Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI: Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (“HTLF”) Reports Quarterly Results as of September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Third Quarter Highlights

    • Quarterly net income available to common stockholders of $62.1 million or $1.44 per common share
    • Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders of $50.6 million or $1.17 adjusted diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP), which excludes:
      • Gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million due to the sale of Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana.
      • Loss on security sales of $9.5 million.
      • Loss on fixed assets of $2.9 million due to branch closures and write-downs on properties listed for sale.
    • Common equity to total assets increased to 11.11%; while the tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP) improved 86 basis points to 8.14%.
    • Net interest margin, full tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) increased to 3.78% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 up from 3.73% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
    • Nonperforming loans were $69.9 million or 0.61% of total loans, a decrease of $33.8 million or 33% from the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
      • Charge-offs of $32.1 million, of which the majority have been reserved for in prior periods, were recorded for the third quarter.
      For the Quarter Ended   For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   9/30/2023   2024   2023
    Earnings Summary:                  
    Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders (in millions) $ 62.1     $ 37.7     $ 46.1     $ 149.6     $ 144.2  
    Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share   1.44       0.88       1.08       3.47       3.37  
    Annualized return on average assets   1.38 %     0.84 %     0.94 %     1.10 %     1.00 %
    Annualized return on average common equity   12.60       8.14       10.47       10.59       11.28  
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   18.32       12.28       16.32       15.77       17.82  
    Net interest margin   3.73       3.68       3.14       3.65       3.23  
    Net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   3.78       3.73       3.18       3.69       3.27  
    Efficiency ratio   48.58       65.69       63.77       58.94       61.86  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully-tax equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   57.98       57.73       59.95       58.16       58.98  
                       
    Adjusted Earnings Summary (1):                  
    Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders (in millions) $ 50.6     $ 49.6     $ 48.1     $ 152.7     $ 148.3  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share   1.17       1.15       1.12       3.54       3.47  
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets   1.14 %     1.09 %     0.98 %     1.12 %     1.02 %
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity   10.27       10.71       10.92       10.81       11.60  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity   14.98       16.05       17.02       16.09       18.31  
                       

    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to the financial tables for reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    “HTLF delivered a solid third quarter. Net interest margin increased as we continue to pay down high cost wholesale deposits. Our tangible common equity ratio improved to 8.14%. In July we completed the strategic sale of Rocky Mountain Bank in Montana, resulting in a net gain of $29.7 million. We continue to work closely with our partners at UMB on integration planning for our two companies and we’re excited about closing the transaction, expected in Q1 2025.”
    Bruce K. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, HTLF

    DENVER, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heartland Financial USA, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLF) today reported the following results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023:

    • Net income available to common stockholders of $62.1 million compared to $46.1 million, an increase of $16.1 million or 35%.
    • Earnings per diluted common share of $1.44 compared to $1.08, an increase of $0.36 or 33%.
    • Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders(1) of $50.6 million or $1.17 per diluted common share compared to $48.1 million or $1.12 per diluted common share, which excludes:
      • Gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million due to the sale of Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana.
      • Loss on security sales of $9.5 million.
      • Loss on fixed assets of $2.9 million due to branch closures and write-downs on properties listed for sale.
    • Net interest income of $157.9 million compared to $145.8 million, an increase of $12.1 million or 8%.
    • Annualized return on average assets of 1.38% compared to 0.94%. Adjusted annualized return on average assets(1) of 1.14% compared to 0.98%.
    • Annualized return on average common equity of 12.60% compared to 10.47%. Adjusted annualized return on average common equity(1) of 10.27% compared to 10.92%.
    • Annualized return on average tangible common equity(1) of 18.32% compared to 16.32%. Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity(1) of 14.98% compared to 17.02%.

    Rocky Mountain Bank Sale

    HTLF Bank closed on the sale of the Rocky Mountain Bank branches in Montana in mid-July to two purchasers, which included loans of $343.8 million, deposits of $531.9 million and fixed assets of $13.8 million. The gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million was realized in the third quarter of 2024.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest margin, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.73% (3.78% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 3.68% (3.73% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2024, and 3.14% (3.18% on a fully tax-equivalent basis, non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2023.

    Total interest income and average earning asset changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Total interest income was $253.8 million compared to $245.4 million, an increase of $8.4 million or 3%, primarily attributable to an increase in yields on average earning assets. During the third quarter of 2024, HTLF recorded $5.3 million in additional interest income for a security that paid off.
    • Total interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) was $255.8 million, an increase of $8.2 million or 3%, from $247.6 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2024, the fair value hedges were terminated in favorable market conditions in early October. HTLF recorded $10.3 million of interest income associated with the fair value hedges in the third quarter of 2024 in comparison to $5.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. As a result of the fair value hedge terminations, no additional interest income will be recorded.
    • Average earning assets decreased $1.60 billion or 9% to $16.84 billion compared to $18.44 billion, primarily due to the sale of $865.4 million of securities during the fourth quarter of 2023, $108.4 million of securities sold during the second quarter of 2024, and $40.3 million of securities sold during the third quarter of 2024. The proceeds were utilized to pay down high-cost wholesale deposits and borrowings.
    • The average rate on earning assets increased 71 basis points to 6.04% from 5.33%, primarily due to recent interest rate increases on earning assets.

    Total interest expense and average interest-bearing liability changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Total interest expense was $95.9 million, a decrease of $3.8 million from $99.7 million, primarily due to a decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities.
    • The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased 17 basis points to 3.18% from 3.01%.
    • Average interest-bearing deposits decreased $1.65 billion or 13% to $11.03 billion from $12.68 billion.
    • The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased 4 basis points to 2.86% from 2.90%.
    • Average borrowings and term debt increased $478.2 million to $953.9 million from $475.7 million, and the average interest rate paid on borrowings decreased 40 basis points to 5.39% from 5.78%.

    Net interest income changes for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Net interest income totaled $157.9 million compared to $145.8 million, an increase of $12.1 million or 8%.
    • Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) totaled $159.9 million compared to $147.9 million, an increase of $12.0 million or 8%.

    Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

    Total noninterest income was $19.0 million during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $28.4 million during the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $9.4 million or 33%. Significant changes within the noninterest income category for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Service charges and fees decreased $1.5 million or 8% to $17.1 million from $18.6 million, primarily attributable to a decrease in consumer NSF and overdraft fees. In the fourth quarter of 2023, HTLF instituted a new fee policy across our single charter customer base in response to industry changes related to consumer overdraft fees.
    • Net security losses increased $9.4 million to $9.5 million compared to net security losses of $114,000.
    • Net gains on sales of loans held for sale decreased to $0 from $905,000, due to HTLF ceasing originations of residential mortgage loans to be sold to the secondary market.
    • Other noninterest income increased $957,000 to $1.6 million from $619,000, primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation income of $1.0 million to $1.5 million from $433,000.  

    Total noninterest expense was $85.9 million during the third quarter of 2024 compared to $111.1 million during the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of $25.1 million or 23%. Significant changes within the noninterest expense category for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 were:

    • Salaries and employee benefits totaled $62.7 million compared to $62.3 million, an increase of $480,000 or 1%. The increase was attributable to higher benefit costs including incentive compensation and benefit expenses partially offset by a reduction of full-time equivalent employees. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 1,725 compared to 1,965, a decrease of 240 or 12%.
    • Professional fees totaled $17.4 million compared to $13.6 million, an increase of $3.8 million or 28%, primarily due to an increase legal expenses, including those associated with special asset loans.
    • Gain on sale of assets, net, totaled $26.4 million compared to a loss on sale of assets of $108,000. As discussed earlier, Rocky Mountain Bank, a division of HTLF Bank, was sold during the third quarter of 2024 which generated a gain on sale, net, of $29.7 million.

    The effective tax rate was 24.25% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 21.89% for third quarter of 2023. The following items impacted the third quarter 2024 and 2023 tax calculations:

    • Various tax credits of $629,000 compared to $1.6 million.
    • Tax-exempt interest income as a percentage of pre-tax income of 8.92% compared to 13.14%.
    • Tax benefit of $140,000 compared to a tax expense of $41,000 resulting from the vesting of restricted stock units.
    • Tax expense of $1.1 million compared to $1.6 million resulting from the disallowed interest expense related to tax-exempt loans and securities.

    Total Assets, Total Loans and Total Deposits

    Total assets were $18.27 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $18.81 billion at June 30, 2024, and $19.41 billion at December 31, 2023. Total assets decreased $540.1 million or 3% during the third quarter of 2024 and $1.14 billion or 6% since year-end 2023. Securities represented 27% and 29% of total assets at September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

    Total loans held to maturity were $11.44 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $11.61 billion at June 30, 2024, and $12.07 billion at December 31, 2023. Loans decreased $167.4 million or 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and $627.7 million or 5% since year-end 2023. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, loans held to maturity decreased $172.4 million or 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and decreased $284.0 million or 2% since year-end 2023.

    Significant changes by loan category at September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 included:

    • Commercial and business lending, which includes commercial and industrial, PPP and owner occupied commercial real estate loans, decreased $262.7 million or 4% to $5.99 billion compared to $6.26 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, commercial and business lending decreased $119.4 million or 2%.
    • Commercial real estate lending, which includes non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans, decreased $3.3 million, or less than 1%, to $3.58 billion compared to $3.58 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, commercial real estate lending increased $67.0 million or 2%.
    • Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $167.2 million or 19% to $701.2 million compared to $868.4 million. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $99.9 million or 12%.
    • Residential mortgage loans decreased $56.7 million or 7% to $708.0 million compared to $764.7 million. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, residential mortgage loans decreased $25.7 million or 3%.

    Significant changes by loan category at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 included:

    • Commercial and business lending, which includes commercial and industrial, PPP and owner occupied commercial real estate loans, decreased $298.6 million or 5% to $5.99 billion compared to $6.29 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $143.3 million, commercial and business lending decreased $155.3 million or 2%.
    • Commercial real estate lending, which includes non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans, increased $9.9 million or less than 1% to $3.58 billion compared to $3.57 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $70.3 million, commercial real estate lending increased $80.2 million or 2%.
    • Agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $218.0 million or 24% to $701.2 million compared to $919.2 million. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $67.3 million, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans decreased $150.7 million or 16%.
    • Residential mortgage loans decreased $89.8 million or 11% to $708.0 million compared to $797.8 million. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank loans sold of $31.0 million, residential mortgage loans decreased $58.9 million or 7%.

    Total deposits were $14.95 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.96 billion as of June 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.4 million or less than 1%. Total deposits were $14.95 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $16.20 billion at December 31, 2023, which was a decrease of $1.25 billion or 8%. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, deposits decreased $9.8 million or less than 1% during the third quarter of 2024 and decreased $716.6 million or 4% since year-end 2023.

    Total customer deposits were $14.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.13 billion at June 30, 2024, an increase of $217.6 million or 2%. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer deposits increased $211.2 million or 1%. Significant customer deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, included:

    • Customer demand deposits decreased $367.6 million or 8% to $4.01 billion compared to $4.38 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer demand deposits decreased $235.9 million or 6%.
    • Customer savings deposits increased $270.0 million or 3% to $8.71 billion compared to $8.44 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer savings deposits increased $554.4 million or 7%.
    • Customer time deposits decreased $223.1 million or 12% to $1.63 billion compared to $1.85 billion. Excluding the impact of Rocky Mountain Bank, customer time deposits decreased $107.3 million or 6%.

    Total customer deposits were $14.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $14.86 billion at December 31, 2023, a decrease of $505.1 million or 3%. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer deposits sold of $531.9 million, customer deposits increased $26.7 million. Significant customer deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024, compared to December 31, 2023, included:

    • Customer demand deposits decreased $491.1 million or 11% to $4.01 billion compared to $4.50 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer demand deposits sold of $131.7 million, customer demand deposits decreased $359.3 million or 8%.
    • Customer savings deposits increased $302.0 million or 4% to $8.71 billion compared to $8.41 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer savings deposits sold of $284.3 million, customer savings deposits increased $586.3 million or 7%.
    • Customer time deposits decreased $316.0 million or 16% to $1.63 billion compared to $1.94 billion. Excluding the Rocky Mountain Bank customer time deposits sold of $115.8 million, customer time deposits decreased $200.2 million or 10%.

    Total wholesale and institutional deposits were $601.9 million as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of $221.0 million or 27% from $822.9 million at June 30, 2024. Significant wholesale and institutional deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024 compared to June 30, 2024 included:

    • Wholesale and institutional savings deposits decreased $105.7 million or 33% to $213.0 million compared to $318.6 million.
    • Wholesale time deposits decreased $115.3 million or 23% to $389.0 million compared to $504.3 million.

    Total wholesale and institutional deposits were $601.9 million as of September 30, 2024, which was a decrease of $743.4 million or 55% from $1.35 billion at December 31, 2023. Significant wholesale and institutional deposit changes by category at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 included:

    • Wholesale and institutional savings deposits decreased $181.4 million or 46% to $213.0 million compared to $394.4 million.
    • Wholesale time deposits decreased $562.0 million or 59% to $389.0 million compared to $950.9 million.

    Provision and Allowance

    Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans
    Provision for credit losses for loans for the third quarter of 2024 was $8.9 million, an increase of $6.2 million from $2.7 million recorded in the third quarter of 2023.

    The allowance for credit losses for loans totaled $106.8 million at September 30, 2024 and $122.6 million at December 31, 2023. The following items impacted the allowance for credit losses for loans at September 30, 2024:

    • Provision expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $22.3 million. Provision expense was primarily impacted in the third quarter of 2024 by a nonperforming food manufacturing syndication loan currently in bankruptcy proceedings. HTLF recorded a charge-off of $19.2 million for this credit during the third quarter of 2024, of which $10.0 million was reserved for in a prior period.
    • Net charge-offs of $38.0 million, of which the majority have been reserved for in prior periods, were recorded for the first nine months of 2024.

    Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses for Unfunded Commitments
    The allowance for unfunded commitments decreased $6.0 million or 36% to $10.5 million at September 30, 2024, from $16.5 million at December 31, 2023. The following impacted HTLF’s allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments during 2024:

    • Provision benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $6.0 million.
    • Reduction of $82.9 million in unfunded commitments for construction loans, which carry the highest loss rate.
    • Total unfunded commitments decreased $684.5 million or 15% to $3.94 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $4.63 billion at December 31, 2023.

    Total Provision and Allowance for Lending Related Credit Losses
    The total provision expense for lending related credit losses was $6.3 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The total allowance for lending related credit losses was $117.3 million or 1.02% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $139.0 million or 1.15% of total loans as of December 31, 2023.

    Nonperforming Assets

    Nonperforming assets were $76.8 million or 0.42% of total assets at September 30, 2024, compared to $110.5 million or 0.57% of total assets at December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets were reduced by charge-offs of $32.1 million and the return to performing status of a $10.4 million owner occupied commercial real estate loan relationship. The reduction was partially offset by the addition of a $10.1 million non-owner commercial real estate loan relationship. Nonperforming loans were $69.9 million or 0.61% of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $97.9 million or 0.81% of total loans at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, loans delinquent 30-89 days were 0.26% of total loans compared to 0.09% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The increase in the 30-89 day delinquencies was due to a single $12.8 million real estate construction loan. Other real estate owned, net, decreased $5.7 million or 46% to $6.8 million at September 30, 2024 from $12.5 million at December 31, 2023.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This earnings release contains references to financial measures which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Management believes the non-GAAP measures are helpful for investors to analyze and evaluate the company’s financial condition and operating results. However, these non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations and should not be considered a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, because non-GAAP measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare the non-GAAP measures in this earnings release with other companies’ non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure may be found in the financial tables in this earnings release.

    Below are the non-GAAP measures included in this earnings release, management’s reason for including each measure and the method of calculating each measure:

    • Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders and adjusted diluted earnings per common share, adjust net income for the gain/loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes these measures enhance the comparability net income available to common stockholders as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Adjusted annualized return on average assets, adjusts net income for the gain/loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent, adjusts net interest income for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.
    • Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax equivalent, expresses noninterest expenses as a percentage of fully tax-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income. This efficiency ratio is presented on a tax-equivalent basis which adjusts net interest income and noninterest expenses for the tax favored status of certain loans, securities, and tax credit projects. Management believes the presentation of this non-GAAP measure provides supplemental useful information for proper understanding of the financial results as it enhances the comparability of income and expenses arising from taxable and nontaxable sources and excludes specific items as noted in reconciliation contained in this earnings release.
    • Net interest income, fully tax equivalent, is net income adjusted for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent, is net interest income adjusted for the tax-favored status of certain loans and securities divided by average earning assets.
    • Tangible book value per common share is total common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net, divided by common shares outstanding, net of treasury. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate use of equity, financial condition and capital strength.
    • Tangible common equity ratio is total common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net, divided by total assets less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength.
    • Adjusted annualized return on average common equity, adjusts net income for the loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Annualized return on average tangible common equity is net income excluding intangible amortization calculated as (1) net income excluding tax-effected core deposit and customer relationship intangibles amortization, divided by (2) average common equity less goodwill and core deposit and customer relationship intangibles, net. This measure is included as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate use of equity, financial condition and capital strength.
    • Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity, adjusts net income available to common stockholders for the loss from sale of securities, and other non-operating expenses as well as the tax effect of those transactions. Management believes this measure enhances the comparability of annualized return on average assets as it reflects adjustments commonly made by management, investors and analysts to evaluate the ongoing operations and enhance comparability with the results of prior periods.
    • Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets adjusts noninterest expenses to exclude specific items noted in the reconciliation. Management includes this measure as it is considered to be a critical metric to analyze and evaluate controllable expenses related to primary business operations.

    About HTLF

    Heartland Financial USA, Inc., is a Denver, Colorado-based bank holding company operating under the brand name HTLF, with assets of $18.27 billion as of September 30, 2024. HTLF’s banks serve customers in the West, Southwest and Midwest regions. HTLF is committed to serving the banking needs of privately owned businesses, their owners, executives and employees. Our core commercial business is supported by a strong retail banking operation, in addition to a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, wealth management and investments. Additional information is available at www.htlf.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release (including any information incorporated herein by reference), and future oral and written statements of the company and its management, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the business, financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives and future performance of HTLF.

    Any statements about the company’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include information about possible or assumed future results of the company’s operations or performance. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of the words such as “believe”, “expect”, “intent”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “may”, “view”, “opportunity”, “potential”, or similar or negative expressions of these words or phrases that are used in this release, and future oral and written statements of the company and its management. Although the company may make these statements based on management’s experience, beliefs, expectations, assumptions and best estimate of future events, the ability of the company to predict results or the actual effect or outcomes of plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and there may be events or factors that management has not anticipated. Therefore, the accuracy and achievement of such forward-looking statements and estimates are subject to a number of risks, many of which are beyond the ability of management to control or predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors, which the company currently believes could have a material effect on its operations and future prospects, are detailed below and in the risk factors in HTLF’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section under Item 1A of Part I of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and updates in HTLF’s Forms 10-Q filed thereafter, and include, among others:

    • Economic and Market Conditions Risks, including risks related to the deterioration of the U.S. economy in general and in the local economies in which HTLF conducts its operations and future civil unrest, natural disasters, pandemics and governmental measures addressing them, climate change and climate-related regulations, persistent inflation, higher interest rates, supply chain issues, labor shortages, terrorist threats or acts of war;
    • Credit Risks, including risks of increasing credit losses due to deterioration in the financial condition of HTLF’s borrowers, changes in asset and collateral values due to climate and other borrower industry risks, which may impact the provision for credit losses and net charge-offs;
    • Liquidity and Interest Rate Risks, including the impact of capital market conditions, rising interest rates and changes in monetary policy on our borrowings and net interest income;
    • Risks related to the planned merger with UMB Financial Corporation (the “Merger”), the fluctuation of the market value of the merger consideration, risks related to combining our businesses, including expenses related to the Merger and integration of the combined entity, risks that the Merger may not occur, and the risk of litigation related to the Merger;
    • Operational Risks, including processing, information systems, cybersecurity, vendor, business interruption, and fraud risks;
    • Strategic and External Risks, including economic, political, and competitive forces impacting our business;
    • Legal, Compliance and Reputational Risks, including regulatory and litigation risks; and
    • Risks of Owning Stock in HTLF, including stock price volatility and dilution as a result of future equity offerings and acquisitions.

    There can be no assurance that other factors not currently anticipated by HTLF will not materially and adversely affect HTLF’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, all statements in this release, including forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. HTLF does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions which may be made to or correct or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or to otherwise update any statement in light of new information or future events. Further information concerning HTLF and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect HTLF’s financial results, is included in HTLF’s filings with the SEC.

    -FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW-

    CONTACT:
    Kevin L. Thompson
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (563) 589-1994
    kthompson@htlf.com 
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,
      For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Interest Income              
    Interest and fees on loans $ 192,506     $ 182,394     $ 587,328     $ 505,136  
    Interest on securities:              
    Taxable   51,116       54,800       145,511       168,948  
    Nontaxable   5,979       6,584       18,062       18,990  
    Interest on federal funds sold         3             3  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments   4,193       1,651       10,244       4,833  
    Total Interest Income   253,794       245,432       761,145       697,910  
    Interest Expense              
    Interest on deposits   82,976       92,744       247,609       231,617  
    Interest on borrowings   7,378       1,167       25,727       4,437  
    Interest on term debt   5,543       5,765       16,956       16,756  
    Total Interest Expense   95,897       99,676       290,292       252,810  
    Net Interest Income   157,897       145,756       470,853       445,100  
    Provision for credit losses   6,276       1,516       16,270       9,969  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses   151,621       144,240       454,583       435,131  
    Noninterest Income              
    Service charges and fees   17,100       18,553       51,127       55,316  
    Loan servicing income   111       278       349       1,403  
    Trust fees   5,272       4,734       15,847       15,810  
    Brokerage and insurance commissions   853       692       2,501       2,065  
    Capital markets fees   2,116       1,845       5,003       8,331  
    Securities gains (losses), net   (9,520 )     (114 )     (19,573 )     (1,532 )
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   377       13       605       165  
    Net gains on sale of loans held for sale         905       104       3,786  
    Income on bank owned life insurance   1,107       858       3,610       3,042  
    Other noninterest income   1,576       619       5,289       2,489  
    Total Noninterest Income   18,992       28,383       64,862       90,875  
    Noninterest Expense              
    Salaries and employee benefits   62,742       62,262       191,817       186,510  
    Occupancy   6,318       6,438       19,843       20,338  
    Furniture and equipment   2,062       2,720       6,554       8,698  
    Professional fees   17,448       13,616       48,351       41,607  
    FDIC insurance assessments   3,035       3,313       11,344       9,627  
    Advertising   1,937       1,633       4,663       6,670  
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,625       4,258       5,128  
    Other real estate and loan collection expenses, net   395       481       1,422       984  
    (Gain) loss on sales/valuations of assets, net   (26,419 )     108       (26,012 )     (2,149 )
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       2,429       9,374       5,994  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       1,136       938       1,828  
    Other noninterest expense   14,816       15,292       43,214       46,307  
    Total Noninterest Expense   85,927       111,053       315,766       331,542  
    Income Before Income Taxes   84,686       61,570       203,679       194,464  
    Income taxes   20,533       13,479       48,077       44,181  
    Net Income/(Loss)   64,153       48,091       155,602       150,283  
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,013 )     (6,038 )     (6,038 )
    Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders $ 62,140     $ 46,078     $ 149,564     $ 144,245  
    Earnings/(loss) per common share-diluted $ 1.44     $ 1.08     $ 3.47     $ 3.37  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       42,812,563       43,080,422       42,769,872  
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Interest Income                  
    Interest and fees on loans $ 192,506     $ 199,161     $ 195,661     $ 192,861     $ 182,394  
    Interest on securities:                  
    Taxable   51,116       47,381       47,014       54,573       54,800  
    Nontaxable   5,979       6,042       6,041       6,278       6,584  
    Interest on federal funds sold                           3  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and short-term investments   4,193       3,045       3,006       2,174       1,651  
    Total Interest Income   253,794       255,629       251,722       255,886       245,432  
    Interest Expense                  
    Interest on deposits   82,976       80,499       84,134       88,071       92,744  
    Interest on borrowings   7,378       10,825       7,524       5,874       1,167  
    Interest on term debt   5,543       5,564       5,849       5,804       5,765  
    Total Interest Expense   95,897       96,888       97,507       99,749       99,676  
    Net Interest Income   157,897       158,741       154,215       156,137       145,756  
    Provision for credit losses   6,276       9,008       986       11,738       1,516  
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses   151,621       149,733       153,229       144,399       144,240  
    Noninterest Income                  
    Service charges and fees   17,100       16,964       17,063       18,708       18,553  
    Loan servicing income   111       107       131       158       278  
    Trust fees   5,272       5,532       5,043       4,905       4,734  
    Brokerage and insurance commissions   853       894       754       729       692  
    Capital markets fees   2,116       1,996       891       1,676       1,845  
    Securities gains (losses), net   (9,520 )     (10,111 )     58       (140,007 )     (114 )
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   377       133       95       75       13  
    Net gains on sale of loans held for sale               104       94       905  
    Income on bank owned life insurance   1,107       1,326       1,177       729       858  
    Other noninterest income   1,576       1,366       2,347       1,132       619  
    Total Noninterest Income   18,992       18,207       27,663       (111,801 )     28,383  
    Noninterest Expense                  
    Salaries and employee benefits   62,742       65,120       63,955       64,766       62,262  
    Occupancy   6,318       6,262       7,263       6,509       6,438  
    Furniture and equipment   2,062       2,155       2,337       2,901       2,720  
    Professional fees   17,448       15,372       15,531       17,060       13,616  
    FDIC insurance assessments   3,035       3,340       4,969       10,313       3,313  
    Advertising   1,937       1,368       1,358       1,677       1,633  
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,421       1,492       1,611       1,625  
    Other real estate and loan collection expenses, net   395       515       512       505       481  
    (Gain) loss on sales/valuations of assets, net   (26,419 )     193       214       2,072       108  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       5,973       1,375       4,365       2,429  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       222       494       3,573       1,136  
    Other noninterest expense   14,816       14,303       14,095       14,933       15,292  
    Total Noninterest Expense   85,927       116,244       113,595       130,285       111,053  
    Income Before Income Taxes   84,686       51,696       67,297       (97,687 )     61,570  
    Income taxes   20,533       11,954       15,590       (27,324 )     13,479  
    Net Income/(Loss)   64,153       39,742       51,707       (70,363 )     48,091  
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )
    Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders $ 62,140     $ 37,730     $ 49,694     $ (72,375 )   $ 46,078  
    Earnings/(loss) per common share-diluted $ 1.44     $ 0.88     $ 1.16     $ (1.69 )   $ 1.08  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       43,060,354       42,915,768       42,838,405       42,812,563  
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      As of
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Assets                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 228,719     $ 226,735     $ 208,176     $ 275,554     $ 248,756  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks and short-term investments   359,675       147,211       236,190       47,459       99,239  
    Cash and cash equivalents   588,394       373,946       444,366       323,013       347,995  
    Time deposits in other financial institutions   1,050       1,340       1,240       1,240       1,490  
    Securities:                  
    Carried at fair value   4,057,335       4,185,054       4,418,222       4,646,891       5,482,687  
    Held to maturity, at cost   839,623       842,980       841,055       838,241       835,468  
    Other investments, at cost   69,511       70,684       68,524       91,277       90,001  
    Loans held for sale         348,761       352,744       5,071       6,262  
    Loans:                  
    Held to maturity   11,440,917       11,608,309       11,644,641       12,068,645       11,872,436  
    Allowance for credit losses   (106,797 )     (126,861 )     (123,934 )     (122,566 )     (110,208 )
    Loans, net   11,334,120       11,481,448       11,520,707       11,946,079       11,762,228  
    Premises, furniture and equipment, net   155,140       175,953       176,582       181,070       187,436  
    Goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Core deposit intangibles, net   14,157       15,501       16,923       18,415       20,026  
    Cash surrender value on life insurance   199,998       199,036       197,671       197,085       196,694  
    Other real estate, net   6,805       7,533       2,590       12,548       14,362  
    Other assets   430,155       534,429       516,198       574,772       609,139  
    Total Assets $ 18,272,293     $ 18,812,670     $ 19,132,827     $ 19,411,707     $ 20,129,793  
    Liabilities and Equity                  
    Liabilities                  
    Deposits:                  
    Demand $ 4,009,218     $ 4,244,169     $ 4,264,390     $ 4,500,304     $ 4,792,813  
    Savings   8,926,192       8,470,416       8,669,221       8,805,597       8,754,911  
    Time   2,017,806       2,242,005       2,368,555       2,895,813       3,553,269  
    Total deposits   14,953,216       14,956,590       15,302,166       16,201,714       17,100,993  
    Deposits held for sale         538,308       596,328              
    Borrowings   546,219       694,909       650,033       622,255       392,634  
    Term debt   373,324       372,988       372,652       372,396       372,059  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   259,161       222,025       232,815       282,225       438,577  
    Total Liabilities   16,131,920       16,784,820       17,153,994       17,478,590       18,304,263  
    Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Preferred equity   110,705       110,705       110,705       110,705       110,705  
    Common stock   42,884       42,852       42,784       42,688       42,656  
    Capital surplus   1,098,837       1,096,619       1,093,207       1,090,740       1,088,267  
    Retained earnings   1,252,247       1,203,092       1,178,330       1,141,501       1,226,740  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)   (364,300 )     (425,418 )     (446,193 )     (452,517 )     (642,838 )
    Total Equity   2,140,373       2,027,850       1,978,833       1,933,117       1,825,530  
    Total Liabilities and Equity $ 18,272,293     $ 18,812,670     $ 19,132,827     $ 19,411,707     $ 20,129,793  
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Average Balances                  
    Assets $ 18,439,910     $ 19,043,362     $ 19,296,638     $ 19,667,825     $ 20,207,920  
    Loans, net of unearned   11,584,999       12,010,289       12,021,930       11,938,272       11,800,064  
    Total deposits   15,148,944       15,562,920       16,042,402       16,709,394       17,507,813  
    Customer deposits   14,347,965       14,768,407       14,816,652       14,969,948       14,699,235  
    Earning assets   16,838,131       17,331,435       17,597,068       17,853,957       18,439,010  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   11,986,220       12,461,957       12,607,745       12,721,680       13,158,631  
    Common equity   1,962,334       1,863,236       1,832,959       1,729,086       1,746,818  
    Total stockholders’ equity   2,073,039       1,973,941       1,943,664       1,839,791       1,857,523  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   1,371,515       1,271,046       1,239,313       1,133,888       1,149,992  
                       
    Key Performance Ratios                  
    Annualized return on average assets   1.38 %     0.84 %     1.08 %   (1.42 )%     0.94 %
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   1.14       1.09       1.13       0.96       0.98  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60       8.14       10.90       (16.61 )     10.47  
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   10.27       10.71       11.50       10.46       10.92  
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   18.32       12.28       16.49       (24.89 )     16.32  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   14.98       16.05       17.38       16.38       17.02  
    Annualized ratio of net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans   0.99       0.23       0.08       0.01       0.12  
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73       3.68       3.52       3.47       3.14  
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   3.78       3.73       3.57       3.52       3.18  
    Annualized cost of deposits   2.18       2.08       2.11       2.09       2.10  
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58       65.69       62.46       293.86       63.77  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   57.98       57.73       58.77       59.31       59.95  
    Annualized ratio of total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85       2.46       2.37       2.63       2.18  
    Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   2.35       2.30       2.25       2.23       2.08  
                       
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,
      For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Average Balances              
    Assets $ 18,439,910     $ 20,207,920     $ 18,924,862     $ 20,182,808  
    Loans, net of unearned   11,584,999       11,800,064       11,871,358       11,602,741  
    Total deposits   15,148,944       17,507,813       15,583,165       17,567,614  
    Customer deposits   14,347,965       14,699,235       14,642,347       14,778,030  
    Earning assets   16,838,131       18,439,010       17,254,023       18,451,907  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   11,986,220       13,158,631       12,350,640       12,985,665  
    Common equity   1,962,334       1,746,818       1,886,454       1,710,230  
    Total stockholders’ equity   2,073,039       1,857,523       1,997,159       1,820,935  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   1,371,515       1,149,992       1,294,241       1,111,724  
                   
    Key Performance Ratios              
    Annualized return on average assets   1.38 %     0.94 %     1.10 %     1.00 %
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   1.14       0.98       1.12       1.02  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60       10.47       10.59       11.28  
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   10.27       10.92       10.81       11.60  
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   18.32       16.32       15.77       17.82  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)(1)   14.98       17.02       16.09       18.31  
    Annualized ratio of net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans   0.99       0.12       0.43       0.14  
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73       3.14       3.65       3.23  
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   3.78       3.18       3.69       3.27  
    Annualized cost of deposits   2.18       2.10       2.12       1.76  
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58       63.77       58.94       61.86  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)   57.98       59.95       58.16       58.98  
    Annualized ratio of total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85       2.18       2.23       2.20  
    Annualized ratio of core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)(1)   2.35       2.08       2.30       2.12  
                   
    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE DATA
      As of and for the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Common Share Data                  
    Book value per common share $ 47.33     $ 44.74     $ 43.66     $ 42.69     $ 40.20  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)(1)   33.57       30.94       29.81       28.77       26.23  
    ASC 320 effect on book value per common share   (8.78 )     (10.82 )     (11.18 )     (11.00 )     (16.27 )
                       
    Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock   42,883,865       42,852,180       42,783,670       42,688,008       42,656,303  
                       
    Capital Ratios                  
    Common equity to total assets   11.11 %     10.19 %     9.76 %     9.39 %     8.52 %
    Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)(1)   8.14       7.28       6.88       6.53       5.73  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   10.77       10.13       9.84       9.44       9.59  
    Common equity tier 1 ratio(2)   12.66       11.68       11.40       10.97       11.37  
    Total risk based capital ratio(2)   16.34       15.32       14.99       14.53       14.90  
                       
    Other Selected Trend Information                  
    Effective tax rate   24.25 %     23.12 %     23.17 %     27.97 %     21.89 %
    Full time equivalent employees   1,725       1,843       1,888       1,970       1,965  
                       
    Loans Held to Maturity                  
    Commercial and industrial $ 3,503,093     $ 3,541,239     $ 3,545,051     $ 3,652,047     $ 3,591,809  
    Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”)   1,582       1,864       2,172       2,777       3,750  
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   2,489,697       2,555,964       2,545,033       2,638,175       2,429,659  
    Commercial and business lending   5,994,372       6,099,067       6,092,256       6,292,999       6,025,218  
    Non-owner occupied commercial real estate   2,455,396       2,434,258       2,495,068       2,553,711       2,656,358  
    Real estate construction   1,119,922       1,082,726       1,041,583       1,011,716       1,029,554  
    Commercial real estate lending   3,575,318       3,516,984       3,536,651       3,565,427       3,685,912  
    Total commercial lending   9,569,690       9,616,051       9,628,907       9,858,426       9,711,130  
    Agricultural and agricultural real estate   701,211       802,958       809,876       919,184       842,116  
    Residential mortgage   707,984       733,401       756,021       797,829       813,803  
    Consumer   462,032       455,899       449,837       493,206       505,387  
    Total loans held to maturity $ 11,440,917     $ 11,608,309     $ 11,644,641     $ 12,068,645     $ 11,872,436  
                       
    Total unfunded loan commitments $ 3,941,268     $ 4,381,565     $ 4,537,718     $ 4,625,768     $ 4,813,798  
                       
    Deposits                  
    Demand-customer $ 4,009,218     $ 4,244,169     $ 4,264,390     $ 4,500,304     $ 4,792,813  
    Savings-customer   8,713,228       8,151,794       8,269,956       8,411,240       8,190,430  
    Savings-wholesale and institutional   212,964       318,622       399,265       394,357       564,481  
    Total savings   8,926,192       8,470,416       8,669,221       8,805,597       8,754,911  
    Time-customer   1,628,856       1,737,723       1,734,971       1,944,884       1,814,335  
    Time-wholesale   388,950       504,282       633,584       950,929       1,738,934  
    Total time   2,017,806       2,242,005       2,368,555       2,895,813       3,553,269  
    Total deposits $ 14,953,216     $ 14,956,590     $ 15,302,166     $ 16,201,714     $ 17,100,993  
                       
    Total customer deposits $ 14,351,302     $ 14,133,686     $ 14,269,317     $ 14,856,428     $ 14,797,578  
    Total wholesale and institutional deposits   601,914       822,904       1,032,849       1,345,286       2,303,415  
    Total deposits $ 14,953,216     $ 14,956,590     $ 15,302,166     $ 16,201,714     $ 17,100,993  
                       
    (1) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    (2) September 30, 2024 calculation is preliminary.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      As of and for the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Allowance for Credit Losses-Loans                  
    Balance, beginning of period $ 126,861     $ 123,934     $ 122,566     $ 110,208     $ 111,198  
    Provision for credit losses   8,871       9,737       3,668       12,750       2,672  
    Charge-offs   (32,137 )     (7,388 )     (4,093 )     (3,886 )     (3,964 )
    Recoveries   3,202       578       1,793       3,494       302  
    Balance, end of period $ 106,797     $ 126,861     $ 123,934     $ 122,566     $ 110,208  
                       
    Allowance for Unfunded Commitments                  
    Balance, beginning of period $ 13,057     $ 13,786     $ 16,468     $ 17,480     $ 18,636  
    Provision for credit losses   (2,595 )     (729 )     (2,682 )     (1,012 )     (1,156 )
    Balance, end of period $ 10,462     $ 13,057     $ 13,786     $ 16,468     $ 17,480  
                       
    Allowance for lending related credit losses $ 117,259     $ 139,918     $ 137,720     $ 139,034     $ 127,688  
                       
    Provision for Credit Losses                  
    Provision for credit losses-loans $ 8,871     $ 9,737     $ 3,668     $ 12,750     $ 2,672  
    Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments   (2,595 )     (729 )     (2,682 )     (1,012 )     (1,156 )
    Total provision (benefit) for credit losses $ 6,276     $ 9,008     $ 986     $ 11,738     $ 1,516  
                       
    Asset Quality                  
    Nonaccrual loans $ 69,115     $ 103,123     $ 94,800     $ 95,426     $ 51,304  
    Loans past due ninety days or more   832       663       611       2,507       511  
    Other real estate owned   6,805       7,533       2,590       12,548       14,362  
    Other repossessed assets                           1  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 76,752     $ 111,319     $ 98,001     $ 110,481     $ 66,178  
                       
    Nonperforming Assets Activity                  
    Balance, beginning of period $ 111,319     $ 98,001     $ 110,481     $ 66,178     $ 66,097  
    Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries   (28,935 )     (6,810 )     (2,300 )     (392 )     (3,662 )
    New nonperforming loans   25,441       48,346       5,470       61,193       19,295  
    Reduction of nonperforming loans(1)   (30,240 )     (28,050 )     (5,692 )     (14,278 )     (14,691 )
    OREO/Repossessed assets sales proceeds   (833 )     (168 )     (9,958 )     (2,220 )     (861 )
    Balance, end of period $ 76,752     $ 111,319     $ 98,001     $ 110,481     $ 66,178  
                       
    Asset Quality Ratios                  
    Ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans   0.61 %     0.89 %     0.82 %     0.81 %     0.44 %
    Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets   0.42       0.59       0.51       0.57       0.33  
    Annualized ratio of net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   0.99       0.23       0.08       0.01       0.12  
    Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of loans   0.93       1.09       1.06       1.02       0.93  
    Allowance for lending related credit losses as a percent of loans   1.02       1.21       1.18       1.15       1.08  
    Allowance for loan credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans   152.68       122.23       129.89       125.15       212.70  
    Loans delinquent 30-89 days as a percent of total loans   0.26       0.25       0.31       0.09       0.12  
                       
    (1) Includes principal reductions, transfers to performing status and transfers to OREO.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.    
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
      For the Quarter Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Rate
    Earning Assets                                  
    Securities:                                  
    Taxable $ 4,254,529     $ 51,116   4.78 %   $ 4,490,407     $ 47,381   4.24 %   $ 5,726,057     $ 54,800   3.80 %
    Nontaxable(1)   768,483       7,313   3.79       759,234       7,383   3.91       881,162       8,085   3.64  
    Total securities   5,023,012       58,429   4.63       5,249,641       54,764   4.20       6,607,219       62,885   3.78  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and
    short-term investments
      355,394       4,193   4.69       194,824       3,045   6.29       142,301       1,651   4.60  
    Federal funds sold                               152       3   7.83  
    Loans:(2)                                  
    Commercial and industrial(1)   3,531,206       65,972   7.43       3,638,004       69,469   7.68       3,610,677       63,001   6.92  
    PPP loans   1,759       5   1.13       2,242       7   1.26       3,948       11   1.11  
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   2,527,006       35,189   5.54       2,615,504       37,028   5.69       2,412,501       30,127   4.95  
    Non-owner occupied commercial real estate   2,474,036       39,536   6.36       2,519,346       39,272   6.27       2,586,011       38,779   5.95  
    Real estate construction   1,106,387       22,878   8.23       1,093,399       21,770   8.01       1,027,544       19,448   7.51  
    Agricultural and agricultural real estate   757,745       11,536   6.06       879,707       13,390   6.12       822,957       12,582   6.07  
    Residential real estate   725,901       9,110   4.99       776,821       9,454   4.89       827,402       9,482   4.55  
    Consumer   460,959       8,956   7.73       485,266       9,421   7.81       509,024       9,615   7.49  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   (125,274 )             (123,319 )             (110,726 )        
    Net loans   11,459,725       193,182   6.71       11,886,970       199,811   6.76       11,689,338       183,045   6.21  
    Total earning assets   16,838,131       255,804   6.04 %     17,331,435       257,620   5.98 %     18,439,010       247,584   5.33 %
    Nonearning Assets   1,601,779               1,711,927               1,768,910          
    Total Assets $ 18,439,910             $ 19,043,362             $ 20,207,920          
    Interest-bearing Liabilities                                  
    Savings $ 8,842,494     $ 59,307   2.67 %   $ 8,834,746     $ 55,440   2.52 %   $ 8,737,581     $ 49,195   2.23 %
    Time deposits   2,189,861       23,669   4.30       2,372,653       25,059   4.25       3,945,371       43,549   4.38  
    Borrowings   580,707       7,378   5.05       881,738       10,825   4.94       103,567       1,167   4.47  
    Term debt   373,158       5,543   5.91       372,820       5,564   6.00       372,112       5,765   6.15  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   11,986,220       95,897   3.18 %     12,461,957       96,888   3.13 %     13,158,631       99,676   3.01 %
    Noninterest-bearing Liabilities                                  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   4,116,589               4,355,521               4,824,861          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   264,062               251,943               366,905          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   4,380,651               4,607,464               5,191,766          
    Stockholders’ Equity   2,073,039               1,973,941               1,857,523          
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 18,439,910             $ 19,043,362             $ 20,207,920          
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent
    (non-GAAP)
    (1)(3)
        $ 159,907           $ 160,732           $ 147,908    
    Net interest spread(1)         2.86 %           2.85 %           2.32 %
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent
    (non-GAAP
    )(1)(3)to total earning assets
            3.78 %           3.73 %           3.18 %
    Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets   71.18 %             71.90 %             71.36 %        
                                       
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.    
    (2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loans outstanding.
    (3) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
      For the Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Rate
    Earning Assets                      
    Securities:                      
    Taxable $ 4,469,258     $ 145,511   4.35 %   $ 5,927,026     $ 168,948   3.81 %
    Nontaxable(1)   768,782       22,079   3.84       899,613       23,611   3.51  
    Total securities   5,238,040       167,590   4.27       6,826,639       192,559   3.77  
    Interest on deposits with other banks and other short-term investments   268,122       10,244   5.10       133,910       4,833   4.83  
    Federal funds sold                 51       3   7.86  
    Loans:(2)                      
    Commercial and industrial(1)   3,603,668       202,426   7.50       3,547,256       169,552   6.39  
    PPP loans   2,195       19   1.16       6,718       61   1.21  
    Owner occupied commercial real estate   2,583,886       107,734   5.57       2,355,545       84,927   4.82  
    Non-owner occupied commercial real estate   2,514,452       118,657   6.30       2,459,965       105,111   5.71  
    Real estate construction   1,087,280       65,497   8.05       1,051,298       56,107   7.14  
    Agricultural and agricultural real estate   838,395       38,682   6.16       835,673       36,191   5.79  
    Residential mortgage   764,515       28,699   5.01       840,143       28,138   4.48  
    Consumer   476,967       27,578   7.72       506,143       26,925   7.11  
    Less: allowance for credit losses-loans   (123,497 )             (111,434 )        
    Net loans   11,747,861       589,292   6.70       11,491,307       507,012   5.90  
    Total earning assets   17,254,023       767,126   5.94 %     18,451,907       704,407   5.10 %
    Nonearning Assets   1,670,839               1,730,901          
    Total Assets $ 18,924,862             $ 20,182,808          
    Interest-bearing Liabilities                      
    Savings $ 8,828,973     $ 169,414   2.56 %   $ 9,130,980     $ 128,372   1.88 %
    Time deposits   2,447,293       78,195   4.27       3,344,434       103,245   4.13  
    Borrowings   701,548       25,727   4.90       138,157       4,437   4.29  
    Term debt   372,826       16,956   6.08       372,094       16,756   6.02  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   12,350,640       290,292   3.14 %     12,985,665       252,810   2.60 %
    Noninterest-bearing Liabilities                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   4,306,899               5,092,200          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   270,164               284,008          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   4,577,063               5,376,208          
    Stockholders’ Equity   1,997,159               1,820,935          
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 18,924,862             $ 20,182,808          
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)(3)     $ 476,834           $ 451,597    
    Net interest spread(1)         2.80 %           2.50 %
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)(1)(3)to total earning assets         3.69 %           3.27 %
    Interest-bearing liabilities to earning assets   71.58 %             70.38 %        
                           
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.    
    (2) Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the average loans outstanding.
    (3) Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this earnings release for additional information on the usage and presentation of these non-GAAP measures, and refer to these financial tables for the reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Reconciliation of Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)                  
    Earnings available to common stockholders (GAAP) $ 62,140     $ 37,730     $ 49,694     $ (72,375 )   $ 46,078  
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,081       1,131       1,229       1,240  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 63,162     $ 38,811     $ 50,825     $ (71,146 )   $ 47,318  
                       
    Average common equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,863,236     $ 1,832,959     $ 1,729,086     $ 1,746,818  
    Less average goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less average core deposit intangibles, net   14,814       16,185       17,641       19,193       20,821  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,271,046     $ 1,239,313     $ 1,133,888     $ 1,149,992  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60 %     8.14 %     10.90 %   (16.61 )%     10.47 %
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   18.32 %     12.28 %     16.49 %   (24.89 )%     16.32 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)                  
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 158,741     $ 154,215     $ 156,137     $ 145,756  
    Plus tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       1,991       1,981       2,058       2,152  
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) $ 159,907     $ 160,732     $ 156,196     $ 158,195     $ 147,908  
                       
    Average earning assets $ 16,838,131     $ 17,331,435     $ 17,597,068     $ 17,853,957     $ 18,439,010  
                       
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73 %     3.68 %     3.52 %     3.47 %     3.14 %
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   3.78       3.73       3.57       3.52       3.18  
    Net purchase accounting discount amortization on loans included in annualized net interest margin   0.02       0.01       0.02       0.02       0.01  
    Reconciliation of Tangible Book Value Per Common Share (non-GAAP)                  
    Common equity (GAAP) $ 2,029,668     $ 1,917,145     $ 1,868,128     $ 1,822,412     $ 1,714,825  
    Less goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less core deposit intangibles, net   14,157       15,501       16,923       18,415       20,026  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,439,506     $ 1,325,639     $ 1,275,200     $ 1,227,992     $ 1,118,794  
                       
    Common shares outstanding, net of treasury stock   42,883,865       42,852,180       42,783,670       42,688,008       42,656,303  
    Common equity (book value) per share (GAAP) $ 47.33     $ 44.74     $ 43.66     $ 42.69     $ 40.20  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) $ 33.57     $ 30.94     $ 29.81     $ 28.77     $ 26.23  
                       
    Reconciliation of Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP)                  
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,439,506     $ 1,325,639     $ 1,275,200     $ 1,227,992     $ 1,118,794  
                       
    Total assets (GAAP) $ 18,272,293     $ 18,812,670     $ 19,132,827     $ 19,411,707     $ 20,129,793  
    Less goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less core deposit intangibles, net   14,157       15,501       16,923       18,415       20,026  
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 17,682,131     $ 18,221,164     $ 18,539,899     $ 18,817,287     $ 19,533,762  
    Tangible common equity ratio (non-GAAP)   8.14 %     7.28 %     6.88 %     6.53 %     5.73 %
                       
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)  
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 158,741     $ 154,215     $ 156,137     $ 145,756  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       1,991       1,981       2,058       2,152  
    Fully tax-equivalent net interest income   159,907       160,732       156,196       158,195       147,908  
    Noninterest income   18,992       18,207       27,663       (111,801 )     28,383  
    Securities (gains)/losses, net   9,520       10,111       (58 )     140,007       114  
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   (377 )     (133 )     (95 )     (75 )     (13 )
    Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP) $ 188,042     $ 188,917     $ 183,706     $ 186,326     $ 176,392  
                       
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 116,244     $ 113,595     $ 130,285     $ 111,053  
    Less:                  
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,421       1,492       1,611       1,625  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       222       494       3,573       1,136  
    (Gain) loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     193       214       2,072       108  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       5,973       1,375       4,365       2,429  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )     (631 )     2,049       8,145        
    Core expenses (non-GAAP) $ 109,020     $ 109,066     $ 107,971     $ 110,519     $ 105,755  
                       
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58 %     65.69 %     62.46 %     293.86 %     63.77 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   57.98 %     57.73 %     58.77 %     59.31 %     59.95 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Annualized Ratio of Core Expenses to Average Assets (non-GAAP)                  
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 116,244     $ 113,595     $ 130,285     $ 111,053  
    Core expenses (non-GAAP)   109,020       109,066       107,971       110,519       105,755  
                       
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 19,043,362     $ 19,296,638     $ 19,667,825     $ 20,207,920  
    Total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85 %     2.46 %     2.37 %     2.63 %     2.18 %
    Core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)   2.35 %     2.30 %     2.25 %     2.23 %     2.08 %
                       
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs                  
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 58     $ 462     $ 168     $ 1,425     $ 94  
    Occupancy                     1,092        
    Furniture and equipment   52       53             19        
    Professional fees   1,674       5,385       931       793       1,617  
    Advertising                     28       178  
    Other noninterest expenses   242       73       276       1,008       540  
    Total acquisition, integration and restructuring costs $ 2,026     $ 5,973     $ 1,375     $ 4,365     $ 2,429  
                       
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
     
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings                  
    Net income/(loss) $ 64,153     $ 39,742     $ 51,707     $ (70,363 )   $ 48,091  
    (Gain)/loss from sale of securities   9,520       10,111       (58 )     140,007       114  
    (Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     193       214       2,072       108  
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       5,973       1,375       4,365       2,429  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )     (631 )     2,049       8,145        
    Total adjustments   (15,140 )     15,646       3,580       154,589       2,651  
    Tax effect of adjustments(2)   3,634       (3,739 )     (866 )     (36,638 )     (628 )
    Adjusted earnings $ 52,647     $ 51,649     $ 54,421     $ 47,588     $ 50,114  
                       
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )     (2,012 )     (2,013 )
    Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders $ 50,634     $ 49,637     $ 52,408     $ 45,576     $ 48,101  
                       
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,081       1,131       1,229       1,240  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 51,656     $ 50,718     $ 53,539     $ 46,805     $ 49,341  
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Assets                  
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 19,043,362     $ 19,296,638     $ 19,667,825     $ 20,207,920  
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)   1.14 %     1.09 %     1.13 %     0.96 %     0.98 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Common Equity                  
    Average common stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,863,236     $ 1,832,959     $ 1,729,086     $ 1,746,818  
    Adjusted annualized average common equity (non-GAAP)   10.27 %     10.71 %     11.50 %     10.46 %     10.92 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity                  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,271,046     $ 1,239,313     $ 1,133,888     $ 1,149,992  
    Adjusted annualized average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   14.98 %     16.05 %     17.38 %     16.38 %     17.02 %
                       
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share                  
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       43,060,354       42,915,768       42,838,405       42,812,563  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share $ 1.17     $ 1.15     $ 1.22     $ 1.06     $ 1.12  
                       
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,
      For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)              
    Earnings available to common stockholders (GAAP) $ 62,140     $ 46,078     $ 149,564     $ 144,245  
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,240       3,236       3,908  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 63,162     $ 47,318     $ 152,800     $ 148,153  
                   
    Average common equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,746,818     $ 1,886,454     $ 1,710,230  
    Less average goodwill   576,005       576,005       576,005       576,005  
    Less average core deposit intangibles, net   14,814       20,821       16,208       22,501  
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,149,992     $ 1,294,241     $ 1,111,724  
    Annualized return on average common equity (GAAP)   12.60 %     10.47 %     10.59 %     11.28 %
    Annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   18.32 %     16.32 %     15.77 %     17.82 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)              
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 145,756     $ 470,853     $ 445,100  
    Plus tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       2,152       5,981       6,497  
    Net interest income, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP) $ 159,907     $ 147,908     $ 476,834     $ 451,597  
                   
    Average earning assets $ 16,838,131     $ 18,439,010     $ 17,254,023     $ 18,451,907  
                   
    Annualized net interest margin (GAAP)   3.73 %     3.14 %     3.65 %     3.23 %
    Annualized net interest margin, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   3.78       3.18       3.69       3.27  
    Net purchase accounting discount amortization on loans included in annualized net interest margin   0.02       0.01       0.02       0.02  
                   
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,
      For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Efficiency Ratio, Fully Tax-Equivalent (non-GAAP)              
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 157,897     $ 145,756     $ 470,853     $ 445,100  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,010       2,152       5,981       6,497  
    Fully tax-equivalent net interest income   159,907       147,908       476,834       451,597  
    Noninterest income (GAAP)   18,992       28,383       64,862       90,875  
    Securities (gains)/losses, net   9,520       114       19,573       1,532  
    Unrealized gain on equity securities, net   (377 )     (13 )     (605 )     (165 )
    Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP) $ 188,042     $ 176,392     $ 560,664     $ 543,839  
                   
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 111,053     $ 315,766     $ 331,542  
    Less:              
    Core deposit intangibles amortization   1,345       1,625       4,258       5,128  
    Partnership investment in tax credit projects   222       1,136       938       1,828  
    (Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     108       (26,012 )     (2,149 )
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       2,429       9,374       5,994  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )           1,151        
    Core expenses (non-GAAP) $ 109,020     $ 105,755     $ 326,057     $ 320,741  
                   
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   48.58 %     63.77 %     58.94 %     61.86 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio, fully tax-equivalent (non-GAAP)   57.98 %     59.95 %     58.16 %     58.98 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Annualized Ratio of Core Expenses to Average Assets (non-GAAP)              
    Total noninterest expenses (GAAP) $ 85,927     $ 111,053     $ 315,766     $ 331,542  
    Core expenses (non-GAAP)   109,020       105,755       326,057       320,741  
                   
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 20,207,920     $ 18,924,862     $ 20,182,808  
    Total noninterest expenses to average assets (GAAP)   1.85 %     2.18 %     2.23 %     2.20 %
    Core expenses to average assets (non-GAAP)   2.35 %     2.08 %     2.30 %     2.12 %
                   
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs              
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 58     $ 94     $ 689     $ 261  
    Occupancy                      
    Furniture and equipment   52             105        
    Professional fees   1,674       1,617       7,990       3,619  
    Advertising         178             522  
    Other noninterest expenses   242       540       590       1,592  
    Total acquisition, integration and restructuring costs $ 2,026     $ 2,429     $ 9,374     $ 5,994  
                   
    (1) Computed on a tax-equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 21%.              
    HEARTLAND FINANCIAL USA, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
    DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
      For the Quarter Ended
    September 30,
      For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP)              
    Net income/(loss) $ 64,153     $ 48,091     $ 155,602     $ 150,283  
    (Gain)/loss from sale of securities   9,520       114       19,573       1,532  
    (Gain)/loss on sales/valuation of assets, net   (26,419 )     108       (26,012 )     (2,149 )
    Acquisition, integration and restructuring costs   2,026       2,429       9,374       5,994  
    FDIC special assessment   (267 )           1,151        
    Total adjustments   (15,140 )     2,651       4,086       5,377  
    Tax effect of adjustments(2)   3,634       (628 )     (981 )     (1,280 )
    Adjusted earnings $ 52,647     $ 50,114     $ 158,707     $ 154,380  
                   
    Preferred dividends   (2,013 )     (2,013 )     (6,038 )     (6,038 )
    Adjusted earnings available to common stockholders $ 50,634     $ 48,101     $ 152,669     $ 148,342  
                   
    Plus core deposit intangibles amortization, net of tax(2)   1,022       1,240       3,236       3,908  
    Earnings available to common stockholders excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP) $ 51,656     $ 49,341     $ 155,905     $ 152,250  
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Assets              
    Average assets $ 18,439,910     $ 20,207,920     $ 18,924,862     $ 20,182,808  
    Adjusted annualized return on average assets (non-GAAP)   1.14 %     0.98 %     1.12 %     1.02 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Common Equity              
    Average common stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 1,962,334     $ 1,746,818     $ 1,886,454     $ 1,710,230  
    Adjusted annualized return on average common equity (non-GAAP)   10.27 %     10.92 %     10.81 %     11.60 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity              
    Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 1,371,515     $ 1,149,992     $ 1,294,241     $ 1,111,724  
    Adjusted annualized return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   14.98 %     17.02 %     16.09 %     18.31 %
                   
    Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share              
    Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted   43,195,257       42,812,563       43,080,422       42,769,872  
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share $ 1.17     $ 1.12     $ 3.54     $ 3.47  
                   
    (2) Tax effect is calculated based on the respective periods’ year-to-date effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete items.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Montauk Renewables Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Conference Call for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Montauk Renewables, Inc. (“Montauk” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: MNTK), a renewable energy company specializing in the management, recovery and conversion of biogas into renewable natural gas (“RNG”), will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Company will issue a press release reporting the financial results after the close of regular stock market trading hours on the same day as the conference call and webcast.

    Third Quarter 2024 Conference Call and Webcast Details
         
    Date:   Tuesday, November 12, 2024
    Time:   5:00 p.m. ET
    Participant Access:   [Link Here]

    Please register for the conference call and webcast using the above link in advance of the call start time. The webcast platform will register your name and organization as well as provide dial-in numbers and a unique access pin. Please contact Gateway Group at (949) 574-3860 if you experience technical difficulties.

    The conference call and webcast will have a live Q&A session and be available here and on the Company’s website at https://ir.montaukrenewables.com.

    A replay of the conference call and webcast will be available after 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through November 12, 2025.

    About Montauk Renewables, Inc.

    Montauk Renewables, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTK) is a renewable energy company specializing in the management, recovery and conversion of biogas into RNG. The Company captures methane, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere, and converts it into either RNG or electrical power for the electrical grid (“Renewable Electricity”). The Company, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has more than 30 years of experience in the development, operation and management of landfill methane-fueled renewable energy projects. The Company has operations at 14 projects and ongoing development projects located in California, Idaho, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. The Company sells RNG and Renewable Electricity, taking advantage of Environmental Attribute premiums available under federal and state policies that incentivize their use. For more information, visit https://ir.montaukrenewables.com.

    Company Contact:

    John Ciroli
    Chief Legal Officer (CLO) & Secretary
    investors@montaukenergy.com
    (412) 747-8700

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Georg Venturatos
    Gateway Group
    MNTK@Gateway-grp.com
    (949) 574-3860

    The MIL Network

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EPM) (“Evolution” or the “Company”) today announced that it plans to release its fiscal first quarter 2025 financial and operating results on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 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, November 13, 2024.

    Conference Call and Webcast Details

    Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
    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=zEqrDXV4

    A webcast replay will be available through November 13, 2025, 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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Onity Group Schedules Conference Call – Third Quarter 2024 Results and Business Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) (“Onity” or the “Company”), a leading non-bank mortgage servicer and originator, today announced that it will hold a conference call on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to review the Company’s third quarter 2024 operating results and provide a business update.

    All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing (800) 343-5172 or (203) 518-9856 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call; please reference the conference ID “Onity.” Participants can also access the conference call through a live audio webcast available from the Shareholder Relations page at onitygroup.com under Events and Presentations.

    An investor presentation will accompany the conference call and be available by visiting the Shareholder Relations page at onitygroup.com prior to the call.

    A replay of the conference call will be available via the website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. A telephonic replay will also be available approximately three hours following the call’s completion through November 19, 2024, by dialing (844) 512-2921 or (412) 317-6671; please reference access code 11157248.

    About Onity Group

    Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) is a leading non-bank mortgage servicer and originator providing solutions through its primary brands, PHH Mortgage and Liberty Reverse Mortgage. PHH Mortgage is one of the largest servicers in the country, focused on delivering a variety of servicing and lending programs. Liberty is one of the nation’s largest reverse mortgage lenders dedicated to education and providing loans that help customers meet their personal and financial needs. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices and operations in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, India and the Philippines, and have been serving our customers since 1988. For additional information, please visit onitygroup.com.

    For Further Information Contact:

    Dico Akseraylian, SVP, Corporate Communications
    (856) 917-0066
    mediarelations@onitygroup.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: AMD Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) today announced revenue for the third quarter of 2024 of $6.8 billion, gross margin of 50%, operating income of $724 million, net income of $771 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.47. On a non-GAAP(*) basis, gross margin was 54%, operating income was $1.7 billion, net income was $1.5 billion and diluted earnings per share was $0.92.

    “We delivered strong third quarter financial results with record revenue led by higher sales of EPYC and Instinct data center products and robust demand for our Ryzen PC processors,” said AMD Chair and CEO Dr. Lisa Su. “Looking forward, we see significant growth opportunities across our data center, client and embedded businesses driven by the insatiable demand for more compute.”

    “We are pleased with our execution in the third quarter, delivering strong year-over-year expansion in gross margin and earnings per share,” said AMD EVP, CFO and Treasurer Jean Hu. “We are on-track to deliver record annual revenue for 2024 based on significant growth in our Data Center and Client segments.”

    GAAP Quarterly Financial Results
     
      Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Y/Y Q2 2024 Q/Q
    Revenue ($M) $6,819 $5,800  Up 18% $5,835  Up 17%
    Gross profit ($M) $3,419 $2,747  Up 24% $2,864  Up 19%
    Gross margin 50% 47%  Up 3 ppts 49%  Up 1 ppt
    Operating expenses ($M) $2,709 $2,533  Up 7% $2,605  Up 4%
    Operating income ($M) $724 $224  Up 223% $269  Up 169%
    Operating margin 11% 4%  Up 7 ppts 5%  Up 6 ppts
    Net income ($M) $771 $299  Up 158% $265  Up 191%
    Diluted earnings per share $0.47 $0.18  Up 161% $0.16  Up 194%
     
    Non-GAAP(*) Quarterly Financial Results
     
      Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Y/Y Q2 2024 Q/Q
    Revenue ($M) $6,819 $5,800  Up 18% $5,835  Up 17%
    Gross profit ($M) $3,657 $2,963  Up 23% $3,101  Up 18%
    Gross margin 54% 51%  Up 3 ppts 53%  Up 1 ppt
    Operating expenses ($M) $1,956 $1,697  Up 15% $1,847  Up 6%
    Operating income ($M) $1,715 $1,276  Up 34% $1,264  Up 36%
    Operating margin 25% 22%  Up 3 ppts 22%  Up 3 ppts
    Net income ($M) $1,504 $1,135  Up 33% $1,126  Up 34%
    Diluted earnings per share $0.92 $0.70  Up 31% $0.69  Up 33%
     

    Segment Summary

    • Record Data Center segment revenue of $3.5 billion was up 122% year-over-year and 25% sequentially primarily driven by the strong ramp of AMD Instinct™ GPU shipments and growth in AMD EPYC™ CPU sales.
    • Client segment revenue was $1.9 billion, up 29% year-over-year and 26% sequentially primarily driven by strong demand for “Zen 5” AMD Ryzen™ processors. 
    • Gaming segment revenue was $462 million, down 69% year-over-year and 29% sequentially primarily due to a decrease in semi-custom revenue.
    • Embedded segment revenue was $927 million, down 25% year-over-year as customers normalized their inventory levels. On a sequential basis, revenue increased 8% as demand improved in several end markets.

    Recent PR Highlights

    • At the Advancing AI 2024 event this month, AMD and strategic partners including Dell, Google Cloud, HPE, Lenovo, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Supermicro and AI leaders Databricks, Essential AI, Fireworks AI, Luma AI and Reka AI unveiled a broad portfolio of solutions delivering enterprise AI at scale based on the latest AMD Instinct accelerators, EPYC CPUs, AMD networking solutions and Ryzen PRO CPUs:
      • New AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors, with record-breaking performance and energy efficiency for diverse data center needs, available in a wide range of platforms from leading OEMs and ODMs.
      • AMD Instinct MI325X accelerators, delivering leadership performance and memory capabilities for the most demanding AI workloads. AMD also shared new details on next-gen AMD Instinct accelerators planned to launch in 2025 and 2026.
      • An expanded high performance networking portfolio to maximize performance, scalability and efficiency for AI systems, with the new AMD Pensando™ Salina DPU and AMD Pensando Pollara 400 NIC.
      • New Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series mobile processors, powering next-gen AI PCs for the enterprise with 50+ AI TOPS and leadership performance, battery life, security and manageability features.
    • AMD continues to extend leadership AI performance, optimizations and customer adoption for AMD Instinct accelerators and AMD ROCm™ open software:
      • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure selected AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators with AMD ROCm open software to power its latest OCI Compute Supercluster designed for demanding AI workloads.
      • AMD unveiled its first results on leading AI benchmark MLPerf, revealing excellent performance for AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators advanced by the AMD ROCm software platform, on-par with NVIDIA H100.
      • AMD highlighted support for the latest Llama 3.2 release from Meta, enabling developers to build new agentic applications and personalized AI experiences on AMD accelerators and processors from cloud to edge and AI PCs.
    • AMD and ecosystem partners are enabling new AI PC platforms and capabilities:
      • In partnership with Microsoft, AMD announced that Copilot+ will be enabled on AMD CPU-powered AI PCs via a free upgrade planned to be available starting in November 2024.
      • OEM partners including Acer, HP, Lenovo and Asus announced new systems powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series mobile processors, leveraging the leadership gaming, content creation and everyday performance of the new “Zen 5” architecture.
    • AMD expanded its embedded portfolio for a range of applications, including:
    • AMD announced an agreement to acquire ZT Systems, a leading provider of AI and general purpose compute infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscale providers, to expand the company’s data center AI systems capabilities and accelerate deployment of AMD AI rack scale systems with cloud and enterprise customers. The acquisition is subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
    • AMD completed the acquisition of Silo AI to accelerate development and deployment of AI models on AMD hardware.
    • AMD and Intel announced the creation of an x86 ecosystem advisory group with Broadcom, Dell, Google, HPE, HP, Lenovo, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat and industry luminaries Linus Torvalds and Tim Sweeney to collaborate on architectural interoperability and simplify software development.

    Current Outlook

    AMD’s outlook statements are based on current expectations. The following statements are forward-looking and actual results could differ materially depending on market conditions and the factors set forth under “Cautionary Statement” below.

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, AMD expects revenue to be approximately $7.5 billion, plus or minus $300 million. At the mid-point of the revenue range, this represents year-over-year growth of approximately 22% and sequential growth of approximately 10%. Non-GAAP gross margin is expected to be approximately 54%.

    AMD Teleconference

    AMD will hold a conference call for the financial community at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) today to discuss its third quarter 2024 financial results. AMD will provide a real-time audio broadcast of the teleconference on the Investor Relations page of its website at www.amd.com.

    Media Contact:
    Drew Prairie
    AMD Communications
    512-602-4425
    drew.prairie@amd.com

    Investor Contact:
    Mitch Haws
    AMD Investor Relations
    408-749-3124
    mitch.haws@amd.com

    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (in millions, except per share data) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended
      September 28,
    2024
      June 29,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    GAAP gross profit $ 3,419     $ 2,864     $ 2,747  
    GAAP gross margin   50 %     49 %     47 %
    Stock-based compensation   5       5       6  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   233       231       210  
    Acquisition-related and other costs(1)         1        
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 3,657     $ 3,101     $ 2,963  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   54 %     53 %     51 %
               
    GAAP operating expenses $ 2,709     $ 2,605     $ 2,533  
    GAAP operating expenses/revenue %   40 %     45 %     44 %
    Stock-based compensation   346       341       347  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   352       372       450  
    Acquisition-related and other costs(1)   55       45       39  
    Non-GAAP operating expenses $ 1,956     $ 1,847     $ 1,697  
    Non-GAAP operating expenses/revenue %   29 %     32 %     29 %
               
    GAAP operating income $ 724     $ 269     $ 224  
    GAAP operating margin   11 %     5 %     4 %
    Stock-based compensation   351       346       353  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   585       603       660  
    Acquisition-related and other costs(1)   55       46       39  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 1,715     $ 1,264     $ 1,276  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   25 %     22 %     22 %
      Three Months Ended
      September 28,
    2024
      June 29,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    GAAP net income / earnings per share $ 771     $ 0.47     $ 265     $ 0.16     $ 299     $ 0.18  
    (Gains) losses on equity investments, net   (1 )                       (4 )      
    Stock-based compensation   351       0.21       346       0.21       353       0.22  
    Equity income in investee   (7 )           (7 )           (3 )      
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   585       0.36       603       0.37       660       0.41  
    Acquisition-related and other costs(1)   56       0.03       46       0.03       39       0.02  
    Income tax provision   (251 )     (0.15 )     (127 )     (0.08 )     (209 )     (0.13 )
    Non-GAAP net income / earnings per share $ 1,504     $ 0.92     $ 1,126     $ 0.69     $ 1,135     $ 0.70  
    (1)   Acquisition-related and other costs primarily comprised of transaction costs, purchase price adjustments for inventory, certain compensation charges, contract termination and workforce rebalancing charges.

    About AMD

    For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn and X pages.

    Cautionary Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) such as AMD’s expectations for future growth in data center, client and embedded businesses; AMD being on track to deliver record annual revenue growth for 2024 based on significant growth in AMD’s Data Center and Client segments; AMD’s expectations about the demand for more compute; the features, functionality, performance, availability, timing and expected benefits of future AMD products; AMD’s anticipated acquisition of ZT Systems and the expected timing of the transaction; and AMD’s expected fourth quarter 2024 financial outlook, including revenue and non-GAAP gross margin, which are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are commonly identified by words such as “would,” “may,” “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and other terms with similar meaning. Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current beliefs, assumptions and expectations, speak only as of the date of this press release and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Such statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond AMD’s control, that could cause actual results and other future events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, without limitation, the following: Intel Corporation’s dominance of the microprocessor market and its aggressive business practices; Nvidia’s dominance in the graphics processing unit market and its aggressive business practices; the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry; market conditions of the industries in which AMD products are sold; loss of a significant customer; competitive markets in which AMD’s products are sold; economic and market uncertainty; quarterly and seasonal sales patterns; AMD’s ability to adequately protect its technology or other intellectual property; unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations; ability of third party manufacturers to manufacture AMD’s products on a timely basis in sufficient quantities and using competitive technologies; availability of essential equipment, materials, substrates or manufacturing processes; ability to achieve expected manufacturing yields for AMD’s products; AMD’s ability to introduce products on a timely basis with expected features and performance levels; AMD’s ability to generate revenue from its semi-custom SoC products; potential security vulnerabilities; potential security incidents including IT outages, data loss, data breaches and cyberattacks; uncertainties involving the ordering and shipment of AMD’s products; AMD’s reliance on third-party intellectual property to design and introduce new products; AMD’s reliance on third-party companies for design, manufacture and supply of motherboards, software, memory and other computer platform components; AMD’s reliance on Microsoft and other software vendors’ support to design and develop software to run on AMD’s products; AMD’s reliance on third-party distributors and add-in-board partners; impact of modification or interruption of AMD’s internal business processes and information systems; compatibility of AMD’s products with some or all industry-standard software and hardware; costs related to defective products; efficiency of AMD’s supply chain; AMD’s ability to rely on third party supply-chain logistics functions; AMD’s ability to effectively control sales of its products on the gray market; long-term impact of climate change on AMD’s business; impact of government actions and regulations such as export regulations, tariffs and trade protection measures; AMD’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets; potential tax liabilities; current and future claims and litigation; impact of environmental laws, conflict minerals related provisions and other laws or regulations; evolving expectations from governments, investors, customers and other stakeholders regarding corporate responsibility matters; issues related to the responsible use of AI; restrictions imposed by agreements governing AMD’s notes, the guarantees of Xilinx’s notes and the revolving credit agreement; the ability to obtain applicable regulatory approvals for the acquisition of ZT Systems in a timely manner or otherwise and to satisfy other closing conditions to the transaction; impact of acquisitions, joint ventures and/or investments on AMD’s business and AMD’s ability to integrate acquired businesses;  impact of any impairment of the combined company’s assets; political, legal and economic risks and natural disasters; future impairments of technology license purchases; AMD’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and AMD’s stock price volatility. Investors are urged to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in AMD’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to AMD’s most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. 

    (*)   In this earnings press release, in addition to GAAP financial results, AMD has provided non-GAAP financial measures including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses/revenue%, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. AMD uses a normalized tax rate in its computation of the non-GAAP income tax provision to provide better consistency across the reporting periods. For fiscal 2024, AMD uses a projected non-GAAP tax rate of 13%, which excludes the tax impact of pre-tax non-GAAP adjustments, reflecting currently available information. AMD also provided adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and free cash flow margin as supplemental non-GAAP measures of its performance. These items are defined in the footnotes to the selected corporate data tables provided at the end of this earnings press release. AMD is providing these financial measures because it believes this non-GAAP presentation makes it easier for investors to compare its operating results for current and historical periods and also because AMD believes it assists investors in comparing AMD’s performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that it does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance and for the other reasons described in the footnotes to the selected data tables. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed in this earnings press release should be viewed in addition to and not as a substitute for or superior to AMD’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should be read only in conjunction with AMD’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures referenced are reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the data tables in this earnings press release. This earnings press release also contains forward-looking non-GAAP gross margin concerning AMD’s financial outlook, which is based on current expectations as of October 29, 2024 and assumptions and beliefs that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Adjustments to arrive at the GAAP gross margin outlook typically include stock-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangible assets and acquisition-related and other costs. The timing and impact of such adjustments are dependent on future events that are typically uncertain or outside of AMD’s control, therefore, a reconciliation to equivalent GAAP measures is not practicable at this time. AMD undertakes no intent or obligation to publicly update or revise its outlook statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
         

    ©2024 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, 3D V-Cache, Alveo,  EPYC, FidelityFX, Instinct, Kria, Radeon, Ryzen, Threadripper, Ultrascale+, Versal, Zynq, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Millions except per share amounts and percentages) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 28,
    2024
      June 29,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 28,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Net revenue $ 6,819     $ 5,835     $ 5,800     $ 18,127     $ 16,512  
    Cost of sales   3,167       2,740       2,843       8,590       8,236  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   233       231       210       694       727  
    Total cost of sales   3,400       2,971       3,053       9,284       8,963  
    Gross profit   3,419       2,864       2,747       8,843       7,549  
    Gross margin   50 %     49 %     47 %     49 %     46 %
    Research and development   1,636       1,583       1,507       4,744       4,361  
    Marketing, general and administrative   721       650       576       1,991       1,708  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   352       372       450       1,116       1,449  
    Licensing gain   (14 )     (10 )     (10 )     (37 )     (28 )
    Operating income   724       269       224       1,029       59  
    Interest expense   (23 )     (25 )     (26 )     (73 )     (79 )
    Other income (expense), net   36       55       59       144       148  
    Income before income taxes and equity income   737       299       257       1,100       128  
    Income tax provision (benefit)   (27 )     41       (39 )     (38 )     (49 )
    Equity income in investee   7       7       3       21       10  
    Net income $ 771     $ 265     $ 299     $ 1,159     $ 187  
    Earnings per share                  
    Basic $ 0.48     $ 0.16     $ 0.18     $ 0.72     $ 0.12  
    Diluted $ 0.47     $ 0.16     $ 0.18     $ 0.71     $ 0.11  
    Shares used in per share calculation                  
    Basic   1,620       1,618       1,616       1,619       1,613  
    Diluted   1,636       1,637       1,629       1,638       1,625  

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Millions)

      September 28,
    2024
      December 30,
    2023
      (Unaudited)    
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,897     $ 3,933  
    Short-term investments   647       1,840  
    Accounts receivable, net   7,241       5,376  
    Inventories   5,374       4,351  
    Receivables from related parties   29       9  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,547       1,259  
    Total current assets   18,735       16,768  
    Property and equipment, net   1,669       1,589  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   647       633  
    Goodwill   24,839       24,262  
    Acquisition-related intangibles, net   19,572       21,363  
    Investment: equity method   137       99  
    Deferred tax assets   1,183       366  
    Other non-current assets   2,854       2,805  
    Total Assets $ 69,636     $ 67,885  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 2,530     $ 2,055  
    Payables to related parties   461       363  
    Accrued liabilities   4,120       3,082  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net         751  
    Other current liabilities   389       438  
    Total current liabilities   7,500       6,689  
    Long-term debt, net of current portion   1,720       1,717  
    Long-term operating lease liabilities   518       535  
    Deferred tax liabilities   1,162       1,202  
    Other long-term liabilities   1,751       1,850  
           
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Capital stock:      
    Common stock, par value   17       17  
    Additional paid-in capital   60,896       59,676  
    Treasury stock, at cost   (5,812 )     (4,514 )
    Retained earnings   1,882       723  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   2       (10 )
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 56,985     $ 55,892  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 69,636     $ 67,885  

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (Millions) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 28,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 28,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income $ 771     $ 299     $ 1,159     $ 187  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   756       823       2,309       2,654  
    Stock-based compensation   351       353       1,068       1,010  
    Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets   30       25       82       73  
    Deferred income taxes   (607 )     (218 )     (863 )     (800 )
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer               65        
    Other   (13 )     (23 )     (50 )     (31 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities              
    Accounts receivable, net   (1,489 )     (743 )     (1,862 )     (929 )
    Inventories   (386 )     122       (1,096 )     (674 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (16 )     (143 )     (250 )     (380 )
    Receivables from and payables to related parties, net   36       14       78       (136 )
    Accounts payable   832       (547 )     476       (238 )
    Accrued and other liabilities   363       459       626       550  
    Net cash provided by operating activities   628       421       1,742       1,286  
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Purchases of property and equipment   (132 )     (124 )     (428 )     (407 )
    Purchases of short-term investments   (142 )     (496 )     (707 )     (3,312 )
    Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments   149       746       1,351       1,917  
    Proceeds from sale of short-term investments   589             591       248  
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (548 )     (14 )     (548 )     (14 )
    Related party equity method investment   (17 )           (17 )      
    Other   (37 )     (10 )     (129 )     (5 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (138 )     102       113       (1,573 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Repayment of debt               (750 )      
    Proceeds from sales of common stock through employee equity plans   4       4       152       148  
    Repurchases of common stock   (250 )     (511 )     (606 )     (752 )
    Common stock repurchases for tax withholding on employee equity plans   (460 )     (295 )     (686 )     (382 )
    Other         (1 )     (1 )     1  
    Net cash used in financing activities   (706 )     (803 )     (1,891 )     (987 )
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (216 )   $ (280 )   $ (36 )   $ (1,274 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   4,113       3,841       3,933       4,835  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3,897     $ 3,561     $ 3,897     $ 3,561  

    ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    SELECTED CORPORATE DATA
    (Millions) (Unaudited)

      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 28,
    2024
      June 29,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 28,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    Segment and Category Information(1)                  
    Data Center                  
    Net revenue $ 3,549     $ 2,834     $ 1,598     $ 8,720     $ 4,214  
    Operating income $ 1,041     $ 743     $ 306     $ 2,325     $ 601  
    Client                  
    Net revenue $ 1,881     $ 1,492     $ 1,453     $ 4,741     $ 3,190  
    Operating income (loss) $ 276     $ 89     $ 140     $ 451     $ (101 )
    Gaming                  
    Net revenue $ 462     $ 648     $ 1,506     $ 2,032     $ 4,844  
    Operating income $ 12     $ 77     $ 208     $ 240     $ 747  
    Embedded                  
    Net revenue $ 927     $ 861     $ 1,243     $ 2,634     $ 4,264  
    Operating income $ 372     $ 345     $ 612     $ 1,059     $ 2,167  
    All Other                  
    Net revenue $     $     $     $     $  
    Operating loss $ (977 )   $ (985 )   $ (1,042 )   $ (3,046 )   $ (3,355 )
    Total                  
    Net revenue $ 6,819     $ 5,835     $ 5,800     $ 18,127     $ 16,512  
    Operating income $ 724     $ 269     $ 224     $ 1,029     $ 59  
                       
    Other Data                  
    Capital expenditures $ 132     $ 154     $ 124     $ 428     $ 407  
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) $ 1,887     $ 1,430     $ 1,439     $ 4,612     $ 3,920  
    Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 4,544     $ 5,340     $ 5,785     $ 4,544     $ 5,785  
    Free cash flow(3) $ 496     $ 439     $ 297     $ 1,314     $ 879  
    Total assets $ 69,636     $ 67,886     $ 67,626     $ 69,636     $ 67,626  
    Total debt $ 1,720     $ 1,719     $ 2,467     $ 1,720     $ 2,467  
    (1)   The Data Center segment primarily includes server microprocessors (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), accelerated processing units (APUs), data processing units (DPUs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Smart Network Interface Cards (SmartNICs), Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerators and Adaptive System-on-Chip (SoC) products for data centers.
        The Client segment primarily includes CPUs, APUs, and chipsets for desktop, notebook and handheld personal computers.
        The Gaming segment primarily includes discrete GPUs, and semi-custom SoC products and development services.
        The Embedded segment primarily includes embedded CPUs, GPUs, APUs, FPGAs, System on Modules (SOMs), and Adaptive SoC products.
        From time to time, the Company may also sell or license portions of its IP portfolio.
        All Other category primarily includes certain expenses and credits that are not allocated to any of the operating segments, such as amortization of acquisition-related intangible asset, employee stock-based compensation expense, acquisition-related and other costs, inventory loss at contract manufacturer, and licensing gain.
    (2)   Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (Millions) (Unaudited) September 28,
    2024
      June 29,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 28,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    GAAP net income $ 771     $ 265     $ 299     $ 1,159     $ 187  
    Interest expense   23       25       26       73       79  
    Other (income) expense, net   (36 )     (55 )     (59 )     (144 )     (148 )
    Income tax provision (benefit)   (27 )     41       (39 )     (38 )     (49 )
    Equity income in investee   (7 )     (7 )     (3 )     (21 )     (10 )
    Stock-based compensation   351       346       353       1,068       1,006  
    Depreciation and amortization   171       166       163       499       478  
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles   585       603       660       1,810       2,176  
    Inventory loss at contract manufacturer                     65        
    Acquisition-related and other costs   56       46       39       141       201  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,887     $ 1,430     $ 1,439     $ 4,612     $ 3,920  
     

    The Company presents “Adjusted EBITDA” as a supplemental measure of its performance. Adjusted EBITDA for the Company is determined by adjusting GAAP net income for interest expense, other (income) expense, net, income tax provision (benefit), equity income in investee, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expense, amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, inventory loss at contract manufacturer, and acquisition-related and other costs. The Company calculates and presents Adjusted EBITDA because management believes it is of importance to investors and lenders in relation to its overall capital structure and its ability to borrow additional funds. In addition, the Company presents Adjusted EBITDA because it believes this measure assists investors in comparing its performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that the Company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance. The Company’s calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may or may not be consistent with the calculation of this measure by other companies in the same industry. Investors should not view Adjusted EBITDA as an alternative to the GAAP operating measure of income or GAAP liquidity measures of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA does not take into account changes in certain assets and liabilities that can affect cash flows.

    (3)   Reconciliation of GAAP Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (Millions except percentages) (Unaudited) September 28,
    2024
      June 29,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 28,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
    GAAP net cash provided by operating activities $ 628     $ 593     $ 421     $ 1,742     $ 1,286  
    Operating cash flow margin %   9 %     10 %     7 %     10 %     8 %
    Purchases of property and equipment   (132 )     (154 )     (124 )     (428 )     (407 )
    Free cash flow $ 496     $ 439     $ 297     $ 1,314     $ 879  
    Free cash flow margin %   7 %     8 %     5 %     7 %     5 %
     

    The Company also presents free cash flow as a supplemental Non-GAAP measure of its performance. Free cash flow is determined by adjusting GAAP net cash provided by operating activities for capital expenditures, and free cash flow margin % is free cash flow expressed as a percentage of the Company’s net revenue. The Company calculates and communicates free cash flow in the financial earnings press release because management believes it is of importance to investors to understand the nature of these cash flows. The Company’s calculation of free cash flow may or may not be consistent with the calculation of this measure by other companies in the same industry. Investors should not view free cash flow as an alternative to GAAP liquidity measures of cash flows from operating activities.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (NASDAQ: GLRE) (the “Company” or “Greenlight Re”), a multiline property and casualty insurer and reinsurer, today announced that it expects to release financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, after the market closes on Monday, November 4, 2024.  A live conference call to discuss the financial results will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

    Conference Call Details

    To participate in the Greenlight Re Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call, please dial in to the conference call at:

    U.S. toll free        1-877-407-9753
    International        1-201-493-6739

    The conference call can also be accessed via webcast at:

    https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1692074&tp_key=a944f284f8

    A telephone replay will be available following the call through November 11, 2024.  The replay of the call may be accessed by dialing 1-877-660-6853 (U.S. toll free) or 1-201-612-7415 (international), access code 13749374. An audio file of the call will also be available on the Company’s website, www.greenlightre.com.

    About Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd.
    Greenlight Re (www.greenlightre.com) provides multiline property and casualty insurance and reinsurance through its licensed and regulated reinsurance entities in the Cayman Islands and Ireland, and its Lloyd’s platform, Greenlight Innovation Syndicate 3456. The Company complements its underwriting activities with a non-traditional investment approach designed to achieve higher rates of return over the long term than reinsurance companies that exclusively employ more traditional investment strategies. The Company’s innovations unit, Greenlight Re Innovations, supports technology innovators in the (re)insurance space by providing investment capital, risk capacity, and access to a broad insurance network.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Karin Daly
    Vice President, The Equity Group Inc.
    (212) 836-9623
    IR@greenlightre.ky

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. Reports 3Q24 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILWAUKEE, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. (NYSE: APAM) (the “Company” or “Artisan Partners”) today reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and declared a quarterly dividend. The full September 2024 quarter earnings release and investor presentation can be viewed at www.apam.com.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host a conference call on October 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Hosting the call will be Eric Colson, Chief Executive Officer, Jason Gottlieb, President, and C.J. Daley, Chief Financial Officer. Supplemental materials that will be reviewed during the call are available on the Company’s website at www.apam.com. The call will be webcast and can be accessed via the Company’s website. Listeners may also access the call by dialing 877.328.5507 or 412.317.5423 for international callers; the conference ID is 10192111. A replay of the call will be available until November 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), by dialing 877.344.7529 or 412.317.0088 for international callers; the replay conference ID is 5832848. An audio recording will also be available on the Company’s website.

    About Artisan Partners

    Artisan Partners is a global investment management firm that provides a broad range of high value-added investment strategies to sophisticated clients around the world. Since 1994, the firm has been committed to attracting experienced, disciplined investment professionals to manage client assets. Artisan Partners’ autonomous investment teams oversee a diverse range of investment strategies across multiple asset classes. Strategies are offered through various investment vehicles to accommodate a broad range of client mandates.

    Source: Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc.

    Investor Relations Inquiries

    866.632.1770
    ir@artisanpartners.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance ETFs Announces Increase in Leverage for MSTX and SMST ETFs to 2x

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs, a pioneer in leveraged single-stock ETFs, is excited to announce an increase in leverage for two of its flagship products, MSTX and SMST, from 1.75x and 1.5x respectively to 2x daily target exposure. This change marks a strategic enhancement, positioning Defiance to stay at the forefront of the market amid increased investor interest.

    MSTX, Defiance’s first-of-its-kind leveraged ETF providing long exposure to MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), will now deliver 2x daily targeted exposure, enhancing potential returns for investors seeking amplified access to MicroStrategy’s price movements. MicroStrategy, a leader in data analytics and one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, presents an innovative investment vehicle for investors looking to capitalize on the unique and volatile dynamics of the cryptocurrency market.

    SMST, Defiance’s Short MicroStrategy ETF, has likewise increased to 2x inverse daily exposure, enabling sophisticated traders to capitalize on potential downturns in MicroStrategy’s stock with greater leverage. This ETF offers traders a powerful tool to hedge against Bitcoin volatility, considering MicroStrategy’s significant holdings in the cryptocurrency. With this enhanced inverse leverage, SMST allows investors to tactically manage risk or capitalize on anticipated market declines with a more potent instrument.

    “Following the strong response to MSTX and SMST, we recognized the importance of delivering enhanced leverage in response to investor demand and competitive dynamics,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs. “With the transition to 2x leverage, Defiance ETFs is committed to providing investors with leading-edge tools to engage with both bullish and bearish views on the Bitcoin market and MicroStrategy’s strategic role within it.”

    The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of its Underlying Security. It is designed only for sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Investors who do not understand the Funds or do not intend to actively manage and monitor their investments should not buy shares of the Funds.

    The Fund MSTX is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking 200% daily (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund will lose money if the underlying security’s performance is flat, and that it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the underlying security’s performance decreases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    The Fund SMST is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking 200% daily inverse (-2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund will lose money if the underlying security’s performance is flat, and that it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the underlying security’s performance decreases over a period longer than a single day.An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    About Defiance ETFs
    Founded in 2018, Defiance is at the forefront of ETF innovation. Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

    Important Disclosures
    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information. Please read it carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or visiting www.defianceetfs.com/prospectuses

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Funds’ investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    SMST Key Risks:

    MSTR Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s inverse investment strategy, the Fund purchases and sells swap contracts that are based on the share price of MSTR common stock (the “Underlying Security”). This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted shares of the Underlying Security, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect -1.5X exposure to changes in the share price of the Underlying Security, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Underlying Security’s share price increases. If the share price of the Underlying Security increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    MSTR Good Performance Risk. MSTR may meet or exceed its publicly announced expectations or guidelines regarding its business, which could potentially lead to a rise in the share price of the Underlying Security.

    Bitcoin Positive Performance Risk. MSTR’s significant investment in Bitcoin has become a key driver of its stock price. Any positive movement in the price of Bitcoin, such as reaching new all-time highs, increased institutional adoption, or favorable regulatory developments, directly impacts MSTR’s balance sheet and investor perception. With MSTR holding a substantial amount of Bitcoin, its stock price tends to correlate with Bitcoin’s performance.

    Leverage Risk: Leverage may increase the risk of loss and cause fluctuations in the Fund’s portfolio value to have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV to decline faster than it would otherwise.

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: Due to compounding, performance over periods greater than a trading day may differ from the underlying security’s performance.

    Derivatives and Single Issuer Risk: Derivatives may be more sensitive to market conditions and may amplify risks. Additionally, the focus on a single issuer can lead to increased volatility.

    MSTR key risks:

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security, may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Bitcoin Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with Bitcoin by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference MSTR.

    Leverage Risk: Leverage may increase the risk of loss and cause fluctuations in the Fund’s portfolio value to have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV to decline faster than it would otherwise.

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk: Due to compounding, performance over periods greater than a trading day may differ from the underlying security’s performance.

    Derivatives and Single Issuer Risk: Derivatives may be more sensitive to market conditions and may amplify risks. Additionally, the focus on a single issuer can lead to increased volatility.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e5c8ab2-865a-4635-a0c2-a6535224f385

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 29.10.2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    29 October 2024 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 29.10.2024

    Espoo, Finland – On 29 October 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,382,271 4.54
    CEUX 263,565 4.55
    BATE
    AQEU
    TQEX
    Total 1,645,836 4.54

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 29 October 2024 was EUR 7,474,564. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 189,427,128 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana Reports Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Shreveport, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: HFBL), the holding company of Home Federal Bank, reported net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, of $941,000 compared to net income of $1.2 million reported for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.31 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.40 and $0.39, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    The decrease in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from a decrease in net interest income of $857,000, or 16.2%, and a decrease in non-interest income of $134,000, or 30.9%, partially offset by a decrease in non-interest expense of $177,000, or 4.2%, a decrease in provision for income taxes of $312,000, or 100.6%, a decrease in the provision of credit losses of $223,000. The decrease in net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from an increase in total interest expense of $524,000, or 18.8%, and a decrease in total interest income of $333,000, or 4.1%.  The Company’s average interest rate spread was 2.23% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.68% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The Company’s net interest margin was 2.98% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.37% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    The following table sets forth the Company’s average balances and average yields earned and rates paid on its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

        For the Three Months Ended September 30,  
        2024     2023  
        Average
    Balance
        Average
    Yield/Rate
        Average
    Balance
        Average
    Yield/Rate
     
        (Dollars in thousands)  
    Interest-earning assets:                                
    Loans receivable   $ 466,170       5.87 %   $ 498,242       5.79 %
    Investment securities     96,749       2.09       113,584       2.18  
    Interest-earning deposits     25,617       5.20       10,066       6.98  
    Total interest-earning assets   $ 588,536       5.22 %   $ 621,892       5.15 %
                                     
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                                
    Savings accounts   $ 82,556       1.61 %   $ 78,572       0.38 %
    NOW accounts     72,787       1.10       55,900       0.48  
    Money market accounts     75,216       2.29       108,891       2.26  
    Certificates of deposit     204,019       4.30       194,785       3.73  
    Total interest-bearing deposits      434,578       2.92       438,148       2.47  
    Other bank borrowings     5,989       7.75       8,654       8.39  
    FHLB advances                 1,138       5.23  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   $ 440,567       2.98 %   $ 447,940       2.47 %

    The $134,000 decrease in non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from an increase in loss on sale of real estate of $220,000, partially offset by an increase in gain on sale of loans of $58,000, an increase in other non-interest income of $26,000, and an increase in income on bank owned life insurance of $2,000.

    The $177,000 decrease in non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, resulted from decreases in advertising expense of $86,000, compensation and benefits expense of $54,000, professional fees of $43,000, loan and collection expense of $32,000, data processing expense of $26,000, amortization of core deposit intangible expense of $20,000, and deposit insurance premium expense of $1,000, partially offset by increases in audit and examination fees of $30,000, other non-interest expense of $28,000, occupancy and equipment expense of $15,000, and franchise and bank shares tax expense of $12,000.

    Total assets decreased $9.1 million, or 1.4%, from $637.5 million at June 30, 2024 to $628.4 million at September 30, 2024. The decrease in assets was comprised of decreases in net loans receivable of $16.9 million, or 3.6%, from $470.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $454.0 million at September 30, 2024, real estate owned of $296,000, or 70.8% from $418,000 at June 30, 2024 to $122,000 at September 30, 2024, premises and equipment of $238,000, or 1.3%, from $18.3 million at June 30, 2024 to $18.1 million at September 30, 2024, core deposit intangible of $74,000, or 6.2%, from $1.2 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.1 million at September 30, 2024, and accrued interest receivable of $14,000, or 0.8%, from $1.78 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.76 million at September 30, 2024, partially offset by increases in cash and cash equivalents of $6.1 million, or 17.4%, from $34.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $41.0 million at September 30, 2024, investment securities of $1.4 million, or 1.5%, from $96.0 million at June 30, 2024 to $97.4 million at September 30, 2024, loans-held-for-sale of $535,000, or 30.9%, from $1.7 million at June 30, 2024 to $2.3 million at September 30, 2024, other assets of $224,000, or 16.6%, from $1.3 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.6 million at September 30, 2024, deferred tax asset of $29,000, or 2.5%, from $1.18 million at June 30, 2024 to $1.21 million at September 30, 2024, and bank owned life insurance of $29,000, or 0.4%, from $6.81 million at June 30, 2024 to $6.84 million at September 30, 2024. The increase in investment securities was primarily due to $4.0 million in security purchases and a $1.3 million reduction in unrealized losses on available for sale securities, partially offset by $3.5 million in principal payments. The increase in cash and cash equivalents from $34.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $41.0 million at September 30, 2024 was mainly due to decreases in loans receivable.

    Total liabilities decreased $10.6 million, or 1.8%, from $584.7 million at June 30, 2024 to $574.1 million at September 30, 2024. The decrease in liabilities was comprised of decreases in total deposits of $9.4 million, or 1.6%, from $574.0 million at June 30, 2024 to $564.6 million at September 30, 2024, and other borrowings of $1.5 million, or 21.4%, from $7.0 million at June 30, 2024 to $5.5 million at September 30, 2024, partially offset by increases in other accrued expenses and liabilities of $252,000, or 7.9%, from $3.2 million at June 30, 2024 to $3.4 million at September 30, 2024, and advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance of $123,000, or 23.6%, from $521,000 at June 30, 2024 to $644,000 at September 30, 2024,. The decrease in deposits resulted from decreases in certificates of deposit of $17.5 million, or 8.2%, from $214.9 million at June 30, 2024 to $197.3 million at September 30, 2024, and money market deposits of $5.9 million, or 6.9%, from $85.5 million at June 30, 2024 to $79.6 million at September 30, 2024, partially offset by increases in savings deposits of $9.2 million, or 12.0%, from $76.6 million at June 30, 2024 to $85.8 million at September 30, 2024, non-interest deposits of $3.0 million, or 2.3%, from $130.3 million at June 30, 2024 to $133.3 million at September 30, 2024, and NOW accounts of $1.9 million, or 2.8%, from $66.6 million at June 30, 2024 to $68.5 million at September 30, 2024. The Company had no balances in brokered deposits at September 30, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

    At September 30, 2024, the Company had $1.9 million of non-performing assets (defined as non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due, and other real estate owned) compared to $2.0 million on non-performing assets at June 30, 2024, consisting of two commercial non-real estate loans, five single-family residential loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans, and one single-family residence in other real estate owned at September 30, 2024, compared to five single-family residential loans, three commercial non-real estate loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans and three single-family residences in other real estate owned at June 30, 2024.  At September 30, 2024 the Company had five commercial non-real-estate loans, one commercial real-estate loan, six single family residential loans, four home-equity line-of-credit loans, and one auto loan classified as substandard, compared to six single family residential loans, five commercial non-real-estate loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans and one auto loan classified as substandard at June 30, 2024.  There were no loans classified as doubtful at September 30, 2024 or June 30, 2024.

    Shareholders’ equity increased $1.5 million, or 2.8%, from $52.8 million at June 30, 2024 to $54.3 million at September 30, 2024. The increase in shareholders’ equity was comprised of net income for the three month period of $941,000, the vesting of restricted stock awards, stock options, and the release of employee stock ownership plan shares totaling $94,000, proceeds from the issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options of $19,000, and a decrease in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.0 million, partially offset by dividends paid totaling $409,000, and stock repurchases of $182,000.

    Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana is the holding company for Home Federal Bank which conducts business from its ten full-service banking offices and home office in northwest Louisiana.

    Statements contained in this news release which are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.  They often include words likebelieve,expect,anticipate,estimate, andintend, or future or conditional verbs such aswill,would,should,could, ormay.  We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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

    HOME FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. OF LOUISIANA
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
    (In thousands except share and per share data)
        September 30, 2024     June 30, 2024  
        (Unaudited)          
    ASSETS                
                     
    Cash and Cash Equivalents (Includes Interest-Bearing Deposits with Other Banks of $32,743 and $25,505 at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, Respectively)   $ 41,044     $ 34,948  
    Securities Available-for-Sale (amortized cost September 30, 2024: $31,977; June 30, 2024: $30,348, Respectively)     29,934       27,037  
    Securities Held-to-Maturity (fair value September 30, 2024: $56,584; June 30, 2024: $54,450, Respectively)     65,800       67,302  
    Other Securities     1,633       1,614  
    Loans Held-for-Sale     2,268       1,733  
    Loans Receivable, Net of Allowance for Credit Losses (September 30, 2024: $4,703; June 30, 2024: $4,574, Respectively)     454,039       470,852  
    Accrued Interest Receivable     1,761       1,775  
    Premises and Equipment, Net     18,065       18,303  
    Bank Owned Life Insurance     6,839       6,810  
    Goodwill     2,990       2,990  
    Core Deposit Intangible     1,125       1,199  
    Deferred Tax Asset     1,210       1,181  
    Real Estate Owned     122       418  
    Other Assets     1,574       1,350  
                     
    Total Assets   $ 628,404     $ 637,512  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERSEQUITY                
                     
    LIABILITIES                
                     
    Deposits:                
    Non-interest bearing   $ 133,293     $ 130,334  
    Interest-bearing     431,267       443,673  
    Total Deposits     564,560       574,007  
    Advances from Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance     644       521  
    Other Borrowings     5,500       7,000  
    Other Accrued Expenses and Liabilities     3,433       3,181  
                     
    Total Liabilities     574,137       584,709  
                     
    SHAREHOLDERSEQUITY                
                     
    Preferred Stock – $0.01 Par Value; 10,000,000 Shares Authorized: None Issued and Outstanding            
    Common Stock – $0.01 Par Value; 40,000,000 Shares Authorized: 3,129,668 and 3,144,168 Shares Issued and Outstanding at September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, Respectively     32       32  
    Additional Paid-in Capital     41,822       41,739  
    Unearned ESOP Stock     (379 )     (408 )
    Retained Earnings     14,406       14,055  
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss     (1,614 )     (2,615 )
                     
    Total ShareholdersEquity     54,267       52,803  
                     
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 628,404     $ 637,512  
    HOME FEDERAL BANCORP, INC. OF LOUISIANA
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited) (In thousands except share and per share data)
        Three Months Ended  
        September 30,  
        2024     2023  
    INTEREST INCOME                
    Loans, including fees   $ 6,895     $ 7,274  
    Investment securities     67       150  
    Mortgage-backed securities     443       473  
    Other interest-earning assets     336       177  
    Total interest income     7,741       8,074  
                     
    INTEREST EXPENSE                
    Deposits     3,197       2,592  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings           15  
    Other bank borrowings     117       183  
    Total interest expense     3,314       2,790  
    Net interest income     4,427       5,284  
                     
    RECOVERY OF CREDIT LOSSES     (223 )      
    Net interest income after recovery of credit losses     4,650       5,284  
                     
    NON-INTEREST INCOME                
    Gain on sale of loans     96       38  
    Loss on sale of real estate     (254 )     (34 )
    Income on bank owned life insurance     28       26  
    Service charges on deposit accounts     391       391  
    Other income     39       13  
                     
    Total non-interest income     300       434  
                     
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                
    Compensation and benefits     2,302       2,356  
    Occupancy and equipment     564       549  
    Data processing     219       245  
    Audit and examination fees     132       102  
    Franchise and bank shares tax     168       156  
    Advertising     57       143  
    Professional fees     117       160  
    Loan and collection     28       60  
    Amortization core deposit intangible     74       94  
    Deposit insurance premium     90       91  
    Other expenses     260       232  
    Total non-interest expense     4,011       4,188  
                     
    Income before income taxes     939       1,530  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX EXPENSE     (2 )     310  
                     
    NET INCOME   $ 941     $ 1,220  
                     
    EARNINGS PER SHARE                
    Basic   $ 0.31     $ 0.40  
    Diluted   $ 0.31     $ 0.39  
        Three Months Ended
    September 30,
     
        2024     2023  
                     
    Selected Operating Ratios(1):                
    Average interest rate spread     2.23 %     2.68 %
    Net interest margin     2.98 %     3.37 %
    Return on average assets     0.59 %     0.73 %
    Return on average equity     7.23 %     9.46 %
                     
    Asset Quality Ratios(2):                
    Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets     0.31 %     0.28 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of non-performing loans     258.46 %     403.96 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans receivable     1.03 %     1.00 %
                     
    Per Share Data:                
    Shares outstanding at period end     3,129,668       3,133,351  
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                
    Basic     3,058,286       3,028,597  
    Diluted     3,071,716       3,107,834  
    (1)     Ratios for the three-month period are annualized.
    (2)     Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Announces Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call for November 18, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced that it has scheduled its third quarter 2024 earnings conference call and webcast for Monday, November 18, 2024 at 8:00 AM EST. During the call, Bitdeer management will discuss the unaudited financial and operational results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, followed by a question and answer session.

    Bitdeer will release the third quarter results before the call at approximately 7:00 AM EST on November 18, 2024. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    Conference Call Information:

    • Date: November 18, 2024
    • Time: 8:00 AM EST / 8:00 PM SGT
    • Participant Call Links:
      • Live Webcast: Link
      • Participant Call Registration: Link

    Participants wishing to join the conference call by phone should register using the Participant Call Registration link provided above. After completing the registration, the participants will receive an email with the necessary details to access the call including dial-in number, passcode, and PIN. To ensure a timely start, the Company encourages all callers to connect about 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Bitdeer’s website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group

    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Orange Group
    Yujia Zhai
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    Wachsman
    Bee Shin
    bitdeer@wachsman.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech and Efficiency – “AI will replace hard skills” says recruitment CEO, emphasis on soft skills needed

    Source: Robert Walters

    In a recent study, recruitment specialists Robert Walters have unveiled the increasing significance of soft skills in today’s workplace. The research, which surveyed over 2,000 white collar professionals, found that 96% believe that soft skills are either equal to or more important than hard skills. Furthermore, an overwhelming 92% of employers admitted to rejecting candidates due to insufficient soft skills.

    The Rise of AI: A Game-Changer for Hard Skills

    Robert Walters CEO for Australia and New Zealand, Shay Peters, attributes this paradigm shift to the rapid emergence of AI. Peters stated, “The growth of AI has been remarkable in recent years, and I predict that it will eventually replace almost all hard skills in white collar industries. This means that soft skills will take centre stage in talent acquisition, as the human touch becomes the distinguishing factor.”

    The Crucial Role of Soft Skills

    According to 90% of recruiters, a lack of soft skills often underpins failures in the workplace. Consequently, hiring managers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for candidates who possess exceptional soft skills.

    Peters further highlighted the growing emphasis on soft skills in client conversations, stating, “Clients are now placing greater importance on qualities such as effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. These attributes will set candidates apart from their peers as we continue to see AI replace hard skills. Additionally, clients are expressing the need for candidates to not only utilise AI but also collaborate with it effectively.”

    Gen Z: Leveraging the AI Advantage

    Peters also noted that Gen Z individuals have a distinct advantage, given their innate ability to adapt seamlessly to technology and incorporate it into their work practices. The ability to work harmoniously with AI is becoming an increasingly sought-after skill.

    Understanding Soft Skills

    Soft skills encompass personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively with others. Unlike technical skills, which are specific and measurable, soft skills are broader and encompass traits such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are indispensable for fostering a positive work environment and facilitating professional growth.

    According to new research released by Indeed which asked employers what the most important skills for the future of work are, communication came out as most important skill in the future, with 55% of employers citing this. This is followed by teamwork and collaboration (52%), adaptability (48%), problem solving (48%) and tech savviness (40%).

    Investing in Soft Skills Development

    CEO Shay Peters stressed the urgency for employees and candidates to prioritise the development of their soft skills. Peters remarked, “In today’s highly competitive job market, where countless highly skilled individuals are vying for positions, your soft skills will be the ultimate differentiator. As AI inevitably replaces hard skills in white-collar industries, your soft skills will be all you have left. Investing time in improving these skills will ensure you stand out when the time comes.”

    AI can never replace human interaction and face to face communication which is why this is becoming a priority for employers. This balance between AI’s capabilities and human strengths is shaping the future of work, making soft skills a key differentiator in career success.

    About Robert Walters  

    Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies with a global presence spanning 31 countries. The New Zealand business recruits across the fields of accounting & finance, property, general management, human resources, information technology, legal, risk management, compliance & audit, sales, marketing & communications, secretarial & business support and supply chain & procurement. 

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and BRVM sign MOU to Mobilize Capital for Affordable Housing Projects in Africa

    Source: Media Fast

    Washington, DC, October 29, 2024 – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), the pan-African housing and urban development multilateral bank and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM), the regional stock exchange serving the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mobilize capital for affordable housing projects across Africa.

    The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two organizations to address Africa’s growing housing deficit, currently estimated at over 53 million units. The partnership will focus on mobilizing financial resources through innovative instruments such as Green, Sustainability-linked, and Social (GSSS) bonds, as well as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

    Dr. Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO of BRVM, and Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique, signed the MOU at a ceremony held in Washington DC on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings last week.

    The collaboration represents a critical step towards enhancing the capacity of African markets to finance sustainable housing development, particularly in the eight WAEMU countries, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

    Key Areas of Collaboration

    ShafDB and BRVM will work together to design and implement an issuance plan for debt securities on the BRVM regional financial market.  

    The parties will explore sustainability-linked Bonds by promoting the use of green, gender, Islamic, and diaspora bonds to support housing finance within the WAEMU region and mobilize capital and encourage capital investment in the community housing sector via Real Estate Investment Funds (REITs).  

    Both parties will also exchange knowledge, provide technical assistance, and collaborate on joint research and publications to promote their common objectives.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Thierno-Habib Hann emphasized the significance of the partnership in addressing Africa’s housing crisis.

    “This partnership with BRVM is a significant milestone for Shelter Afrique Development Bank. With Africa’s housing deficit now exceeding 53 million units, we need to scale our efforts rapidly. This MOU offers us the opportunity to mobilize the capital necessary to finance affordable and sustainable housing projects across the continent,” Hann said.

    Commenting on the partnership’s potential impact, Dr. Edoh Kossi Amenounve said, “BRVM is proud to partner with Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) to boost investment flows into Africa’s housing market. This collaboration is aligned with our mission to promote capital markets and support sustainable development within the WAEMU region.”

     Note:

    About Shelter Afrique Development Bank:

    Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) is the Pan-African Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) dedicated to promoting and financing sustainable green housing, urban development and related infrastructure. It operates through a shareholding of 44 African governments and two institutional shareholders: the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re).

    The institution is involved in financing housing and related infrastructure across the value chain, both on the demand and supply sides, through its four (4) business lines: Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).

    About BRVM

    The Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) is the regional stock exchange serving the WAEMU zone. It facilitates access to capital markets for companies and governments across eight West African countries, promoting investment, economic growth, and regional integration. BRVM is committed to enhancing financial inclusion and sustainable development through innovative market solutions.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – AST Reygar Unveils New User-Friendly Website to Streamline Access to Industry-Leading Vessel Monitoring Solutions

    Source: AST Reygar

    Revamped Website Puts Spotlight on Award-Winning BareFLEET System,  
    Enhancing Support for Maritime Efficiency and Compliance

    AST Reygar, a leader in vessel monitoring and fleet management solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its redesigned, user-friendly website, now live at www.ast-reygar.com. The revamped website enhances accessibility and provides a streamlined platform for industry professionals to explore AST Reygar’s cutting-edge solutions, including its award-winning fleet monitoring system, BareFLEET.

    Built with a focus on simplicity and ease of navigation, the new AST Reygar website offers an intuitive experience, allowing users to seamlessly access information on the company’s advanced technologies, case studies, latest news and insights, and comprehensive customer support resources

    BareFLEET: Industry-Leading Vessel Monitoring for Operational Excellence

    At the heart of AST Reygar’s offering is BareFLEET, an award winning, remote monitoring and reporting system designed to optimise fleet performance, reduce operating costs, and help to support informed decision-making. Trusted by operators globally, BareFLEET provides unparalleled insights into fuel consumption, engine health, vessel motion monitoring, and emissions management, enhancing vessel efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

    “Through BareFLEET, our clients are equipped with real-time data that’s instrumental in improving operational efficiency and compliance. With the launch of our new website, we’re making it even easier for users to access the tools and support they need to operate their fleets effectively.” Said Daniel Clark, General Manager – Director at AST Reygar.

    A New Digital Experience for Clients and Partners
    The new AST Reygar website reflects the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service to the maritime sector, by offering easy access to product information, client success stories, and resources for technical support. Features include:

    Detailed Product Pages: Comprehensive overviews of AST Reygar’s offerings, including BareFLEET.

    Client Case Studies: Real-world examples demonstrating how AST Reygar solutions support fleet efficiency and environmental compliance.

    Enhanced Support Centre: Dedicated resources and direct contact options to ensure clients have access to responsive, ongoing support.  

    About AST Reygar

    AST Reygar is a leading prover of remote monitoring and fleet management solutions, providing maritime operators worldwide with innovative tools that improve efficiency, safety, and compliance. With BareFLEET as its flagship system, AST Reygar continues to deliver award-winning technology that empowers clients to make data-driven decisions and promotes a sustainable future for maritime operations.

    AST Reygar is part of AST Networks, and a leading provider of innovative solutions for the maritime industry, dedicated to enhancing fuel efficiency and operational performance through cutting-edge technology. 

     For more information, please visit www.ast-reygar.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ENERGY SECTOR – OPINION: There’s not a second to lose if the UK is to build a world-class battery industry

    Source and Opinion by Richard Moore, Battery Expert at Greenpower Park

    The Faraday Institution’s latest report on UK Gigafactories finds that they could support 35,000 jobs by 2040, along with a further 65,000 in the supply chain, but warns that the UK is not moving quickly enough. It’s time to put words into action and build the manufacturing capacity that we need to ensure that the UK not only catches up but becomes a world leader, says Richard Moore, Greenpower Park’s Battery Expert

    A question that used to be asked in every job interview was ‘where do you see yourself in five years? The interviewee almost certainly had a detailed list of aspirations to reel off in response If the same question was asked of the UK PLC in relation to the number of gigafactories it will have after that same period of time, the answer would be much shorter and to the point: ‘not enough.’

    That’s a massive problem, because as the Faraday Institution’s ‘UK electric vehicle and battery production potential to 2040’ report makes very clear, the UK is rapidly falling far behind in the global race to build these strategically important assets that are vital to making transport more sustainable, reducing emissions, improving air quality, and delivering net-zero commitments.

    With each gigafactory taking some five years to build1, there’s no time to waste, and in determining the way forward we learn a hard lesson learnt from the past: the lithium-ion battery was invented in the UK but the strategic importance of manufacturing them in the UK was overlooked. This is why today we have just one operational gigafactory which has a capacity of less than 2GWh. And by 2030 – the date that the new Labour government has pledged to ban sales of combustion engine vehicles, the UK is expected to have only three1 up and running.

    That’s around half of what’s needed because the UK’s demand is expected to reach almost 110GWh a year in 2030 – the equivalent of six large gigafactories running at 90% capacity1. That also compares very unfavourably to the 40 expected to be operational in Europe by that time1, and more than 400 worldwide2.

    Even if we broke ground today, the additional sites we need in the UK would only just be ramping up production volumes by the time the last petrol and diesel vehicles will be driven out of the showrooms. Which means that many of the EVs manufactured in the UK will use imported cells, while at the same time the UK will not be in a position to export these highly valuable items to other countries. Compounding the problem are the requirements of Rules of Origin regulations that from 2027 will require EVs made here to use cells manufactured in the UK or Europe to avoid new tariffs when sold in Europe.

    And of course, as well as road transport, there will be huge demand for the cells needed to electrify other industries such as the aviation and marine sectors. It is absolutely vital to our future that we have a world-class battery industry here in the UK, together with a robust, transparent and sustainable supply chain to serve it. And we must be cognizant of the fact that while the UK is forecast to make only 53 per cent of the capacity it will need in 20301, the gulf is expected to grow, with only 29% capacity by 2040, by which time we’ll need some 200GWh of supply1.

    A true centre of excellence in electrification

    The transition from internal combustion engines running on fossil fuels to e-mobility powered by renewables represents nothing less than a paradigm shift, and we simply cannot afford to squander the opportunity to place the UK as the driving force behind it. Greenpower Park, the UK’s Centre of Electrification and Clean Energy, is a trailblazing centre of excellence for electrification, battery technology and manufacturing. With the West Midlands Gigafactory as its anchor tenant, it has unrivalled access to the most highly skilled workforce in the country.

    This ground-breaking location is the first of its kind, offering an all-in-one solution for battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics designed to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem. Based in the country’s automotive skills heartland, it is at the epicentre of the country’s shift to electrification and is synonymous with both electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

    The automotive and manufacturing industries run through the blood of generations of the workforce in the West Midlands and will continue to do so in the future with the creation of Greenpower Park. Located closer to almost every vehicle manufacturer’s plant than any other proposed gigafactory in the UK, it is also adjacent to the world-renowned UK Battery Industrialisation Centre as well as nine universities and their 220,000 students. Greenpower Park represents a unique collaboration between academia, industry, government and international partners to create a complete ecosystem purpose-designed to boost accelerated development, growth and innovation across the e-mobility sector.

    Tempus fugit: action this day

    We believe that we can play a pivotal role in helping overcome the battery cell demand issue that’s coming in the next decade and beyond. But to do that we need to act now, and that involves laying out incentive packages to accelerate conversations with potential investors, and to enable us to achieve our goals within the battery manufacturers’ demanding investment timescales – and the vehicle manufacturers’ product development cycles.

    We’ve put all the pieces in place to enable that to happen, and we are the UK’s only proposed Gigafactory site with Investment Zone Status. This offers a compelling package of incentives for investors, including Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief, 100 per cent Business Rate Relief on newly occupied premises, 100 per cent first year Capital Allowances for expenditure on new plant and machinery, zero rate employer national insurance contributions for 36 months for each new job created, enhanced structures and buildings allowance, and additional support for supply chain and skills development, innovation, and R&D. We strongly believe that with inward investment of £2.5bn we can build our state-of-the-art Gigafactory and create 6,000 highly skilled jobs.

    We’re also highly encouraged by the new UK government’s pledge to directly invest in industry via the National Wealth Fund, reward firms that build their manufacturing supply chains in the UK via the British Jobs Bonus, and, in short, ‘secure the future of Britain’s automotive industry.’3 We urge the Prime Minister to deliver on those promises and help us to play our part in full.

    The UK has always been a leader in designing and developing cutting-edge technologies, but hasn’t always fulfilled its potential in successfully mass-producing them. With battery cells and Gigafactories we have an unprecedented opportunity to change this. But we must act now if we are to seize it. Five years from now, we want the UK to be a globally competitive supplier of battery cells and securing the clean energy supply chain for the future, not asking why we allowed ourselves to fall further behind.

    1 https://www.faraday.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Gigafactory-Report_2024_final_17Sept2024.pdf

    2 https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/over-400-gigafactories-in-2030-pipeline-but-overcapacity-fears-loom

    3 https://labour.org.uk/change/make-britain-a-clean-energy-superpower/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy – Equinor strengthens gas portfolio

    Source: Equinor

    30 OCTOBER 2024 – Equinor has signed an agreement with EQT Corporation to acquire additional non-operated interest in the Northern Marcellus formation in the US. Equinor will pay USD 1.25 billion to EQT in the transaction.

    Under the agreement, Equinor is acquiring 100% of EQT’s remaining working interest in Northern Marcellus gas units primarily operated by Expand Energy.

    The transaction will increase cashflow from the international portfolio by adding natural gas volumes with low carbon intensity emissions from production.

    Subject to closing, the acquisition will have economic effect from 31 December 2024. The acquisition covers the same acreage included in the swap agreement with EQT announced earlier this year.

    With this transaction, Equinor is increasing its average working interest in the Northern Marcellus asset from 25.7% to 40.7%. The transaction adds approximately 80,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) to Equinor’s US production in the near-term.

    “We continue to high-grade Equinor’s international portfolio in line with our strategy, improving robustness by adding more natural gas volumes in a core market where we produce with low break-evens and low intensity upstream emissions. We are well positioned in this premium acreage to capitalize on positive long-term demand indicators in the US gas market,” says Philippe Mathieu, executive vice president for Exploration and Production International at Equinor.

    Equinor’s E&P USA business has delivered over USD 5.5 billion in adjusted operating income after tax since the start of 2021.

    “The US is a core country for Equinor, where we have shaped a robust onshore and offshore oil and gas portfolio, alongside our activities in offshore wind, battery storage, and low-carbon value chains,” says Mathieu.

    EQT Corporation is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the US with operations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.

    Closing of the transaction will, among other things, be dependent on approval by relevant authorities.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Delivers Opening Statement During Senate Judiciary Committee Field Hearing In Chicago On Reducing Prescription Drug Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    10.29.24
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing in Chicago, Illinois, entitled “Reducing Prescription Drug Prices:  How Competition Can Make Medications Affordable for Patients.” The hearing includes two witness panels, including Members of Congress from Illinois and advocates for prescription drug pricing reform, to examine recent legislative successes to address anti-competitive tactics that make medications unaffordable for patients.
    Key Quotes:
    “Today the Committee will examine an issue on the minds of many in Illinois and across the country: the high price of prescription drugs.  It is a scandalous situation in America.  People in the United States pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world—on average, four times more than people in similar countries pay for brand-name medications.” 
    “For example: [when] the blood thinner Eliquis entered the market in 2013, it cost $3,100 annually in the U.S.  Same drug for sale in Japan [was] $1,000.  And, over the past decade, the price in the U.S. has more than doubled, from $3,100 to $7,100.  Meanwhile, in Japan, the price has dropped… Why?  For years, Big Pharma has abused our patent system to obtain monopolies on their medications, so they can charge these sky-high prices.” 
    “At the same time, they have spent billions of dollars to fill the airwaves with ads so patients tell their doctors they need drugs like Eliquis so they can go skiing, fishing, and whitewater rafting.   By fueling demand for expensive medications that are walled-off from competition by clever patent schemes, Big Pharma has made American patients their profit engine.”
    “Thankfully, this Administration and Democrats in Congress decided to do something about it.  In 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act.  Not a single Republican voted for it.  Under this law, we have capped the price of insulin at $35 per month, saving 50,000 seniors in Illinois approximately $500 a year.  We have made vaccines under Medicare free.  When the shingles or RSV vaccines can cost up to $300 per dose, this change creates real savings for 1.4 million seniors in Illinois.  Starting in January, there will be a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for seniors—meaning, no matter how expensive your medications are, you will not pay more than $2,000 in co-pays per year.”
    “In August, the Biden-Harris Administration negotiated with Big Pharma to lower prices for 10 of the most expensive drugs under Medicare, resulting in price savings of up to 79 percent… As a result of this negotiation, nine million seniors will save a total of $1.5 billion in annual out-of-pocket costs—including nearly 300,000 seniors in Illinois who take one of these ten drugs.  Remember Eliquis?  Thanks to this new law, Medicare was able to permanently cut its price in half—taking nearly $300 off the monthly price tag—for more than 100,000 seniors in Illinois.”
    “But just as these historic savings are starting to take effect, there are real threats to our progress.  Eight pharmaceutical companies raced to federal courthouses to stop this price negotiation.  And former-President Trump and his Republican allies want to repeal this provision all together.”
    “Too often, the prices Big Pharma charges do not reflect scientific breakthroughs but, rather, manipulation by its lawyers and marketers.  In fact, the top 10 best-selling drugs in 2021 were covered by an average of 42 active patents that block competition and create windfall profits.”
    “The Judiciary Committee has taken a leading role in addressing Big Pharma’s schemes.  Last year, the Committee unanimously reported five bipartisan bills that addressed the industry’s anticompetitive tactics.  This includes my bill with Senator Tillis to improve information sharing between the FDA and Patent Office to prevent gamesmanship. Congress needs to pass these bills into law.”
    “Drugs are not effective in treating disease if a patient cannot afford to buy them.  Our hearing today will explore how legislation like the Inflation Reduction Actand the Judiciary Committee bills can help ensure every patient can access lifesaving medications.”
      
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
    The United States has the highest prescription drug prices in the developed world, on average nearly four times higher than what other countries pay for some of the most common brand-name medications. Despite claims that these prices are necessary to fund research and development into the next generation of drugs, research suggests that the majority of innovation is driven by smaller companies, as well as taxpayer funding through the National Institutes of Health. The Committee has jurisdiction over competition issues and the intellectual property system, which play critical roles in incentivizing true innovation and protecting a healthy market that keeps prices for prescription drugs within reach of the patients that need them.
    Durbin, Senate Democrats, and the Biden-Harris Administration have taken numerous steps to lower the costs of prescription drugs. Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Actprovided the Administration the authority to negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma, which has already resulted in price reduction of up to 79 percent for 10 of the most expensive and frequently-dispensed prescription drugs for seniors.
    Earlier this Congress, a package of bills advanced unanimously out of the Committee to lower prescription drug prices and are awaiting a vote in the full Senate, including the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
    Additionally, Durbin held a full committee hearing in May that scrutinized pharmaceutical companies’ abuse of the Orange Book and examined prescription drug prices, competition, and how to ensure medications are accessible and affordable for patients.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Questions Witnesses During Senate Judiciary Committee Field Hearing In Chicago On Reducing Prescription Drug Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    10.29.24
    CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during the Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing in Chicago, Illinois, entitled “Reducing Prescription Drug Prices:  How Competition Can Make Medications Affordable for Patients.” The hearing included two witness panels, including Members of Congress from Illinois and advocates for prescription drug pricing reform, to examine recent legislative successes to address anti-competitive tactics that make medications unaffordable for patients.
    Durbin first questioned Dr. Anthony D. Douglas II, General Surgery Resident at the University of Chicago, about the Medicare negotiation of Jardiance, a medication to treat people with diabetes, including his father. Jardiance’s manufacturer steadily raised the drug’s price over the last five years, from around $450 to nearly $600 for a 30-day supply.  Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare is finally able to negotiate the price it pays for certain prescription drugs, including Jardiance. And the Biden-Harris Administration was able to negotiate the price for Jardiance down to $197 per month—a 66 percent discount.
    “Tell me what that price reduction means to your patients?” Durbin asked.
    Dr. Douglas responded that having this necessary medicine reduced in price will mean “saving lives” thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration.
    Durbin then asked Dr. Douglas about direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug advertising.  The pharmaceutical industry spends $6 billion per year to flood the airwaves with direct-to-consumer drug ads.  Durbin and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Drug-price Transparency for Consumers (DTC) Act, a bill that would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs, in order to empower patients and reduce excess spending on medications.
    “It strikes me that there are a handful of drugs which we are bombarded with when it comes to advertising—you cannot watch a football game or anything on your television without getting an ad for a drug… The fact that we can pronounce and even spell Xarelto is proof positive that we have been trained by these ads.  I am assuming and tell me if I’m wrong, that the pharmaceutical companies basically decided if we can convince the ultimate consumer to go into the doctor’s office and say, ‘I need this’ or whatever it happens to be, that the doctor is going to prescribe it as opposed to questioning whether or not it is necessary or if there is an affordable generic.  Is that true?”  Durbin asked.
    Dr. Douglas responded that he believes that is the drug companies’ strategy when targeting consumers through DTC ads.  He continued to say, “Not only do they advertise directly to physicians to prescribe the medications but also patients to go into the clinics and hospitals to ask,” for example, Ozempic. 
      Durbin also asked Dr. Michael Sandsmark, Director of Pharmacy, Iroquois Memorial Hospital (IMH), about the long wait lines at pharmacies, including at Walgreens, and even closures. 
    Dr. Sandsmark responded that there, “is a lot of burnout” among pharmacists right now and corporations are having trouble finding staff.  Dr. Sandsmark also commented on the rigorous and expensive price of pharmacy school and training.  
    Durbin then asked Rachel Sachs, Professor of Law, Washington University in St. Louis, and Kwame Raoul, Attorney General, State of Illinois, about pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—middlemen that manage drug benefits for insurance plans. 
    Dr. Sachs responded, “we should think broadly about opportunities at the federal level and state level for PBM reform.”  In February 2024, Attorney General Raoul along with 38 other attorneys general, sent a letter to Congress expressing support for reforming how PBMs operate.  In June, he joined an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case addressing the states’ authority to regulate PBMs.
    Durbin then asked Dr. Sachs about claims from the pharmaceutical industry and its allies that the Inflation Reduction Act’s common-sense reform to enable Medicare to negotiate for lower prices will “freeze innovation,” and potentially prevent new drugs from coming to the market.  The cancer drug Keytruda had $25 billion in sales last year.  The revenue for this single medication is on par with what Mastercard or the McDonald’s Corporation earn per year.
    “How can it possibly be that a penny less in profit to Big Pharma will stifle innovation?” Durbin asked.
    Dr. Sachs responded, “in my view, what we really care about is the value of innovation to patients.  It is about delivering real [and] new clinical value and reforms that preserve and protect that value rather than the amount of innovation are what matters.”
    Durbin then asked Dr. Douglas about pharmaceutical companies often spending more in sales and marketing than on research and development.  Dr. Douglas responded he is aware of the uneven spending.  He continued to say we need to put profits over people.  In 2020, Johnson & Johnson spent nearly twice as much on sales and marketing—$22 billion—as it spent on R&D. 
    Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.
    The United States has the highest prescription drug prices in the developed world, on average nearly four times higher than what other countries pay for some of the most common brand-name medications. Despite claims that these prices are necessary to fund research and development into the next generation of drugs, research suggests that the majority of innovation is driven by smaller companies, as well as taxpayer funding through the National Institutes of Health. The Committee has jurisdiction over competition issues and the intellectual property system, which play critical roles in incentivizing true innovation and protecting a healthy market that keeps prices for prescription drugs within reach of the patients that need them.
    Durbin, Senate Democrats, and the Biden-Harris Administration have taken numerous steps to lower the costs of prescription drugs. Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Actprovided the Administration the authority to negotiate drug prices with Big Pharma, which has already resulted in price reduction of up to 79 percent for 10 of the most expensive and frequently-dispensed prescription drugs for seniors.
    Earlier this Congress, a package of bills advanced unanimously out of the Committee to lower prescription drug prices and are awaiting a vote in the full Senate, including the Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
    Additionally, Durbin held a full committee hearing in May that scrutinized pharmaceutical companies’ abuse of the Orange Book and examined prescription drug prices, competition, and how to ensure medications are accessible and affordable for patients.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: UNICEF urges polio vaccination to resume in northern Gaza | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    ‘Polio can kill’, Rosalia Bollen of UNICEF warned, stressing that the second phase of the vaccination campaign urgently needs to be allowed to proceed in northern Gaza. The mid-November deadline is critical for about 120,000 children in Gaza and beyond.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofC49K41f_k

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Israel/Iran: Exchange of attacks risks plunging region into the unknown – Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on the situation in the Middle East.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3YkkWzq5is

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Investing in America | Flagstaff, Arizona

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law is helping communities like Flagstaff, AZ, turn transportation projects into reality. Historic funding is going straight to local projects, led by the people who know what their communities need.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PG0eZfAFbg

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: MESC Celebrates Manufacturing Month and Historic Investments in American Manufacturing

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Manufacturing is powering America’s energy future! Backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, MESC has already invested $10B+ to transform energy supply chains, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening national security. Join us in celebration of Manufacturing Month to hear from MESC leaders and industry partners who are driving this exciting revival.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9aC6eoCKRc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Are you Still Eligible for FEMA Assistance if you have Insurance?

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If you have insurance, you may still be eligible for disaster assistance.
    We can’t provide money for disaster-related expenses covered by insurance—but if your disaster damage isn’t fully covered, we may be able to help.
    Learn more: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_insurance_qrg_20241010.pdf

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywQZ_W9Ulzc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2024 Valor Memorial Dedication Ceremony

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    CBP has honored its fallen employees since 2003 and continues to honor the fallen of its legacy agencies. The honorees were all uniformed law enforcement personnel until 2020, when CBP began to recognize non-uniformed, non-law enforcement personnel who have died in the line of duty. This inclusion acknowledges their role in the agency’s mission and their dedication to CBP’s core values to our nation — vigilance, service to country and integrity.

    Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
    Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
    Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
    Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

    #cbp
    #remember

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIpFegGv2LE

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: ASCAC meeting Sept. 26 2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Regular meeting of the ASCAC on September 26, 2024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YZcxfmYQBY

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: How Do High-Temperature Gas Reactors Work?

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    High-temperature gas reactors use helium gas and ceramic materials to stabilize the fission process inside the reactor core.

    They run on ceramic-coated fuel particles and are designed to efficiently produce heat (~750° Celsius) for electricity generation or to drive energy-intensive manufacturing processes, such as hydrogen production.

    High-temperature gas reactors come in two different core designs — prismatic and pebble bed.

    1️⃣ Prismatic Gas Reactors use graphite hexagonal blocks to form the reactor core structure and slow down the neutrons produced by fission to sustain the chain reaction. Each block contains channels for directing helium gas flow and holding stacks of TRISO fuel pellets, known as compacts.

    Fission heats the helium that is being circulated through the core to a secondary system that heats water to create steam. The steam then turns an electric generator to produce emissions-free electricity.

    The gas then returns to the reactor to be reheated in a closed loop cycle.

    2️⃣ Pebble Bed Gas Reactors are essentially big “nuclear gumball machines.” The pebble bed core is filled with TRISO fuel pebbles that are surrounded by graphite reflector blocks. Helium is blown down through the pebble bed to extract the heat into a steam generator that produces electricity.

    The reactor is continuously refueled by adding fresh pebbles into the top of the core as older ones are discharged from the bottom. The discharged pebbles are evaluated to determine whether they will be reinserted into the reactor or placed directly into on-site storage.

    Learn more:

    Follow the Office of Nuclear Energy | U.S. Department of Energy on social media:
    https://www.facebook.com/nuclearenergygov
    https://www.x.com/GovNuclear
    https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/nuclearenergygov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vHNf398Gag

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: ‘Y’all Aboard!’: The return of Amtrak to the Gulf Coast

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined local leaders in Mobile, Alabama, for the groundbreaking of the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project, which was awarded a $178 million CRISI grant in a previous round of funding from the Biden-Harris Administration. Once completed, the project will restore passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005.

    In this “Investing in America” video, we highlight the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement project and the impact the restored rail route will have in the region.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc5ut75YNUs

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Veterans Find Success with a VA Career

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Join the thousands of Veterans who have found career success with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a VA employee, you can access many professional opportunities with competitive salaries, retirement plans, and paid leave. To learn how the Veteran and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program (VMSTEP) can help you pursue Federal employment, please visit http://www.vaforvets.va.gov/.

    Find the right VA career for you, visit https://vacareers.va.gov/.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kOQaivNi2Y

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Applying for FEMA Assistance

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    FEMA can provide support with rental assistance, home repairs, personal property, transportation needs, and more.
    Whatever your recovery needs, we’re here to help you through the process and a number of Disaster Recovery Centers have opened in the impacted areas.

    Find a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you:
    Call: 800-621-3362
    Apply online: DisasterAssistance.gov
    fema.gov/about/glossary/disaster-survivor-assistance

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq9pwa5TRpE

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams Help Survivors in North Carolina

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    A Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) agent talks about her experience with helping Hurricane Helene Survivors in Swannanoa, North Carolina. DSA agents help connect survivors with essential resources, guidance, and support throughout the recovery process.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyEK1dqxB5s

    MIL OSI Video