible, net     (196 )     (221 )     (298 )     (271 )    
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 1,481,337     $ 1,521,100     $ 1,563,249     $ 1,494,182      
                         
    Shareholders’ equity to total assets (GAAP)     10.49 %     10.38 %     9.96 %     10.23 %    
                         
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)     8.84 %     8.78 %     8.39 %     8.58 %    
                         
    Shares outstanding     21,134,758       21,096,968       21,111,043       21,111,043      
                         
    Book value per share (GAAP)   $ 7.49     $ 7.62     $ 7.51     $ 7.37      
                         
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)   $ 6.20     $ 6.33     $ 6.21     $ 6.07      
                         
                         
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income                    
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   December 31,
    2024
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
                         
    Net income (GAAP)   $ 1,232     $ 1,557     $ 1,452     $ 3,755     $ 6,767  
    Include: Provision for income taxes     343       425       377       1,021       1,897  
    Include: Provision for credit losses           100             100        
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income (non-GAAP)   $ 1,575     $ 2,082     $ 1,829     $ 4,876     $ 8,664  
    Allowance for credit losses reconciliation, excluding Government Guaranteed loans
                     
    (Dollars in thousands)   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   March 31, 2024
                     
    Allowance for credit losses   $ 15,352     $ 15,466     $ 15,361     $ 15,364  
                     
    Loans receivable (GAAP)   $ 1,045,109     $ 1,060,977     $ 1,018,199     $ 1,024,013  
    Exclude: Government Guaranteed loans     (49,024 )     (49,983 )     (51,809 )     (51,013 )
    Loans receivable excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP)   $ 996,085     $ 1,010,994     $ 966,390     $ 973,000  
                     
    Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable (GAAP)     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.51 %     1.50 %
                     
    Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP)     1.54 %     1.53 %     1.59 %     1.58 %
                     
                     
    Non-performing loans reconciliation, excluding Government Guaranteed Loans
                     
        Three Months Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands)   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023    
                     
    Non-performing loans (GAAP)   $ 469     $ 450     $ 186      
    Less: Non-performing Government Guaranteed loans     (301 )     (301 )          
    Adjusted non-performing loans excluding Government Guaranteed loans (non-GAAP)   $ 168     $ 149     $ 186      
                     
    Non-performing loans to total loans (GAAP)     0.04 %     0.04 %     0.02 %    
                     
    Non-performing loans, excluding Government Guaranteed loans to total loans (non-GAAP)     0.02 %     0.01 %     0.02 %    
                     
    Non-performing loans to total assets (GAAP)     0.03 %     0.03 %     0.01 %    
                     
    Non-performing loans, excluding Government Guaranteed loans to total assets (non-GAAP)     0.01 %     0.01 %     0.01 %    


    About Riverview
    Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (www.riverviewbank.com) is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland, Oregon, on the I-5 corridor. With assets of $1.51 billion at December 31, 2024, it is the parent company of Riverview Bank, as well as Riverview Trust Company. The Bank offers true community banking services, focusing on providing the highest quality service and financial products to commercial, business and retail clients through 17 branches, including 13 in the Portland-Vancouver area, and 3 lending centers. For the past 11 years, Riverview has been named Best Bank by the readers of The Vancouver Business Journal and The Columbian.

    “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements which include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions, future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: potential 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 potential recession, the failure of the U.S. Congress to increase the debt ceiling, or slowed economic growth caused by increasing political instability from acts of war including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as supply chain disruptions, recent bank failures and any governmental or societal responses thereto; the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in the Company’s allowance for credit losses and provision for credit losses that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long-term interest rates, deposit interest rates, the Company’s net interest margin and funding sources; the transition away from London Interbank Offered Rate toward new interest rate benchmarks; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes, land and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in the Company’s market areas; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to originate loans for sale and sell loans in the secondary market; results of examinations of the Bank by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks, and of the Company by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require the Company to increase its allowance for credit losses, write-down assets, reclassify its assets, change the Bank’s regulatory capital position or affect the Company’s ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business including changes in banking, securities and tax law, and in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits; the unexpected outflow of uninsured deposits that may require us to sell investment securities at a loss; the Company’s ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of the Company’s assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risks associated with the loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect the Company’s workforce and potential associated charges; 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; the Company’s ability to retain key members of its senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel it may acquire into its operations and the Company’s ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames; future goodwill impairment due to changes in Riverview’s business, changes in market conditions, or other factors; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock; the quality and composition of our securities portfolio and the impact of and adverse changes in the securities markets, including market liquidity; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting standards; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, products and services, and the other risks described from time to time in our reports filed with and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to the Company. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements included in this report or the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information or 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 fiscal 2025 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations as well as its stock price performance.

     
    RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY       
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   March 31, 2024
    ASSETS              
                   
    Cash (including interest-earning accounts of $12,573, $12,453, $23,717 and $12,164) $ 25,348     $ 30,960     $ 37,553     $ 23,642  
    Investment securities:              
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value   124,874       132,953       196,461       143,196  
    Held to maturity, at amortized cost   212,295       221,991       232,659       229,510  
    Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $15,352, $15,466, $15,361, and $15,364)   1,029,757       1,045,511       1,002,838       1,008,649  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   12,945       13,585       14,486       14,469  
    Accrued interest receivable   4,639       4,570       5,248       4,415  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   4,742       5,557       8,026       4,927  
    Premises and equipment, net   22,731       22,956       22,270       21,718  
    Financing lease right-of-use assets   1,144       1,163       1,221       1,202  
    Deferred income taxes, net   9,471       8,688       10,033       9,778  
    Goodwill   27,076       27,076       27,076       27,076  
    Core deposit intangible, net   196       221       298       271  
    Bank owned life insurance   33,391       33,166       32,454       32,676  
                   
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,508,609     $ 1,548,397     $ 1,590,623     $ 1,521,529  
                   
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
                   
    LIABILITIES:              
    Deposits $ 1,219,002     $ 1,237,499     $ 1,218,892     $ 1,231,679  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   17,634       17,789       26,740       16,205  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance   317       848       299       581  
    Junior subordinated debentures   27,069       27,048       26,982       27,004  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   84,200       102,304       157,054       88,304  
    Finance lease liability   2,117       2,135       2,184       2,168  
    Total liabilities   1,350,339       1,387,623       1,432,151       1,365,941  
                   
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:              
    Serial preferred stock, $.01 par value; 250,000 authorized, issued and outstanding, none                      
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 authorized,              
    December 31, 2024 – 21,134,758 issued and outstanding;              
    September 30, 2024 – 21,096,968 issued and outstanding;   209       211       211       211  
    December 31, 2023 – 21,111,043 issued and outstanding;              
    March 31, 2024 – 21,111,043 issued and outstanding;              
    Additional paid-in capital   54,227       55,057       54,982       55,005  
    Retained earnings   118,988       118,179       120,734       116,499  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (15,154 )     (12,673 )     (17,455 )     (16,127 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   158,270       160,774       158,472       155,588  
                   
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,508,609     $ 1,548,397     $ 1,590,623     $ 1,521,529  
                   
    RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    Consolidated Statements of Income
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (In thousands, except share data) (Unaudited) Dec. 31, 2024 Sept. 30, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024 Dec. 31, 2023
    INTEREST INCOME:            
    Interest and fees on loans receivable $ 13,201   $ 12,683   $ 11,645     $ 37,936   $ 34,288  
    Interest on investment securities – taxable   1,589     1,874     2,231       5,435     6,826  
    Interest on investment securities – nontaxable   65     65     65       195     196  
    Other interest and dividends   272     320     331       902     954  
    Total interest and dividend income   15,127     14,942     14,272       44,468     42,264  
                 
    INTEREST EXPENSE:            
    Interest on deposits   4,101     3,855     2,059       11,403     5,264  
    Interest on borrowings   1,638     2,145     2,889       5,914     7,466  
    Total interest expense   5,739     6,000     4,948       17,317     12,730  
    Net interest income   9,388     8,942     9,324       27,151     29,534  
    Provision for credit losses       100           100      
                 
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   9,388     8,842     9,324       27,051     29,534  
                 
    NON-INTEREST INCOME:            
    Fees and service charges   1,492     1,524     1,533       4,556     4,871  
    Asset management fees   1,443     1,433     1,266       4,434     3,920  
    Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)   225     279     211       715     669  
    Other, net   181     605     46       844     288  
    Total non-interest income, net   3,341     3,841     3,056       10,549     9,748  
                 
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:            
    Salaries and employee benefits   6,471     6,477     6,091       19,336     17,979  
    Occupancy and depreciation   1,871     1,921     1,698       5,687     4,930  
    Data processing   743     695     712       2,202     2,096  
    Amortization of core deposit intangible   25     25     27       75     81  
    Advertising and marketing   317     367     282       994     950  
    FDIC insurance premium   174     166     178       518     530  
    State and local taxes   327     234     355       777     814  
    Telecommunications   54     52     56       153     161  
    Professional fees   429     304     353       1,223     961  
    Other   743     460     799       1,859     2,116  
    Total non-interest expense   11,154     10,701     10,551       32,824     30,618  
                 
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   1,575     1,982     1,829       4,776     8,664  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES   343     425     377       1,021     1,897  
    NET INCOME $ 1,232   $ 1,557   $ 1,452     $ 3,755   $ 6,767  
                 
    Earnings per common share:            
    Basic $ 0.06   $ 0.07   $ 0.07     $ 0.18   $ 0.32  
    Diluted $ 0.06   $ 0.07   $ 0.07     $ 0.18   $ 0.32  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:            
    Basic   21,037,246     21,097,580     21,113,464       21,081,851     21,146,888  
    Diluted   21,037,246     21,097,580     21,113,464       21,081,851     21,148,679  
                 
    (Dollars in thousands)   At or for the three months ended   At or for the nine months ended
        Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023
    AVERAGE BALANCES                    
    Average interest–earning assets   $ 1,436,130     $ 1,446,098     $ 1,494,341     $ 1,439,834     $ 1,494,443  
    Average interest-bearing liabilities     1,019,265       1,011,688       1,028,817       1,010,419       1,021,532  
    Net average earning assets     416,865       434,410       465,524       429,415       472,911  
    Average loans     1,053,342       1,048,536       1,015,741       1,043,274       1,008,429  
    Average deposits     1,232,450       1,216,769       1,209,524       1,220,443       1,235,032  
    Average equity     160,532       158,428       153,901       158,179       155,264  
    Average tangible equity (non-GAAP)     133,245       131,116       126,511       130,867       127,847  
                         
                         
    ASSET QUALITY   Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023        
                         
    Non-performing loans   $ 469     $ 450     $ 186          
    Non-performing loans excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)     168       149       186          
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.04 %     0.04 %     0.02 %        
    Non-performing loans to total loans excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)     0.02 %     0.01 %     0.02 %        
    Real estate/repossessed assets owned   $     $     $          
    Non-performing assets   $ 469     $ 450     $ 186          
    Non-performing assets excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)     168       149       186          
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.03 %     0.03 %     0.01 %        
    Non-performing assets to total assets excluding SBA Government Guarantee (non-GAAP)     0.01 %     0.01 %     0.01 %        
    Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) in the quarter   $ 114     $ (2 )   $ (15 )        
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) in the quarter/average net loans     0.04 %     0.00 %     (0.01 )%        
                         
    Allowance for credit losses   $ 15,352     $ 15,466     $ 15,361          
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities     140.90 %     142.94 %     145.25 %        
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans     3273.35 %     3436.89 %     8258.60 %        
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.47 %     1.46 %     1.51 %        
    Shareholders’ equity to assets     10.49 %     10.38 %     9.96 %        
                         
                         
    CAPITAL RATIOS                    
    Total capital (to risk weighted assets)     16.47 %     16.14 %     16.67 %        
    Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)     15.21 %     14.88 %     15.42 %        
    Common equity tier 1 (to risk weighted assets)     15.21 %     14.88 %     15.42 %        
    Tier 1 capital (to average tangible assets)     10.86 %     10.72 %     10.53 %        
    Tangible common equity (to average tangible assets) (non-GAAP)     8.84 %     8.78 %     8.39 %        
                         
                         
    DEPOSIT MIX   Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   March 31, 2024    
                         
    Interest checking   $ 257,975     $ 267,254     $ 272,019     $ 289,824      
    Regular savings     169,181       172,454       199,911       192,638      
    Money market deposit accounts     236,912       227,505       225,727       209,164      
    Non-interest checking     312,839       341,116       350,744       349,081      
    Certificates of deposit     242,095       229,170       170,491       190,972      
    Total deposits   $ 1,219,002     $ 1,237,499     $ 1,218,892     $ 1,231,679      
                         
    COMPOSITION OF COMMERCIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LOANS        
            Other       Commercial
        Commercial   Real Estate   Real Estate   & Construction
        Business   Mortgage   Construction   Total
    December 31, 2024   (Dollars in thousands)
    Commercial business   $ 224,506     $     $     $ 224,506  
    Commercial construction                 32,442       32,442  
    Office buildings           113,350             113,350  
    Warehouse/industrial           108,356             108,356  
    Retail/shopping centers/strip malls           89,871             89,871  
    Assisted living facilities           363             363  
    Single purpose facilities           262,556             262,556  
    Land           4,062             4,062  
    Multi-family           78,822             78,822  
    One-to-four family construction                 17,514       17,514  
    Total   $ 224,506     $ 657,380     $ 49,956     $ 931,842  
                     
    March 31, 2024                
    Commercial business   $ 229,404     $     $     $ 229,404  
    Commercial construction                 20,388       20,388  
    Office buildings           114,714             114,714  
    Warehouse/industrial           106,649             106,649  
    Retail/shopping centers/strip malls           89,448             89,448  
    Assisted living facilities           378             378  
    Single purpose facilities           272,312             272,312  
    Land           5,693             5,693  
    Multi-family           70,771             70,771  
    One-to-four family construction                 16,150       16,150  
    Total   $ 229,404     $ 659,965     $ 36,538     $ 925,907  
                     
                     
    LOAN MIX   Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   March 31, 2024
    Commercial and construction   (Dollars in thousands)
    Commercial business   $ 224,506     $ 236,895     $ 229,249     $ 229,404  
    Other real estate mortgage     657,380       659,439       648,782       659,965  
    Real estate construction     49,956       51,498       42,167       36,538  
    Total commercial and construction     931,842       947,832       920,198       925,907  
    Consumer                
    Real estate one-to-four family     97,760       96,911       96,266       96,366  
    Other installment     15,507       16,234       1,735       1,740  
    Total consumer     113,267       113,145       98,001       98,106  
                     
    Total loans     1,045,109       1,060,977       1,018,199       1,024,013  
                     
    Less:                
    Allowance for credit losses     15,352       15,466       15,361       15,364  
    Loans receivable, net   $ 1,029,757     $ 1,045,511     $ 1,002,838     $ 1,008,649  
                     
                     
    DETAIL OF NON-PERFORMING ASSETS              
        Southwest            
        Washington   Other   Total    
    December 31, 2024   (Dollars in thousands)    
    Commercial business   $ 43     $     $ 43      
    Commercial real estate     93             93      
    Consumer     32             32      
    Government Guaranteed Loans           301       301      
    Total non-performing assets   $ 168     $ 301     $ 469      
                     
                    At or for the three months ended   At or for the nine months ended
    SELECTED OPERATING DATA Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Dec. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023
                       
    Efficiency ratio (4)   87.63 %     83.71 %     85.23 %     87.07 %     77.94 %
    Coverage ratio (6)   84.17 %     83.56 %     88.37 %     82.72 %     96.46 %
    Return on average assets (1)   0.32 %     0.40 %     0.37 %     0.33 %     0.57 %
    Return on average equity (1)   3.04 %     3.90 %     3.75 %     3.15 %     5.80 %
    Return on average tangible equity (1) (non-GAAP)   3.67 %     4.71 %     4.57 %     3.81 %     7.04 %
                       
    NET INTEREST SPREAD                  
    Yield on loans   4.97 %     4.80 %     4.56 %     4.83 %     4.53 %
    Yield on investment securities   1.82 %     2.05 %     2.01 %     2.00 %     2.02 %
    Total yield on interest-earning assets   4.18 %     4.11 %     3.81 %     4.10 %     3.77 %
                       
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   1.81 %     1.76 %     0.98 %     1.73 %     0.82 %
    Cost of FHLB advances and other borrowings   5.43 %     5.92 %     5.83 %     5.83 %     5.77 %
    Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities   2.23 %     2.35 %     1.91 %     2.27 %     1.66 %
                       
    Spread (7)   1.95 %     1.76 %     1.90 %     1.83 %     2.11 %
    Net interest margin   2.60 %     2.46 %     2.49 %     2.51 %     2.64 %
                       
    PER SHARE DATA                  
    Basic earnings per share (2) $ 0.06     $ 0.07     $ 0.07     $ 0.18     $ 0.32  
    Diluted earnings per share (3)   0.06       0.07       0.07       0.18       0.32  
    Book value per share (5)   7.49       7.62       7.51       7.49       7.51  
    Tangible book value per share (5) (non-GAAP)   6.20       6.33       6.21       6.20       6.21  
    Market price per share:                  
    High for the period $ 5.88     $ 4.72     $ 6.48     $ 5.88     $ 6.48  
    Low for the period   4.59       3.79       5.35       3.64       4.17  
    Close for period end   5.74       4.71       6.40       5.74       6.40  
    Cash dividends declared per share   0.0200       0.0200       0.0600       0.0600       0.1800  
                       
    Average number of shares outstanding:                  
    Basic (2)   21,037,246       21,097,580       21,113,464       21,081,851       21,146,888  
    Diluted (3)   21,037,246       21,097,580       21,113,464       21,081,851       21,148,679  
                       

    (1)      Amounts for the periods shown are annualized.
    (2)      Amounts exclude ESOP shares not committed to be released.
    (3)      Amounts exclude ESOP shares not committed to be released and include common stock equivalents.
    (4)      Non-interest expense divided by net interest income and non-interest income.
    (5)      Amounts calculated based on shareholders’ equity and include ESOP shares not committed to be released.
    (6)      Net interest income divided by non-interest expense.
    (7)      Yield on interest-earning assets less cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities.

    Contact: Nicole Sherman, President & CEO
    David Lam, CFO 
    Dan Cox, COO
    360-693-6650

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Evolution Petroleum Schedules Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EPM) (“Evolution” or the “Company”) today announced that it plans to release its fiscal second quarter 2025 financial and operating results on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after the market closes. Additionally, Kelly Loyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Stash, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, and Mark Bunch, Chief Operating Officer, will review the results on a conference call at 10:00 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

    Conference Call and Webcast Details

    Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
    Time: 10:00 a.m. Central Time
    Dial-In: (844) 481-2813
    International Dial-In: (412) 317-0677
    Note: Dial-in participants should ask to join the Evolution Petroleum Corporation call.
    Webcast: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=HS7VesBT

    A webcast replay will be available through February 12, 2026, via the webcast link above and on Evolution’s website at www.ir.evolutionpetroleum.com.

    About Evolution Petroleum

    Evolution Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company focused on maximizing total shareholder returns through the ownership of and investment in onshore oil and natural gas properties in the U.S. The Company aims to build and maintain a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties through acquisitions, selective development opportunities, production enhancements, and other exploitation efforts. Properties include non-operated interests in the following areas: the SCOOP/STACK plays of the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma; the Chaveroo Oilfield located in Chaves and Roosevelt Counties, New Mexico; the Jonah Field in Sublette County, Wyoming; the Williston Basin in North Dakota; the Barnett Shale located in North Texas; the Hamilton Dome Field located in Hot Springs County, Wyoming; the Delhi Holt-Bryant Unit in the Delhi Field in Northeast Louisiana; as well as small overriding royalty interests in four onshore Texas wells. Visit www.evolutionpetroleum.com for more information.

    Contact
    Investor Relations
    (713) 935-0122
    ir@evolutionpetroleum.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BayFirst Financial Corp. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BayFirst Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: BAFN) (“BayFirst” or the “Company”), parent company of BayFirst National Bank (the “Bank”) today reported net income of $9.8 million, or $2.27 per common share, or $2.11 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 759.8% compared to $1.1 million, or $0.18 per common share and diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2024. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $12.6 million, or $2.68 per common share, or $2.62 per diluted common share, compared to $5.7 million, or $1.16 per common share, or $1.12 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    “We reported strong fourth quarter 2024 results, highlighted by quarterly net interest margin expansion and improved operating efficiencies,” stated Thomas G. Zernick, Chief Executive Officer. “Net income increased substantially compared to the preceding quarter, led by increases in net interest income, higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans, and a gain on sale of two branch office properties, which was part of a sale-leaseback transaction. It’s worth noting that we continue to lease these two branch offices, resulting in no impact to our existing branch network. As a result of this transaction, we recorded an after-tax gain on sale of the properties of $8.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2024.”

    “The strength of our community bank business model, which includes serving individuals, families, and small businesses, coupled with results from our government guaranteed banking division, continues to fuel our operating results,” Zernick continued. “Our government guaranteed banking team had a solid quarter, producing $107.8 million in new government guaranteed loans, which was an improvement compared to the third quarter of 2024. Our lenders remain focused on meeting loan origination targets, while also adhering to prudently conservative credit quality metrics.

    “One of the highlights of the full year 2024 was the $1.1 million reduction in noninterest expenses compared to 2023. When we completed our near-term branch expansion plans in early 2024, we focused on reducing operating expenses by leveraging technology investments to better manage headcount and related incentive compensation, while at the same time growing the franchise. As we look to the new year, we will continue initiatives that are designed to further increase our efficiency, lower costs, and maximize the investments we’ve already made in technology and in our banking centers. While we are pleased with the progress during the fourth quarter and the year, we are excited to continue our forward momentum and further boost our results in 2025,” said Zernick.

    “Additionally, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program on January 28, 2025. We believe our stock offers an attractive investment and repurchasing stock is a means for building long-term shareholder value,” said Zernick. “We are confident about the growth of our Company, and we believe that when our shares are undervalued, repurchases represent a value-enhancing deployment of capital.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Performance Review

    • In December 2024, the Company entered into a sale-leaseback agreement for two branch office properties for an aggregate cash purchase price of $15.0 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of the properties of $11.6 million.
    • The Company’s government guaranteed loan team originated $107.8 million in new loans during the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from $94.4 million of loans produced in the previous quarter, and a decrease from $144.9 million of loans produced during the fourth quarter of 2023. Since the launch in 2022 of the Company’s Bolt loan program, an SBA 7(a) loan product designed to expeditiously provide working capital loans of $150 thousand or less, the Company has originated 5,726 Bolt loans totaling $741.5 million, of which 495 Bolt loans totaling $64.8 million were originated during the fourth quarter. No newly originated government guaranteed loans were measured at fair value during the fourth quarter of 2024 versus $34 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Loans held for investment increased by $24.1 million, or 2.3%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.07 billion and increased $150.8 million, or 16.5%, over the past year. During the quarter, the Company originated $158.7 million of loans and sold $94.5 million of government guaranteed loan balances.
    • Deposits increased $31.0 million, or 2.8%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and increased $158.1 million, or 16.0%, over the past year to $1.14 billion.
    • Book value and tangible book value at December 31, 2024 were $22.95 per common share, an increase from $20.86 at September 30, 2024.
    • Net interest margin increased by 26 basis points to 3.60% in the fourth quarter of 2024, from 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024 and 12 basis points from 3.48%in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Results of Operations

    Net Income

    Net income was $9.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 from the preceding quarter was primarily the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, which was part of a sale-leaseback transaction. Also contributing to higher earnings was an increase in net interest income of $1.2 million, an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $2.3 million, and a decrease in noninterest expense of $1.7 million, partially offset by an increase in provision for credit losses of $1.4 million, a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $3.5 million, and an increase in income tax expense on continuing operations of $2.9 million. The decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans was the result of not measuring any newly originated government guaranteed loans at fair value in the fourth quarter. The increase in net income from the fourth quarter of 2023 was due to the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, an increase in net interest income of $1.8 million, an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $1.4 million, and lower noninterest expense of $3.1 million. This was partially offset by an increase in provision for credit losses of $1.8 million, a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $4.8 million, and an increase in income tax expense on continuing operations of $2.6 million.

    For the year ended December 31, 2024, net income was $12.6 million, an increase from $5.7 million from the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, an increase in net interest income of $1.6 million, higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $3.7 million, and lower noninterest expense of $0.9 million, partially offset by higher provision for credit losses of $4.3 million, a decrease in government guaranteed fair value gains of $5.9 million and higher income tax expense on continuing operations of $2.2 million.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income from continuing operations was $10.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase from $9.4 million during the third quarter of 2024, and an increase from $8.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The net interest margin increased by 26 basis points to 3.60% in the fourth quarter of 2024, from 3.34% in the third quarter of 2024 and 12 basis points from 3.48%in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    The increase in net interest income from continuing operations during the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2024, was mainly due to a decrease in interest cost on deposits of $1.0 million.

    The increase in net interest income from continuing operations during the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the year ago quarter, was mainly due to an increase in loan interest income, including fees, of $3.0 million, partially offset by higher interest expense on deposits of $0.9 million.

    Net interest income from continuing operations was $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase from $36.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to an increase in loan interest income, including fees, of $15.6 million, partially offset by an increase in interest expense on deposits of $12.1 million.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income from continuing operations was $22.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, which was an increase from $12.3 million in the third quarter of 2024 and an increase from $14.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2024, was primarily the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million, which was part of a sale-leaseback transaction, and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $2.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in government guaranteed loan fair value gains of $3.5 million. The decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans was the result of not measuring any newly originated government guaranteed loans at fair value in the fourth quarter. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, was the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $1.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans of $4.8 million.

    Noninterest income from continuing operations was $60.5 million for the year ended 2024, which was an increase from $49.8 million for the year ended 2023. The increase was primarily the result of the pre-tax gain on sale of two branch office properties of $11.6 million and an increase in gain on sale of government guaranteed loans of $3.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in fair value gains on government guaranteed loans of $5.9 million.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense from continuing operations was $15.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $18.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the prior quarter, was primarily due to a decrease in compensation expense of $0.6 million and a decrease in loan origination and collection expense of $1.2 million. The decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, was primarily due to lower compensation expense of $1.2 million and lower loan origination and collection expenses of $2.0 million.

    Noninterest expense from continuing operations was $66.8 million for the year ended 2024 compared to $67.7 million for the year ended 2023. The decrease was the result of decreases in compensation expenses of $1.2 million, loan origination and collection expense of $1.0 million, and marketing and business development expenses of $1.3 million. The decreases were partially offset by increases in data processing expenses of $1.1 million, regulatory assessments of $0.4 million, and other noninterest expenses of $0.8 million.

    Balance Sheet

    Assets

    Total assets increased $43.2 million, or 3.5%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 to $1.29 billion, mainly due to increases in loans held for investment of $24.1 million, cash and cash equivalents of $13.4 million, and right-of-use operating lease assets of $13.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in premises and equipment of $5.5 million. The increase in the right-of-use operating lease asset and decrease in premises and equipment was primarily the result of the fourth quarter 2024 sale-leaseback transaction. Compared to the end of the fourth quarter last year, total assets increased $170.5 million, or 15.3%, driven by growth of loans held for investment of $150.8 million, higher cash and cash equivalents of $19.4 million, and an increase in right-of-use operating lease asset of $13.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in premises and equipment of $5.6 million.

    Loans

    Loans held for investment increased $24.1 million, or 2.3%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and $150.8 million, or 16.5%, over the past year to $1.07 billion, due to originations in both conventional community bank loans and government guaranteed loans, partially offset by government guaranteed loan sales.

    Deposits

    Deposits increased $31.0 million, or 2.8%, during the fourth quarter of 2024 and increased $158.1 million, or 16.0%, from the fourth quarter of 2023, ending December 31, 2024 at $1.14 billion. During the fourth quarter, there were increases in noninterest-bearing deposit account balances of $5.7 million, interest-bearing transaction account balances of $8.9 million, and savings and money market deposit account balances of $19.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in time deposit balances of $2.7 million. The majority of the deposits are generated through the community bank in the Tampa Bay/Sarasota area. At December 31, 2024, approximately 74% of total deposits were insured by the FDIC. At times, the Bank has brokered time deposit and non-maturity deposit relationships available to diversify its funding sources. At December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company had $112.1 million, $76.7 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, of brokered deposits.

    Asset Quality

    The Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of $4.5 million, compared to provisions of $3.1 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $2.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2023.

    The ratio of ACL to total loans held for investment at amortized cost was 1.54% at December 31, 2024, 1.48% as of September 30, 2024, and 1.64% as of December 31, 2023. The ratio of ACL to total loans held for investment at amortized cost, excluding government guaranteed loan balances, was 1.79% at December 31, 2024, 1.70% as of September 30, 2024, and 2.03% as of December 31, 2023. To date, we have not learned of a material loss to the Company as a result of the recent hurricanes. Therefore, additional loss reserves have not been deemed necessary.

    Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $3.4 million, which was an increase from $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2024 and $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans held for investment at amortized cost were 1.34% for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 1.16% in the third quarter of 2024 and 1.27% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Nonperforming assets to total assets were 1.50% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 1.38% as of September 30, 2024, and 0.92% as of December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets, excluding government guaranteed loan balances, to total assets were 1.06% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 0.88% as of September 30, 2024, and 0.74% as of December 31, 2023. As we discussed in previous quarters, the Bank developed an express modification program for SBA 7(a) borrowers to help those borrowers who are challenged with larger payments in the higher interest rate environment compared to interest rates at the time the loans were originated. To date, 496 SBA 7(a) borrowers have been offered loan modification options. These efforts have helped and are expected to continue to help reduce the risk of loss.

    Capital

    The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.82% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 8.41% as of September 30, 2024, and 9.38% as of December 31, 2023. The CET 1 and Tier 1 capital ratio to risk-weighted assets were 10.89% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 10.14% as of September 30, 2024, and 11.77% as of December 31, 2023. The total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 12.14% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 11.39% as of September 30, 2024, and 13.03% as of December 31, 2023.

    Liquidity

    The Bank’s overall liquidity position remains strong and stable with liquidity in excess of internal minimums as stated by policy and monitored by management and the Board. The on-balance sheet liquidity ratio at December 31, 2024 was 9.17%, as compared to 9.33% at December 31, 2023. The Bank has robust liquidity resources which include secured borrowings available from the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Reserve, and lines of credit with other financial institutions. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank had no borrowings from the FHLB, the FRB or other financial institutions. This compares to $10.0 million of borrowings from the FHLB and no borrowings from the FRB or other financial institutions at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    Recent Events

    Share Repurchase Program

    The Company announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a share repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, the Company may repurchase up to $2.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares, over a period beginning on January 28, 2025, and continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase, or December 31, 2025, or termination of the program by the Board of Directors.

    First Quarter Common Stock Dividend. On January 28, 2025, BayFirst’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2025 cash dividend of $0.08 per common share. The dividend will be payable March 15, 2025 to common shareholders of record as of March 1, 2025. The Company has continuously paid quarterly common stock cash dividends since 2016.

    Conference Call

    BayFirst’s management team will host a conference call on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its fourth quarter results. Interested investors may listen to the call live under the Investor Relations tab at www.bayfirstfinancial.com. Investment professionals are invited to dial (800) 549-8228 to participate in the call using Conference ID 71006. A replay of the call will be available for one year at www.bayfirstfinancial.com

    About BayFirst Financial Corp.

    BayFirst Financial Corp. is a registered bank holding company based in St. Petersburg, Florida which commenced operations on September 1, 2000. Its primary source of income is derived from its wholly owned subsidiary, BayFirst National Bank, a national banking association which commenced business operations on February 12, 1999. The Bank currently operates twelve full-service banking offices throughout the Tampa Bay-Sarasota region and offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services to businesses and individuals. It was named the best bank in Florida in 2024, according to Forbes and was the 9th largest SBA 7(a) lender by number of units originated and 16th largest by dollar volume nationwide through the SBA’s quarter ended December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, BayFirst Financial Corp. had $1.29 billion in total assets.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    In addition to the historical information contained herein, this presentation includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the effects of health crises, global military hostilities, weather events, or climate change, including their effects on the economic environment, our customers and our operations, as well as any changes to federal, state or local government laws, regulations or orders in connection with them; the ability of the Company to implement its strategy and expand its banking operations; changes in interest rates and other general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in business plans as circumstances warrant; risks related to mergers and acquisitions; changes in benchmark interest rates used to price loans and deposits, changes in tax laws, regulations and guidance; and other risks detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with the SEC, including, but not limited to those “Risk Factors” described in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Readers should note that the forward-looking statements included herein are not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.

    Contacts:  
    Thomas G. Zernick Scott J. McKim
    Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
    727.399.5680 727.521.7085
       

    BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

      At or for the three months ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except for share data) 12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
    Balance sheet data:                  
    Average loans held for investment at amortized cost $ 1,003,867     $ 948,528     $ 902,417     $ 855,040     $ 825,196  
    Average total assets   1,273,296       1,228,040       1,178,501       1,126,315       1,108,550  
    Average common shareholders’ equity   87,961       86,381       84,948       85,385       82,574  
    Total loans held for investment   1,066,559       1,042,445       1,008,314       934,868       915,726  
    Total loans held for investment, excl gov’t gtd loan balances   917,075       885,444       844,659       776,302       698,106  
    Allowance for credit losses   15,512       14,186       13,843       13,906       13,497  
    Total assets   1,288,297       1,245,099       1,217,869       1,144,194       1,117,766  
    Common shareholders’ equity   94,869       86,242       84,911       84,578       84,656  
    Share data:                  
    Basic earnings per common share $ 2.27     $ 0.18     $ 0.12     $ 0.11     $ 0.32  
    Diluted earnings per common share   2.11       0.18       0.12       0.11       0.32  
    Dividends per common share   0.08       0.08       0.08       0.08       0.08  
    Book value per common share   22.95       20.86       20.54       20.45       20.60  
    Tangible book value per common share (1)   22.95       20.86       20.54       20.45       20.60  
    Performance and capital ratios:                  
    Return on average assets(2)   3.07 %     0.37 %     0.29 %     0.29 %     0.60 %
    Return on average common equity(2)   42.71 %     3.48 %     2.26 %     2.06 %     6.37 %
    Net interest margin(2)   3.60 %     3.34 %     3.43 %     3.42 %     3.48 %
    Dividend payout ratio   3.52 %     43.98 %     68.91 %     75.27 %     25.03 %
    Asset quality ratios:                  
    Net charge-offs $ 3,369     $ 2,757     $ 3,261     $ 3,652     $ 2,612  
    Net charge-offs/avg loans held for investment at amortized cost(2)   1.34 %     1.16 %     1.45 %     1.71 %     1.27 %
    Nonperforming loans(3) $ 17,607     $ 15,489     $ 12,312     $ 9,877     $ 9,688  
    Nonperforming loans (excluding gov’t gtd balance)(3) $ 13,570     $ 10,992     $ 8,054     $ 7,568     $ 8,264  
    Nonperforming loans/total loans held for investment(3)   1.75 %     1.62 %     1.34 %     1.15 %     1.18 %
    Nonperforming loans (excl gov’t gtd balance)/total loans held for investment(3)   1.35 %     1.15 %     0.87 %     0.88 %     1.00 %
    ACL/Total loans held for investment at amortized cost   1.54 %     1.48 %     1.50 %     1.62 %     1.64 %
    ACL/Total loans held for investment at amortized cost, excl government guaranteed loans   1.79 %     1.70 %     1.73 %     1.88 %     2.03 %
    Other Data:                  
    Full-time equivalent employees   299       295       302       313       305  
    Banking center offices   12       12       12       12       11  
    (1) See section entitled “GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a reconciliation to most comparable GAAP equivalent.
    (2) Annualized
    (3) Excludes loans measured at fair value                  
                       

    GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Some of the financial measures included in this report are not measures of financial condition or performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include tangible common shareholders’ equity and tangible book value per common share. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of our performance, and we believe that providing this information to financial analysts and investors allows them to evaluate capital adequacy.

    The following presents these non-GAAP financial measures along with their most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP:

    Tangible Common Shareholders’ Equity and Tangible Book Value Per Common Share (Unaudited)
        As of
    (Dollars in thousands, except for share data)   December
    31, 2024
      September
    30, 2024
      June
    30, 2024
      March
    31, 2024
      December
    31, 2023
    Total shareholders’ equity   $ 110,920     $ 102,293     $ 100,962     $ 100,629     $ 100,707  
    Less: Preferred stock liquidation preference     (16,051 )     (16,051 )     (16,051 )     (16,051 )     (16,051 )
    Total equity available to common shareholders     94,869       86,242       84,911       84,578       84,656  
    Less: Goodwill                              
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity   $ 94,869     $ 86,242     $ 84,911     $ 84,578     $ 84,656  
                         
    Common shares outstanding     4,132,986       4,134,059       4,134,219       4,134,914       4,110,470  
    Tangible book value per common share   $ 22.95     $ 20.86     $ 20.54     $ 20.45     $ 20.60  
                                             
    BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Dollars in thousands) 12/31/2024 9/30/2024 12/31/2023
    Assets (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  
    Cash and due from banks $ 4,499   $ 4,708   $ 4,099  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   73,289     59,675     54,286  
    Cash and cash equivalents   77,788     64,383     58,385  
    Time deposits in banks   2,270     2,264     4,646  
    Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost $40,279, $41,104, and $43,597 at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively)   36,291     37,984     39,575  
    Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses of $12, $13, and $17 (fair value: $2,346, $2,321, and $2,263 at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively)   2,488     2,487     2,484  
    Nonmarketable equity securities   4,526     4,997     4,770  
    Government guaranteed loans held for sale       595      
    Government guaranteed loans held for investment, at fair value   60,833     86,441     91,508  
    Loans held for investment, at amortized cost   1,005,726     956,004     824,218  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (15,512 )   (14,186 )   (13,497 )
    Net Loans held for investment, at amortized cost   990,214     941,818     810,721  
    Accrued interest receivable   9,155     8,537     7,130  
    Premises and equipment, net   33,249     38,736     38,874  
    Loan servicing rights   16,534     15,966     14,959  
    Right-of-use operating lease assets   15,814     2,018     2,416  
    Bank owned life insurance   26,513     26,330     25,800  
    Other real estate owned   132          
    Other assets   12,490     12,543     16,150  
    Assets from discontinued operations           348  
    Total assets $ 1,288,297   $ 1,245,099   $ 1,117,766  
    Liabilities:      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 101,743   $ 95,995   $ 93,708  
    Interest-bearing transaction accounts   256,793     247,923     259,422  
    Savings and money market deposits   474,425     455,297     373,000  
    Time deposits   310,268     312,981     259,008  
    Total deposits   1,143,229     1,112,196     985,138  
    FHLB borrowings       10,000     10,000  
    Subordinated debentures   5,956     5,954     5,949  
    Notes payable   1,934     2,048     2,389  
    Accrued interest payable   1,036     1,114     882  
    Operating lease liabilities   14,510     2,271     2,619  
    Deferred income tax liabilities   301     1,488     482  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   10,411     7,735     8,980  
    Liabilities from discontinued operations           620  
    Total liabilities   1,177,377     1,142,806     1,017,059  
    Shareholders’ equity: (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  
    Preferred stock, Series A; no par value, 10,000 shares authorized, 6,395 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; aggregate liquidation preference of $6,395 each period   6,161     6,161     6,161  
    Preferred stock, Series B; no par value, 20,000 shares authorized, 3,210 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; aggregate liquidation preference of $3,210 each period   3,123     3,123     3,123  
    Preferred stock, Series C; no par value, 10,000 shares authorized, 6,446 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023; aggregate liquidation preference of $6,446 at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023   6,446     6,446     6,446  
    Common stock and additional paid-in capital; no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 4,132,986, 4,134,059, and 4,110,470 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively   54,764     54,780     54,521  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net   (2,956 )   (2,312 )   (2,981 )
    Unearned compensation   (752 )   (978 )   (958 )
    Retained earnings   44,134     35,073     34,395  
    Total shareholders’ equity   110,920     102,293     100,707  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,288,297   $ 1,245,099   $ 1,117,766  
                       
    BAYFIRST FINANCIAL CORP.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
      For the Quarter Ended   Year-to-Date
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 12/31/2024   9/30/2024   12/31/2023   12/31/2024   12/31/2023
    Interest income: (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)    
    Loans, including fees $ 20,747     $ 20,442   $ 17,714     $ 78,831     $ 63,189  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks and other   1,007       1,000     1,140       3,979       5,328  
    Total interest income   21,754       21,442     18,854       82,810       68,517  
    Interest expense:                  
    Deposits   10,600       11,609     9,719       42,872       30,795  
    Other   501       384     258       1,912       1,291  
    Total interest expense   11,101       11,993     9,977       44,784       32,086  
    Net interest income   10,653       9,449     8,877       38,026       36,431  
    Provision for credit losses   4,546       3,122     2,737       14,726       10,445  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   6,107       6,327     6,140       23,300       25,986  
    Noninterest income:                  
    Loan servicing income, net   582       918     677       3,100       2,826  
    Gain on sale of government guaranteed loans, net   8,425       6,143     6,977       28,252       24,553  
    Service charges and fees   451       447     555       1,794       1,721  
    Government guaranteed loans fair value gain, net   (80 )     3,416     4,697       9,843       15,718  
    Government guaranteed loan packaging fees   773       903     1,588       4,105       3,664  
    Gain on sale of premises and equipment   11,649                 11,649        
    Other noninterest income   476       445     197       1,726       1,273  
    Total noninterest income   22,276       12,272     14,691       60,469       49,755  
    Noninterest Expense:                  
    Salaries and benefits   7,351       7,878     7,446       31,063       30,973  
    Bonus, commissions, and incentives   1,074       1,141     2,211       4,445       5,726  
    Occupancy and equipment   1,217       1,248     1,150       4,848       4,758  
    Data processing   1,749       1,789     1,422       6,745       5,611  
    Marketing and business development   390       532     640       2,050       3,336  
    Professional services   803       853     1,070       3,882       3,657  
    Loan origination and collection   758       1,956     2,728       6,391       7,425  
    Employee recruiting and development   445       595     510       2,186       2,177  
    Regulatory assessments   379       309     266       1,249       881  
    Other noninterest expense   1,169       763     1,023       3,923       3,163  
    Total noninterest expense   15,335       17,064     18,466       66,782       67,707  
    Income before taxes from continuing operations   13,048       1,535     2,365       16,987       8,034  
    Income tax expense from continuing operations   3,272       398     704       4,315       2,119  
    Net income from continuing operations   9,776       1,137     1,661       12,672       5,915  
    Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes             (8 )     (92 )     (283 )
    Income tax benefit from discontinued operations             (2 )     (23 )     (70 )
    Net loss from discontinued operations             (6 )     (69 )     (213 )
                       
    Net income   9,776       1,137     1,655       12,603       5,702  
    Preferred dividends   385       385     341       1,541       965  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 9,391     $ 752   $ 1,314     $ 11,062     $ 4,737  
    Basic earnings (loss) per common share: (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)    
    Continuing operations $ 2.27     $ 0.18   $ 0.32     $ 2.69     $ 1.21  
    Discontinued operations                   (0.01 )     (0.05 )
    Basic earnings per common share $ 2.27     $ 0.18   $ 0.32     $ 2.68     $ 1.16  
                       
    Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:                  
    Continuing operations $ 2.11     $ 0.18   $ 0.32     $ 2.64     $ 1.17  
    Discontinued operations                   (0.02 )     (0.05 )
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 2.11     $ 0.18   $ 0.32     $ 2.62     $ 1.12  
                                         

    Loan Composition

    (Dollars in thousands) 12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)    
    Real estate:                  
    Residential $ 330,870     $ 321,740     $ 304,234     $ 285,214     $ 264,126  
    Commercial   305,721       292,026       288,185       273,227       293,595  
    Construction and land   32,914       33,784       35,759       36,764       26,272  
    Commercial and industrial   226,522       200,212       192,140       182,264       177,566  
    Commercial and industrial – PPP   941       1,656       2,324       2,965       3,202  
    Consumer and other   93,826       92,546       85,789       63,854       47,287  
    Loans held for investment, at amortized cost, gross   990,794       941,964       908,431       844,288       812,048  
    Deferred loan costs, net   19,499       18,060       17,299       16,233       14,707  
    Discount on government guaranteed loans   (8,306 )     (7,880 )     (7,731 )     (7,674 )     (7,040 )
    Premium on loans purchased, net   3,739       3,860       4,173       4,252       4,503  
    Loans held for investment, at amortized cost, net   1,005,726       956,004       922,172       857,099       824,218  
    Government guaranteed loans held for investment, at fair value   60,833       86,441       86,142       77,769       91,508  
    Total loans held for investment, net $ 1,066,559     $ 1,042,445     $ 1,008,314     $ 934,868     $ 915,726  
                                           

    Nonperforming Assets (Unaudited)

    (Dollars in thousands) 12/31/2024   9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
    Nonperforming loans (government guaranteed balances), at amortized cost, gross $ 4,037     $ 4,497     $ 4,258     $ 2,309     $ 1,424  
    Nonperforming loans (unguaranteed balances), at amortized cost, gross   13,570       10,992       8,054       7,568       8,264  
    Total nonperforming loans, at amortized cost, gross   17,607       15,489       12,312       9,877       9,688  
    Nonperforming loans (government guaranteed balances), at fair value         24       341       94        
    Nonperforming loans (unguaranteed balances), at fair value   1,490       1,535       1,284       729       648  
    Total nonperforming loans, at fair value   1,490       1,559       1,625       823       648  
    OREO   132             1,633       404        
    Repossessed assets   36       94                    
    Total nonperforming assets, gross $ 19,265     $ 17,142     $ 15,570     $ 11,104     $ 10,336  
    Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans held for investment(1)   1.75 %     1.62 %     1.34 %     1.15 %     1.18 %
    Nonperforming loans (excluding government guaranteed balances) to total loans held for investment(1)   1.35 %     1.15 %     0.87 %     0.88 %     1.00 %
    Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets   1.50 %     1.38 %     1.28 %     0.97 %     0.92 %
    Nonperforming assets (excluding government guaranteed balances) to total assets   1.06 %     0.88 %     0.82 %     0.70 %     0.74 %
    ACL to nonperforming loans(1)   88.10 %     91.59 %     112.44 %     140.79 %     139.32 %
    ACL to nonperforming loans (excluding government guaranteed balances)(1)   114.31 %     129.06 %     171.88 %     183.75 %     163.32 %

    (1) Excludes loans measured at fair value

    Note: Transmitted on Globe Newswire on January 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Acceptance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southfield, Michigan, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq: CACC) (referred to as the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) today announced consolidated net income of $151.9 million, or $12.26 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to consolidated net income of $93.6 million, or $7.29 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $126.0 million, or $10.17 per diluted share, compared to $129.1 million, or $10.06 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023. The following table summarizes our financial results:

    (In millions, except per share data)   For the Three Months Ended   For the Years Ended
        December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    GAAP net income   $         151.9    $         78.8    $         93.6    $         247.9    $         286.1 
    GAAP net income per diluted share   $         12.26    $         6.35    $         7.29    $         19.88    $         21.99 
                         
    Adjusted net income   $         126.0    $         109.1    $         129.1    $         478.9    $         535.6 
    Adjusted net income per diluted share   $         10.17    $         8.79    $         10.06    $         38.41    $         41.17 

    Our results for the fourth quarter of 2024 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2023 included:

    • A smaller decline in forecasted collection rates
      A decline in forecasted collection rates decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $31.1 million, or 0.3%, compared to a decrease in forecasted collection rates during the fourth quarter of 2023 that decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $57.0 million, or 0.6%.
    • A decrease in forecasted profitability for Consumer Loans assigned in 2021 through 2024
      Forecasted profitability was lower than our estimates at December 31, 2023, due to both a decline in forecasted collection rates and slower forecasted net cash flow timing since the fourth quarter of 2023. The slower forecasted net cash flow timing was primarily a result of a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages.
    • Slower growth in Consumer Loan assignment unit volume and an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio
      Unit volume growth slowed significantly year-over-year, growing 0.3% as compared to 26.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023. The average balance of our loan portfolio, which is our largest-ever, increased 14.0% and 16.5% on a GAAP and adjusted basis, respectively, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • An increase in the initial spread on Consumer Loan assignments
      The initial spread increased to 22.4% compared to 21.7% on Consumer Loans assigned in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • An increase in our average cost of debt
      Our average cost of debt increased from 6.3% to 7.2%, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
    • A decrease in common shares outstanding due to stock repurchases
      Since the fourth quarter of 2023, we have repurchased approximately 590,000 shares, or 4.7% of the shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

    Our results for the fourth quarter of 2024 in comparison to the third quarter of 2024 included:

    • A smaller decline in forecasted collection rates
      A decline in forecasted collection rates decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $31.1 million, or 0.3%, compared to a decrease in forecasted collection rates during the third quarter of 2024 that decreased forecasted net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $62.8 million, or 0.6%.
    • A decrease in forecasted profitability for Consumer Loans assigned in 2022
      Forecasted profitability was lower than our estimates at September 30, 2024, due to the decline in forecasted collection rates.
    • Slower growth in Consumer Loan assignment unit volume and an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio
      Unit volume growth slowed significantly year-over-year, growing 0.3% as compared to 17.7% in the third quarter of 2024. The average balance of our loan portfolio, which is our largest-ever, increased 1.8% and 1.6% on a GAAP and adjusted basis, respectively, as compared to the third quarter of 2024.
    • An increase in the initial spread on Consumer Loan assignments
      The initial spread increased to 22.4% compared to 21.9% on Consumer Loans assigned in the third quarter of 2024.

    Consumer Loan Metrics

    Dealers assign retail installment contracts (referred to as “Consumer Loans”) to Credit Acceptance. At the time a Consumer Loan is submitted to us for assignment, we forecast future expected cash flows from the Consumer Loan. Based on the amount and timing of these forecasts and expected expense levels, an advance or one-time purchase payment is made to the related dealer at a price designed to maximize economic profit, a non-GAAP financial measure that considers our return on capital, our cost of capital, and the amount of capital invested. 

    We use a statistical model to estimate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan at the time of assignment. We continue to evaluate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan subsequent to assignment. Our evaluation becomes more accurate as the Consumer Loans age, as we use actual performance data in our forecast. By comparing our current expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan with the rate we projected at the time of assignment, we are able to assess the accuracy of our initial forecast. The following table compares our aggregated forecast of Consumer Loan collection rates as of December 31, 2024, with the aggregated forecasts as of September 30, 2024, as of December 31, 2023, and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:

        Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1)   Current Forecast Variance from
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   Initial
    Forecast
      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023   Initial
    Forecast
    2015           65.3  %           65.3  %           65.2  %           67.7  %           0.0  %           0.1  %           -2.4  %
    2016           63.9  %           63.9  %           63.8  %           65.4  %           0.0  %           0.1  %           -1.5  %
    2017           64.7  %           64.7  %           64.7  %           64.0  %           0.0  %           0.0  %           0.7  %
    2018           65.5  %           65.5  %           65.5  %           63.6  %           0.0  %           0.0  %           1.9  %
    2019           67.2  %           67.2  %           66.9  %           64.0  %           0.0  %           0.3  %           3.2  %
    2020           67.7  %           67.6  %           67.6  %           63.4  %           0.1  %           0.1  %           4.3  %
    2021           63.8  %           63.8  %           64.5  %           66.3  %           0.0  %           -0.7  %           -2.5  %
    2022           60.2  %           60.6  %           62.7  %           67.5  %           -0.4  %           -2.5  %           -7.3  %
    2023           64.3  %           64.3  %           67.4  %           67.5  %           0.0  %           -3.1  %           -3.2  %
         2024 (2)           66.5  %           66.6  %           —              67.2  %           -0.1  %           —               -0.7  %

    (1)   Represents the total forecasted collections we expect to collect on the Consumer Loans as a percentage of the repayments that we were contractually owed on the Consumer Loans at the time of assignment. Contractual repayments include both principal and interest. Forecasted collection rates are negatively impacted by canceled Consumer Loans as the contractual amount owed is not removed from the denominator for purposes of computing forecasted collection rates.
    (2)   The forecasted collection rate for 2024 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2024 includes both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2024 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides forecasted collection rates for each of these segments:

        Forecasted Collection Percentage as of   Current Forecast Variance from
    2024 Consumer Loan Assignment Period   December 31, 2024   September 30, 2024   Initial
    Forecast
      September 30, 2024   Initial
    Forecast
    January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024           66.4  %           66.6  %           67.3  %           -0.2  %           -0.9  %
    October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024           66.8  %           —              66.9  %           —              -0.1  %

    Consumer Loans assigned in 2018 through 2020 have yielded forecasted collection results significantly better than our initial estimates, while Consumer Loans assigned in 2015, 2016, and 2021 through 2023 have yielded forecasted collection results significantly worse than our initial estimates. For all other assignment years presented, actual results have been close to our initial estimates. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, forecasted collection rates declined for Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 and 2024 and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented. For the year ended December 31, 2024, forecasted collection rates improved for Consumer Loans assigned in 2019, declined for Consumer Loans assigned in 2021 through 2024, and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented.

    The changes in forecasted collection rates for the three months and years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 impacted forecasted net cash flows (forecasted collections less forecasted dealer holdback payments) as follows:

    (Dollars in millions)   For the Three Months Ended December 31,   For the Years Ended December 31,
    Increase (Decrease) in Forecasted Net Cash Flows     2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Dealer loans   $         (31.6)     $         (36.0)     $         (204.6)     $         (125.3)  
    Purchased loans             0.5                (21.0)               (109.4)               (81.0)  
    Total   $         (31.1)     $         (57.0)     $         (314.0)     $         (206.3)  
    % change from forecast at beginning of period             -0.3  %             -0.6  %             -3.1  %             -2.3  %

    During the second quarter of 2024, we applied an adjustment to our methodology for forecasting the amount of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio, which reduced the forecasted collection rates for Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 through 2024. Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 had continued to underperform our expectations for several quarters. Consumer Loans assigned in 2023 had also begun exhibiting similar trends of underperformance, although not as severe as Consumer Loans assigned in 2022. During the second quarter of 2024, we determined that we had sufficient Consumer Loan performance experience to estimate the magnitude by which we expected Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 through 2024 would likely underperform our historical collection rates on Consumer Loans with similar characteristics. Accordingly, we applied an adjustment to Consumer Loans assigned in 2022 through 2024 to reduce forecasted collection rates to what we believed the ultimate collection rates would be based on these trends. Changes in the amount and timing of forecasted net cash flows are recognized in the period of change as a provision for credit losses. The implementation of this forecast adjustment during the second quarter of 2024 reduced forecasted net cash flows by $147.2 million, or 1.4%, and increased provision for credit losses by $127.5 million.

    During the second quarter of 2023, we adjusted our methodology for forecasting the amount and timing of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio through the utilization of more recent Consumer Loan performance and Consumer Loan prepayment data. We had experienced a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments to below-average levels and as a result, slowed our forecasted net cash flow timing. Historically, Consumer Loan prepayments have been lower in periods with less availability of consumer credit. Changes in the amount and timing of forecasted net cash flows are recognized in the period of change as a provision for credit losses. The implementation of the adjustment to our forecasting methodology during the second quarter of 2023 reduced forecasted net cash flows by $44.5 million, or 0.5%, and increased provision for credit losses by $71.3 million.

    We have experienced increased levels of uncertainty associated with our estimate of the amount and timing of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio since the beginning of 2020, with realized collections underperforming our expectations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, outperforming our expectations following the distribution of federal stimulus payments and enhanced unemployment benefits, and underperforming our expectations during the current economic environment. The quarterly changes to our forecast of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024 are shown in the following table:

    (Dollars in millions)   Increase (Decrease) in Forecasted Net Cash Flows
    Three Months Ended   Total Loans   % Change from Forecast at Beginning of Period
    March 31, 2020   $         (206.5)             -2.3  %
    June 30, 2020             24.4              0.3  %
    September 30, 2020             138.5              1.5  %
    December 31, 2020             (2.7)             0.0  %
    March 31, 2021             107.4              1.1  %
    June 30, 2021             104.5              1.1  %
    September 30, 2021             82.3              0.9  %
    December 31, 2021             31.9              0.3  %
    March 31, 2022             110.2              1.2  %
    June 30, 2022             (43.4)             -0.5  %
    September 30, 2022             (85.4)             -0.9  %
    December 31, 2022             (41.1)             -0.5  %
    March 31, 2023             9.4              0.1  %
    June 30, 2023             (89.3)             -0.9  %
    September 30, 2023             (69.4)             -0.7  %
    December 31, 2023             (57.0)             -0.6  %
    March 31, 2024             (30.8)             -0.3  %
    June 30, 2024             (189.3)             -1.7  %
    September 30, 2024             (62.8)             -0.6  %
    December 31, 2024             (31.1)             -0.3  %

    The following table presents information on Consumer Loan assignments for each of the last 10 years:

         Average   Total Assignment Volume
     Consumer Loan
    Assignment Year
      Consumer Loan (1)   Advance (2)   Initial Loan Term (in months)   Unit Volume   Dollar Volume (2)
    (in millions)
    2015   $         16,354   $         7,272   50   298,288   $         2,167.0
    2016     18,218     7,976   53   330,710     2,635.5
    2017     20,230     8,746   55   328,507     2,873.1
    2018     22,158     9,635   57   373,329     3,595.8
    2019     23,139     10,174   57   369,805     3,772.2
    2020     24,262     10,656   59   341,967     3,641.2
    2021     25,632     11,790   59   268,730     3,167.8
    2022     27,242     12,924   60   280,467     3,625.3
    2023     27,025     12,475   61   332,499     4,147.8
         2024 (3)     26,497     11,961   61   386,126     4,618.4

    (1)   Represents the repayments that we were contractually owed on Consumer Loans at the time of assignment, which include both principal and interest.
    (2)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
    (3)   The averages for 2024 Consumer Loans include both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2024 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides averages for each of these segments:

        Average
    2024 Consumer Loan Assignment Period   Consumer Loan   Advance   Initial Loan Term (in months)
    January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024   $         26,564   $         12,018           61
    October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024             26,236             11,739           61

    The profitability of our loans is primarily driven by the amount and timing of the net cash flows we receive from the spread between the forecasted collection rate and the advance rate, less operating expenses and the cost of capital. Forecasting collection rates accurately at loan inception is difficult. With this in mind, we establish advance rates that are intended to allow us to achieve acceptable levels of profitability across our portfolio, even if collection rates are less than we initially forecast.

    The following table presents aggregate forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, and spreads (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate), and the percentage of the forecasted collections that had been realized as of December 31, 2024, as well as forecasted collection rates and spreads at the time of assignment. All amounts, unless otherwise noted, are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest). The table includes both dealer loans and purchased loans.

        Forecasted Collection % as of       Spread % as of    
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year   December 31, 2024   Initial Forecast   Advance % (1)   December 31, 2024   Initial Forecast   % of Forecast
    Realized (2)
    2015           65.3  %           67.7  %           44.5  %           20.8  %           23.2  %           99.7  %
    2016           63.9  %           65.4  %           43.8  %           20.1  %           21.6  %           99.5  %
    2017           64.7  %           64.0  %           43.2  %           21.5  %           20.8  %           99.2  %
    2018           65.5  %           63.6  %           43.5  %           22.0  %           20.1  %           98.6  %
    2019           67.2  %           64.0  %           44.0  %           23.2  %           20.0  %           96.9  %
    2020           67.7  %           63.4  %           43.9  %           23.8  %           19.5  %           92.4  %
    2021           63.8  %           66.3  %           46.0  %           17.8  %           20.3  %           83.6  %
    2022           60.2  %           67.5  %           47.4  %           12.8  %           20.1  %           66.0  %
    2023           64.3  %           67.5  %           46.2  %           18.1  %           21.3  %           43.1  %
         2024 (3)           66.5  %           67.2  %           45.1  %           21.4  %           22.1  %           15.1  %

    (1)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loans.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
    (2)   Presented as a percentage of total forecasted collections.
    (3)   The forecasted collection rate, advance rate and spread for 2024 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2024 include both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2024 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides forecasted collection rates, advance rates, and spreads for each of these segments:

        Forecasted Collection % as of       Spread % as of
    2024 Consumer Loan Assignment Period   December 31, 2024   Initial Forecast   Advance %   December 31, 2024   Initial Forecast
    January 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024           66.4  %           67.3  %           45.3  %           21.1  %           22.0  %
    October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024           66.8  %           66.9  %           44.5  %           22.3  %           22.4  %

    The risk of a material change in our forecasted collection rate declines as the Consumer Loans age. For 2020 and prior Consumer Loan assignments, the risk of a material forecast variance is modest, as we have currently realized in excess of 90% of the expected collections. Conversely, the forecasted collection rates for more recent Consumer Loan assignments are less certain as a significant portion of our forecast has not been realized.

    The spread between the forecasted collection rate as of December 31, 2024 and the advance rate ranges from 12.8% to 23.8%, on an annual basis, for Consumer Loans assigned over the last 10 years. The spreads with respect to 2019 and 2020 Consumer Loans have been positively impacted by Consumer Loan performance, which has exceeded our initial estimates by a greater margin than the other years presented. The spread with respect to 2022 Consumer Loans has been negatively impacted by Consumer Loan performance, which has been lower than our initial estimates by a greater margin than the other years presented. The higher spread for 2024 Consumer Loans relative to 2023 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2024 was primarily a result of Consumer Loan performance, as the performance of 2023 Consumer Loans has been lower than our initial estimates by a greater margin than 2024 Consumer Loans. Additionally, 2024 Consumer Loans had a higher initial spread, which was primarily due to a decrease in the advance rate.

    The following table compares our forecast of aggregate Consumer Loan collection rates as of December 31, 2024 with the forecasts at the time of assignment, for dealer loans and purchased loans separately:

        Dealer Loans   Purchased Loans
        Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1)       Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1)    
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year   December 31,
    2024
      Initial
    Forecast
      Variance   December 31,
    2024
      Initial
    Forecast
      Variance
    2015           64.6  %           67.5  %           -2.9  %           69.0  %           68.5  %           0.5  %
    2016           63.1  %           65.1  %           -2.0  %           66.1  %           66.5  %           -0.4  %
    2017           64.1  %           63.8  %           0.3  %           66.3  %           64.6  %           1.7  %
    2018           64.9  %           63.6  %           1.3  %           66.8  %           63.5  %           3.3  %
    2019           66.8  %           63.9  %           2.9  %           67.9  %           64.2  %           3.7  %
    2020           67.5  %           63.3  %           4.2  %           67.9  %           63.6  %           4.3  %
    2021           63.5  %           66.3  %           -2.8  %           64.3  %           66.3  %           -2.0  %
    2022           59.5  %           67.3  %           -7.8  %           62.1  %           68.0  %           -5.9  %
    2023           63.1  %           66.8  %           -3.7  %           67.7  %           69.4  %           -1.7  %
    2024           65.4  %           66.3  %           -0.9  %           70.7  %           70.7  %           0.0  %

    (1)   The forecasted collection rates presented for dealer loans and purchased loans reflect the Consumer Loan classification at the time of assignment. The forecasted collection rates represent the total forecasted collections we expect to collect on the Consumer Loans as a percentage of the repayments that we were contractually owed on the Consumer Loans at the time of assignment. Contractual repayments include both principal and interest. Forecasted collection rates are negatively impacted by canceled Consumer Loans as the contractual amount owed is not removed from the denominator for purposes of computing forecasted collection rates.

    The following table presents aggregate forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, and spreads (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate) as of December 31, 2024 for dealer loans and purchased loans separately.  All amounts are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest).

        Dealer Loans   Purchased Loans
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year   Forecasted Collection % (1)   Advance % (1)(2)   Spread %   Forecasted Collection % (1)   Advance % (1)(2)   Spread %
    2015           64.6  %           43.4  %           21.2  %           69.0  %           50.2  %           18.8  %
    2016           63.1  %           42.1  %           21.0  %           66.1  %           48.6  %           17.5  %
    2017           64.1  %           42.1  %           22.0  %           66.3  %           45.8  %           20.5  %
    2018           64.9  %           42.7  %           22.2  %           66.8  %           45.2  %           21.6  %
    2019           66.8  %           43.1  %           23.7  %           67.9  %           45.6  %           22.3  %
    2020           67.5  %           43.0  %           24.5  %           67.9  %           45.5  %           22.4  %
    2021           63.5  %           45.1  %           18.4  %           64.3  %           47.7  %           16.6  %
    2022           59.5  %           46.4  %           13.1  %           62.1  %           50.1  %           12.0  %
    2023           63.1  %           44.8  %           18.3  %           67.7  %           49.8  %           17.9  %
    2024           65.4  %           44.1  %           21.3  %           70.7  %           48.9  %           21.8  %

    (1)   The forecasted collection rates and advance rates presented for dealer loans and purchased loans reflect the Consumer Loan classification at the time of assignment.
    (2)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loans.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.

    Although the advance rate on purchased loans is higher as compared to the advance rate on dealer loans, purchased loans do not require us to pay dealer holdback.

    The spread as of December 31, 2024 on 2024 dealer loans was 21.3%, as compared to a spread of 18.3% on 2023 dealer loans. The increase was primarily due to Consumer Loan performance, as the performance of 2023 dealer loans has been lower than our initial estimates by a greater margin than 2024 dealer loans.

    The spread as of December 31, 2024 on 2024 purchased loans was 21.8%, as compared to a spread of 17.9% on 2023 purchased loans. The increase was primarily a result of a higher initial spread on 2024 purchased loans, due to a higher initial forecast and lower advance rate. Additionally, the performance of 2023 purchased loans has been lower than our initial estimates.

    Consumer Loan Volume

    The following table summarizes changes in Consumer Loan assignment volume in each of the last eight quarters as compared to the same period in the previous year:

        Year over Year Percent Change
    Three Months Ended   Unit Volume   Dollar Volume (1)
    March 31, 2023           22.8  %           18.6  %
    June 30, 2023           12.8  %           8.3  %
    September 30, 2023           13.0  %           10.5  %
    December 31, 2023           26.7  %           21.3  %
    March 31, 2024           24.1  %           20.2  %
    June 30, 2024           20.9  %           16.3  %
    September 30, 2024           17.7  %           12.2  %
    December 31, 2024           0.3  %           -4.9  %

    (1)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.

    Consumer Loan assignment volumes depend on a number of factors including (1) the overall demand for our financing programs, (2) the amount of capital available to fund new loans, and (3) our assessment of the volume that our infrastructure can support. Our pricing strategy is intended to maximize the amount of economic profit we generate, within the confines of capital and infrastructure constraints.

    Unit volumes grew 0.3% while dollar volume declined 4.9% during the fourth quarter of 2024 as the number of active dealers grew 4.7% and the average unit volume per active dealer declined 3.7%. Dollar volume declined while unit volume grew modestly during the fourth quarter of 2024 due to a decrease in the average advance paid, resulting from decreases in the average size of Consumer Loans assigned and the average advance rate. Unit volume for the 28-day period ended January 28, 2025 decreased 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024.

    The following table summarizes the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active dealers:

      For the Three Months Ended December 31,       For the Years Ended
    December 31,
       
      2024   2023   % Change   2024   2023   % Change
    Consumer Loan unit volume         78,911            78,652            0.3  %           386,126            332,499            16.1  %
    Active dealers (1)         10,149            9,693            4.7  %           15,463            14,174            9.1  %
          Average volume per active dealer         7.8            8.1            -3.7  %           25.0            23.5            6.4  %
                           
    Consumer Loan unit volume from dealers active both periods         61,222            64,393            -4.9  %           339,361            304,779            11.3  %
    Dealers active both periods         6,294            6,294            —              10,637            10,637            —   
    Average volume per dealer active both periods         9.7            10.2            -4.9  %           31.9            28.7            11.3  %
                           
    Consumer loan unit volume from dealers not active both periods         17,689            14,259            24.1  %           46,765            27,720            68.7  %
    Dealers not active both periods         3,855            3,399            13.4  %           4,826            3,537            36.4  %
    Average volume per dealer not active both periods         4.6            4.2            9.5  %           9.7            7.8            24.4  %

    (1)   Active dealers are dealers who have received funding for at least one Consumer Loan during the period.

    The following table provides additional information on the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active dealers: 

      For the Three Months Ended December 31,       For the Years Ended
    December 31,
       
      2024     2023     % Change   2024     2023     % Change
    Consumer Loan unit volume from new active dealers         2,733              3,307              -17.4  %           43,985              46,741              -5.9  %
    New active dealers (1)         902              975              -7.5  %           4,330              4,070              6.4  %
    Average volume per new active dealer         3.0              3.4              -11.8  %           10.2              11.5              -11.3  %
                           
    Attrition (2)         -18.1  %           -17.4  %               -8.3  %           -7.3  %    

    (1)   New active dealers are dealers who enrolled in our program and have received funding for their first dealer loan or purchased loan from us during the period.
    (2)   Attrition is measured according to the following formula:  decrease in Consumer Loan unit volume from dealers who have received funding for at least one dealer loan or purchased loan during the comparable period of the prior year but did not receive funding for any dealer loans or purchased loans during the current period divided by prior year comparable period Consumer Loan unit volume.

    The following table shows the percentage of Consumer Loans assigned to us as dealer loans and purchased loans for each of the last eight quarters:

        Unit Volume   Dollar Volume (1)
    Three Months Ended   Dealer Loans   Purchased Loans   Dealer Loans   Purchased Loans
    March 31, 2023           72.1  %           27.9  %           68.1  %           31.9  %
    June 30, 2023           72.4  %           27.6  %           68.6  %           31.4  %
    September 30, 2023           74.8  %           25.2  %           71.7  %           28.3  %
    December 31, 2023           77.2  %           22.8  %           75.0  %           25.0  %
    March 31, 2024           78.2  %           21.8  %           76.6  %           23.4  %
    June 30, 2024           78.5  %           21.5  %           77.3  %           22.7  %
    September 30, 2024           79.5  %           20.5  %           78.4  %           21.6  %
    December 31, 2024           78.7  %           21.3  %           77.7  %           22.3  %

    (1)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.

    As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the net dealer loans receivable balance was 72.3% and 67.7%, respectively, of the total net loans receivable balance.

    Financial Results

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended December 31,       For the Years Ended December 31,    
        2024     2023   % Change     2024     2023   % Change
    GAAP average debt $         6,202.5   $         4,986.3           24.4  %   $         5,849.7   $         4,785.7           22.2  %
    GAAP average shareholders’ equity           1,712.3             1,734.3           -1.3  %             1,652.1             1,722.9           -4.1  %
    Average capital $         7,914.8   $         6,720.6           17.8  %   $         7,501.8   $         6,508.6           15.3  %
    GAAP net income $         151.9   $         93.6           62.3  %   $         247.9   $         286.1           -13.4  %
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   12,388,072     12,837,181           -3.5  %     12,469,283     13,010,735           -4.2  %
    GAAP net income per diluted share $         12.26   $         7.29           68.2  %   $         19.88   $         21.99           -9.6  %

    The increase in GAAP net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:

    • An increase in finance charges of 14.7% ($66.6 million), primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.
    • A decrease in provision for credit losses of 24.6% ($40.3 million), due to:
      • A decrease in provision for credit losses on forecast changes of $31.4 million, due to a smaller decline in Consumer Loan performance.
      • A decrease in provision for credit losses on new Consumer Loan assignments of $8.9 million, primarily due a 13.1% decrease in the average provision per Consumer Loan assignment. The decrease in average provision per new Consumer Loan assignment was primarily due to a decrease in the average advance rate for 2024 Consumer Loans.
      • The following table summarizes each component of provision for credit losses:
    (In millions) For the Three Months Ended December 31,    
    Provision for Credit Losses   2024     2023   Change
    Forecast changes $         62.9    $         94.3    $         (31.4)  
    New Consumer Loan assignments           60.5              69.4              (8.9)  
    Total $         123.4    $         163.7    $         (40.3)  
    • An increase in premiums earned of 14.8% ($3.2 million), primarily due to growth in the size of our reinsurance portfolio, which resulted from growth in new Consumer Loan assignments and an increase in the average premium written per reinsured vehicle service contract in recent periods.
    • An increase in operating expenses of 6.4% ($7.3 million), primarily due to:
      • An increase in salaries and wages expense of 17.4% ($11.5 million), primarily due to increases in (i) the number of team members as we are investing in our business with the goal of increasing the speed at which we enhance our product for dealers and consumers, (ii) stock-based compensation expense, primarily due to equity awards granted to our executive officers and senior leaders, and (iii) fringe benefits, primarily due to higher medical claims.
      • A decrease in general and administrative expenses of 19.7% ($5.4 million), primarily due to a decrease in legal expenses.
    • An increase in provision for income taxes of 75.4% ($17.2 million), primarily due to an increase in pre-tax income.
    • An increase in interest expense of 41.2% ($32.5 million), due to:
      • An increase in our average outstanding debt balance, which increased interest expense by $19.0 million, primarily due to borrowings used to fund the growth of our loan portfolio and stock repurchases.
      • An increase in our average cost of debt, which increased interest expense by $13.5 million, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.

    The decrease in GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:

    • An increase in interest expense of 57.4% ($153.0 million), due to:
      • An increase in our average cost of debt, which increased interest expense by $93.7 million, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
      • An increase in our average outstanding debt balance, which increased interest expense by $59.3 million, primarily due to borrowings used to fund the growth of our loan portfolio and stock repurchases.
    • An increase in provision for credit losses of 10.7% ($78.5 million), primarily due to an increase in provision for credit losses on forecast changes of $80.1 million, due to a greater decline in Consumer Loan performance and slower net cash flow timing during 2024 compared to 2023.

    During 2024, we decreased our estimate of future net cash flows by $314.0 million, or 3.1%, to reflect a decline in forecasted collection rates during the period, and slowed our forecasted net cash flow timing to reflect a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages. Historically, Consumer Loan prepayments have been lower in periods with less availability of consumer credit. The $314.0 million decrease in forecasted net cash flows for 2024 was composed of an ordinary decrease in forecasted net cash flows of $166.8 million, or 1.7%, and an adjustment applied to our forecasting methodology during the second quarter of 2024, which upon implementation, reduced forecasted net cash flows by $147.2 million, or 1.4%, and increased our provision for credit losses by $127.5 million.

    During 2023, we decreased our estimate of future net cash flows by $206.3 million, or 2.3%, to reflect a decline in forecasted collection rates during the period and slowed our forecasted net cash flow timing to reflect a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments. The $206.3 million decrease in forecasted net cash flows for 2023 was composed of an ordinary decrease in forecasted net cash flows of $161.8 million, or 1.8%, and an adjustment to our forecasting methodology during the second quarter of 2023, which upon implementation, decreased our estimate of future net cash flows by $44.5 million, or 0.5%, and increased our provision for credit losses by $71.3 million.

    The following table summarizes each component of provision for credit losses:

    (In millions)   For the Years Ended December 31,    
    Provision for Credit Losses     2024     2023   Change
    Forecast changes   $         493.8    $         413.7    $         80.1   
    New Consumer Loan assignments             320.9              322.5              (1.6)  
    Total   $         814.7    $         736.2    $         78.5   
    • An increase in operating expenses of 9.2% ($42.4 million), primarily due to:
      • An increase in salaries and wages expense of 10.3% ($29.0 million), primarily due to increases in (i) the number of team members as we are investing in our business with the goal of increasing the speed at which we enhance our product for dealers and consumers, (ii) fringe benefits, primarily due to higher medical claims, and (iii) stock-based compensation expense, primarily due to equity awards granted to our executive officers and senior leaders.
      • An increase in general and administrative expense of 12.3% ($10.7 million), primarily due to increases in legal and technology systems expenses.
    • A loss on sale of building of $23.7 million related to the sale of one of our two office buildings. The building was sold to reduce excess office space and eliminate the associated annual operating costs of approximately $2.1 million.
    • An increase in premiums earned of 20.7% ($16.5 million), primarily due to growth in the size of our reinsurance portfolio, which resulted from growth in new Consumer Loan assignments and an increase in the average premium written per reinsured vehicle service contract in recent periods.
    • An increase in finance charges of 13.5% ($237.3 million), primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.

    Adjusted financial results are provided to help shareholders understand our financial performance. The financial data below is non-GAAP, unless labeled otherwise. We use adjusted financial information internally to measure financial performance and to determine certain incentive compensation. We also use economic profit as a framework to evaluate business decisions and strategies, with the objective to maximize economic profit over the long term. In addition, certain debt facilities utilize adjusted financial information for the determination of loan collateral values and to measure financial covenants. The table below shows our results following adjustments to reflect non-GAAP accounting methods. Material adjustments are explained in the table footnotes and the subsequent “Floating Yield Adjustment” and “Senior Notes Adjustment” sections. Measures such as adjusted average capital, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted interest expense (after-tax), adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax), adjusted return on capital, adjusted revenue, operating expenses, adjusted loans receivable, economic profit, and economic profit per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023, include the following:

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended December 31,       For the Years Ended
    December 31,
       
        2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
    Adjusted average capital $         8,633.3      $         7,234.3              19.3  %   $         8,140.5      $         6,909.8              17.8  %
    Adjusted net income $         126.0      $         129.1              -2.4  %   $         478.9      $         535.6              -10.6  %
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $         85.7      $         63.4              35.2  %   $         323.0      $         209.5              54.2  %
    Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $         211.7      $         192.5              10.0  %   $         801.9      $         745.1              7.6  %
    Adjusted return on capital           9.8  %             10.6  %           -7.5  %             9.9  %             10.8  %           -8.3  %
    Cost of capital           7.4  %             7.6  %           -2.6  %             7.4  %             7.0  %           5.7  %
    Economic profit $         51.3      $         55.9              -8.2  %   $         200.3      $         260.5              -23.1  %
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   12,388,072        12,837,181              -3.5  %     12,469,283        13,010,735              -4.2  %
    Adjusted net income per diluted share $         10.17      $         10.06              1.1  %   $         38.41      $         41.17              -6.7  %
          Economic profit per diluted share $         4.14      $         4.35              -4.8  %   $         16.06      $         20.02              -19.8  %

    Economic profit decreased 8.2% and 23.1% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same periods in 2023. Economic profit is a function of the return on capital in excess of the cost of capital and the amount of capital invested in the business. The following table summarizes the impact each of these components had on the changes in economic profit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same periods in 2023:

    (In millions) Year over Year Change in Economic Profit
      For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024   For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
    Decrease in adjusted return on capital $         (17.9)     $         (76.0)  
    Decrease (increase) in cost of capital           2.5                (30.5)  
    Increase in adjusted average capital           10.8                46.3   
    Decrease in economic profit $         (4.6)     $         (60.2)  

    The decrease in economic profit for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:

    • A decrease in our adjusted return on capital of 80 basis points, primarily due to:
      • A decrease in the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charges on our loan portfolio decreased our adjusted return on capital by 150 basis points, primarily due to both a decline in forecasted collection rates and slower forecasted net cash flow timing since the third quarter of 2023. The slower forecasted net cash flow timing was primarily a result of a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages.
      • Slower growth in operating expenses increased our adjusted return on capital by 50 basis points as operating expenses grew by 6.4% while adjusted average capital grew by 19.3%.
    • An increase in adjusted average capital of 19.3%, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.

    The decrease in economic profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was primarily a result of the following:

    • A decrease in our adjusted return on capital of 90 basis points, primarily due to:
      • A decrease in the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charges on our loan portfolio decreased our adjusted return on capital by 140 basis points, primarily due to both a decline in forecasted collection rates and slower forecasted net cash flow timing since the first quarter of 2023. The slower forecasted net cash flow timing was primarily a result of a decrease in Consumer Loan prepayments, which remain below historical averages.
      • Slower growth in operating expenses increased our adjusted return on capital by 40 basis points as operating expenses grew by 9.2% while adjusted average capital grew by 17.8%.
    • An increase in our cost of capital, primarily due to an increase in our cost of debt, primarily as a result of higher interest rates on recently completed or extended secured financings and recently issued senior notes and the repayment of older secured financings and senior notes with lower interest rates.
    • An increase in adjusted average capital of 17.8%, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio.

    The following table shows adjusted revenue and operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital, the adjusted return on capital, and the percentage change in adjusted average capital for each of the last eight quarters, compared to the same period in the prior year:

        For the Three Months Ended
        Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Sept. 30, 2023   Jun. 30, 2023   Mar. 31, 2023
    Adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital (1)           18.4  %           18.2  %           19.6  %           19.8  %           20.2  %           20.7  %           21.2  %           20.6  %
    Operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital (1)           5.6  %           6.2  %           6.2  %           6.7  %           6.3  %           6.3  %           6.9  %           7.2  %
    Adjusted return on capital (1)           9.8  %           9.3  %           10.3  %           10.1  %           10.6  %           11.1  %           11.1  %           10.3  %
    Percentage change in adjusted average capital compared to the same period in the prior year           19.3  %           19.4  %           17.6  %           14.6  %           11.5  %           8.8  %           6.2  %           1.0  %

    (1)   Annualized.

    The increase in adjusted return on capital for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024, was primarily due to a decrease in operating expenses, which increased adjusted return on capital by 40 basis points, as operating expenses declined by 6.0% while adjusted average capital grew by 2.9%. The $7.8 million decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to a decrease in legal expenses.

    The following tables provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.  Certain amounts do not recalculate due to rounding.

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data)   For the Three Months Ended
        Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Sept. 30, 2023   Jun. 30, 2023   Mar. 31, 2023
    Adjusted net income                                
    GAAP net income (loss)   $         151.9      $         78.8      $         (47.1)     $         64.3      $         93.6      $         70.8      $         22.2      $         99.5   
    Floating yield adjustment (after-tax)             (116.8)               (115.1)               (96.1)               (92.4)               (83.9)               (76.4)               (73.9)               (75.9)  
    GAAP provision for credit losses (after-tax)             95.0                142.2                246.9                143.2                126.1                142.1                192.9                105.8   
    Loss on sale of building (after-tax) (1)             —                —                18.3                —                —                —                —                —   
    Senior notes adjustment (after-tax)             —                —                —                —                (2.6)               (0.5)               (0.6)               (0.5)  
    Income tax adjustment (2)             (4.1)               3.2                4.4                2.3                (4.1)               3.5                (0.6)               (1.9)  
    Adjusted net income   $         126.0      $         109.1      $         126.4      $         117.4      $         129.1      $         139.5      $         140.0      $         127.0   
                                     
    Adjusted net income per diluted share (3)   $         10.17      $         8.79      $         10.29      $         9.28      $         10.06      $         10.70      $         10.69      $         9.71   
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     12,388,072        12,415,143        12,282,174        12,646,529        12,837,181        13,039,638        13,099,961        13,073,316   
                                     
    Adjusted revenue                                
    GAAP total revenue   $         565.9      $         550.3      $         538.2      $         508.0      $         491.6      $         478.6     $         477.9      $         453.8   
    Floating yield adjustment             (151.8)               (149.4)               (124.8)               (120.0)               (108.9)               (99.3)               (96.1)               (98.4)  
    GAAP provision for claims             (17.7)               (18.5)               (20.3)               (17.0)               (16.6)               (16.5)               (19.7)               (17.9)  
    Adjusted revenue   $         396.4      $         382.4      $         393.1      $         371.0      $         366.1      $         362.8      $         362.1      $         337.5   
                                     
    Adjusted average capital                                
    GAAP average debt   $         6,202.5      $         6,071.1      $         5,818.2      $         5,306.8      $         4,986.3      $         4,831.4      $         4,730.3      $         4,594.7   
    Deferred debt issuance adjustment             —                —                —                —                20.9                24.5                24.0                21.2   
    Senior notes debt adjustment             —                —                —                —                2.8                3.4                3.4                3.4   
    Adjusted average debt             6,202.5                6,071.1                5,818.2                5,306.8                5,010.0                4,859.3                4,757.7                4,619.3   
    GAAP average shareholders’ equity             1,712.3                1,594.2                1,623.5                1,678.5                1,734.3                1,731.3                1,752.6                1,673.3   
    Senior notes equity adjustment             —                —                —                —                2.0                2.9                3.4                4.0   
    Income tax adjustment (4)             (118.5)               (118.5)               (118.5)               (118.5)               (118.5)               (118.5)               (118.5)               (118.5)  
    Floating yield adjustment             837.0                840.8                710.1                641.0                606.5                548.9                433.9                373.7   
    Adjusted average equity             2,430.8                2,316.5                2,215.1                2,201.0                2,224.3                2,164.6                2,071.4                1,932.5   
    Adjusted average capital   $         8,633.3      $         8,387.6      $         8,033.3      $         7,507.8      $         7,234.3      $         7,023.9      $         6,829.1      $         6,551.8   
                                     
    Adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital (5)             18.4  %             18.2  %             19.6  %             19.8  %             20.2  %             20.7  %             21.2  %             20.6  %
                                     
    Adjusted loans receivable                                
    GAAP loans receivable, net   $         7,850.3      $         7,781.5      $         7,547.7      $         7,345.6      $         6,955.3      $         6,780.5      $         6,610.3      $         6,500.3   
    Floating yield adjustment             1,072.4                1,100.8                1,065.6                869.7                803.8                748.9                663.7                509.2   
    Adjusted loans receivable   $         8,922.7      $         8,882.3      $         8,613.3      $         8,215.3      $         7,759.1      $         7,529.4      $         7,274.0      $         7,009.5   
                                     
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)                                
    GAAP interest expense   $         111.3      $         111.2      $         104.5      $         92.5      $         78.8      $         70.5      $         62.8      $         54.4   
    Senior notes adjustment             —                —                —                —                3.5                0.7                0.7                0.7   
    Adjusted interest expense (pre-tax)             111.3                111.2                104.5                92.5                82.3                71.2                63.5                55.1   
    Adjustment to record tax effect (2)             (25.6)               (25.6)               (24.0)               (21.3)               (18.9)               (16.4)               (14.6)               (12.7)  
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)   $         85.7      $         85.6      $         80.5      $         71.2      $         63.4      $         54.8      $         48.9      $         42.4   

    (1)   The sale of one of our two office buildings in June 2024 resulted in a loss on the sale of the asset. As this transaction is both unusual and infrequent in nature, we applied this adjustment to remove the impact of the loss on sale of building from our adjusted net income.
    (2)   Adjustment to record taxes at our estimated long-term effective income tax rate of 23%. 
    (3)   Net income per diluted share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly net income per diluted share information may not equal year-to-date net income per diluted share.
    (4)   The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 resulted in the reversal of $118.5 million of provision for income taxes to reflect the new federal statutory income tax rate. This adjustment removes the impact of this reversal from adjusted average capital. We believe the income tax adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business as we are recognizing provision for income taxes at the applicable long-term effective tax rate for the period.
    (5)   Annualized.

    (Dollars in millions)   For the Three Months Ended
        Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Sept. 30, 2023   Jun. 30, 2023   Mar. 31, 2023
    Adjusted return on capital (1)                                
    Adjusted net income   $         126.0      $         109.1      $         126.4      $         117.4      $         129.1      $         139.5      $         140.0      $         127.0   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)             85.7                85.6                80.5                71.2                63.4                54.8                48.9                42.4   
    Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax)   $         211.7      $         194.7      $         206.9      $         188.6      $         192.5      $         194.3      $         188.9      $         169.4   
                                     
    Reconciliation of GAAP return on equity to adjusted return on capital (4)                                
    GAAP return on equity (2)             35.5  %             19.8  %             -11.6  %             15.3  %             21.6  %             16.4  %             5.1  %             23.8  %
    Non-GAAP adjustments             -25.7  %             -10.5  %             21.9  %             -5.2  %             -11.0  %             -5.3  %             6.0  %             -13.5  %
    Adjusted return on capital (1)             9.8  %             9.3  %             10.3  %             10.1  %             10.6  %             11.1  %             11.1  %             10.3  %
                                     
    Economic profit                                
    Adjusted return on capital             9.8  %             9.3  %             10.3  %             10.1  %             10.6  %             11.1  %             11.1  %             10.3  %
    Cost of capital (3) (4)             7.4  %             7.3  %             7.5  %             7.3  %             7.6  %             7.1  %             6.7  %             6.6  %
    Adjusted return on capital in excess of cost of capital             2.4  %             2.0  %             2.8  %             2.8  %             3.0  %             4.0  %             4.4  %             3.7  %
    Adjusted average capital   $         8,633.3      $         8,387.6      $         8,033.3      $         7,507.8      $         7,234.3      $         7,023.9      $         6,829.1      $         6,551.8   
        Economic profit   $         51.3      $         41.4      $         56.2      $         51.4      $         55.9      $         69.1      $         74.1      $         61.4   
                                     
    Reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to economic profit                                
    GAAP net income (loss)   $         151.9      $         78.8      $         (47.1)     $         64.3      $         93.6      $         70.8      $         22.2      $         99.5   
    Non-GAAP adjustments             (25.9)               30.3                173.5                53.1                35.5                68.7                117.8                27.5   
    Adjusted net income             126.0                109.1                126.4                117.4                129.1                139.5                140.0                127.0   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)             85.7                85.6                80.5                71.2                63.4                54.8                48.9                42.4   
    Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax)             211.7                194.7                206.9                188.6                192.5                194.3                188.9                169.4   
    Less: cost of capital             160.4                153.3                150.7                137.2                136.6                125.2                114.8                108.0   
    Economic profit   $         51.3      $         41.4      $         56.2      $         51.4      $         55.9      $         69.1      $         74.1      $         61.4   
                                     
    Economic profit per diluted share (5)   $         4.14      $         3.33      $         4.58      $         4.06      $         4.35      $         5.30      $         5.66      $         4.70   
                                     
    Operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital (4)             5.6  %             6.2  %             6.2  %             6.7  %             6.3  %             6.3  %             6.9  %             7.2  %
                                     
    Percentage change in adjusted average capital compared to the same period in the prior year             19.3  %             19.4  %             17.6  %             14.6  %             11.5  %             8.8  %             6.2  %             1.0  %

    (1)   Adjusted return on capital is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) divided by adjusted average capital.
    (2)   Calculated by dividing GAAP net income (loss) by GAAP average shareholders’ equity.
    (3)   The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt.  The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated with our use of debt.  The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 – tax rate) x (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5% – pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)].  For the periods presented, the average 30-year Treasury rate and the adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt were as follows:

        For the Three Months Ended
        Dec. 31, 2024   Sept. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Dec. 31, 2023   Sept. 30, 2023   Jun. 30, 2023   Mar. 31, 2023
    Average 30-year Treasury rate           4.4  %           4.3  %           4.6  %           4.3  %           4.7  %           4.2  %           3.8  %           3.8  %
    Pre-tax average cost of debt (4)           7.2  %           7.3  %           7.2  %           7.0  %           6.3  %           5.9  %           5.3  %           4.8  %

    (4)   Annualized.
    (5)   Economic profit per diluted share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly economic profit per diluted share information may not equal year-to-date economic profit per diluted share.

    (In millions, except share and per share data)   For the Years Ended December 31,
          2024       2023  
    Adjusted net income        
    GAAP net income   $         247.9      $         286.1   
    Floating yield adjustment (after-tax)             (420.4)               (310.1)  
    GAAP provision for credit losses (after-tax)             627.3                566.9   
    Loss on sale of building (after-tax) (1)             18.3                —   
    Senior notes adjustment (after-tax)             —                (4.2)  
    Income tax adjustment (2)             5.8                (3.1)  
    Adjusted net income   $         478.9      $         535.6   
             
    Adjusted net income per diluted share   $         38.41     $         41.17  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     12,469,283       13,010,735  
             
    Adjusted average capital        
    GAAP average debt   $         5,849.7      $         4,785.7   
    Deferred debt issuance adjustment             —                22.7   
    Senior notes debt adjustment             —                3.2   
    Adjusted average debt             5,849.7                4,811.6   
    GAAP average shareholders’ equity             1,652.1                1,722.9   
    Senior notes equity adjustment             —                3.1   
    Income tax adjustment (3)             (118.5)               (118.5)  
    Floating yield adjustment             757.2                490.7   
    Adjusted average equity             2,290.8                2,098.2   
    Adjusted average capital   $         8,140.5      $         6,909.8   
             
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)        
    GAAP interest expense   $         419.5      $         266.5   
    Senior notes adjustment             —                5.6   
    Adjusted interest expense (pre-tax)             419.5                272.1   
    Adjustment to record tax effect (2)             (96.5)               (62.6)  
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)   $         323.0      $         209.5   
             
    Adjusted return on capital (5)        
    Adjusted net income   $         478.9      $         535.6   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)             323.0                209.5   
        Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax)   $         801.9      $         745.1   
             
    Reconciliation of GAAP return on equity to adjusted return on capital        
    GAAP return on equity (4)             15.0  %             16.6  %
    Non-GAAP adjustments             -5.1  %             -5.8  %
    Adjusted return on capital (5)             9.9  %             10.8  %
             
    Economic profit        
    Adjusted return on capital             9.9  %             10.8  %
    Cost of capital (6)             7.4  %             7.0  %
    Adjusted return on capital in excess of cost of capital             2.5  %             3.8  %
    Adjusted average capital   $         8,140.5      $         6,909.8   
        Economic profit   $         200.3      $         260.5   
             
    Reconciliation of GAAP net income to economic profit        
    GAAP net income   $         247.9      $         286.1   
    Non-GAAP adjustments             231.0                249.5   
    Adjusted net income             478.9                535.6   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)             323.0                209.5   
    Adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax)             801.9                745.1   
    Less: cost of capital             601.6                484.6   
    Economic profit   $         200.3      $         260.5   
             
    Economic profit per diluted share (7)   $         16.06      $         20.02   

    (1)   The sale of one of our two office buildings in June 2024 resulted in a loss on the sale of the asset. As this transaction is both unusual and infrequent in nature, we applied this adjustment to remove the impact of the loss on sale of building from our adjusted net income.   
    (2)        Adjustment to record taxes at our estimated long-term effective income tax rate of 23%.
    (3)   The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 resulted in the reversal of $118.5 million of provision for income taxes to reflect the new federal statutory income tax rate. This adjustment removes the impact of this reversal from adjusted average capital. We believe the income tax adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business as we are recognizing provision for income taxes at the applicable long-term effective tax rate for the period.
    (4)   Calculated by dividing GAAP net income by GAAP average shareholders’ equity.
    (5)   Adjusted return on capital is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense after-tax divided by adjusted average capital.
    (6)   The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt.  The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated with our use of debt.  The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 – tax rate) x (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5% – pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)].  For the periods presented, the average 30-year Treasury rate and the adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt were as follows:

        For the Years Ended December 31,
        2024     2023  
    Average 30-year Treasury rate           4.4  %           4.1  %
    Pre-tax average cost of debt           7.2  %           5.5  %

    (7)   Economic profit per diluted share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly economic profit per diluted share information may not equal year-to-date economic profit per diluted share.

    Floating Yield Adjustment

    The net loan income (finance charge revenue less provision for credit losses expense) that we recognize over the life of a loan equals the cash we collect from the underlying Consumer Loan less the cash we pay to the dealer. We believe the economics of our business are best exhibited by recognizing loan revenue on a level-yield basis over the life of the loan based on expected future net cash flows. The purpose of this non-GAAP adjustment is to provide insight into our business by showing this level yield measure of income. Under GAAP, contractual amounts due in excess of the loan receivable balance at the time of assignment will be reflected as interest income, while contractual amounts due that are not expected to be collected are reflected in the provision for credit losses. Our non-GAAP floating yield adjustment recognizes the net effects of contractual interest income and expected credit losses in a single measure of finance charge revenue, consistent with how we manage our business. The floating yield adjustment recognizes revenue on a level-yield basis based upon expected future net cash flows, with any changes in expected future net cash flows, which are recognized immediately under GAAP as provision for credit losses, recognized over the remaining forecast period (up to 120 months after the origination date of the underlying Consumer Loans) for each individual dealer loan and purchased loan. The floating yield adjustment does not accelerate revenue recognition. Rather, it reduces revenue by taking amounts that are reported under GAAP as provision for credit losses and instead treating them as reductions of revenue over time.

    Under the GAAP methodology we employ, which is known as the current expected credit loss model, or CECL, we are required to recognize:

    • a significant provision for credit losses expense at the time of the loan’s assignment to us for contractual net cash flows we do not expect to realize; and
    • finance charge revenue in subsequent periods that is significantly in excess of our expected yield.

    Due to the GAAP treatment of contractual net cash flows we do not expect to realize at the time of loan assignment (i.e. significant expense at the time of loan assignment, which is offset by higher revenue in subsequent periods), we do not believe the GAAP methodology we employ provides sufficient transparency into the economics of our business, including our results of operations, financial condition, and financial leverage. Our floating yield adjustment enables us to provide measures of income that are not impacted by GAAP’s treatment of contractual net cash flows we do not expect to realize at the time of loan assignment. We believe the floating yield adjustment is presented in a manner which reflects both the economic reality of our business and how the business is managed and provides valuable supplemental information to help investors better understand our business, executive compensation, liquidity, and capital resources.

    Senior Notes Adjustment (applied in periods prior to December 31, 2023)

    This non-GAAP adjustment modifies our GAAP financial results to treat the issuance of certain senior notes as a refinancing of certain previously issued senior notes. Our historical adjusted financial information reflects application of the senior notes adjustment as described below in connection with (i) the issuance by us in 2014 of $300.0 million principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 senior notes”) and the related retirement of our 9.125% senior notes due 2017 (the “2017 senior notes”) and (ii) the issuance by us in 2019 of $400.0 million principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due 2024 (the “2024 senior notes”) and the related retirement of the 2021 senior notes and our 7.375% senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 senior notes”).

    We issued the 2024 senior notes on December 18, 2019. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the 2024 senior notes to repurchase or redeem all of the $300.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2021 senior notes, of which $148.2 million was repurchased on December 18, 2019 and the remaining $151.8 million was redeemed on January 17, 2020. We used the remaining net proceeds from the 2024 senior notes, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, to redeem in full the $250.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2023 senior notes on March 15, 2020. Under GAAP, the fourth quarter of 2019 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.8 million related to the repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020 and (ii) additional interest expense of $0.3 million on $160.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2024 senior notes and repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 to the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020. Under GAAP, the first quarter of 2020 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $7.4 million related to the redemption of 2023 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020 and (ii) additional interest expense of $0.4 million on $160.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2024 senior notes and repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 to the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020.

    We issued the 2021 senior notes on January 22, 2014. On February 21, 2014, we used the net proceeds from the 2021 senior notes, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, to redeem in full the $350.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2017 senior notes. Under GAAP, the first quarter of 2014 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $21.8 million related to the redemption of the 2017 senior notes in the first quarter of 2014 and (ii) additional interest expense of $1.4 million on $276.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2021 senior notes to the redemption of the 2017 senior notes.

    Under our non-GAAP approach, the loss on extinguishment of debt and additional interest expense that were recognized for GAAP purposes were in each case deferred as debt issuance costs to be recognized ratably as interest expense over the term of the newly issued notes. In addition, for adjusted average capital purposes, the impact of additional outstanding debt related to the lag from the issuance of the new notes to the redemption of the previously issued notes was in each case deferred to be recognized ratably over the term of the newly issued notes. Upon the issuance of the 2024 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019, the outstanding unamortized balances of the non-GAAP adjustments related to the 2021 senior notes were deferred and were recognized ratably over the term of the 2024 senior notes, until the repurchase and redemption of the 2024 senior notes in December 2023.

    We believe the application of the senior notes adjustment as described above provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business, since we were recognizing the costs incurred with these transactions in a manner consistent with how we recognize the costs incurred when we periodically refinance our other debt facilities. We have determined not to apply the senior notes adjustment in connection with the issuance by us in December 2023 of our 9.250% senior notes due 2028 and the related retirement of the 2024 senior notes, because the adjustment would not be material.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. Statements in this release that are not historical facts, such as those using terms like “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” or similar expressions, and those regarding our future results, plans, and objectives, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this release. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements since the statements are based on our current expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 12, 2024, and other risk factors discussed herein or listed from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC and the following:

    Industry, Operational, and Macroeconomic Risks

    • Our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on results of operations.
    • Due to competition from traditional financing sources and non-traditional lenders, we may not be able to compete successfully.
    • Adverse changes in economic conditions, the automobile or finance industries, or the non-prime consumer market could adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations, the ability of key vendors that we depend on to supply us with services, and our ability to enter into future financing transactions.
    • Reliance on third parties to administer our ancillary product offerings could adversely affect our business and financial results.
    • We are dependent on our senior management and the loss of any of these individuals or an inability to hire additional team members could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.
    • Our reputation is a key asset to our business, and our business may be affected by how we are perceived in the marketplace.
    • An outbreak of contagious disease or other public health emergency could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.
    • The concentration in several states of automobile dealers who participate in our programs could adversely affect us.
    • Reliance on our outsourced business functions could adversely affect our business.
    • Our ability to hire and retain foreign engineering personnel could be hindered by immigration restrictions.
    • We may be unable to execute our business strategy due to current economic conditions.
    • Natural disasters, climate change, military conflicts, acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats, or the escalation of military activity in response to terrorist attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
    • Governmental or market responses to climate change and related environmental issues could have a material adverse effect on our business.
    • A small number of our shareholders have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval and such shareholders have interests which may conflict with the interests of our other security holders.

    Capital and Liquidity Risks

    • We may be unable to continue to access or renew funding sources and obtain capital needed to maintain and grow our business.
    • The terms of our debt limit how we conduct our business.
    • A violation of the terms of our asset-backed secured financings or revolving secured warehouse facilities could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
    • Our substantial debt could negatively impact our business, prevent us from satisfying our debt obligations, and adversely affect our financial condition.
    • We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding debt and fund operations and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such debt.
    • Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect our borrowing costs, profitability, and liquidity.
    • Reduction in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding from, and restrict our access to, the capital markets and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations.
    • We may incur substantially more debt and other liabilities. This could exacerbate further the risks associated with our current debt levels.
    • The conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets may adversely affect lenders with which we have relationships, causing us to incur additional costs and reducing our sources of liquidity, which may adversely affect our financial position, liquidity, and results of operations.

    Technology and Cybersecurity Risks

    • Our dependence on technology could have a material adverse effect on our business.
    • We depend on secure information technology, and a breach of our systems or those of our third-party service providers could result in our experiencing significant financial, legal, and reputational exposure and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
    • Our use of electronic contracts could impact our ability to perfect our ownership or security interest in Consumer Loans.
    • Failure to properly safeguard our proprietary business information or confidential consumer and team member personal information could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability, and damage our reputation.

    Legal and Regulatory Risks

    • Litigation we are involved in from time to time may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
    • Changes in tax laws and the resolution of uncertain income tax matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows from operations.
    • The regulations to which we are or may become subject could result in a material adverse effect on our business.

    Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter our statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    Webcast Details

    We will host a webcast on January 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss our fourth quarter and full year results. The webcast can be accessed live by visiting the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com or by telephone as described below. Only persons accessing the webcast by telephone will be able to pose questions to the presenters during the webcast. A replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived in the “Investor Relations” section of our website. 

    To participate in the webcast by telephone, you must pre-register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BIa9a65d89cd7e4a4192d3cecb8f0d2b67, or through the link posted on the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com. Upon registration you will be provided with the dial-in number and a unique PIN to access the webcast by telephone.

    Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation

    We make vehicle ownership possible by providing innovative financing solutions that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers regardless of their credit history. Our financing programs are offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our financing programs, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

    Without our financing programs, consumers are often unable to purchase vehicles or they purchase unreliable ones. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our programs is that we provide consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.

    CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (UNAUDITED)
            

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended December 31,   For the Years Ended December 31,
        2024     2023     2024     2023
    Revenue:              
    Finance charges $         518.2    $         451.6    $         1,992.7    $         1,755.4 
    Premiums earned           24.8              21.6              96.1              79.6 
    Other income           22.9              18.4              73.6              66.9 
    Total revenue           565.9              491.6              2,162.4              1,901.9 
    Costs and expenses:              
    Salaries and wages           77.6              66.1              309.2              280.2 
    General and administrative           22.0              27.4              97.9              87.2 
    Sales and marketing           22.0              20.8              94.4              91.7 
    Total operating expenses           121.6              114.3              501.5              459.1 
                   
    Provision for credit losses on forecast changes           62.9              94.3              493.8              413.7 
    Provision for credit losses on new Consumer Loan assignments           60.5              69.4              320.9              322.5 
    Total provision for credit losses           123.4              163.7              814.7              736.2 
                   
    Interest           111.3              78.8              419.5              266.5 
    Provision for claims           17.7              16.6              73.5              70.7 
    Loss on sale of building           —              —              23.7              — 
    Loss on extinguishment of debt           —              1.8              —              1.8 
    Total costs and expenses           374.0              375.2              1,832.9              1,534.3 
    Income before provision for income taxes           191.9              116.4              329.5              367.6 
    Provision for income taxes           40.0              22.8              81.6              81.5 
    Net income $         151.9    $         93.6    $         247.9    $         286.1 
                   
    Net income per share:              
    Basic $         12.39    $         7.33    $         20.12    $         22.09 
    Diluted $         12.26    $         7.29    $         19.88    $         21.99 
                   
    Weighted average shares outstanding:              
    Basic           12,256,198              12,775,616              12,323,261              12,953,424 
    Diluted           12,388,072              12,837,181              12,469,283              13,010,735 

    CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data) As of
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $         343.7      $         13.2   
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents           501.3                457.7   
    Restricted securities available for sale           106.4                93.2   
           
    Loans receivable           11,289.1                10,020.1   
    Allowance for credit losses           (3,438.8)               (3,064.8)  
    Loans receivable, net           7,850.3                6,955.3   
           
    Property and equipment, net           14.7                46.5   
    Income taxes receivable           4.2                4.3   
    Other assets           34.0                40.0   
    Total assets $         8,854.6      $         7,610.2   
           
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
    Liabilities:      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $         315.8      $         318.8   
    Revolving secured lines of credit           0.1                79.2   
    Secured financing           5,361.5                3,990.9   
    Senior notes           991.3                989.0   
    Mortgage note           —                8.4   
    Deferred income taxes, net           319.1                389.2   
    Income taxes payable           117.2                81.0   
    Total liabilities           7,105.0                5,856.5   
           
    Shareholders’ Equity:      
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued           —                —   
    Common stock, $.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 12,048,151 and 12,522,397 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively           0.1                0.1   
    Paid-in capital           335.1                279.0   
    Retained earnings           1,414.7                1,475.6   
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss           (0.3)               (1.0)  
    Total shareholders’ equity           1,749.6                1,753.7   
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $         8,854.6      $         7,610.2   

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Medallion Bank Reports 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results and Declares Series F Preferred Stock Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medallion Bank (Nasdaq: MBNKP, the “Bank”), an FDIC-insured bank specializing in consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, as well as loan products and services offered through fintech strategic partners, today announced its results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. The Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).

    2024 Fourth Quarter Highlights

    • Net income of $15.6 million, compared to $21.9 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest income of $53.1 million, compared to $48.9 million in the prior year quarter.
    • Net interest margin of 8.28%, compared to 8.62% in the prior year quarter.
    • Total provision for credit losses was $20.5 million, compared to $9.7 million in the prior year quarter. Total provision for credit losses included $0.9 million of net taxi medallion recoveries, compared to $12.0 million of net taxi medallion recoveries in the prior year quarter.
    • Annualized net charge-offs were 3.28% of average loans outstanding, compared to 1.04% in the prior year quarter.
    • In December 2024, the Bank signed a letter of intent to sell up to $121 million of recreation loans at a premium to par value.

    2024 Full-Year Highlights

    • Net income of $60.6 million, compared to net income of $79.9 million in 2023.
    • Net interest income of $204.7 million, compared to $188.9 million in 2023.
    • Net interest margin of 8.48%, compared to 8.84% in 2023.
    • Total provision for credit losses was $75.8 million, compared to $36.5 million in 2023. Total provision for credit losses included $4.9 million of net taxi medallion recoveries, compared to $18.1 million of net taxi medallion recoveries in 2023.
    • Total net charge-offs were 2.82% of average loans outstanding, compared to 1.52% in 2023.
    • Return on assets and return on equity were 2.52% and 16.62%, respectively, compared to 3.74% and 24.57% in 2023.
    • Total loan portfolio grew 13% to $2.4 billion.
    • Total assets were $2.5 billion, total capital was $382.4 million, and the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 15.68% as of December 31, 2024.

    Donald Poulton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Medallion Bank, stated, “We finished 2024 on a solid note, with quarterly earnings of $15.6 million and net interest income above $53 million. Volumes in our strategic partnership business tripled to $124 million from $40 million in the third quarter. As anticipated, recreation and home improvement loan volumes slowed with the winter season, and loan delinquency and net charge-offs rose in the quarter as is expected. With record recreation loan originations of more than $526 million in 2024, we initiated another loan sale — our fifth since 2016 — in preparation for the projected demand from our customers in 2025. We view loan sales as an efficient method to recycle capital that can also generate earnings when demand exceeds our capacity. Reclassifying these recreation loans as held for sale resulted in a release of $3.9 million in related allowance for credit losses. As we look ahead, our priorities remain constant: loan originations of predictable credit quality and managed growth that continues to deliver increasing net interest income while maintaining or growing our market position.”

    Recreation Lending Segment

    • The Bank’s recreation loan portfolio grew 15% to $1.543 billion as of December 31, 2024, compared to $1.336 billion at December 31, 2023. Loan originations were $72.2 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $62.7 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, loan originations were $526.6 million, compared to $447.0 million in 2023.
    • Net interest income was $39.4 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $36.2 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, net interest income was $153.1 million, compared to $140.3 million in 2023.
    • Recreation loans were 65% of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, compared to 64% at December 31, 2023.
    • Annualized net charge-offs were 4.35% of average recreation loans outstanding in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to 4.23% in the prior year quarter. For the year, total net charge-offs were 3.72% of average recreation loans outstanding, compared to 3.04% in 2023.
    • The provision for recreation credit losses was $17.7 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $14.8 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, the provision for recreation credit losses was $68.0 million, compared to $44.6 million in 2023. The provisions for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 included $3.9 million of allowance for credit losses released as $121 million of recreation loans were reclassified as held for sale.
    • The recreation allowance for credit losses was 5.00% of the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2024, compared to 4.31% of the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2023. The Bank does not record an allowance for loans held for sale, so the allowance as of December 31, 2024 relates only to the remaining recreation loans held for investment.

    Home Improvement Lending Segment

    • The Bank’s home improvement loan portfolio grew 9% to $827.2 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $760.6 million at December 31, 2023. Loan originations were $82.5 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $66.0 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, loan originations were $298.7 million, compared to $357.4 million in 2023.
    • Net interest income was $13.1 million for the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $12.2 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, net interest income was $50.2 million, compared to $46.6 million in 2023.
    • Home improvement loans were 35% of loans receivable as of December 31, 2024, compared to 36% at December 31, 2023.
    • Annualized net charge-offs were 1.75% of average home improvement loans outstanding in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to 1.67% in the prior year quarter. For the year, total net charge-offs were 1.78% of average home improvement loans outstanding, compared to 1.33% in 2023.
    • The provision for home improvement credit losses was $4.4 million in the fourth quarter 2024, compared to $6.9 million in the prior year quarter. For the year, the provision for home improvement credit losses was $13.5 million, compared to $17.6 million in 2023.
    • The home improvement allowance for credit losses was 2.48% of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2024, compared to 2.76% of the outstanding balance at December 31, 2023.

    Series F Preferred Stock Dividend

    On January 23, 2025, the Bank’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share on the Bank’s Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F, which trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “MBNKP.” The dividend is payable on April 1, 2025, to holders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2025.

    About Medallion Bank

    Medallion Bank specializes in providing consumer loans for the purchase of recreational vehicles, boats, and home improvements, along with loan origination services to fintech strategic partners. The Bank works directly with thousands of dealers, contractors and financial service providers serving their customers throughout the United States. Medallion Bank is a Utah-chartered, FDIC-insured industrial bank headquartered in Salt Lake City and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Medallion Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFIN).

    For more information, visit www.medallionbank.com

    Please note that this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to business performance, cash flow, costs, sales (including loan sales), net investment income, earnings, returns and growth. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “remains,” “anticipated,” “continue,” “may,” “maintain” or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These statements may relate to our future earnings, returns, capital levels, sources of funding, growth prospects, asset quality and pursuit and execution of our strategy. Medallion Bank’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. For a description of certain risks to which Medallion Bank is or may be subject, please refer to the factors discussed under the captions “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” included in Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the FDIC. Medallion Bank’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and other FDIC filings are available in the Investor Relations section of Medallion Bank’s website. Medallion Bank’s financial results for any period are not necessarily indicative of Medallion Financial Corp.’s results for the same period.  

    Company Contact:
    Investor Relations
    212-328-2176
    InvestorRelations@medallion.com

    MEDALLION BANK
    STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   For the Years Ended December 31,
    (In thousands) 2024   2023   2024   2023
    Interest income              
    Loan interest including fees $ 71,577   $ 61,668   $ 268,914   $ 231,496
    Investments   1,564     1,585     6,306     5,171
    Total interest income   73,141     63,253     275,220     236,667
    Interest expense   20,039     14,401     70,509     47,785
    Net interest income   53,102     48,852     204,711     188,882
    Provision for credit losses   20,500     9,717     75,845     36,457
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   32,602     39,135     128,866     152,425
    Other non-interest income   16     839     2,134     2,102
    Non-interest expense              
    Salaries and benefits   5,014     4,997     19,985     19,001
    Loan servicing   3,173     2,903     12,248     11,626
    Collection costs   1,517     1,492     6,095     5,965
    Regulatory fees   969     692     3,795     3,176
    Professional fees   508     631     1,694     2,243
    Information technology   329     281     1,186     1,031
    Occupancy and equipment   541     206     1,167     830
    Other   938     818     3,624     3,524
    Total non-interest expense   12,989     12,020     49,794     47,396
    Income before income taxes   19,629     27,954     81,206     107,131
    Provision for income taxes   4,040     6,011     20,624     27,279
    Net income $ 15,589   $ 21,943   $ 60,582   $ 79,852
    Less: Preferred stock dividends   1,512     1,512     6,047     6,047
    Net income attributable to common shareholder $ 14,077   $ 20,431   $ 54,535   $ 73,805
                           
    MEDALLION BANK
    BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
    (In thousands) December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets      
    Cash and federal funds sold $ 126,196     $ 110,043  
    Investment securities, available-for-sale   54,805       54,282  
    Loans held for sale, at the lower of amortized cost or fair value   128,226        
           
    Loan receivables, inclusive of net deferred loan acquisition cost and fees   2,249,613       2,100,338  
    Allowance for credit losses   (91,638 )     (79,283 )
    Loans, net   2,157,975       2,021,055  
    Loan collateral in process of foreclosure   3,326       4,165  
    Fixed assets and right-of-use lease assets, net   9,126       8,140  
    Deferred tax assets   14,036       12,761  
    Accrued interest receivable   15,083       13,439  
    Other assets   40,326       38,171  
    Total assets $ 2,549,099     $ 2,262,056  
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity      
    Liabilities      
    Deposits and other funds borrowed $ 2,125,071     $ 1,866,657  
    Accrued interest payable   5,586       4,029  
    Income tax payable   17,951       21,219  
    Other liabilities   17,204       17,509  
    Due to affiliates   910       849  
    Total liabilities   2,166,722       1,910,263  
    Shareholder’s Equity      
    Series E Preferred stock   26,303       26,303  
    Series F Preferred stock   42,485       42,485  
    Common stock   1,000       1,000  
    Additional paid in capital   77,500       77,500  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (4,480 )     (4,529 )
    Retained earnings   239,569       209,034  
    Total shareholders’ equity   382,377       351,793  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,549,099     $ 2,262,056  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Diamondback Energy, Inc. Announces Drop Down Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Viper Energy, Inc. (“Viper”), a subsidiary of Diamondback, to sell certain mineral and royalty interests from subsidiaries of Diamondback for $1 billion in cash and approximately 69.6 million units of Viper’s operating subsidiary (“OpCo”, and such units the “OpCo Units”) in a drop down transaction (“Drop Down”). The tax advantaged OpCo units, which will be issued together with an equal number of shares of Class B common stock of Viper, are exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock of Viper.

    Based on the volume weighted average sales price of Viper’s common stock for the 30-trading day period ending on January 24, 2025 of $49.55, the transaction is valued at a total of $4.45 billion. Viper expects to fund the cash portion of this transaction through a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under Viper’s credit facility, and proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions, subject to market conditions and other factors.

    “This Drop Down transaction with Viper is a major milestone in the continued synergy capture and execution of corporate development objectives related to the Endeavor transaction,” stated Travis Stice, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diamondback. “Additionally, the Drop Down will accelerate debt reduction and increase Diamondback’s exposure to Viper’s differentiated growth profile and market-leading minerals position.”

    Timing and Approvals

    Diamondback expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and approval of the transaction by Viper’s stockholders.

    Advisors

    RBC Capital Markets is serving as financial advisor to Diamondback. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal advisor to Diamondback.

    Evercore is acting as financial advisor to the Audit Committee of Viper’s Board of Directors. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is acting as legal advisor to Viper’s Audit Committee.

    About Diamondback

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Diamondback’s: future performance; business strategy; future operations (including drilling plans and capital plans); estimates and projections of revenues, losses, costs, expenses, returns, cash flow, and financial position; reserve estimates and its ability to replace or increase reserves; anticipated benefits or other effects of strategic transactions (including the recently completed Endeavor merger, the Drop Down transaction and other acquisitions or divestitures); and plans and objectives of management (including plans for future cash flow from operations) are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions (including the negative of such terms) as they relate to Diamondback are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Although Diamondback believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond Diamondback’s control. Accordingly, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and Diamondback’s actual outcomes could differ materially from what Diamondback has expressed in its forward-looking statements.

    Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities; the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases and any related company or government policies or actions; actions taken by the members of OPEC and Russia affecting the production and pricing of oil, as well as other domestic and global political, economic, or diplomatic developments, including any impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war on the global energy markets and geopolitical stability; instability in the financial markets; inflationary pressures; higher interest rates and their impact on the cost of capital; regional supply and demand factors, including delays, curtailment delays or interruptions of production, or governmental orders, rules or regulations that impose production limits; federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations; physical and transition risks relating to climate change; those risks described in Item 1A of Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and those risks disclosed in its subsequent filings on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.

    In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Diamondback’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Diamondback operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Diamondback cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this letter or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Diamondback does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

    Additional Information about the Drop Down and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Drop Down, Viper expects to file relevant materials with the SEC including a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Viper will mail the definitive proxy statement to each Viper stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the Drop Down. This document is not a substitute for the proxy statement or for any other document that Viper may file with the SEC and send to its stockholders in connection with the Pending Drop Down. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS IN VIPER ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE VIPER PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DROP DOWN THAT VIPER WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement, the preliminary proxy statement, and other relevant materials in connection with the Drop Down (when they become available) and any other documents filed by Viper with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Viper will be available free of charge on Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investors.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Viper and its directors and executive officers, and Diamondback as its parent and major stockholder, may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Viper’s stockholders in connection with the Drop Down. Information about the directors and executive officers of Viper and, as applicable, about Diamondback, is set forth in (i) in Viper’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting, including under the headings “Proposal 1—Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Stock Ownership” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000119312524113976/d796418ddef14a.htm, (ii) Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”, “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000160206524000010/vnom-20231231.htm and (iii) subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC.

    Additional information about Diamondback may be found in Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Diamondback with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.

    Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed by Viper with the SEC when they become available. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investors.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    Diamondback Investor Contact:

    Adam Lawlis
    +1 432.221.7467
    alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Viper Energy, Inc., A Subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc., Announces Drop Down Transaction and Operations Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viper Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM) (“Viper” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) (“Diamondback”), today provided an update on Q4 2024 financial and operating results.

    FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    • Q4 2024 average daily production of 29,859 bo/d (56,109 boe/d)
    • Q4 2024 average unhedged realized prices of $69.91 per barrel of oil, $0.84 per Mcf of natural gas, and $22.15 per barrel of natural gas liquids
    • During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recorded total operating income of $228.7 million
    • Declared Q4 2024 combined base-plus-variable dividend of $0.65 per Class A common share; payable on March 13, 2025 to Class A shareholders of record at the close of business on March 6, 2025

    Additionally, the Company announced today it and its operating subsidiary Viper Energy Partners LLC (“OpCo”) have entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire all of the equity interests of certain mineral and royalty-interest owning subsidiaries of Diamondback in exchange for $1.0 billion of cash and approximately 69.6 million OpCo units (along with an accompanying equal amount of Class B common stock of the Company), subject to customary adjustments (the “Drop Down”). The transaction was negotiated for the Company by the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent directors and is appointed by the Board of Directors to oversee all related party transactions. The cash portion of this transaction is expected to be funded through a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under the Company’s credit facility, and proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions, subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company expects the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the transaction by a majority of the Company’s stockholders not affiliated with Diamondback.

    The Company today also announced it and OpCo have entered into a separate definitive purchase and sale agreement to acquire certain mineral and royalty interests from Morita Ranches Minerals LLC in exchange for approximately $211 million of cash and approximately 2.4 million OpCo units (along with an accompanying equal amount of Class B common stock of the Company), subject to customary adjustments (the “Quinn Ranch Acquisition” and together with the Drop Down, the “Pending Acquisitions”). The cash portion of this transaction is expected to be funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s credit facility. The Company expects the transaction to close during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    PENDING ACQUISITIONS COMBINED HIGHLIGHTS

    • Approximately 23,100 net royalty acres (“NRAs”) in the Midland Basin; additional acreage in the Delaware and Williston Basins (approximately 1,700 NRAs combined)
    • Diamondback operates >70% of the Midland Basin NRAs with an approximately 5.0% average net revenue interest (“NRI”) across high-quality and largely undeveloped acreage
    • Expected average daily oil production for full year 2025 of approximately 18,000 bo/d (32,000 boe/d); includes contribution from Diamondback’s expected development plan (11.0-12.0 net 100% royalty interest wells) and 6.7 net existing DUCs and permits operated by third party operators
    • Viper currently expects Diamondback to complete roughly 300-325 gross locations on the acquired properties in 2026 with an estimated average ~6.0% NRI; expected to drive an increase in Diamondback-operated production from an average of approximately of 11,000 bo/d in 2025 to approximately 14,000 bo/d in 2026
    • Third party operated acreage located primarily in Martin, Midland, and Reagan counties; ExxonMobil (~35% of third party operated acreage) is the largest operator with diversified exposure to other leading well-capitalized operators in the Midland Basin
    • Substantial near and long-term financial accretion; expected to be >10% accretive to cash available for distribution per Class A share immediately upon closing
    • Each of the Pending Acquisitions has an effective date of January 1, 2025

    PRO FORMA VIPER HIGHLIGHTS

    • Giving effect to only the assumed closing of the Quinn Ranch Acquisition during Q1 2025, initiating average daily production guidance for Q1 2025 of 30,000 to 31,000 bo/d (54,000 to 56,000 boe/d)
    • Upon the assumed closing of the Drop Down during Q2 2025, expect average daily production for the balance of 2025 in the range of 47,000 to 49,000 bo/d (85,000 to 88,000 boe/d); the midpoint is approximately 61% higher than standalone Viper’s Q4 2024 average daily oil production
    • Based on Diamondback’s expected development plans, Viper expects its Diamondback-operated production to increase to approximately 31,000 bo/d in 2026, up from approximately 27,000 bo/d on a pro forma basis in 2025
    • Viper expects to own an interest in approximately 75% of the total amount of gross wells that Diamondback would plan to develop over the next five years at today’s activity levels; expect to own an estimated ~6.0% NRI in these wells
    • Total inventory of Diamondback-operated locations with a greater than 10% IRR at $50 WTI of approximately 334 net locations
    • Approximately 60,200 NRAs in the Permian Basin, approximately 36,300 of which are operated by Diamondback; represents increases of approximately 70% and 90%, respectively
    • Maintaining return of capital commitment of at least 75% of cash available for distribution
    • Conservative leverage of <1.0x expected at year-end 2025 based on current commodity prices

    “We are excited to announce today the highly anticipated, transformative Drop Down transaction between Viper and Diamondback. This transaction, combined with the Quinn Ranch Acquisition, furthers Viper’s alignment with Diamondback’s expected development plan and positions Viper to continue to deliver organic growth driven by the Diamondback drillbit for multiple years ahead. The pro forma size and scale provided to Viper, and the continued support of our parent company, meaningfully enhances the unmatched advantage Viper has in the minerals and royalty market,” stated Travis Stice, Chief Executive Officer of Viper.

    Mr. Stice continued, “In addition to being immediately accretive to all relevant financial metrics, this conservatively financed transaction also reduces Viper’s pro forma leverage to below 1.0x. Looking ahead, Viper’s leading scale and fortress balance sheet will enable the Company to continue to opportunistically consolidate the highly fragmented minerals market through a disciplined and focused approach.”

    Advisors

    Evercore is serving as financial advisor to the Audit Committee of Viper’s Board of Directors and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is serving as the Audit Committee’s legal advisor for the Drop Down.

    RBC Capital Markets is serving as financial advisor to Diamondback and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as its legal advisor for the Drop Down.

    For the Quinn Ranch Acquisition, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is serving as Viper’s legal advisor and Vinson & Elkins LLP is serving as legal advisor for Morita Ranches Minerals LLC.

    About Viper Energy, Inc.

    Viper is a corporation formed by Diamondback to own, acquire and exploit oil and natural gas properties in North America, with a focus on owning and acquiring mineral and royalty interests in oil-weighted basins, primarily the Permian Basin. For more information, please visit www.viperenergy.com.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the results to differ materially from those expected by the management of Viper. All statements, other than historical facts, that address activities that Viper assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events, including specifically the statements regarding the pending acquisitions discussed in this news release and any potential capital markets transactions and other funding sources for the pending acquisitions, as well as statements regarding the pro forma results for the pending acquisitions and Viper’s operating and financial expectations following those acquisitions, including existing and future production on the mineral and royalty acreage subject to the pending acquisitions and Diamondback’s plans with respect to such Diamondback-operated acreage.

    Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: the completion of the pending acquisitions on anticipated terms and timing or at all, including obtaining the requisite regulatory and stockholder approvals for the Pending Drop Down, the satisfaction of other conditions to the pending acquisitions, uncertainties as to whether the pending acquisitions, if consummated, will achieve their anticipated benefits within the expected time periods or at all, and those risks described in Item 1A of Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings Viper makes with the SEC, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investor-overview, as well as those risks that will be more fully described in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A that is intended to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Pending Drop Down.

    In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Viper’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Viper conducts its business in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Viper cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Viper does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

    Additional Information about the Pending Drop Down and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Pending Drop Down, Viper expects to file relevant materials with the SEC including a proxy statement on Schedule 14A. Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Viper will mail the definitive proxy statement to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting relating to the Pending Drop Down. This news release is not a substitute for the proxy statement or for any other document that Viper may file with the SEC and send to its stockholders in connection with the Pending Drop Down. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PENDING DROP DOWN THAT VIPER WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE TRANSACTION. The definitive proxy statement, the preliminary proxy statement, and other relevant materials in connection with the Pending Drop Down (when they become available) and any other documents filed by Viper with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Viper will be available free of charge on Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investor-overview.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Viper and its directors and executive officers, and Diamondback as its parent and major stockholder, may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Viper’s stockholders in connection with the Pending Drop Down. Information about the directors and executive officers of Viper and, as applicable, about Diamondback, is set forth in (i) in Viper’s proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting, including under the headings “Proposal 1—Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Stock Ownership” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000119312524113976/d796418ddef14a.htm, (ii) Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including under the headings “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”, “Item 11. Executive Compensation”, “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, which was filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000160206524000010/vnom-20231231.htm and (iii) subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC.

    Additional information about Diamondback may be found in Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Diamondback with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors.

    Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC when they become available. These documents may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investor-overview.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    Investor Contact:

    Austen Gilfillian
    +1 432.221.7420
    agilfillian@diamondbackenergy.com

    Source: Viper Energy, Inc.; Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Nomination of Representative Elise Stefanik to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to United Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    January 30, 2025
     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
     
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement in support of the nomination of U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations shortly after he voted for her nomination at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee markup.
    “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Representative Elise Stefanik on her nomination to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. I intend to support her nomination and wish her all the best in this important role representing the United States.
    “I would like, however, to outline a few fundamental policy disagreements I maintain with Representative Stefanik, with the hope that a closer examination of these issues will lead to the adoption of more prudent policies. 
    “Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Representative Stefanik issued a statement urging NATO to immediately admit Ukraine into the alliance. That course of action risks leading to World War III, with the United States getting pulled into a direct conflict with Russia—a country that maintains the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. It is imperative that diplomats avoid kneejerk reactions and maintain composure when confronted with serious geopolitical crises. 
    “Unfortunately, Representative Stefanik’s statement neglected the principal driver of Moscow’s antipathy toward Ukraine. Fearing a western bulwark on its doorstep, the main driver of Russia’s decision to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and invade the country was, and remains, a desire to prevent the potential threat that would emanate from Ukraine should it join NATO. One must not agree with Moscow’s perspective, however it is imperative that our diplomats and policymakers strive to understand it to avoid miscalculation and effectively negotiate a lasting peace.  
    “I am encouraged by Representative Stefanik’s recent vote against an additional $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, citing concerns over excessive spending and a need to address the situation at our southern border. President Trump vowed to end the needless slaughter in Ukraine, and I expect Representative Stefanik will use her position at the UN to work toward the realization of that objective. 
    “The second fundamental disagreement I maintain with Representative Stefanik is her vocal support of a national ban of the popular app, TikTok. Representative Stefanik and other proponents of the ban claim that it is necessary to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from accessing Americans’ user data and prevent the spread of CCP propaganda. But in addition to a lack of evidence that TikTok poses any tangible national security threat to the United States, a ban also fundamentally infringes on the most sacred of our constitutionally protected rights—the right of free speech and expression. The United States is not better off by emulating the tactics of the CCP, which bans speech it does not like.
    “Diplomacy requires give and take. It requires hard work building relationships based on mutual respect. Rather than reprimand our adversaries at every turn, we should strive to maintain productive dialogue. President Trump understands the importance of diplomacy as a means to avoid and end conflicts. As Ambassador to the United Nations, I hope Representative Stefanik will advance President Trump’s diplomatic agenda. 
    “While I may disagree with Representative Stefanik’s general foreign policy disposition, I do not doubt her steadfastness and devotion to our country. It is my sincere hope that President Trump’s second administration will continue to elevate diplomacy over conflict to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a prosperous and peaceful world. I wish Representative Stefanik all the best and stand ready to offer my assistance as she prepares to represent the United States on the global stage.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Lee Zeldin Wrong Person To Lead EPA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Published: 01.29.2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after voting against Lee Zeldin’s nomination to be Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
    “In just the last week, Donald Trump banned wind energy and stopped federal funding for clean energy projects – actions that will create an energy shortage and raise people’s energy bills. Republicans aren’t trying to cut costs for people – they’re focused on helping their Big Oil friends make money. And the person who will be leading these efforts for the Trump Administration, including to roll back critical environmental protections, is Lee Zeldin. Climate change is happening, and it’s costing billions and billions of dollars, and more importantly, it’s costing lives. We need an EPA Administrator who is for climate action, not Lee Zeldin.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy backs bill to crack down on fentanyl, help law enforcement tackle opioid crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in introducing the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which would permanently list fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.

    “Americans know the carnage of fentanyl all too well. The HALT Fentanyl Act would save lives in Louisiana and across the country by empowering law enforcement to seek justice against dealers who work with cartels to profit off feeding poison to Americans,” said Kennedy.

    Fentanyl is a scheduled substance, but Mexican drug cartels make small chemical tweaks to fentanyl to produce drugs—fentanyl-related substances—with similar dangerous effects that are not controlled.

    In response to this crisis, the DEA exercised its authority to temporarily classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. That temporary scheduling order will expire on March 31, 2025 if Congress does not act.

    Under the HALT Fentanyl Act, fentanyl-related substances would remain Schedule I. In addition, the bill clarifies that the mandatory minimum penalties that apply to fentanyl also apply to the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances.

    “Today, roughly 150 Americans will die from fentanyl poisoning. Cartels fuel this crisis by marketing their poison as legitimate prescription pills. They also avoid regulation by chemically altering the drugs to create powerful fentanyl knock-offs. Congress closed that loophole by temporarily classifying fentanyl related substances under Schedule 1. The HALT Fentanyl Act would make permanent fentanyl related substances’ Schedule 1 classification and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to combat these deadly drugs,” said Grassley. 

    “The Biden administration’s open border was an invitation to drug cartels smuggling Chinese fentanyl into the U.S., fueling the U.S. overdose epidemic. Law enforcement must have the tools necessary to combat this trend. We cannot let this Schedule I classification lapse,” said Cassidy. 

    “We’re losing more than 100,000 Americans each year to illicit fentanyl overdoses. I refuse to accept this reality, and that’s why I’m working to deliver tools law enforcement personnel need to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets and out of our communities. Permanently scheduling fentanyl and its analogues will help federal and local law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases. Our HALT Fentanyl Act will help stop the flow of these deadly drugs into our communities and save lives,” said Heinrich.

    Background:

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in 2023 there were 81,083 overdose deaths in the U.S. that involved opioids.
    • In March 2023, Kennedy introduced the Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act, which would have made sure fentanyl-trafficking sentences reflected the deadliness of the substance. Senate Democrats blocked the bill in May 2023.
    • In 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 21,889 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill more than 4.9 billion people (assuming a lethal dose of two milligrams)—or enough to wipe out the entire U.S. population more than 14 times over. 

    Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) cosponsored the legislation. 

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Kash Patel at Nomination Hearing to be Director of the FBI

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced Kash Patel at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to be the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

    Watch the introduction here.

    Read Senator Tillis’ statement below:

    Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin and my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee, it’s my honor to introduce Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be FBI Director. I’ve completed due diligence on his life and career, and I’m convinced Kash possesses significant expertise and an ironclad commitment to justice. I have concluded he’s an outstanding choice to lead the FBI. 

    Kash’s parents are Indian immigrants of Gujarati ancestry. The Gujarat state is a melting pot of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism, with temples, mosques, and other religious sites scattered across the state.  His father was raised in Uganda, but his family fled the country to escape repression under Idi Amin. His mother was born and raised in Tanzania. They met and married in India and ultimately made their way to New York City by way of Canada, where his parents along with 7 brothers and sisters, their spouses, and at least a half dozen kids lived under the same roof. His parents raised Kash in the Hindu faith, and they instilled in him the values of hard work and education.  Kash is a devout Hindu, and consistent with his faith, he has shown respect to people of all faiths.

    Kash attended the University of Richmond, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history. He went to Pace University School of Law, where he earned his JD and an International Law Certificate from the University College of London, Faculty of Laws.

    Kash began his career as a public defender in Florida where he led or co-led more than 60 jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts. Kash has clearly demonstrated devotion to upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of individuals.

    Kash led the defense of Jose Buitrago in United States v. Buitrago, a high-profile drug case in Florida in 2015.  Buitrago was one of the Colombian nationals arrested in a major drug bust involving Operation BACRIM. Kash and his co-counsel successfully argued that key evidence was withheld by the prosecution, leading to Buitrago’s release. I suspect some of Kash’s disdain for prosecutorial misconduct stems from this firsthand experience. 

    Kash was hired as senior counsel on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2017. He told me he distinctly remembers my friend Trey Gowdy’s comment shortly after they were introduced. He said, “Kash, Congress is where righteous investigations go to die, I hope you’re ready.” Kash wasready and he went on to establish a solid reputation for pursuing the facts. From there, he held senior posts at the NSC, DoD, and DNI.

    Since leaving the administration after 2020, Kash has written articles and books on national security, law, and governance. Through his work as an author, Kash continues to advocate for justice and transparency and to be ever vigilant in defending our great democracy and the rule of law.

    Colleagues, I’ve created a Kash BINGO that is available to any of my colleagues who would like on the other side of the aisle. Some may view this as an unserious caricature and not appropriate for this committee, but sadly I consider it a serious caricature of what I expect to be witnessed today. I think we will have words like “enemies list” and “deep state”, but the fact of the matter is some people will be here to substantiate a false narrative. At worst, they may just be going through an unfounded litany of quote and half quote and half-truths, some that have already been dispelled in the Chairman’s opening statement. 

    In my 10 years in the Senate, I hope I have established a reputation for being fair, doing my homework, and taking tough positions that have been met with harsh criticism. Heck, I’ve been censured by my party for taking tough positions, and I stand by those positions today and my position to support Kash Patel. 

    When President Trump announced his intent to nominate Kash, I contacted Trey Gowdy and others who’ve worked with Kash, and they gave glowing recommendations. So, I called Kash on December 2nd and offered to help with his nomination. Since then, we’ve spent hours together in person and on the phone.

    I’ve asked him difficult questions and I’ve urged him to reach out to members across the aisle. He’s met with 60 members of the U.S. Senate, including several members of this committee.

    Chair Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, friends, and colleagues on the committee. I’ve completed my due diligence on Kash Patel, and I am honored to provide my strongest recommendation for his confirmation.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Lankford introduce bill to incentivize charitable giving through tax code

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) reintroduced the Charitable Act to reward Americans who give to charity and incentivize more people to donate to worthy causes. Under this new bill, Americans who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations, and other nonprofits of their choice would be able to deduct that donation from their federal taxes, even if they take the standard, non-itemized deduction.

    A similar provision was first enacted in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which passed in 2020. As a result of that legislation, 90 million taxpayers benefitted from the deduction, and households making between $30,000 and $100,000 increased their charitable giving the most. Charitable organizations received $30 billion in increased donations. 

    “Delawareans have always risen to the occasion in support of our communities,” said Senator Coons. “Last year, Americans demonstrated our generosity by donating a collective $557 billion to charities, houses of worship, and nonprofits. I am proud to reintroduce the Charitable Act with Senator Lankford to help the federal government encourage even more Americans to embrace the civic virtue of giving to those in need.”

    “America’s first safety net should never be the government—government is the least efficient caregiver by far. Our families, churches, and other nonprofits do incredible work to lift up those who need it most. Updating the tax law to incentivize giving empowers Americans to make an even bigger impact for the homeless, hurting, and hungry,” said Senator Lankford. 

    This bill is supported by numerous organizations, including The National Council of Nonprofits (25,000 member organizations), Charitable Giving Coalition (175 member organizations), the Nonprofit Alliance, Faith & Giving Coalition, Leadership 18, Independent Sector, YMCA, Council on Foundations, American Endowment Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, United Philanthropy Forum, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Association of Art Museum Directors, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Americans for the Arts, American Heart Association, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Maryland Nonprofits, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.

    In addition to Senators Coons and Lankford, the Charitable Act is supported by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

    “Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, addressing critical needs and enhancing the quality of life for all. The Charitable Act is a vital step in restoring a proven incentive that encourages generosity and empowers nonprofits to meet growing demands, even in challenging times. We applaud Senators Lankford and Coons for their leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector, ensuring we can continue to deliver essential services and drive positive change,” said Sheila Bravo, President and CEO, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement.

    “Bravo to Senators Lankford and Coons on this much-needed support for America’s nonprofits. They both understand from personal experience the key role the nonprofit sector plays both as a provider of critical services to millions of Americans and as a major employer in Oklahoma and nationwide. In this era of historic inflation and ever-rising costs, the need for nonprofit services has not declined—in fact, we are needed more than ever. The Charitable Act will help recreate an environment of years past where charitable givers at every level can feel incentivized and appreciated—after all, we are all in this together,” said Marnie Taylor, President & CEO, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. 

    “Faith & Giving heartily thanks and commends Senators James Lankford and Chris Coons for reintroducing the Charitable Act to restore a charitable deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize. Giving by individuals is the financial lifeblood of many thousands of American faith communities and faith-based organizations. Yet since 2017 individual giving to religion has fallen billions of dollars short of keeping pace with inflation. No single policy is more important for restoring the health of individual giving and faith-based charities than a non-itemizer charitable deduction like the one Congress created to stimulate giving in 2020 and 2021,” Brian Walsh, Executive Director, Faith & Giving

    Nonprofits need tools like the nonitemizer deduction proposed by the Charitable Act to meet growing and changing community needs,” said YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick. “We saw this policy unlock more giving when it was enacted temporarily during the pandemic, and we know that making it permanent will help YMCAs serve and support more neighbors every day. Senators Lankford and Coons recognize the important role nonprofits play in communities and understand that the universal charitable deduction helps nonprofits like the Y make their communities stronger. I’m grateful for their leadership.”

    “The temporary non-itemizer charitable deduction implemented in 2020 and 2021 led to an additional $18 billion in donations to nonprofits. As nonprofits are faced with higher demand for services, increased costs, workforce challenges, and declining donations, the Charitable Act presents an opportunity to reinstate that incentive and provide nonprofits with more resources to carry out their mission. The networks of the National Council of Nonprofits enthusiastically endorse this vital legislation and appreciate leaders like Senator Lankford and Senator Coons who continue to be stalwart champions for these efforts and the nonprofit sector,” said Diane Yentel, President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits.

    “Generosity is a core American value that should be incentivized to help meet the evolving needs of communities,” said Kathleen Enright, Council on Foundations President and CEO. “The temporary non-itemizer deduction in the CARES Act successfully sparked more people to give. We hope Congress will cement this effective policy into law and inspire many more generous Americans to give charitably to support one another and the causes they value. We thank the House and Senate sponsors of the Charitable Act for their leadership on this issue.”

    For quotes from other organizations and non-profit leaders, please click here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under questioning from Senator Coons, FBI Director nominee Patel refuses to assert FBI’s independence or demonstrate willingness to resign over illegal directives

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today, where he pressed him on whether his allegiance to President Trump would mean the end of the Bureau’s independence and whether he’d resign if asked by the White House to do something illegal.

    Senator Coons pressed Patel on several issues at the hearing today. Under questioning, Patel stated that, as FBI Director, he would answer to the President. In contrast, Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi said that, if confirmed, she would answer directly to the Constitution and the American people.

    Senator Coons also asked Patel, as he asked FBI Directors Chris Wray and James Comey during their own confirmations, about whether Patel would resign rather than carry out an illegal order from Trump, as Wray and Comey committed to doing. Patel repeatedly refused to make the same commitment.

    A video and full transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    Sen. Coons: We had a constructive conversation last week, I appreciate your taking the time. In particular, a conversation about the prosecution of the World Cup bombing in Uganda that took the life of a Delawarean whose family I knew, I found moving. But the role you have been nominated for is central – central to our security as a nation, central to the protection of our constitutional rights, and I voted to confirm Trump’s previous FBI director, Chris Wray. I believe he’s lived up to the bureau’s motto of serving with fidelity, bravery and integrity, and I also think my vote for him and for many of Trump’s cabinet in the first term shows I take my constitutional advice and consent rule seriously and do not reflexively vote against his nominees.

    I look at three factors when I assess a nominee. Qualifications and experience; policy views and whether they are in the best interest of the American people; and character and capacity to do the job independently where called for. My colleagues have referenced quotes from Attorney General Barr, National Security Advisor Bolton.

    The FBI is enormous: 38,000 agents, $9 billion budget. I am troubled by your lack of senior law enforcement leadership. We disagree on some important policy views. But the thing that bothers me the most is a whole series of statements you have made in a variety of settings that suggest you would struggle to be independent from White House direction or control, as has long been the modern history of the FBI.

    Who does the director of the FBI work for, Mr. Patel?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, thank you for that question. The immediate report for the Director of the FBI is into the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Then, that report is taken into the Office of the Attorney General and ultimately the White House in the chain of command there.

    Sen. Coons: So the FBI works for the White House?

    Mr. Patel: No, the FBI is a member of the Department of Justice, and has been the long-standing application—

    Sen Coons: And who does the Department of Justice work for?

    Mr. Patel: They are in the executive branch, as all members do at the White House.

    Sen. Coons: Attorney General Bondi gave a different answer when I asked her the same question— that they work for the Constitution and the American people. President Trump has made clear in public statements he wants to use the FBI to persecute political adversaries. He has publicly said that folks ranging from Liz Cheney, to Adam Kinzinger, to former Vice President Harris should be investigated and criminally prosecuted. If President Trump were to order you to open an investigation into any of these individuals, let’s say, Vice President Harris, would you?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, this question speaks directly to my ability to leave political bias and allow independent behavior to be the only guiding light. As a public defender, I learned that in the harshest of arenas. And any law enforcement investigation, if I’m confirmed at the FBI, will only be launched on the following qualification: a factual, articulatable, legal basis to do so. The president has said publicly that he will allow the FBI to remain independent, and I have said as much as well.

    Sen. Coons: So, if FBI agents brought to you a factual legal basis, a predication, and you are about to refer it to a prosecutor, and you get a call from the White House saying, “don’t proceed, this is a major donor, this is someone close to the president, this is inappropriate.” What would you do?

    Mr. Patel: Simple. You – I think you answered it partially in your, in your question. The line agents, the brick agents who are trained to bring investigations on behalf of the FBI will make that decision-making process, and they will only have my full support so long as it upholds absolutely every value of the Constitution, and that’s it.

    Sen. Coons: So your predecessor – I went back and looked, and I asked the same questions of Director Comey and Director Wray. Director Wray, quoting former Attorney General Bell, said you should be willing to resign if necessary over conduct if you are pressed to engage in it that’s unethical, illegal or unconstitutional. If pressed by the president, would you resign?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, my answer simply is I would never do anything unconstitutional or unlawful, and I never have in my 16 years of government service.

    Sen. Coons: Would you be willing to resign the post of FBI Director if pressed and given no choice but to obey the order or resign?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, I will always obey the law.

    Sen. Coons: Does obeying the law require you to – as Attorney General Bell said, as FBI Director Wray said – refuse the order or resign?

    Mr. Patel: I don’t – I’m not familiar with the extent of the law you are referring to, but my answer is simple in my 16 years of government service. We will simply follow the law, and I have done that in Obama Justice Department [sic], Republican Justice Departments, in the Obama military, in Republican civilian capacity. I have never once wavered from my constitutional oath of office.

    Sen. Coons: Mr. Patel, your predecessors in this role have been clear that they would be willing to resign if forced or directed to do something unethical or illegal. I’ll proceed.

    One of your past statements that is concerning me – it’s both a post on Truth Social and something you said in a podcast, The Sean Morgan Report: that your predecessor, Chris Wray, has broken the law. We need to prosecute him. The FBI should go after people like him. And the month before this, in July 2023, you said there should be a criminal referral for FBI Director Wray. If confirmed, are you going to follow through on these previous statements that Director Wray needs to be prosecuted?

    Mr. Patel: Senator, this reminds me of the conversation you and I had, which I greatly appreciated. There is enough violent crime in this country, and enough national security threats to this country, that the FBI is going to be busy going forward preventing 100,000 overdoses, 100,000 rapes, and 17,000 homicides.

    Sen. Coons: We agree that prosecuting violent crimes should be the principal focus of the FBI. What I’m trying to get to, Mr. Patel, is a whole series of very troubling – to me and many others – statements you’ve made about instead using it to pursue those who might be viewed as political opponents.

    Mr. Patel: And as I told you in your office, I have no interest, no desire, and will not if confirmed, go backwards. There will be no politicization at the FBI, there will be no retributive actions taken by any FBI, should I be confirmed as the FBI director. I told you that in your office, and I will tell you that again today.

    Sen. Coons: Thank you for that statement. As the Co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus with Senator Cornyn, one of the things I’ve worked hard on and I hope to continue to being able to work hard on with this administration is partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement to pursue violent crime. You did say, as my colleague asked, and I’d look for a longer answer, that you want to close the FBI’s bureau headquarters on day one.

    How would shutting down the FBI headquarters impact its ability to prosecute violent crime and drug traffickers? How is that possibly a serious proposal, Mr. Patel?

    Mr. Patel: Thank you for bringing that up and allowing me to answer. It was to highlight the significantly greater point that I was actually making in that interview, which is well documented over and over again. 38,000 FBI employees – 7,500 FBI employees work in the Washington field office and Hoover Building alone. If you increase the aperture just slightly to encompass the National Capital Region, that is 11,000 FBI employees working in the National Capital Region. A third of the workforce for the FBI works in Washington, D.C. I am fully committed to having that workforce go out into the interior of the country where I live, west of the Mississippi, and work with sheriff’s departments and local officers and having one agent prevent one homicide and having one agent in Washington prevent one rape, and I will do that over and over and over again, because the American people deserve the resources not in Washington D.C., but in the rest of the country.

    Sen. Coons: And Mr. Patel, frankly, if that had been your statement, that would be something that would be defensible. It’s the rest of it, saying you’re going to turn it into a Museum of the Deep State, that causes repeated questions and concerns from people like myself. Thank you, Mr. Patel.

    MIL OSI USA News