Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Nexus of Climate and Monetary Policy: Evidence from the Middle East and Central Asia

    Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

    This paper investigates the effects of climate shocks on inflation and monetary policy in the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA) region.

    We first introduce a theoretical model to understand the impact of climate risks on headline and food inflation. In particular, the model shows how climate shocks could affect the path of policy rates through food prices.
    We then use local projections to estimate the impact of climate shocks on headline and food inflation. The results show that price stability is more easily achievable under positive climate conditions.

    Overall, our findings shed new light on the importance of considering climate-related supply shocks when designing monetary policy, particularly in countries where food makes up a significant part of the CPI-basket.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5eyFAxtXc4

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Clock is Ticking: Meeting Sub-Saharan Africa’s Urgent Job Creation Challenge

    Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

    Sub-Saharan Africa urgently needs to create jobs for its growing population, especially in fragile and low-income countries. Three main challenges must be tackled: transforming informality, addressing firm growth barriers, and accelerating structural transformation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTvLPGf4jvA

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Harnessing Renewables in Sub-Saharan Africa: Barriers Reforms and Economic Prospects

    Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

    Sub-Saharan Africa needs to increase its electricity production. Leveraging renewable energy, supported by climate finance and policy reforms, can boost both power generation and GDP.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D-1ManIp1w

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Midori: A Journey of Peace and Sustainability

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Discover Midori’s inspiring journey as a Messenger of Peace, from her early focus on education to championing broader Sustainable Development Goals like environmental protection. In this video, she shares her firsthand experiences in the field and emphasizes how we are all connected, with everyone deserving a decent life and access to education.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mIB4sUyRuQ

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Secretary-General Empowers Fans at the Global Citizen Festival | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    At the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed encourages fans to act on the global goals. The festival unites artists, activists, world leaders and fans with the goal to end extreme poverty. Global Citizen Festival is more than just music – it’s a platform for social justice, environmental sustainability and empowering vulnerable communities.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO3tqR3nEuM

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Iraq, Gaza/UNSCO, Lebanon & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (22 Oct 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -BRICS
    -Iraq
    -Gaza/UNSCO
    -Occupied Palestinian Territory
    -Gaza/UN Development Programme
    -The UN Interim Force in Lebanon
    -Lebanon/Humanitarian
    -Yemen
    -Sudan
    -Ukraine
    -Security Council/Ukraine
    -Cuba
    -Haiti
    -Democratic Republic of the Congo

    BRICS
    I can confirm that the Secretary-General is once again attending the BRICS summit, which this year takes place in Kazan, in the Russian Federation.

    Iraq
    In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General congratulates the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and its people on the holding of parliamentary elections on 20 October, which took place in a calm and peaceful manner. He further commends the efforts of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), in the preparations and conduct of these elections.
    As the Kurdistan Region of Iraq awaits the final results, the Secretary-General encourages all political leaders and segments of society to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and urges political actors to resolve any electoral disputes through established legal channels and to complete the electoral process by forming an inclusive government as soon as possible. He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support Iraq’s efforts to consolidate democratic gains and build a prosperous future for the people of Iraq.

    Gaza/UNSCO
    Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, visited Gaza today, where he saw firsthand the continued immense destruction and profound suffering of the people.
    He said he met with UN staff and Palestinian NGOs in Gaza, whose tireless efforts are admirable. He heard directly from them about the alarming security and humanitarian situation across the Strip, particularly in northern Gaza. The challenges faced by the people of Gaza, including serious violations of international humanitarian law, are enormous, with urgent needs for food, medical supplies, and protection.
    Mr. Wennesland said that a significant increase in the entry of humanitarian assistance and an improvement in security is urgently required.  He reiterated the Secretary-General’s repeated call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. He calls on all relevant parties to urgently pursue these goals.

    Gaza/UN Development Programme
    The UN Development Programme (UNDP) says that one year into the Gaza war, the humanitarian crisis has reached a catastrophic level – with unprecedented casualties, widespread destruction and severe food insecurity.
    The war has had a severe impact on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, social services, the economy and the environment, UNDP says in a new report. Educational institutions have suffered significant losses, with numerous casualties among students and educators and the widespread destruction of schools. The healthcare system is nearing collapse, facing critical shortages in medical supplies and widespread malnutrition, particularly among children.
    Economic projections indicate that the gross domestic product (GDP) of the State of Palestine contracted by 35.1 per cent in 2024 compared with a no-war scenario, with unemployment potentially rising to 49.9 per cent. By the end of 2024, the Human Development Index (HDI) in the State of Palestine may fall to 0.643, a level not seen since human development calculations began in 2004.
    Poverty in the State of Palestine is projected to rise to 74.3 per cent in 2024, affecting 4.1 million people, including 2.61 million people who are newly impoverished. The full report is online.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=22+October+2024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfpt8lR-1Oc

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi underscores BRICS’ role in building multipolar world, driving globalization

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 23 — The BRICS mechanism is a pillar in promoting a multipolar world and fostering an inclusive economic globalization, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday as leaders gathered in Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit.

    Xi made the remarks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the leaders’ formal meetings. He noted that BRICS is the world’s most important platform for solidarity and cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries.

    He also voiced his hope to have in-depth discussions with Putin and other leaders participating in the summit on the future development of the BRICS mechanism, so as to secure more opportunities for the Global South.

    Putin thanked China for its support during Russia’s presidency of BRICS, stressing that Russia is ready to closely cooperate with China to ensure the success of the first BRICS Summit after its expansion and bolster BRICS cooperation.

    Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and the fifth-largest city in Russia, holds historical and cultural significance. Xi told Putin during their meeting that around 400 years ago, the Great Tea Road that connected the two countries went past Kazan, through which tea leaves from China’s Wuyi Mountain region found their way into many Russian households.

    The city is also home to Kazan Federal University, where notable figures like the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy and Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin studied.

    Russian fighter jets escorted Xi’s plane before its landing at the Kazan International Airport around noon on Tuesday. Guards of honor lined both sides of a red carpet to salute Xi, while Russian youths in traditional attire offered him a warm welcome.

    Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin, one of the Russian officials who greeted Xi at the airport, told Xinhua that the city is honored to host the Chinese president.

    During the three-day summit, Xi will attend small- and large-scale leaders’ meetings and the BRICS Plus leaders’ dialogue. He will also have in-depth exchanges with leaders of other countries on the current international situation, BRICS cooperation, the development of the BRICS mechanism and important issues of common concern, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning.

    GREATER BRICS

    Observers see the BRICS Summit as an opportunity for Global South countries to voice their needs.

    Victoria Fedosova, deputy director of the Institute for Strategic Research and Forecasts of the Russian Peoples’ Friendship University, said the very dynamic development of BRICS and the growth in its membership reflect a demand for a platform to address global issues.

    “The BRICS mechanism has enormous potential in adjusting the imbalances in global development accumulated over the last 80 years,” said Fedosova.

    The New Development Bank (NDB) is a flagship project of BRICS cooperation. As the first multilateral development bank established by emerging economies, the NDB, headquartered in Shanghai, provides financing support for infrastructure development, clean energy, environmental protection, and the building of cyber infrastructure across BRICS countries.

    Dilma Rousseff, president of the NDB who is also in Kazan, told Putin during a meeting on Tuesday that the summit is “very important.”

    BRICS has emerged as “the core of this multipolar world” alongside other global and regional organizations, said British author and political commentator Carlos Martinez. “It is essential to move away from the dominance of Western voices and allow countries from the Global South to have a meaningful say in international relations.”

    “BRICS, with its focus on inclusivity and equality, serves as a shining star of this new type of international relations,” he said.

    Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, said that BRICS has “undoubtedly made notable strides in recent years,” offering emerging economies easier access to financial resources and better opportunities for trade, investment and development.

    Experts also highlighted China’s role in BRICS cooperation and development. Timirkhan Alishev, vice rector for International Affairs at Kazan Federal University, told Xinhua that all initiatives introduced by China are rooted in multilateralism, fostering communication and dialogue on multiple levels.

    “We see China puts a lot of efforts into developing BRICS,” said Alishev, adding that there are no preconditions for BRICS cooperation as one can begin dialogue on equal footing with everyone.

    STRONGER APPEAL

    The term BRIC was initially coined in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, former chief economist at Goldman Sachs, as an investment concept referring to emerging market economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. With South Africa’s inclusion in 2010, BRICS officially took shape.

    Following last year’s expansion, the BRICS grouping now represents approximately 30 percent of global GDP, nearly half of the world’s population, and one-fifth of global trade.

    “Measured by GDP, the BRICS countries have already surpassed the G7 in importance,” said Rousseff in a recent interview with Xinhua.

    One of the key priorities of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship is integrating the new members into the BRICS framework, according to the official website. Other areas of practical cooperation include boosting trade and direct investment, as well as fostering a balanced and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.

    As BRICS’ influence grows, its appeal has strengthened. Over 30 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have either formally applied for or expressed interest in its membership, while many other developing countries are seeking deeper cooperation with the group.

    “Joining BRICS will benefit Thailand in many ways, including advancing cooperation with other developing countries and increasing its influence in the international arena,” said Tang Zhimin, director of China ASEAN Studies at the Bangkok-based Panyapiwat Institute of Management.

    BRICS “has become an engine of growth for the world economy and plays an important role in global policymaking,” Tang added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Scenery of Longji Rice Terraces in S China’s Guangxi

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Scenery of Longji Rice Terraces in S China’s Guangxi

    Updated: October 23, 2024 19:06 Xinhua
    This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take cable cars to enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows tourists taking cable cars to enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Visits Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. She began the day by visiting a Cambodian foster family who is receiving support through USAID in caring for a 11-month-old child with a disability. The family’s caseworker and USAID partners who support persons with disabilities and family-focused care also participated. Administrator Power recognized the tireless efforts of Cambodian partners, social workers, and foster families who are supporting child protection in Cambodia. She discussed ways for USAID to continue supporting and advocating for the rights and inclusion of people living with disabilities in Cambodia.

    Administrator Power then traveled to the Svay Thom Pagoda to discuss USAID’s efforts to support local partners in delivering innovative tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnostic solutions. Despite Cambodia being removed from the WHO High TB Burden Country list in 2021, it remains on the global TB watchlist and experienced setbacks in TB case finding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Administrator also announced one of USAID’s largest direct awards to a local organization in Cambodia, through which USAID will continue supporting Cambodia’s ambitious goal of ending TB as a public health threat by 2030.

    Administrator Power then met with trade union members and labor activists working at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site located in Siem Reap, to discuss working conditions and other pressing labor rights issues, and how USAID support helps tourism-oriented and other trade unions address them. Administrator Power noted the Biden Administration’s strong support for labor rights, including through the 2023 Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally. USAID has supported the trade union movement in Cambodia for decades, and Administrator Power discussed with the union members and activists USAID’s continued commitment to working with Cambodian worker organizations.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at a Press Gaggle in Siem Reap

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming. Thanks also to our partners from the Cambodian government who have joined us here today. 

    This is my fourth trip to Cambodia, but it is my first trip to Cambodia as USAID Administrator. But, maybe more significant than that, it is the first trip to Cambodia ever by the USAID Administrator, despite decades of investments that USAID has made in economic development, health development, food security, and the like. So, I feel really personally privileged to be back in a country that I find incredibly beautiful, filled with such warm and hospitable people who have welcomed me many times over the years. To now get to come back as USAID Administrator, it’s a great privilege. 

    I had the chance to tour a tuberculosis screening clinic here at the Svay Thom Pagoda. Over the past five years, USAID’s Community Mobilization Initiatives to End TB, which we have called COMMIT, has helped Cambodia make remarkable progress preventing, detecting, and treating tuberculosis. And, I got to see this screening effort, at least in one of them, up close. 

    In the past 20 years, Cambodia has cut the rate of tuberculosis in this country by almost half, and the country is no longer on the World Health Organization’s list of the 30 highest TB Burden Countries. That is genuine progress. But, of course, the fight against TB is not over. An estimated 54,000 Cambodians contract TB still every year, and about a third of TB cases go undetected. 

    So, to help Cambodia meet its goal of ending TB in this country by 2030, I am pleased today to announce a new five year initiative, which we will call COMMIT II, the second phase of our investment here. We will start with an initial $4 million investment for the first year of the program, with additional funding to come. 

    I want to stress that this is one of the largest local direct awards that USAID has ever given to a local Cambodian organization. We think it’s extremely important to invest directly in Cambodian organizations that are doing the work out in their communities to advance the health and the interests of the Cambodian people. 

    Through this program, COMMIT II, we will work directly with local communities to improve TB screening, diagnosis, and TB preventive therapy. We will focus especially on identifying and treating the cases that are currently going undetected. And, we know that getting at these undetected cases is the key to preventing the spread of this terrible disease. 

    Our work together, that of USAID with the Cambodian people, that of USAID with the Cambodian health ministry, is really just one example of the productive health partnership that has developed over the last decades. And it is also, I think, reflective of what is a deepening partnership between the United States and Cambodia, and between the American people and the Cambodian people. 

    I’d like to say a word about malaria as well. Over the past decade, the U.S. has invested $87 million to support Cambodia’s efforts to eliminate malaria. These efforts, led by the Cambodian people, have been a stunning success, with Cambodia registering zero malaria deaths since 2017 and now on track to completely eliminate malaria as soon as next year. 

    We have also supported Cambodia’s efforts to make childbirth safer for mothers and for infants. Since 2005, Cambodia has reduced maternal deaths by 67 percent, infant deaths by 71 percent, and deaths of children under five by 81 percent. 

    The United States and the American people also stood with the Cambodian people during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering 3.3 million vaccines and providing $16 million in other support. 

    We are really gratified now that Cambodia has become a new partner in the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, which aims at making sure that Cambodia has the infrastructure to have the surveillance capacity in communities, the lab equipment and testing equipment that it needs in order to prevent, detect, and respond to future health threats. 

    Now we are supporting Cambodia taking on another urgent health threat, and this is one that – while I know the press has covered TB in the past, has covered the incredible progress made against malaria – this may be a harm and a form of illness that even the press has not yet given significant coverage to. And, this issue is lead poisoning, and specifically the lead poisoning of children. 

    Lead poisoning slows a child’s brain development. It harms their bodies, and it can even kill children. Lead poisoning affects an estimated six million children here in Cambodia. That’s over 70 percent of all kids in this country. 

    Taking on this global menace of lead poisoning is extremely important to USAID. It is an urgent priority for the United States government as a whole, and Cambodia has already made itself a really important partner in this effort. Cambodia was one of just 26 founding member countries in a brand new Partnership for a Lead-Free Future that we just launched in September at the UN General Assembly. And, we are really thankful to the Cambodian Health Ministry and to the government for stepping forward and being a leader in raising its hand and committing itself to eliminating lead poisoning for children here in Cambodia.

    Lead poisoning, unlike a lot of other diseases, is really hard to detect. It is tough to know also what the source of lead poisoning is. Is it spices? Is it paint? Is it the recycling of batteries that is causing lead poisoning? 

    Today, which as it happens, is part of international Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, I am pleased to announce that USAID will support Cambodia’s first-ever national survey to evaluate the levels of lead and other heavy metals in the blood levels of children and pregnant women. We will also look together at the level of lead in products in Cambodian stores. And, we will together work to understand how prevalent lead is in the environment. To be clear, understanding where lead poisoning is coming from here in Cambodia is absolutely critical to preventing it going forward. 

    USAID will also work together with the Royal Government of Cambodia and with UNICEF to take steps to mitigate lead exposure by raising awareness and developing policies and regulations that will prevent future exposure. Together, I am confident that just as we have on malaria and TB and just as we did on COVID-19, together we will make progress against this invisible threat.

    USAID stands ready to support the doctors, the teachers, the parents, the government officials and the citizens who want to rid their communities of lead poisoning once and for all. This partnership matters a great deal to the United States. We see how far it can go, and we are very satisfied with the progress that we have seen in the health sector, and eager to learn from it, to see how we can propel progress in other sectors as well. 

    And with that, I am happy to take your questions. Thank you.

    QUESTION: My name is Chamna. I am from Cambodianess, a news outlet based in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, ma’am. So, ma’am, my first question is that you know, as the first USAID Administrator to Cambodia, visited Cambodia for two days, can you give us, like, a brief activity that you have done and also you will do tomorrow?

    And, the second question is that, why do you choose Siem Reap, one of the cultural provinces of Cambodia, to visit, ma’am? And, also the third question, I was informed that you will visit Prime Minister Hun Manet tomorrow. So, what do you hope to communicate with the Prime Minister, ma’am?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: That’s a lot of questions. So, let me start with why did I come to Siem Reap. This is my third trip to Siem Reap. Once a person has come to Siem Reap once, they always insist on coming back. And, any tourist who has come if they haven’t come back, it is only because it is so far away. But, for me, when I knew I was coming to Cambodia, I’ve had such beautiful connections with the people of this town in my previous visits, such rich conversations. And again, the privilege for me is now to come as USAID Administrator and to actually see the work that we have been doing as the United States, as the American people, with the Cambodian people in communities, you know, in a manner that is not only advancing the U.S.-Cambodian partnership, but touching real lives. And so, just as the Cambodian people have touched me over the years, I felt I had to come back.

    And in terms of the content of the visit – my visit follows on, of course, the visit of Secretary [Lloyd] Austin, our Secretary of Defense. We believe really strongly in the United States in what we call the three Ds – diplomacy, defense, and development – because the three Ds reflect the needs, in a way, of all individuals, which is to be physically secure, to be free, to express oneself, and to live as one chooses and as one, and to raise children in a manner where you can imagine them fulfilling their dreams. 

    And then, of course, to develop economically. And we think that, you know, an enhanced security partnership of the kind that Secretary Austin discussed with more exchanges and more familiarity between us, more diplomatic engagement, and these really significant development investments will hopefully support those incredible Cambodians who are doing work to build a brighter Cambodia for the next generation. And, of course, young people are at the heart of Cambodia’s economic progress, and will be at the heart of its progress in strengthening its institutions, its governance, the rule of law, et cetera. 

    My visit will include, yes, a meeting with Prime Minister. I’m very much looking forward to that. I already had the chance in January of this year to meet with the Prime Minister in Davos when he attended, and I attended, the World Economic Forum. But, of course, now we have had a chance, over many more months, to work on shared challenges like strengthening global health security; to initiate new partnerships like the new partnership to combat lead poisoning. And, I look forward to talking about what more can be done, recognizing that we all want to see Cambodia’s economy continue to grow. He has been very specific, of course, about Cambodia – wanting Cambodia to become an upper middle-income country by 2030. We, as USAID, want to understand how we can be catalytic in supporting certain sectors, and so hearing directly from him about his priorities now deeper into his tenure as Prime Minister will be very important. 

    And, of course, we recognize as well that non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, civil society organizations, that those organizations who are in the community have such an important role to play as well in delivering services like we saw being delivered, in screening tuberculosis, or in educating the community, but also in rooting out corruption and exposing those forces that get in the way of Cambodia’s economy reaching its full potential, and above all, the Cambodian people benefiting as much as they should from all that Cambodia offers and all that young people are investing in that economy. So, I will see the Prime Minister. 

    I will, of course, later today – I can’t come to Siem Reap without seeing some of Angkor Wat. I will engage with individuals outside of government who are looking at, you know, what more can be done, again, to strengthen freedom and governance and the rule of law in this country. And, you know, I’m really looking forward to learning. On every trip, I learned so much, and Cambodia has changed really so much since my last visit to this country, which was back in 2012. Even just driving around, I can see so many of the changes. But again, my privilege is to be here as USAID Administrator and to talk to our incredible team about what more we can do to accelerate the progress in support of Cambodian leaders, inside and outside ministries.

    QUESTION: Okay, ma’am. Also, my second question has two parts, of course. Now, you’re touring the TB, you know, let’s say, progress. How to eliminate them, how to make the system better. So, what are the development[s] that you see so far back then, back there, when you tour the, you know, the mechanism, and also, what are the challenges that still remain? That, you know, when you talk to the expert, they say, there are many challenges out there that needs to be done. That is the first part of the question. 

    And, the second part of the question can be cultural, again, because I see doctors, I see, you know, organization experts, but, at the same time, they are working on health. But, they are not in the clinic. They are not in the hospital. They are in a pagoda, which is a sanctuary for Cambodia, so Buddhism for hundreds of years. So, when you see, you know, expert, modern, expert, modern equipment coming together with old people in the sanctuary of Cambodian religion, how do you make of the situation?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, and this is really important, I think, to stress what is so significant about what Cambodians are doing here, is that they are coming to the people. They are bringing the equipment to diagnose whether TB is present in a person to a more central location than the people would otherwise be able to access. So, normally, this very sophisticated X-ray equipment, and the computers that process the X-rays to diagnose whether somebody is likely to have TB, these individuals would have to go very, very far [to access]. 

    And, what USAID, in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Health and with this non-governmental organization that has been at the forefront, what we have done together is come up with activities that are designed to move the diagnosis and, ultimately, the treatment closer to the people. And, that is what you saw here, is a large group of individuals who were told that if you come to this place at this time, you won’t have to drive miles and miles in order to get the X-rays. And so, everyone here either had some symptom of TB, or had someone in their family who had some symptom. So, in their mind, they were worried, “Maybe, would I?” but maybe they weren’t worried enough to drive so far. Maybe they couldn’t afford a bus fare, or, you know, they didn’t have a motorbike in order to be able to make it that far. 

    And so, among the people who are here, I’m sure, are people whose TB cases would have gone undetected if we had relied on the old way of doing things. And so, this is really a partnership that looks at the data, sees that a third of TB cases in Cambodia go undetected, and so we have to fix that. If Cambodia is to reach its goal of getting rid of TB by 2030, that is going to require detecting all the cases of TB so that TB then isn’t spread in communities. And, mobile clinics, mobile health workers, mobile screening is going to be a big part of that solution. 

    And, you know, I think that when one seeks out meeting places, gathering places, one looks and here again, we as the United States and as USAID, we defer entirely to the Cambodian Ministry of Health about where best to situate these mobile screening, this equipment. We may invest the resources to purchase this equipment, but fundamentally, when it comes to respecting Cambodian culture, we are the guests of the Cambodian people. We are the guests of the Cambodian Government, and we take their lead and follow their guidance about how best to, again, meet people where they are likely to feel comfortable traveling to and sitting for some time as they go through the different stages of diagnosis, you know, starting, of course, with with the X-ray. But then, if they are deemed, if it is deemed possible that they have TB, going further, and then even waiting for a couple hours to get the formal diagnosis, then the counseling that is going to come. That is a long afternoon. It’s a lot to ask of particularly elderly people, who are among those who gathered. And so to do so in a manner that is culturally sensitive, but that also allows the individuals who come the comfort of not being out in the blazing sun for the entire day. I’m assuming that is why this location was chosen.

    QUESTION: Okay, so my final question is not related to TB or but it’s more like related to your, let’s say, journalism career. So, in Cambodia right now, a lot of young people are interested in journalism, if not you know the media subject. And also, you said that you were a former journalist working in many countries and zones, and now you are a diplomat, so it’s like a career transition. So, just a message for young people in Cambodia, how does journalism help shape, you know, a person’s career in the future? I mean, after they do journalism, of course.

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: I think journalism is an incredibly important form of civic participation. All of you are bringing to your communities news and facts and often vital information that citizens need to learn. For example, when journalists cover a local happening like this in Siem Reap that there was a gathering where people were able to get TB screening and diagnosis right here, somebody reads that or they see that on the news, and then they think to themselves, “Oh, I haven’t been feeling that well. Maybe I will go and find a screening facility. Or I will ask someone if they know when next this kind of gathering is going to happen, this kind of screening, mobile screening is going to be available.” That’s an example of the kind of good that a journalist can do for their community. 

    Obviously, they’re also in countries where corruption has been an issue. Journalism can be extremely important in also helping law enforcement know where corruption is happening so that it can be rooted out. The Cambodian government really wants to continue to grow the economy. All of us would like to see more American investment in Cambodia. Journalists have a really vital role to play in shining a spotlight on the kinds of things that might need to change in order for that investment to come at a faster clip than it has up to this point. 

    So, you know, I look back on my journalism career, and I feel grateful that I had that chance to be a journalist. I feel grateful to have made some small contribution, I hope, through my journalism. But, the other thing that young people should know as they think about their careers is, if you’re a curious person, journalism is incredible. Look at you. You’ve asked that’s your sixth question. You’re clearly a very, very curious person. But, journalism is incredible because you just get to go around and ask questions, any question that comes into your mind. You can actually earn a living asking questions and learning. And so, you get to perform something that hopefully helps your community grow and progress, while also yourself satisfying the kinds of questions that you’ve had maybe since you were a small child. So, I think it’s a great career. 

    The more that Cambodia can strengthen its checks and balances, where it has more and more independent institutions, that will give investors confidence. And journalists, over time, will become more and more independent, and will be a very important source of sunlight on all the developments in Cambodia, helping it progress into a more stable and prosperous society.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Roper Technologies announces third quarter financial results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Roper Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROP) reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. The results in this press release are presented on a continuing operations basis.

    Third quarter 2024 highlights

    • Revenue increased 13% to $1.76 billion; organic revenue increased 4%
    • GAAP DEPS increased 6% to $3.40; adjusted DEPS increased 7% to $4.62
    • GAAP net earnings increased 6% to $368 million; adjusted net earnings increased 7% to $499 million
    • Adjusted EBITDA increased 10% to $717 million
    • Operating cash flow was $755 million; adjusted operating cash flow increased 17%

    “Our portfolio of market-leading technology businesses delivered another solid quarter, highlighted by 13% total revenue growth, 10% EBITDA growth, and 15% free cash flow growth,” said Neil Hunn, Roper Technologies’ President and CEO. “We are, again, increasing our full year guidance to the high end of the range, supported by our third quarter results, the continued expansion of our recurring revenue base, and improving demand for our businesses’ mission critical solutions.”

    “During the third quarter, we completed the acquisition of Transact Campus, which has been combined with our CBORD business. This acquisition adds another high-quality vertical software business to our portfolio with highly compelling value creation opportunities for our shareholders. We remain well positioned to execute our disciplined and process-driven capital deployment strategy, with significant M&A firepower and a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities,” concluded Mr. Hunn.

    Updating 2024 guidance

    Roper now expects full year 2024 adjusted DEPS of $18.21 – $18.25, compared to previous guidance of $18.10 – $18.25. The Company increased its full year total revenue growth outlook to 13%+ and continues to expect organic revenue growth of approximately 6%.

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company expects adjusted DEPS of $4.70 – $4.74.

    The Company’s guidance excludes the impact of unannounced future acquisitions or divestitures.

    Conference call to be held at 8:00 AM (ET) today

    A conference call to discuss these results has been scheduled for 8:00 AM ET on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The call can be accessed via webcast or by dialing +1 800-836-8184 (US/Canada) or +1 646-357-8785, using conference call ID 50829. Webcast information and conference call materials will be made available in the Investors section of Roper’s website (http://www.ropertech.com) prior to the start of the call. The webcast can also be accessed directly by using the following URL https://event.webcast. Telephonic replays will be available for up to two weeks and can be accessed by dialing +1 646-517-4150 with access code 50829#.

    Use of non-GAAP financial information

    The Company supplements its consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis with certain non-GAAP financial information to provide investors with greater insight, increase transparency and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the accompanying financial schedules or tables. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated.

    Minority interests

    Following the sale of a majority stake in its industrial businesses to CD&R, Roper holds a minority interest in Indicor. The fair value of Roper’s equity investment in Indicor is updated on a quarterly basis and reported as “equity investments gain, net.” Roper also holds a minority interest in Certinia, a leading provider of professional services automation software. The Company’s investment is accounted for under the equity method and its proportionate share of earnings or loss associated with this investment is reported as “equity investments gain, net.” Roper makes non-GAAP adjustments for the impacts associated with these investments.

    Table 1: Revenue and adjusted EBITDA reconciliation ($M)
    (from continuing operations)
      Q3 2023   Q3 2024   V %
    GAAP revenue $ 1,563     $ 1,765     13 %
               
    Components of revenue growth          
    Organic         4 %
    Acquisitions         9 %
    Foreign exchange         %
    Revenue growth         13 %
               
    Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation          
    GAAP net earnings $ 346     $ 368      
    Taxes   97       99      
    Interest expense   42       68      
    Depreciation   9       9      
    Amortization   182       197      
    EBITDA $ 676     $ 741     10 %
               
    Restructuring-related expenses associated with the
    Syntellis (’23) and Transact (’24) acquisitions
      9       9      
    Transaction-related expenses for completed
    acquisitions
      5       5      
    Financial impacts associated with the minority
    investments in Indicor & Certinia A
      (34 )     (37 )    
    Gain on sale of non-operating assets   (3 )          
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 652     $ 717     10 %
    % of revenue   41.7 %     40.7 %   (100 bps)
                       
    Table 2: Adjusted net earnings reconciliation ($M)
    (from continuing operations)
      Q3 2023   Q3 2024   V %
    GAAP net earnings $ 346     $ 368     6 %
    Restructuring-related expenses associated with the
    Syntellis (’23) and Transact (’24) acquisitions
      7       7      
    Transaction-related expenses for completed
    acquisitions
      4       4      
    Financial impacts associated with the minority
    investments in Indicor & Certinia A
      (28 )     (29 )    
    Gain on sale of non-operating assets   (3 )          
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible
    assets B
      140       149      
    Adjusted net earnings $ 465     $ 499     7 %
               
    Table 3: Adjusted DEPS reconciliation
    (from continuing operations)
      Q3 2023   Q3 2024   V %
    GAAP DEPS $ 3.21     $ 3.40     6 %
    Restructuring-related expenses associated with the
    Syntellis (’23) and Transact (’24) acquisitions
      0.06       0.07      
    Transaction-related expenses for completed
    acquisitions
      0.03       0.03      
    Financial impacts associated with the minority
    investments in Indicor & Certinia A
      (0.26 )     (0.27 )    
    Gain on sale of non-operating assets   (0.02 )          
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible
    assets B
      1.30       1.38      
    Adjusted DEPS $ 4.32     $ 4.62     7 %
               
    Table 4: Adjusted cash flow reconciliation ($M)
    (from continuing operations)
      Q3 2023   Q3 2024   V %
    Operating cash flow $ 631     $ 755     20 %
    Taxes paid in period related to divestiture   16            
    Adjusted operating cash flow $ 647     $ 755     17 %
    Capital expenditures   (13 )     (23 )    
    Capitalized software expenditures   (9 )     (13 )    
    Adjusted free cash flow $ 625     $ 719     15 %
               
    Table 5: Forecasted adjusted DEPS reconciliation
    (from continuing operations)
      Q4 2024   FY 2024
      Low end   High end   Low end   High end
    GAAP DEPS C $ 3.29   $ 3.33   $ 12.64   $ 12.68
    Restructuring-related expenses associated
    with the Transact acquisition
              0.07     0.07
    Transaction-related expenses for
    completed acquisitions
              0.05     0.05
    Financial impacts associated with the
    minority investments in Indicor & Certinia A
    TBD   TBD   TBD   TBD
    Amortization of acquisition-related
    intangible assets B
      1.41     1.41     5.45     5.45
    Adjusted DEPS $ 4.70   $ 4.74   $ 18.21   $ 18.25
                   

    Footnotes:

    A. Adjustments related to the financial impacts associated with the minority investments in Indicor & Certinia as shown below ($M, except per share data). Forecasted results do not include any potential impacts associated with our minority investments in Indicor or Certinia, as these potential impacts cannot be reasonably predicted. These impacts will be excluded from all non-GAAP results in future periods.
                       
        Q3 2023A   Q3 2024A     Q4 2024E   FY 2024E
      Pretax $ (34 )   $ (37 )     TBD   TBD
      After-tax $ (28 )   $ (29 )     TBD   TBD
      Per share $ (0.26 )   $ (0.27 )     TBD   TBD
                       
    B. Actual results and forecast of estimated amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets as shown below ($M, except per share data). These adjustments are taxed at 21%.
                       
        Q3 2023A   Q3 2024A     Q4 2024E   FY 2024E
      Pretax $ 177     $ 189       $ 193   $ 745
      After-tax $ 140     $ 149       $ 153   $ 588
      Per share $ 1.30     $ 1.38       $ 1.41   $ 5.45
                       
    C. Forecasted GAAP DEPS do not include any potential impacts associated with our minority investments in Indicor or Certinia. These impacts will be excluded from all non-GAAP results in future periods.
       

    Note: Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

    About Roper Technologies

    Roper Technologies is a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. Roper has a proven, long-term track record of compounding cash flow and shareholder value. The Company operates market leading businesses that design and develop vertical software and technology enabled products for a variety of defensible niche markets. Roper utilizes a disciplined, analytical, and process-driven approach to redeploy its excess capital toward high-quality acquisitions. Additional information about Roper is available on the Company’s website at http://www.ropertech.com.

    Contact information:
    Investor Relations
    941-556-2601
    investor-relations@ropertech.com

    The information provided in this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding operating results, the success of our internal operating plans, and the prospects for newly acquired businesses to be integrated and contribute to future growth, profit and cash flow expectations. Forward-looking statements may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “should,” “will,” “believes,” “intends” and similar words and phrases. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such risks and uncertainties include our ability to identify and complete acquisitions consistent with our business strategies, integrate acquisitions that have been completed, realize expected benefits and synergies from, and manage other risks associated with, acquired businesses, including obtaining any required regulatory approvals with respect thereto. We also face other general risks, including our ability to realize cost savings from our operating initiatives, general economic conditions and the conditions of the specific markets in which we operate, including risks related to labor shortages and rising interest rates, changes in foreign exchange rates, difficulties associated with exports, risks associated with our international operations, cybersecurity and data privacy risks, including litigation resulting therefrom, risks related to political instability, armed hostilities, incidents of terrorism, public health crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) or natural disasters, increased product liability and insurance costs, increased warranty exposure, future competition, changes in the supply of, or price for, parts and components, including as a result of the current inflationary environment and ongoing supply chain constraints, environmental compliance costs and liabilities, risks and cost associated with litigation, potential write-offs of our substantial intangible assets, and risks associated with obtaining governmental approvals and maintaining regulatory compliance for new and existing products. Important risks may be discussed in current and subsequent filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

    Roper Technologies, Inc.      
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)    
    (Amounts in millions)      
           
      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS:      
           
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 269.6     $ 214.3  
    Accounts receivable, net   821.2       829.9  
    Inventories, net   129.0       118.6  
    Income taxes receivable   43.0       47.7  
    Unbilled receivables   130.3       106.4  
    Other current assets   199.2       164.5  
    Total current assets   1,592.3       1,481.4  
           
    Property, plant and equipment, net   132.8       119.6  
    Goodwill   19,267.2       17,118.8  
    Other intangible assets, net   9,212.7       8,212.1  
    Deferred taxes   35.9       32.2  
    Equity investments   878.6       795.7  
    Other assets   433.2       407.7  
    Total assets $ 31,552.7     $ 28,167.5  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:      
           
    Accounts payable $ 155.8     $ 143.0  
    Accrued compensation   248.5       250.0  
    Deferred revenue   1,671.0       1,583.8  
    Other accrued liabilities   468.4       446.5  
    Income taxes payable   47.0       40.4  
    Current portion of long-term debt, net   699.0       499.5  
    Total current liabilities   3,289.7       2,963.2  
           
    Long-term debt, net of current portion   7,677.6       5,830.6  
    Deferred taxes   1,649.9       1,513.1  
    Other liabilities   420.0       415.8  
    Total liabilities   13,037.2       10,722.7  
           
    Common stock   1.1       1.1  
    Additional paid-in capital   2,976.9       2,767.0  
    Retained earnings   15,661.4       14,816.3  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (107.4 )     (122.8 )
    Treasury stock   (16.5 )     (16.8 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   18,515.5       17,444.8  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 31,552.7     $ 28,167.5  
           
    Roper Technologies, Inc.          
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)        
    (Amounts in millions, except per share data)        
                   
      Three months ended
    September 30,
      Nine months ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net revenues $ 1,764.6     $ 1,563.4     $ 5,162.1     $ 4,564.3  
    Cost of sales   542.9       467.1       1,566.1       1,382.3  
    Gross profit   1,221.7       1,096.3       3,596.0       3,182.0  
                   
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   725.1       650.2       2,123.9       1,899.6  
    Income from operations   496.6       446.1       1,472.1       1,282.4  
                   
    Interest expense, net   67.7       42.4       188.4       114.6  
    Equity investments gain, net   (37.4 )     (33.9 )     (93.6 )     (98.7 )
    Other (income) expense, net   (0.9 )     (5.0 )     0.9       0.1  
                   
    Earnings before income taxes   467.2       442.6       1,376.4       1,266.4  
                   
    Income taxes   99.3       97.0       289.4       275.5  
                   
    Net earnings from continuing operations   367.9       345.6       1,087.0       990.9  
                   
    Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax         (2.9 )           (4.1 )
    Gain on disposition of discontinued operations,
    net of tax
            4.5             8.4  
    Net earnings from discontinued operations         1.6             4.3  
                   
    Net earnings $ 367.9     $ 347.2     $ 1,087.0     $ 995.2  
                   
    Net earnings per share from continuing
    operations:
                 
    Basic $ 3.43     $ 3.23     $ 10.15     $ 9.30  
    Diluted $ 3.40     $ 3.21     $ 10.06     $ 9.23  
                   
    Net earnings per share from discontinued
    operations:
                 
    Basic $     $ 0.02     $     $ 0.04  
    Diluted $     $ 0.02     $     $ 0.04  
                   
    Net earnings per share:              
    Basic $ 3.43     $ 3.25     $ 10.15     $ 9.34  
    Diluted $ 3.40     $ 3.23     $ 10.06     $ 9.27  
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic   107.2       106.7       107.1       106.5  
    Diluted   108.1       107.6       108.0       107.3  
                                   
    Roper Technologies, Inc.    
    Selected Segment Financial Data (unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions; percentages of net revenues)
                                   
      Three months ended September 30,   Nine months ended September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
      Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %
    Net revenues:                              
    Application Software $ 984.4       $ 803.4       $ 2,811.4       $ 2,335.1    
    Network Software   367.1         364.1         1,102.1         1,076.7    
    Technology Enabled
    Products
      413.1         395.9         1,248.6         1,152.5    
    Total $ 1,764.6       $ 1,563.4       $ 5,162.1       $ 4,564.3    
                                   
                                   
    Gross profit:                              
    Application Software $ 672.8   68.3 %   $ 557.7   69.4 %   $ 1,939.6   69.0 %   $ 1,609.2   68.9 %
    Network Software   311.8   84.9 %     310.7   85.3 %     935.9   84.9 %     914.0   84.9 %
    Technology Enabled
    Products
      237.1   57.4 %     227.9   57.6 %     720.5   57.7 %     658.8   57.2 %
    Total $ 1,221.7   69.2 %   $ 1,096.3   70.1 %   $ 3,596.0   69.7 %   $ 3,182.0   69.7 %
                                   
                                   
    Operating profit*:                              
    Application Software $ 259.8   26.4 %   $ 206.9   25.8 %   $ 750.5   26.7 %   $ 601.3   25.8 %
    Network Software   166.0   45.2 %     164.4   45.2 %     492.1   44.7 %     465.0   43.2 %
    Technology Enabled
    Products
      141.1   34.2 %     137.1   34.6 %     424.0   34.0 %     391.7   34.0 %
    Total $ 566.9   32.1 %   $ 508.4   32.5 %   $ 1,666.6   32.3 %   $ 1,458.0   31.9 %
                                   
    * Segment operating profit is before unallocated corporate general and administrative expenses and enterprise-wide stock-based compensation. These expenses were $70.3 and $62.3 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $194.5 and $175.6 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
     
    Roper Technologies, Inc.  
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions)
      Nine months ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:      
    Net earnings from continuing operations $ 1,087.0     $ 990.9  
    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to cash flows from operating activities:      
    Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment   27.9       26.3  
    Amortization of intangible assets   573.8       532.8  
    Amortization of deferred financing costs   7.0       7.7  
    Non-cash stock compensation   112.9       99.2  
    Equity investments gain, net   (93.6 )     (98.7 )
    Income tax provision   289.4       275.5  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:      
    Accounts receivable   82.8       25.8  
    Unbilled receivables   (17.1 )     (15.3 )
    Inventories   (8.3 )     (11.2 )
    Accounts payable   (7.2 )     12.1  
    Other accrued liabilities   (1.7 )     (72.0 )
    Deferred revenue   24.5       18.6  
    Cash taxes paid for gain on disposal of business         (16.4 )
    Cash income taxes paid, excluding tax associated with gain on disposal of
    business
      (383.1 )     (335.6 )
    Other, net   (23.3 )     (24.0 )
    Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations   1,671.0       1,415.7  
    Cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations         (2.4 )
    Cash provided by operating activities   1,671.0       1,413.3  
           
    Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:      
    Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired   (3,464.1 )     (1,970.1 )
    Capital expenditures   (39.2 )     (37.8 )
    Capitalized software expenditures   (33.4 )     (28.7 )
    Distributions from equity investment   9.5       25.3  
    Other, net   (1.0 )     0.6  
    Cash used in investing activities from continuing operations   (3,528.2 )     (2,010.7 )
    Cash provided by disposition of discontinued operations         2.0  
    Cash used in investing activities   (3,528.2 )     (2,008.7 )
           
    Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:      
    Proceeds from senior notes   2,000.0        
    Payments of senior notes   (500.0 )     (700.0 )
    Borrowings under revolving line of credit, net   565.0       910.0  
    Debt issuance costs   (24.7 )      
    Cash dividends to stockholders   (241.1 )     (217.5 )
    Proceeds from stock-based compensation, net   88.1       99.3  
    Treasury stock sales   14.5       11.6  
    Other   (0.1 )     (0.1 )
    Cash provided by financing activities   1,901.7       103.3  
    (Continued)
           
    Roper Technologies, Inc.  
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) – Continued
    (Amounts in millions)
      Nine months ended
    September 30,
        2024       2023  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   10.8       (1.2 )
           
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   55.3       (493.3 )
           
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   214.3       792.8  
           
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 269.6     $ 299.5  
           

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on MSTY (175.64%), AIYY (100.45%), SQY (70.37%), YMAX (67.11%), YMAG (14.96%) and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Reference Asset Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution Frequency Distribution Rate2,4,5 30-Day
    SEC
    Yield
    3
    Ex-Date &
    Record Date
    Payment
    Date
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple $0.2268 Weekly 67.11% 62.93% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple $0.0545 Weekly 14.96% 50.85% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF MSTR $4.1981 Every 4 Weeks 175.64% 0.00% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    YQQQ   YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF N100 $0.3550 Every 4 Weeks 24.82% 3.63% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF AMZN $0.7632 Every 4 Weeks 50.32% 3.27% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF AAPL $0.3428 Every 4 Weeks 24.35% 3.17% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF AI $0.7241 Every 4 Weeks 100.45% 3.76% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF DIS $0.5146 Every 4 Weeks 40.88% 3.41% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    SQY YieldMax™ SQ Option Income Strategy ETF SQ $1.0201 Every 4 Weeks 70.37% 3.44% 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF SMCI $5.3541 Every 4 Weeks _ _ 10/24/2024 10/25/2024
    Scheduled for next week: TSLY CRSH GOOY YBIT OARK XOMO SNOY TSMY


    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling 
    (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs”.

    Distributions are not guaranteed.   The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1  All YieldMax™ ETFs (except YMAX, YMAG and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.

    2  The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 22, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3  The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30. 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. As of such date, the ULTY subsidized and unsubsidized 30-Day SEC Yields were 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The subsidized yield reflects fee waivers in effect while the unsubsidized yield does not adjust for any fee waivers in effect.

    4  Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5  As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH, GDXY and FIAT. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERNCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX and YMAG generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    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 (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR), 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.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    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, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), 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.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Talen Energy to Report Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 12, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talen Energy Corporation (“Talen”) (NASDAQ: TLN) plans to release its third quarter 2024 financial results on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, before market open. President and Chief Executive Officer Mac McFarland and Chief Financial Officer Terry Nutt will discuss the financial and operating results during an earnings call at 10:00 a.m. EST (9:00 a.m. CST) on November 12, 2024.

    To listen to the earnings call, please register in advance for the webcast here. For participants joining the call via phone, please register here prior to the start time to receive dial-in information. For those unable to participate in the live event, a digital replay of the earnings call will be archived for approximately one year and available on Talen’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.talenenergy.com/news-events/events.

    About Talen
    Talen Energy (NASDAQ: TLN) is a leading independent power producer and energy infrastructure company dedicated to powering the future. We own and operate approximately 10.7 gigawatts of power infrastructure in the United States, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power and a significant dispatchable fossil fleet. We produce and sell electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale U.S. power markets, with our generation fleet principally located in the Mid-Atlantic and Montana. Our team is committed to generating power safely and reliably, delivering the most value per megawatt produced and driving the energy transition. Talen is also powering the digital infrastructure revolution. We are well-positioned to capture this significant growth opportunity, as data centers serving artificial intelligence increasingly demand more reliable, clean power. Talen is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/.

    Investor Relations:
    Ellen Liu
    Senior Director, Investor Relations
    InvestorRelations@talenenergy.com

    Media:
    Taryne Williams
    Director, Corporate Communications
    Taryne.Williams@talenenergy.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication, or incorporated by reference into this communication, are forward-looking statements. Throughout this communication, we have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” or other forms of these words or similar words or expressions or the negative thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these terms. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions concerning, among other things capital expenditures, earnings, litigation, regulatory matters, hedging, liquidity and capital resources and accounting matters. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our future business, financial condition, results of operations or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this communication. All of our forward-looking statements include assumptions underlying or relating to such statements that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, and are subject to numerous factors that present considerable risks and uncertainties.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Starget Pharma and Cancer Focus Fund Announce $5.1 Million Investment to Support Phase 1b Clinical Trial of Novel Peptide Radioligand for Precision Cancer Therapy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Starget’s Smart Targeted Radioligand (STR) Theranostics Enable Precise Targeted Delivery of Highly Focused Molecular Radiation Directly to Cancer Cells while Minimizing Damage to Healthy Tissues
    • Lead Program DOTAPTR-58 Was Developed Using Starget’s Proprietary Peptide Backbone Dynamics Platform that Leverages Backbone Cyclic Innovations and In-Silico AI to Rapidly Design Highly Specific Ligands

    TEL AVIV, Israel and HOUSTON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Starget Pharma (Starget), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing precision peptide radioligand therapies, and Cancer Focus Fund, LP, a unique investment fund established in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) to provide funding and clinical expertise to advance promising clinical therapies, today announced a $5.1 million investment from Cancer Focus Fund to support a Phase 1b clinical trial of Starget’s lead theranostic, DOTA-PTR-58. The trial will target tumors overexpressing somatostatin receptor type 3 (SSTR-3), including sarcomas, neuroendocrine tumors (NET), melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinomas. The trial will be conducted at MD Anderson and other centers and will begin enrolling patients in early 2025.

    Targeted theranostic radiotherapy combines diagnostic imaging with targeted treatment to provide personalized care for advanced metastatic cancers. Using patient data, theranostics precisely targets tumor cells, delivering localized radiotherapy that can either generate diagnostic images or directly destroy cancer cells. This approach offers greater precision and a wider therapeutic window than conventional radiation therapy.

    “This investment validates the potential of our smart targeted radioligands to provide safer and more effective therapies for challenging cancers,” said Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir, CEO of Starget Pharma. “Our Backbone Dynamics technology enables us to transform peptides into next-generation radiopharmaceuticals with enhanced properties. We look forward to collaborating with MD Anderson on this Phase 1b trial of DOTA-PTR-58, a first-in-class theranostic that has demonstrated both safety and tumor uptake in early studies. We believe our proprietary technology offers significant advantages over existing radioligand therapies, particularly for advanced cancer patients with limited options.”

    Starget’s Backbone Dynamics technology is an innovative peptide radioligand drug design platform that uses proprietary backbone cyclization to create molecules with enhanced stability, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics. The platform accelerates the design of new radioligand candidates, facilitating the rapid development of cancer therapies with enhanced efficacy and safety.

    “Starget Pharma’s novel STR technology exemplifies the potential cancer breakthroughs we seek to support,” said Ross Barrett, a founder and Managing Partner of Cancer Focus Fund. “Recent successes with peptide-based radioligands have begun to realize the promise of this approach, and Starget’s proprietary Backbone Dynamics technology further advances these gains by enhancing peptide diversity and optimizing candidate selection for a variety of difficult-to-treat cancers.”

    Jordi Rodón, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, will serve as Principal Investigator of the Phase 1b trial.

    About DOTA-PTR-58 and SSTR-3
    DOTA-PTR-58 is a first-in-class superagonist radioligand with sub-nanomolar affinity targeting selective somatostatin receptor type 3 (SSTR-3), a receptor highly expressed across multiple tumor types including sarcoma, melanoma, NET and hepatocellular carcinomas. Unlike the more commonly used target SSTR-2, SSTR-3 shows lower expression in normal tissues, offering a broader therapeutic window. DOTA-PTR-58 comprises a theranostic pair: Imaging with a Ga-68 isotope and therapy with a Lu-177 isotope. A follow-on program will include Imaging with a Ga-68 isotope and therapy with an Ac-225 isotope. The molecule demonstrates high in vivo tumor uptake and internalization, selectivity and significant antitumor activity.

    About Starget Pharma
    Starget Pharma is a clinical stage company developing a pipeline of radiotherapy programs generated using its proprietary Backbone Dynamics peptide platform that leverages backbone cyclic innovations and in-silico AI to rapidly design highly specific Smart Targeted Radioligands (STRs) that deliver focused radiation for the imaging and treatment of cancer. These STR’s are designed to engage novel and validated tumor-specific targets with either alpha or beta isotopes. Starget’s lead program targets SSTR-3, a somatostatin receptor that is overexpressed in tumor cells compared to healthy tissues and has enhanced cell internalization compared to other tumor targets. First-in-human data has demonstrated promising safety and good tumor uptake. A Phase 1b trial is expected to begin in early 2025 at MD Anderson and other centers. Beyond its lead program, Starget has a robust pipeline encompassing novel tumor targets and isotopes, offering first-in-class and best-in-class potential for a variety of metastatic cancers. For more information, visit stargetpharma.com.

    About Cancer Focus Fund
    The Cancer Focus Fund LP is a unique investment fund established in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson). The fund provides investment support to advance promising cancer therapies that are close to being tested in humans or are in early clinical development, as well as the clinical trial expertise and infrastructure of MD Anderson and strategic partners Ochsner Health System Precision Cancer Therapies Program New Orleans and the LSU Feist Weiller Cancer Center Shreveport. The Fund’s objective is to leverage this unique combination to provide investors with superior risk-adjusted returns. In collaboration with partner MD Anderson, the Cancer Focus Fund provides both capital and translational research expertise with the goal of accelerating the development of novel cancer therapies that result in better outcomes for patients while generating returns for investors.

    Disclosures
    The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s relationship with Cancer Focus Fund, and all research conducted at MD Anderson related to Cancer Focus Fund, has been identified as an institutional financial conflict of interest by MD Anderson’s Institutional Conflict of Interest Committee and therefore is managed under an Institutional Conflict of Interest Management and Monitoring Plan.

    Contacts

    Starget Pharma
    Corporate:
    Sigal Kalmanson Cusnir
    Chief Executive Officer
    sigal@stargetpharma.com

    Media:
    ir@stargetpharma.com

    Cancer Focus Fund
    Corporate:
    Ross Barrett
    Managing Partner
    ross@cancerfocusfund.com

    Media:
    Barbara Lindheim
    BLL Partners for Cancer Focus Fund
    blindheim@bllbiopartners.com
    +1 917 355-9234

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosure is Critical for Africa’s Sustainable Development — African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Vice-President (VP) Quaynor at Inaugural Africa Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Forum

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 23, 2024/APO Group/ —

    “The importance of ESG disclosure for attracting finance for sustainable development in Africa cannot be overstated. It is no longer an optional add-on; it is a necessity if Africa is to thrive and not just survive in the 21st century,” stated Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Vice-President in opening the inaugural Africa ESG Forum today in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

    The two-day event, jointly organised by the African Development Bank, the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) (http://apo-opa.co/4eQY1bJ), and Making Finance Work for Africa (MFW4A) takes place under the theme Building a Sustainable Finance Ecosystem for Africa: A Collaborative Approach for ESG Disclosure.

    The forum aims to catalyze collaboration and knowledge sharing on ESG issues, paving the way for the establishment of a centralised Africa ESG Information Disclosure Hub and embedding ESG principles into the continent’s development strategies.

    MFW4A is a platform for African governments, the private sector, and development partners to coordinate financial sector development across the continent. Its secretariat is hosted by the African Development Bank Group.

    Quaynor, the Bank Group’s Vice president for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization emphasized the urgency of adopting robust ESG practices. “Achieving sustainable development requires substantial financial investments which will not come without trust, transparency, and accountability,” he said. He also highlighted that Africa faces low awareness of ESG’s importance, inadequate infrastructure for data collection, and inconsistent policy engagement. Fragmented ESG disclosure standards could lead to Africa being excluded from global capital markets that increasingly prioritise sustainability.

    Quaynor noted, “By facilitating better data availability and promoting best practices, we can enhance stakeholder engagement and foster greater trust between investors and businesses. This is essential for building a sustainable finance ecosystem that benefits everyone.”

    Frederic Wiltmann, Head of Project Team at MCDF, elaborated on its work to support sustainable investment. “We now have several capacity-building programs focused on facilitating trade financing, connectivity infrastructure development, and environmental and social safeguards,” he said. “One of the pillars involves establishing this Disclosure Hub initiative, and today’s forum serves as a launch for this capacity-building program, of which we hope the Disclosure Hub will be one of the major outputs.”

    Opening-day sessions featured discussion of the development of an African ESG taxonomy and an overview of the global landscape of ESG disclosure. “Despite the challenges we face, there are many opportunities for Africa to lead in sustainability reform, and the establishment of the Sustainability Centre of Excellence is critical for driving the adoption of international standards,” said Lebogang Senne, Technical Director of the Pan African Federation of Accountants. PAFA’s board in August 2024 approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to accelerate the Africa-wide adoption and implementation of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

    In a session titled, Perspectives from Sustainable Finance Initiatives, Wakesho Sonje of ICEA LION GROUP said The Nairobi Declaration for Sustainable Insurance is driving ESG integration in Africa’s insurance sector, with 219 members across 36 countries committed to sustainable principles and SDGs. She also highlighted that innovative products like parametric insurance are being developed to address climate-related risks and protect vulnerable communities. Additionally, initiatives like the African Development Bank’s Africa Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation (ACRIFA) are partnering to achieve similar goals, she said.  

    Nearly one hundred delegates attended physically with a further 400 online sharing insights and posing questions to the speakers, reflecting strong commitment to addressing the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure in fostering sustainable development across the continent.

    Day 2 will feature engaging discussions on the challenges and opportunities in ESG reporting in Africa with insights from industry leaders. Additionally, sessions will focus on investor expectations for ESG reporting, including a panel discussion featuring representatives from various financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Siyata Mobile to Present at The ThinkEquity Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Siyata Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: SYTA/SYTAW) (“Siyata” or the “Company”), a global vendor of Push-to-Talk over Cellular (“PoC”) devices and cellular signal booster systems, today announced that it will be participating in The ThinkEquity Conference on October 30, 2024, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York. The ThinkEquity Conference gathers institutional investors, corporate clients, and other industry professionals to highlight groundbreaking innovations and financial strategies.

    Glenn Kennedy, VP of International Sales, will be presenting at 4 p.m. ET on October 30th. Glenn will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day. Interested investors can register to attend and schedule on-on-one meetings here.

    About ThinkEquity

    ThinkEquity is a boutique investment bank founded by professionals who have collaborated for over a decade, collectively financing over $50 billion in public and private capital raises, restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions. Past ThinkEquity conferences have featured over 70 company presentations, 700+ attendees, and 500+ one-on-one meetings, providing a valuable platform for companies and investors to connect. To register to attend The ThinkEquity Conference, please follow this link.

    About Siyata Mobile

    Siyata Mobile Inc. is a B2B global vendor of next generation Push-To-Talk over Cellular devices and cellular booster systems. Its portfolio of in-vehicle and rugged devices enable first responders and enterprise workers to instantly communicate, over a nationwide cellular network of choice, to increase situational awareness and save lives. Its portfolio of enterprise grade and consumer cellular booster systems enables first responders and enterprise workers to amplify cellular signal in remote areas, inside structural buildings where signals are weak and within vehicles for the maximum cellular signal strength possible.

    Siyata’s common shares trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol “SYTA” and its previously issued warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol “SYTAW.”

    Visit Siyata.net and unidencellular.com to learn more.

    Investor Relations:
    Brett Maas
    Hayden IR
    syta@haydenir.com  
    646-536-7331

    Siyata Mobile Corporate:
    Glenn Kennedy, VP of International Sales
    Siyata Mobile Inc.
    glenn@siyata.net

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Siyata’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of Siyata could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Siyata’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Siyata undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites and social media have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites or social media is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Climb Channel Solutions Launches NA Partnership with Software Management Platform Vendor, FinQuery

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EATONTOWN, N.J., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Climb Channel Solutions, an international specialty technology distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLMB) announced the addition of FinQuery to their North American line card.

    FinQuery’s unified, AI-powered platform empowers companies to take control of their software assets and contracts. The Software Management platform provides full visibility and streamlined management, enabling partners to optimize spending, reduce risk, and improve forecasting.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Climb Channel Solutions to bring the power of FinQuery’s Software Management platform to a wider audience,” said FinQuery CEO and founder, George Azih. “This collaboration represents a significant step in our mission to empower organizations with the tools and insights they need to take control of their software assets and drive greater financial and operational success.”

    The strategic partnership with Climb Channel Solutions will expand the reach of FinQuery’s Software Management platform, enabling them to assist a broader range of organizations in achieving significant cost savings, mitigating risk, and enhancing overall efficiency. By tapping into Climb’s vast network, FinQuery aims to recruit new resellers and actively engage potential customers, further establishing itself as a leader in software management solutions.

    “Climb is excited about the addition of FinQuery and their Software Management platform which offers total visibility into where companies spend most of their budget; leases, contacts, and software applications,” said Dale Foster, CEO of Climb Channel Solutions. “In a time where businesses are focused on spend and ROI, FinQuery’s dedication to uniting IT and finance provides a unique solution to our partner ecosystem optimizing their software costs, efficiency and security.”

    Those interested in distribution services and solutions should contact Climb by phone at +1.800.847.7078 (US), or +1.888.523.7777 (Canada), or by email at Sales@ClimbCS.com.

    About Climb Channel Solutions and Climb Global Solutions

    Climb Channel Solutions is a global specialty technology distributor focusing on Security, Data Management, Connectivity, Storage & HCI, Virtualization & Cloud, and Software & Application Lifecycle. What sets Climb apart is our commitment to transform distribution by providing emerging and established IT technologies, flexible financing, real-time quoting, best of breed channel operations, speed to market, and exceptional service to our partners worldwide. Climb Channel Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions (NASDAQ: CLMB). Experience the Climb difference and learn how our people-first approach empowers VARs and MSPs to grow, scale, and accelerate their business. Visit http://www.ClimbCS.com, call 1-800-847-7078, and connect with us on LinkedIn!

    For Media & PR inquiries contact:
    Climb Channel Solutions
    Media Relations
    media@ClimbCS.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Elevate IR
    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    T: 720-330-2829
    CLMB@elevate-ir.com

    About Relationship/Company

    FinQuery, formerly LeaseQuery, empowers 36,000+ professionals to optimize decisions in their top spending areas—leases, software subscriptions and financial contracts—setting us apart in the market. Our award-winning AI-driven software minimizes risk, boosts efficiency and cuts costs.

    Explore FinQuery’s platform for contract and spend intelligence today.

    For Media & PR inquiries contact:
    FinQuery
    Shannon Matthews, Manager, Marketing Communications
    shannon.matthews@finquery.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Katapult to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on November 6, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PLANO, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Katapult Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: KPLT), an e-commerce-focused financial technology company, today announced it will release its third quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss these results at 8:00 AM ET that same day.

    A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Katapult Investor Relations website at http://ir.katapultholdings.com/. A replay will be available on the investor relations website following the call.

    About Katapult

    Katapult is a technology driven lease-to-own platform that integrates with omni-channel retailers and e-commerce platforms to power the purchasing of everyday durable goods for underserved U.S. non-prime consumers. Through our point-of-sale (POS) integrations and innovative mobile app featuring Katapult Pay™, consumers who may be unable to access traditional financing can shop a growing network of merchant partners. Our process is simple, fast, and transparent. We believe that seeing the good in people is good for business, humanizing the way underserved consumers get the things they need with payment solutions based on fairness and dignity.

    For more information, visit http://www.katapult.com.

    Contact:

    Jennifer Kull
    VP of Investor Relations
    IR@katapult.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNMORE, Pa., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDBC) and its banking subsidiary, The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announced its unaudited, consolidated financial results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024.

    Unaudited Financial Information

    Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $5.0 million, or $0.86 diluted earnings per share, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.93 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.  The $0.3 million decline in net income resulted primarily from the $1.0 million increase in non-interest expenses coupled with a $0.4 million increase in the provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments and $0.2 million increase in the provision for credit losses on loans. This was partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in net interest income and a $0.7 million increase in non-interest income.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $15.0 million, or $2.59 diluted earnings per share, compared to $17.7 million, or $3.11 diluted earnings per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The $2.7 million, or 15%, decline in net income stemmed from the $2.0 million higher non-interest expenses and $1.6 million reduction in net interest income partially offset by the increase of $0.8 million in non-interest income.

    “Our third quarter results reflect strong balance sheet growth, increased capital levels, liquidity, and non-interest income,” stated Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Q3 also reflected an increase in net interest margin. We remain focused, disciplined and thoughtful as we execute on our strategic plan. The Fidelity Bankers continue to demonstrate exemplary efforts and Fidelity Bank is well positioned for the future and committed to our clients, shareholders, and the communities we serve.”

    Consolidated Third Quarter Operating Results Overview

    Net interest income was $15.4 million for the third quarter of 2024, a 5% increase over the $14.6 million earned for the third quarter of 2023.  The $0.8 million increase in net interest income resulted from the increase of $3.6 million in interest income primarily due to a $71.0 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets and a 50 basis point increase in fully-taxable equivalent (“FTE”) yield. The loan portfolio had the biggest impact, producing a $3.7 million increase in FTE interest income from $122.8 million in higher quarterly average balances and an increase of 50 basis points in FTE loan yield. Slightly offsetting the higher interest income, a $2.8 million increase in interest expense was due to a 55 basis point increase in the rates paid on interest-bearing deposits coupled with a $94.4 million quarter-over-quarter increase in average deposit balances. 

    The overall cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.70% for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 53 basis points from the 2.17% for the third quarter of 2023.  The cost of funds increased 45 basis points to 2.08% for the third quarter of 2024 from 1.63% for the third quarter of 2023. The FTE yield on interest-earning assets was 4.68% for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 50 basis points from the 4.18% for the third quarter of 2023.  The Company’s FTE (non-GAAP measurement) net interest spread was 1.98% for the third quarter of 2024, a decrease of 3 basis points from the 2.01% recorded for the third quarter of 2023.  FTE net interest margin increased to 2.70% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from 2.63% for the same 2023 period due to allocation of better performing interest earning assets, which led to a 7 basis point margin improvement.

    The provision for credit losses on loans was $0.7 million coupled with a provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments of $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2024. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the provision for credit losses on loans increased $0.2 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the provision for credit losses on loans was due to growth in the loan portfolio of $67.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to growth of $16.1 million in the same quarter of 2023, specifically in the commercial loan portfolio. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments increased $0.4 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments was due to a growth in the unfunded commitments reserve of $135 thousand in the third quarter of 2024 compared to a reduction of $275 thousand in the same quarter of 2023, specifically in commercial construction commitments.

    Total non-interest income increased $0.7 million, or 15%, to $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to $4.3 million for the third quarter of 2023. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributable to an additional $0.1 million service charges on commercial loans, $0.1 million higher fees from trust fiduciary activities, $0.1 million more in financial services revenue, and fees from commercial loans with interest rate hedges increased $0.1 million.

    Non-interest expenses increased $1.0 million, or 8%, for the third quarter of 2024 to $13.8 million from $12.8 million for the same quarter of 2023. The increase in non-interest expenses was primarily due to $0.9 million higher salaries and benefits expense from higher salaries related to new hires and banker incentives. There were also increases in professional services of $0.1 million and PA shares tax of $0.1 million.

    The provision for income taxes increased $0.2 million during the third quarter of 2024 primarily due to less tax credits compared to the third quarter of 2023.

    Consolidated Year-To-Date Operating Results Overview

    Net interest income was $45.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $47.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The $1.6 million, or 3%, reduction was the result of interest expense growing faster than interest income.  On the asset side, the loan portfolio caused interest income growth by producing $9.5 million more in interest income primarily from an increase of 47 basis points in FTE loan yields on $97.4 million in higher average balances.  On the funding side, total interest expense increased by $11.6 million primarily due to an increase in interest expense paid on deposits of $12.0 million from an 86 basis point higher rate paid on a $97.1 million larger average balance of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on borrowings of $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

    The overall cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.60% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 1.79% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The cost of funds increased 66 basis points to 1.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 1.33% for the same period of 2023. The FTE yield on interest-earning assets was 4.59% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 47 basis points from the 4.12% for year-to-date September 30, 2023.  The Company’s FTE (non-GAAP measurement) net interest spread was 1.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of 34 basis points from the 2.33% recorded for the same period of 2023.  FTE net interest margin decreased by 16 basis points to 2.70% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 2.86% for the same 2023 period due to the increase in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities growing at a faster pace than the yields on interest-earning assets.

    The provision for credit losses on loans was $1.1 million and the provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments was $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the provision for credit losses on loans decreased $0.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in the provision for credit losses on loans was due to a reduction in net charge-offs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments increased $0.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in the provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments was due to a higher growth in unfunded loan commitments, specifically commercial construction commitments.

    Total non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $14.2 million, an increase of $0.8 million, or 7%, from $13.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The increase was primarily due to $0.5 million in additional trust fiduciary fees and $0.2 million higher fees from financial services.  During the first nine months of 2023, the Company recorded a write-down associated with a branch closure reducing non-interest income. In the third quarter of 2023, the Company received $0.3 million in recoveries from acquired charged-off loans, offsetting the increase in other income. Additionally, the Company experienced a decrease of $0.2 million in fees from commercial loans with interest rate hedges compared to the first nine months of 2023.

    Non-interest expenses increased to $41.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $2.0 million, or 5%, from $39.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.  The increase in non-interest expenses was primarily due to the $2.0 million increase in salaries and benefits expense coupled with increases in professional fees of $0.3 million and PA shares tax of $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The increases were partially offset by $0.4 million less in fraud losses and $0.2 million less advertising and marketing expenses. 

    The provision for income taxes decreased $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to lower income before taxes. 

    Consolidated Balance Sheet & Asset Quality Overview

    The Company’s total assets had a balance of $2.6 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $0.1 billion, from $2.5 billion as of December 31, 2023. The increase resulted from $107.9 million in growth in the loans and leases portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents increased $8.2 million and the investment portfolio decreased by $8.5 million. The decline in the investment portfolio was primarily due to $16.7 million in paydowns partially offset by an $8.4 million increase in market value of available-for-sale securities. As of September 30, 2024, the market value of held-to-maturity securities also increased by $6.0 million compared to December 31, 2023, with $22.2 million in unrealized losses. During the same time period, total liabilities increased $95.0 million, or 4%. Deposit growth of $184.1 million was utilized to pay down $92.0 million in short-term borrowings. The Company experienced an increase of $98.7 million in money market deposits and an increase of $96.1 million in certificate of deposits due to promotional rates offered as a result of market competition. The growth in these products was partially offset by a decrease of $10.8 million in checking and savings account balances as of September 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, the ratio of insured and collateralized deposits to total deposits was approximately 75%.

    Shareholders’ equity increased $17.8 million, or 9%, to $207.3 million at September 30, 2024 from $189.5 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was caused by retained earnings improvement from net income of $15.0 million, partially offset by $6.6 million in cash dividends paid to shareholders and a $8.0 million improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income due to lower unrealized losses in the investment portfolio. At September 30, 2024, there were no credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities.  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is excluded from regulatory capital ratios. The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank remains above well capitalized limits with Tier 1 capital at 9.30% of total average assets as of September 30, 2024.  Total risk-based capital was 14.56% of risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 risk-based capital was 13.38% of risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2024.  Tangible book value per share was $32.55 at September 30, 2024 compared to $29.57 at December 31, 2023.  Tangible common equity was 7.19% of total assets at September 30, 2024 compared to 6.79% at December 31, 2023.

    Asset Quality

    Total non-performing assets were $7.6 million, or 0.29% of total assets, at September 30, 2024, compared to $3.3 million, or 0.13% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. Past due and non-accrual loans to total loans were 0.62% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.46% at December 31, 2023. Net charge-offs to average total loans were 0.02% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.04% at December 31, 2023. 

    About Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank

    Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. has built a strong history as trusted financial advisor to the clients served by The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank (“Fidelity Bank”).  Fidelity Bank continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates 21 full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh and Northampton Counties and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at http://www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking app, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380. Additionally, the Bank offers full-service Wealth Management & Brokerage Services, a Mortgage Center, and a full suite of personal and commercial banking products and services. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided over 5,980 hours of volunteer time and over $1.4 million in donations to non-profit organizations directly within the markets served throughout 2023. Fidelity Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the full extent permitted by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures to provide information useful to the reader in understanding its operating performance and trends, and to facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. Management uses these measures internally to assess and better understand our underlying business performance and trends related to core business activities.  The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures and key performance indicators may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures and key performance indicators other financial institutions use to measure their performance and trends. Non-GAAP financial measures should be supplemental to GAAP used to prepare the Company’s operating results and should not be read in isolation or relied upon as a substitute for GAAP measures.  Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP are presented in the tables below.

    Interest income was adjusted to recognize the income from tax exempt interest-earning assets as if the interest was taxable, fully-taxable equivalent (FTE), in order to calculate certain ratios within this document.  This treatment allows a uniform comparison among yields on interest-earning assets.  Interest income was FTE adjusted, using the corporate federal tax rate of 21% for 2024 and 2023.

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain of the matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as such may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

    The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

    • local, regional and national economic conditions and changes thereto;
    • the short-term and long-term effects of inflation, and rising costs to the Company, its customers and on the economy;
    • the risks of changes and volatility of interest rates on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, and the values of loan collateral, securities and interest rate protection agreements, as well as interest rate risks;
    • securities markets and monetary fluctuations and volatility;
    • disruption of credit and equity markets;
    • impacts of the capital and liquidity requirements of the Basel III standards and other regulatory pronouncements, regulations and rules;
    • governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes;
    • effects of short- and long-term federal budget and tax negotiations and their effect on economic and business conditions;
    • the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation;
    • the impact of new or changes in existing laws and regulations, including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance and their application with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply;
    • the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters;
    • the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in our market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer and the internet;
    • the effects of economic conditions of any other pandemic, epidemic or other health-related crisis such as COVID-19 and responses thereto on current customers and the operations of the Company, specifically the effect of the economy on loan customers’ ability to repay loans;
    • the effects of bank failures, banking system instability, deposit fluctuations, loan and securities value changes;
    • technological changes;
    • the interruption or breach in security of our information systems, continually evolving cybersecurity and other technological risks and attacks resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger processing and loan or deposit updates and potential impacts resulting therefrom including additional costs, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses;
    • acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses;
    • the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for loan losses and estimations of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities;
    • acts of war or terrorism; and
    • the risk that our analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect analyses only as of the date of this release.  The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

    For more information please visit our investor relations web site located through http://www.bankatfidelity.com. 

    Contacts:  
       
    Daniel J. Santaniello Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr.
    President and Chief Executive Officer Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
    570-504-8035 570-504-8000
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollars in thousands)
     
    At Period End:   September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 120,169     $ 111,949  
    Investment securities     559,819       568,273  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     3,944       3,905  
    Loans and leases     1,795,548       1,686,555  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (19,630 )     (18,806 )
    Premises and equipment, net     36,057       34,232  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     57,672       54,572  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,576       20,812  
    Other assets     41,778       41,667  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,615,933     $ 2,503,159  
                     
    Liabilities                
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 549,710     $ 536,143  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,792,796       1,622,282  
    Total deposits     2,342,506       2,158,425  
    Short-term borrowings     25,000       117,000  
    Secured borrowings     6,323       7,372  
    Other liabilities     34,843       30,883  
    Total liabilities     2,408,672       2,313,680  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity     207,261       189,479  
                     
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,615,933     $ 2,503,159  
    Average Year-To-Date Balances:   September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 51,707     $ 35,462  
    Investment securities     556,559       597,359  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     3,961       4,212  
    Loans and leases     1,722,655       1,635,286  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (19,169 )     (18,680 )
    Premises and equipment, net     35,418       32,215  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     55,963       54,085  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,679       20,977  
    Other assets     41,854       44,180  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,469,627     $ 2,405,096  
                     
    Liabilities                
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 524,238     $ 558,962  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,673,443       1,586,527  
    Total deposits     2,197,681       2,145,489  
    Short-term borrowings     39,873       49,860  
    Secured borrowings     7,009       7,489  
    Other liabilities     31,724       29,881  
    Total liabilities     2,276,287       2,232,719  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity     193,340       172,377  
                     
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,469,627     $ 2,405,096  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (dollars in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
        Sep. 30, 2024     Sep. 30, 2023     Sep. 30, 2024     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Interest income                                
    Loans and leases   $ 24,036     $ 20,502     $ 68,685     $ 59,223  
    Securities, interest-bearing cash and other     3,263       3,176       10,278       9,772  
                                     
    Total interest income     27,299       23,678       78,963       68,995  
                                     
    Interest expense                                
    Deposits     (11,297 )     (8,488 )     (31,697 )     (19,713 )
    Borrowings and debt     (571 )     (551 )     (1,775 )     (2,136 )
                                     
    Total interest expense     (11,868 )     (9,039 )     (33,472 )     (21,849 )
                                     
    Net interest income     15,431       14,639       45,491       47,146  
                                     
    Net benefit (provision) for credit losses on loans     (675 )     (525 )     (1,075 )     (1,380 )
    Net benefit (provision) for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments     (135 )     275       (225 )     100  
    Non-interest income     4,979       4,325       14,167       13,349  
    Non-interest expense     (13,840 )     (12,784 )     (41,146 )     (39,066 )
                                     
    Income before income taxes     5,760       5,930       17,212       20,149  
                                     
    (Provision) benefit for income taxes     (793 )     (590 )     (2,252 )     (2,407 )
    Net income   $ 4,967     $ 5,340     $ 14,960     $ 17,742  
        Three Months Ended  
        Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024     Mar. 31, 2024     Dec. 31, 2023     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Interest income                                        
    Loans and leases   $ 24,036     $ 22,516     $ 22,133     $ 21,406     $ 20,502  
    Securities, interest-bearing cash and other     3,263       3,523       3,492       3,434       3,176  
                                             
    Total interest income     27,299       26,039       25,625       24,840       23,678  
                                             
    Interest expense                                        
    Deposits     (11,297 )     (10,459 )     (9,941 )     (9,232 )     (8,488 )
    Borrowings and debt     (571 )     (463 )     (741 )     (707 )     (551 )
                                             
    Total interest expense     (11,868 )     (10,922 )     (10,682 )     (9,939 )     (9,039 )
                                             
    Net interest income     15,431       15,117       14,943       14,901       14,639  
                                             
    Net benefit (provision) for credit losses on loans     (675 )     (275 )     (125 )     (111 )     (525 )
    Net benefit (provision) for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments     (135 )     (140 )     50       65       275  
    Non-interest income (loss)     4,979       4,615       4,572       (1,944 )     4,325  
    Non-interest expense     (13,840 )     (13,616 )     (13,689 )     (12,804 )     (12,784 )
                                             
    Income before income taxes     5,760       5,701       5,751       107       5,930  
                                             
    (Provision) benefit for income taxes     (793 )     (766 )     (694 )     361       (590 )
    Net income   $ 4,967     $ 4,935     $ 5,057     $ 468     $ 5,340  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollars in thousands)
     
    At Period End:   Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024     Mar. 31, 2024     Dec. 31, 2023     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 120,169     $ 78,085     $ 72,733     $ 111,949     $ 110,471  
    Investment securities     559,819       552,495       559,016       568,273       576,688  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     3,944       3,968       3,959       3,905       3,800  
    Loans and leases     1,795,548       1,728,509       1,697,299       1,686,555       1,647,552  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (19,630 )     (18,975 )     (18,886 )     (18,806 )     (18,757 )
    Premises and equipment, net     36,057       35,808       34,899       34,232       32,625  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     57,672       57,278       54,921       54,572       54,226  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,576       20,649       20,728       20,812       20,897  
    Other assets     41,778       42,828       44,227       41,667       49,318  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645     $ 2,468,896     $ 2,503,159     $ 2,476,820  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 549,710     $ 527,572     $ 537,824     $ 536,143     $ 549,741  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,792,796       1,641,558       1,678,172       1,622,282       1,602,018  
    Total deposits     2,342,506       2,169,130       2,215,996       2,158,425       2,151,759  
    Short-term borrowings     25,000       98,120       25,000       117,000       124,000  
    Secured borrowings     6,323       7,237       7,299       7,372       7,439  
    Other liabilities     34,843       30,466       28,966       30,883       28,190  
    Total liabilities     2,408,672       2,304,953       2,277,261       2,313,680       2,311,388  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity     207,261       195,692       191,635       189,479       165,432  
                                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645     $ 2,468,896     $ 2,503,159     $ 2,476,820  
    Average Quarterly Balances:   Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024     Mar. 31, 2024     Dec. 31, 2023     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 41,991     $ 58,351     $ 54,887     $ 42,176     $ 33,238  
    Investment securities     554,578       551,445       563,674       558,423       598,604  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     3,965       3,983       3,934       3,854       3,763  
    Loans and leases     1,763,254       1,707,598       1,696,669       1,664,905       1,640,411  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (19,323 )     (19,171 )     (19,013 )     (19,222 )     (18,812 )
    Premises and equipment, net     36,219       35,433       34,591       33,629       31,746  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     57,525       55,552       54,796       54,449       54,110  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,602       20,677       20,759       20,844       20,930  
    Other assets     41,734       42,960       40,871       46,028       44,346  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828     $ 2,451,168     $ 2,405,086     $ 2,408,336  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 522,827     $ 530,048     $ 519,856     $ 533,663     $ 548,682  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,702,187       1,670,211       1,647,615       1,616,826       1,607,793  
    Total deposits     2,225,014       2,200,259       2,167,471       2,150,489       2,156,475  
    Short-term borrowings     37,220       28,477       53,952       48,490       37,595  
    Secured borrowings     6,429       7,269       7,335       7,412       7,470  
    Other liabilities     31,999       30,734       32,434       30,745       29,638  
    Total liabilities     2,300,662       2,266,739       2,261,192       2,237,136       2,231,178  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity     199,883       190,089       189,976       167,950       177,158  
                                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828     $ 2,451,168     $ 2,405,086     $ 2,408,336  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Financial Data
     
        Three Months Ended  
        Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024     Mar. 31, 2024     Dec. 31, 2023     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Selected returns and financial ratios                                        
    Basic earnings per share   $ 0.87     $ 0.86     $ 0.88     $ 0.08     $ 0.94  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.86     $ 0.86     $ 0.88     $ 0.08     $ 0.93  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.38     $ 0.38     $ 0.38     $ 0.38     $ 0.36  
    Yield on interest-earning assets (FTE)*     4.68 %     4.58 %     4.52 %     4.36 %     4.18 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.70 %     2.58 %     2.51 %     2.36 %     2.17 %
    Cost of funds     2.08 %     1.96 %     1.93 %     1.79 %     1.63 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)*     1.98 %     2.00 %     2.01 %     2.00 %     2.01 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)*     2.70 %     2.71 %     2.69 %     2.66 %     2.63 %
    Return on average assets     0.79 %     0.81 %     0.83 %     0.08 %     0.88 %
    Pre-provision net revenue to average assets*     1.05 %     1.00 %     0.96 %     0.03 %     1.02 %
    Return on average equity     9.89 %     10.44 %     10.71 %     1.10 %     11.96 %
    Return on average tangible equity*     11.02 %     11.72 %     12.02 %     1.26 %     13.56 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE)*     65.33 %     66.47 %     67.56 %     63.74 %     65.01 %
    Expense ratio     1.41 %     1.47 %     1.50 %     2.43 %     1.39 %
        Nine months ended  
        Sep. 30, 2024     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 2.61     $ 3.13  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 2.59     $ 3.11  
    Dividends per share   $ 1.14     $ 1.08  
    Yield on interest-earning assets (FTE)*     4.59 %     4.12 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.60 %     1.79 %
    Cost of funds     1.99 %     1.33 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)*     1.99 %     2.33 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)*     2.70 %     2.86 %
    Return on average assets     0.81 %     0.99 %
    Pre-provision net revenue to average assets*     1.00 %     1.19 %
    Return on average equity     10.34 %     13.64 %
    Return on average tangible equity*     11.57 %     15.52 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE)*     66.44 %     62.33 %
    Expense ratio     1.46 %     1.43 %
    Other financial data   At period end:  
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)   Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024     Mar. 31, 2024     Dec. 31, 2023     Sep. 30, 2023  
    Assets under management   $ 942,190     $ 906,861     $ 900,964     $ 876,287     $ 799,968  
    Book value per share   $ 36.13     $ 34.12     $ 33.41     $ 33.22     $ 29.04  
    Tangible book value per share*   $ 32.55     $ 30.52     $ 29.80     $ 29.57     $ 25.37  
    Equity to assets     7.92 %     7.83 %     7.76 %     7.57 %     6.68 %
    Tangible common equity ratio*     7.19 %     7.06 %     6.98 %     6.79 %     5.89 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to:                                        
    Total loans     1.09 %     1.10 %     1.11 %     1.12 %     1.14 %
    Non-accrual loans   2.77x     2.75x     5.31x     5.68x     6.24x  
    Non-accrual loans to total loans     0.39 %     0.40 %     0.21 %     0.20 %     0.18 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.29 %     0.28 %     0.15 %     0.13 %     0.14 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans     0.02 %     0.03 %     0.01 %     0.04 %     0.04 %
                                             
    Fidelity Bank Capital Adequacy Ratios                                        
    Total risk-based capital ratio     14.56 %     14.69 %     14.68 %     14.57 %     14.69 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio     13.38 %     13.52 %     13.47 %     13.32 %     13.51 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio     13.38 %     13.52 %     13.47 %     13.32 %     13.51 %
    Leverage ratio     9.30 %     9.30 %     9.15 %     9.08 %     9.17 %

    * Non-GAAP Financial Measures – see reconciliations below

    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP
     
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP   Three Months Ended  
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024     Mar. 31, 2024     Dec. 31, 2023     Sep. 30, 2023  
    FTE net interest income (non-GAAP)                                        
    Interest income (GAAP)   $ 27,299     $ 26,039     $ 25,625     $ 24,840     $ 23,678  
    Adjustment to FTE     775       751       747       664       700  
    Interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)     28,074       26,790       26,372       25,504       24,378  
    Interest expense (GAAP)     11,868       10,922       10,682       9,939       9,039  
    Net interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 16,206     $ 15,868       15,690       15,565       15,339  
                                             
    Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)                                        
    Non-interest expenses (GAAP)   $ 13,840     $ 13,616     $ 13,689     $ 12,804     $ 12,784  
                                             
    Net interest income (GAAP)     15,431       15,117       14,943       14,901       14,639  
    Plus: taxable equivalent adjustment     775       751       747       664       700  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)     4,979       4,615       4,572       (1,944 )     4,325  
    Less: (Loss) gain on sales of securities                       (6,467 )      
    Net interest income (FTE) plus adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 21,185     $ 20,483     $ 20,262     $ 20,088     $ 19,664  
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)     65.33 %     66.48 %     67.56 %     63.74 %     65.01 %
    (1) The reported efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income, on an FTE basis, and adjusted non-interest (loss) income.                                        
                                             
    Tangible Book Value per Share/Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP)                                        
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645     $ 2,468,896     $ 2,503,159     $ 2,476,820  
    Less: Intangible assets     (20,576 )     (20,649 )     (20,728 )     (20,812 )     (20,897 )
    Tangible assets     2,595,357       2,479,996       2,448,168       2,482,347       2,455,923  
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)     207,261       195,692       191,635       189,479       165,432  
    Less: Intangible assets     (20,576 )     (20,649 )     (20,728 )     (20,812 )     (20,897 )
    Tangible common equity     186,685       175,043       170,907       168,667       144,535  
                                             
    Common shares outstanding, end of period     5,736,025       5,735,728       5,735,732       5,703,636       5,696,351  
    Tangible Common Book Value per Share   $ 32.55     $ 30.52     $ 29.80     $ 29.57     $ 25.37  
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio     7.19 %     7.06 %     6.98 %     6.79 %     5.89 %
                                             
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets                                        
    Income before taxes (GAAP)   $ 5,760     $ 5,701     $ 5,751     $ 107     $ 5,930  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses     810       415       75       47       250  
    Total pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)     6,570       6,116       5,826       154       6,180  
    Total (annualized) (non-GAAP)   $ 26,423     $ 24,600     $ 23,432     $ 609     $ 24,517  
                                             
    Average assets   $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828     $ 2,451,168     $ 2,405,086     $ 2,408,336  
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets (non-GAAP)     1.05 %     1.00 %     0.96 %     0.03 %     1.02 %
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP   Nine months ended  
    (dollars in thousands)   Sep. 30, 2024     Sep. 30, 2023  
    FTE net interest income (non-GAAP)                
    Interest income (GAAP)   $ 78,963     $ 68,995  
    Adjustment to FTE     2,272       2,186  
    Interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)     81,235       71,181  
    Interest expense (GAAP)     33,472       21,849  
    Net interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 47,763     $ 49,332  
                     
    Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)                
    Non-interest expenses (GAAP)   $ 41,146     $ 39,066  
                     
    Net interest income (GAAP)     45,491       47,146  
    Plus: taxable equivalent adjustment     2,272       2,186  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)     14,167       13,349  
    Net interest income (FTE) plus non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 61,930     $ 62,681  
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)     66.44 %     62.33 %
    (1) The reported efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income, on an FTE basis, and adjusted non-interest (loss) income.                
                     
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets                
    Income before taxes (GAAP)   $ 17,212     $ 20,149  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses     1,300       1,280  
    Total pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)   $ 18,512     $ 21,429  
    Total (annualized) (non-GAAP)   $ 24,661     $ 28,650  
                     
    Average assets   $ 2,469,627     $ 2,405,100  
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets (non-GAAP)     1.00 %     1.19 %

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today reported net revenues of $1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $1.0 billion a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $149.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted common share, compared with $58.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders was $166.3 million, or $1.50 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2024.

    Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said “The third quarter represented our second highest quarterly net revenue, an increase of 17%, while earnings per share increased 150%. Through the first three quarters of 2024, net revenue was up 13% to a record $3.6 billion, driven by continued growth in Global Wealth, improvement in our Institutional business, and the stabilization of net interest income. Our financial results illustrate the strength of the Stifel franchise and our ability to capitalize on improving market conditions. Momentum in our business continues to build and we anticipate further upside to both the top and bottom lines in the fourth quarter and in 2025.”

    Highlights

    • The Company reported net revenues of $1.2 billion, the second best revenue quarter in its history, driven by higher investment banking revenues, asset management revenues, and transactional revenues, partially offset by lower net interest income.
    • Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders of $1.50 per diluted common share was negatively impacted by elevated provisions for legal matters of $0.10 per diluted common share (after-tax).
    • Investment banking revenues increased 66% over the year-ago quarter, driven by higher capital raising and advisory revenues.
      • Capital raising revenues increased 114% over the year-ago quarter.
      • Advisory revenues increased 41% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Record asset management revenues, up 15% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Record client assets of $496.3 billion, up 20% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Recruited 28 financial advisors during the quarter, including 13 experienced employee advisors.
    • Non-GAAP pre-tax margin of 19.2% as the Company maintained its focus on expense discipline, while continuing to invest in the business.
    • Annualized return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) (5) of 20%.
    • Tangible book value per common share (7) of $33.62, up 12% from prior year.
    Financial Summary (Unaudited)
    (000s) 3Q 2024 3Q 2023 9m 2024 9m 2023
    GAAP Financial Highlights:      
    Net revenues $ 1,224,668   $ 1,045,051   $ 3,605,638   $ 3,202,565  
    Net income (1) $ 149,185   $ 58,840   $ 459,413   $ 332,091  
    Diluted EPS (1) $ 1.34   $ 0.52   $ 4.16   $ 2.91  
    Comp. ratio   58.6 %   58.7 %   58.8 %   58.7 %
    Non-comp. ratio   23.7 %   30.8 %   22.8 %   25.7 %
    Pre-tax margin   17.7 %   10.5 %   18.4 %   15.6 %
    Non-GAAP Financial Highlights:      
    Net revenues $ 1,225,351   $ 1,045,028   $ 3,606,330   $ 3,202,539  
    Net income (1)(2) $ 166,270   $ 67,413   $ 506,186   $ 364,937  
    Diluted EPS (1) (2) $ 1.50   $ 0.60   $ 4.58   $ 3.20  
    Comp. ratio (2)   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %
    Non-comp. ratio (2)   22.8 %   30.2 %   22.1 %   24.9 %
    Pre-tax margin (3)   19.2 %   11.8 %   19.9 %   17.1 %
    ROCE (4)   13.7 %   5.8 %   14.4 %   10.4 %
    ROTCE (5)   19.5 %   8.5 %   20.7 %   15.1 %
    Global Wealth Management (assets and loans in millions)  
    Net revenues $ 827,116   $ 768,558   $ 2,418,751   $ 2,283,934  
    Pre-tax net income $ 301,703   $ 298,449   $ 891,624   $ 914,462  
    Total client assets $ 496,298   $ 412,458      
    Fee-based client assets $ 190,771   $ 150,982      
    Bank loans (6) $ 20,633   $ 20,435      
    Institutional Group        
    Net revenues $ 372,401   $ 256,888   $ 1,114,498   $ 867,025  
    Equity $ 222,459   $ 144,764   $ 646,570   $ 508,371  
    Fixed Income $ 149,942   $ 112,124   $ 467,928   $ 358,654  
    Pre-tax net income/ (loss) $ 41,797   ($ 27,804 ) $ 127,719   ($ 5,671 )
    Global Wealth Management
     

    Global Wealth Management reported record net revenues of $827.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with $768.6 million during the third quarter of 2023. Pre-tax net income was $301.7 million compared with $298.4 million in the third quarter of 2023.

    Highlights

    • Recruited 28 financial advisors during the quarter, including 13 experienced employee advisors, with total trailing 12 month production of $10.5 million.
    • Client assets of $496.3 billion, up 20% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Fee-based client assets of $190.8 billion, up 26% over the year-ago quarter.

    Net revenues increased 8% from a year ago:

    • Transactional revenues increased 16% over the year-ago quarter reflecting an increase in client activity.
    • Asset management revenues increased 15% over the year-ago quarter due to higher asset values and net new assets.
    • Net interest income decreased 11% from the year-ago quarter driven by changes in deposit mix, partially offset by higher yields on the investment portfolio and lending growth.

    Total Expenses:

    • Compensation expense as a percent of net revenues increased to 48.7% primarily as a result of higher compensable revenues.
    • Provision for credit losses decreased from the year-ago quarter primarily as a result of lower provisions in the real estate sector compared to the year-ago quarter, partially offset by growth in the loan portfolio.
    • Non-compensation operating expenses as a percent of net revenues increased to 14.8% primarily as a result of higher litigation-related expenses, partially offset by revenue growth over the year-ago quarter.
    Summary Results of Operations
    (000s) 3Q 2024 3Q 2023
    Net revenues $ 827,116   $ 768,558  
    Transactional revenues   192,727     165,547  
    Asset management   382,309     333,088  
    Net interest income   240,825     269,431  
    Investment banking   6,217     3,895  
    Other income   5,038     (3,403 )
    Total expenses $ 525,413   $ 470,109  
    Compensation expense   403,205     359,325  
    Provision for credit losses   5,287     9,992  
    Non-comp. opex   116,921     100,792  
    Pre-tax net income $ 301,703   $ 298,449  
    Compensation ratio   48.7 %   46.8 %
    Non-compensation ratio   14.8 %   14.4 %
    Pre-tax margin   36.5 %   38.8 %
    Institutional Group
     

    Institutional Group reported net revenues of $372.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with $256.9 million during the third quarter of 2023. Institutional Group reported pre-tax net income of $41.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with pre-tax net loss of $27.8 million in the third quarter of 2023.

    Highlights

    Investment banking revenues increased 66% from a year ago:

    • Advisory revenues increased from the year-ago quarter driven by higher levels of completed advisory transactions.
    • Fixed income capital raising revenues more than doubled over the year-ago quarter primarily driven by higher bond issuances.
    • Equity capital raising revenues increased significantly over the year-ago quarter driven by higher volumes.

    Fixed income transactional revenues increased 17% from a year ago:

    • Fixed income transactional revenues increased from the year-ago quarter driven by improved client engagement and volatility.

    Equity transactional revenues increased 4% from a year ago:

    • Equity transactional revenues increased from the year-ago quarter primarily driven by an increase in equities trading commissions.

    Total Expenses:

    • Compensation expense as a percent of net revenues decreased to 60.3% primarily as a result of higher revenues.
    • Non-compensation operating expenses as a percent of net revenues decreased to 28.5% primarily as a result of revenue growth and expense discipline.
    Summary Results of Operations
    (000s) 3Q 2024 3Q 2023
    Net revenues $ 372,401   $ 256,888  
    Investment banking   236,965     142,991  
    Advisory   136,857     97,272  
    Fixed income capital raising   49,364     24,670  
    Equity capital raising   50,744     21,049  
    Fixed income transactional   78,974     67,439  
    Equity transactional   48,824     46,930  
    Other   7,638     (472 )
    Total expenses $ 330,604   $ 284,692  
    Compensation expense   224,556     192,638  
    Non-comp. opex.   106,048     92,054  
    Pre-tax net income/(loss) $ 41,797   ($ 27,804 )
    Compensation ratio   60.3 %   75.0 %
    Non-compensation ratio   28.5 %   35.8 %
    Pre-tax margin   11.2 %   (10.8 %)
    Other Matters
     

    Highlights

    • During the third quarter, the Company’s 4.25% Senior Notes matured resulting in the retirement of the $500.0 million outstanding balance.
    • The Company repurchased $20.2 million of its outstanding common stock during the third quarter.
    • Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased primarily as a result of share repurchases. The Company has repurchased 3.7 million shares under its share repurchase program since the third quarter of 2023.
    • The Board of Directors declared a $0.42 quarterly dividend per share payable on September 17, 2024 to common shareholders of record on September 3, 2024.
    • The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on the outstanding shares of the Company’s preferred stock payable on September 17, 2024 to shareholders of record on September 3, 2024.
      3Q 2024 3Q 2023
    Common stock repurchases    
    Repurchases (000s) $20,222 $118,810
    Number of shares (000s) 249 1,886
    Average price $81.23 $63.00
    Period end shares (000s) 102,313 103,120
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (000s) 110,994 113,195
    Effective tax rate 26.8% 37.7%
    Stifel Financial Corp. (8)    
    Tier 1 common capital ratio 15.0% 13.9%
    Tier 1 risk based capital ratio 17.9% 16.9%
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio 11.3% 10.8%
    Tier 1 capital (MM) $4,159 $3,914
    Risk weighted assets (MM) $23,184 $23,219
    Average assets (MM) $36,813 $36,356
    Quarter end assets (MM) $38,935 $37,878
    Agency Rating Outlook
    Fitch Ratings BBB+ Stable
    S&P Global Ratings BBB Stable
     

    Conference Call Information

    Stifel Financial Corp. will host its third quarter 2024 financial results conference call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call may include forward-looking statements.

    All interested parties are invited to listen to Stifel’s Chairman and CEO, Ronald J. Kruszewski, by dialing (866) 409-1555 and referencing conference ID 7408307. A live audio webcast of the call, as well as a presentation highlighting the Company’s results, will be available through the Company’s web site, http://www.stifel.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the broadcast will be available through the above-referenced web site beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the call.

    Company Information

    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit http://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

    A financial summary follows. Financial, statistical and business-related information, as well as information regarding business and segment trends, is included in the financial supplement. Both the earnings release and the financial supplement are available online in the Investor Relations section at http://www.stifel.com/investor-relations.

    The information provided herein and in the financial supplement, including information provided on the Company’s earnings conference calls, may include certain non-GAAP financial measures. The definition of such measures or reconciliation of such measures to the comparable U.S. GAAP figures are included in this earnings release and the financial supplement, both of which are available online in the Investor Relations section at http://www.stifel.com/investor-relations.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this earnings release not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on various assumptions. The forward-looking statements in this earnings release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following possibilities: the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies or the branch offices and financial advisors; a material adverse change in financial condition; the risk of borrower, depositor, and other customer attrition; a change in general business and economic conditions; changes in the interest rate environment, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values, and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in legislation and regulation; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, geopolitical, and technological factors affecting the companies’ operations, pricing, and services; and other risk factors referred to from time to time in filings made by Stifel Financial Corp. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For information about the risks and important factors that could affect the Company’s future results, financial condition and liquidity, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

    Summary Results of Operations (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (000s, except per share amounts) 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 % Change 6/30/2024 % Change 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 % Change
    Revenues:                
    Commissions $ 183,445 $ 165,075 11.1   $ 183,317 0.1   $ 552,238 $ 499,983   10.5  
    Principal transactions   137,089   114,841 19.4     153,574 (10.7 )   429,677   336,063   27.9  
    Investment banking   243,182   146,887 65.6     233,281 4.2     690,412   525,591   31.4  
    Asset management   382,616   333,127 14.9     380,757 0.5     1,130,849   968,960   16.7  
    Other income   18,705   459 nm     16,180 15.6     39,835   (940 ) nm  
    Operating revenues   965,037   760,389 26.9     967,109 (0.2 )   2,843,011   2,329,657   22.0  
    Interest revenue   510,823   505,198 1.1     498,152 2.5     1,515,803   1,439,532   5.3  
    Total revenues   1,475,860   1,265,587 16.6     1,465,261 0.7     4,358,814   3,769,189   15.6  
    Interest expense   251,192   220,536 13.9     247,329 1.6     753,176   566,624   32.9  
    Net revenues   1,224,668   1,045,051 17.2     1,217,932 0.6     3,605,638   3,202,565   12.6  
    Non-interest expenses:                
    Compensation and benefits   718,065   613,287 17.1     722,719 (0.6 )   2,120,479   1,880,144   12.8  
    Non-compensation operating expenses   289,945   322,335 (10.0 )   268,319 8.1     822,916   821,724   0.1  
    Total non-interest expenses   1,008,010   935,622 7.7     991,038 1.7     2,943,395   2,701,868   8.9  
    Income before income taxes   216,658   109,429 98.0     226,894 (4.5 )   662,243   500,697   32.3  
    Provision for income taxes   58,153   41,268 40.9     61,600 (5.6 )   174,869   140,645   24.3  
    Net income   158,505   68,161 132.5     165,294 (4.1 )   487,374   360,052   35.4  
    Preferred dividends   9,320   9,321 (0.0 )   9,321 (0.0 )   27,961   27,961   0.0  
    Net income available to common shareholders $ 149,185 $ 58,840 153.5   $ 155,973 (4.4 ) $ 459,413 $ 332,091   38.3  
    Earnings per common share:                
    Basic $ 1.43 $ 0.55 160.0   $ 1.50 (4.7 ) $ 4.41 $ 3.09   42.7  
    Diluted $ 1.34 $ 0.52 157.7   $ 1.41 (5.0 ) $ 4.16 $ 2.91   43.0  
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.42 $ 0.36 16.7   $ 0.42 0.0   $ 1.26 $ 1.08   16.7  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
    Basic   103,966   106,068 (2.0 )   104,150 (0.2 )   104,135   107,580   (3.2 )
    Diluted   110,994   113,195 (1.9 )   110,285 0.6     110,457   114,170   (3.3 )
    Non-GAAP Financial Measures (9)
     
      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
    (000s, except per share amounts) 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 9/30/2024 9/30/2023
    GAAP net income $ 158,505   $ 68,161   $ 487,374   $ 360,052  
    Preferred dividend   9,320     9,321     27,961     27,961  
    Net income available to common shareholders   149,185     58,840     459,413     332,091  
             
    Non-GAAP adjustments:        
    Merger-related (10)   17,950     13,771     43,925     46,301  
    Restructuring and severance (11)   1,261         11,222      
    Provision for income taxes (12)   (2,126 )   (5,198 )   (8,374 )   (13,455 )
    Total non-GAAP adjustments   17,085     8,573     46,773     32,846  
    Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders $ 166,270   $ 67,413   $ 506,186   $ 364,937  
             
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   110,994     113,195     110,457     114,170  
             
    GAAP earnings per diluted common share $ 1.42   $ 0.60   $ 4.42   $ 3.15  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   0.16     0.08     0.42     0.29  
    Non-GAAP earnings per diluted common share $ 1.58   $ 0.68   $ 4.84   $ 3.44  
             
    GAAP earnings per diluted common share available to common shareholders $ 1.34   $ 0.52   $ 4.16   $ 2.91  
    Non-GAAP adjustments   0.16     0.08     0.42     0.29  
    Non-GAAP earnings per diluted common share available to common shareholders $ 1.50   $ 0.60   $ 4.58   $ 3.20  
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (9)
     
      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
    (000s) 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 9/30/2024 9/30/2023
    GAAP compensation and benefits $ 718,065   $ 613,287   $ 2,120,479   $ 1,880,144  
    As a percentage of net revenues   58.6 %   58.7 %   58.8 %   58.7 %
    Non-GAAP adjustments:        
    Merger-related (10)   (6,101 )   (7,171 )   (17,398 )   (22,947 )
    Restructuring and severance (11)   (1,261 )       (11,222 )    
    Total non-GAAP adjustments   (7,362 )   (7,171 )   (28,620 )   (22,947 )
    Non-GAAP compensation and benefits $ 710,703   $ 606,116   $ 2,091,859   $ 1,857,197  
    As a percentage of non-GAAP net revenues   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %
             
    GAAP non-compensation expenses $ 289,945   $ 322,335   $ 822,916   $ 821,724  
    As a percentage of net revenues   23.7 %   30.8 %   22.8 %   25.7 %
    Non-GAAP adjustments:        
    Merger-related (10)   (11,166 )   (6,623 )   (25,835 )   (23,380 )
    Non-GAAP non-compensation expenses $ 278,779   $ 315,712   $ 797,081   $ 798,344  
    As a percentage of non-GAAP net revenues   22.8 %   30.2 %   22.1 %   24.9 %
    Total adjustments $ 19,211   $ 13,771   $ 55,147   $ 46,301  
    Footnotes
     
    (1) Represents available to common shareholders.
    (2) Reconciliations of the Company’s GAAP results to these non-GAAP measures are discussed within and under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”
    (3) Non-GAAP pre-tax margin is calculated by adding total non-GAAP adjustments and dividing it by non-GAAP net revenues. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”
    (4) Return on average common equity (“ROCE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income applicable to common shareholders by average common shareholders’ equity or, in the case of non-GAAP ROCE, calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income applicable to commons shareholders by average common shareholders’ equity.
    (5) Return on average tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income applicable to common shareholders by average tangible shareholders’ equity or, in the case of non-GAAP ROTCE, calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income applicable to common shareholders by average tangible common equity. Tangible common equity, also a non-GAAP financial measure, equals total common shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets. Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets was $77.9 million and $67.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (6) Includes loans held for sale.
    (7) Tangible book value per common share represents shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred stock) divided by period end common shares outstanding. Tangible common shareholders’ equity equals total common shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets.
    (8) Capital ratios are estimates at time of the Company’s earnings release, October 23, 2024.
    (9) The Company prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Company may disclose certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the course of its earnings releases, earnings conference calls, financial presentations and otherwise. The Securities and Exchange Commission defines a “non-GAAP financial measure” as a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that is subject to adjustments that effectively exclude, or include, amounts from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company are provided as additional information to analysts, investors and other stakeholders in order to provide them with greater transparency about, or an alternative method for assessing the Company’s financial condition or operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for U.S. GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Whenever the Company refers to a non-GAAP financial measure, it will also define it or present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, along with a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure it references and such comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
    (10) Primarily related to charges attributable to integration-related activities, signing bonuses, amortization of restricted stock awards, debentures, and promissory notes issued as retention, additional earn-out expense, and amortization of intangible assets acquired. These costs were directly related to acquisitions of certain businesses and are not representative of the costs of running the Company’s on-going business.
    (11) The Company recorded severance costs associated with workforce reductions in certain of its foreign subsidiaries.
    (12) Primarily represents the Company’s effective tax rate for the period applied to the non-GAAP adjustments.

    Media Contact: Neil Shapiro (212) 271-3447 | Investor Contact: Joel Jeffrey (212) 271-3610 | http://www.stifel.com/investor-relations

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREAT NECK, N.Y., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOAN) (the “Company”) announced today that its net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $1,399,000, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share (based on approximately 11.4 million weighted-average outstanding common shares), as compared to approximately $1,446,000, or $0.13 per basic and diluted share (based on approximately 11.5 million weighted-average outstanding common shares), for the three months ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $47,000, or 3.3%. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in revenue, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense.

    Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024 were approximately $2,313,000 compared to approximately $2,434,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $121,000 or 5.0%. The decrease in revenue was due to a reduction in loans receivable, period over period, and reduced origination fees, which were impacted by a slowdown in new loan originations, partially offset by higher interest rates charged on the Company’s commercial loans. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, approximately $1,953,000 and $1,992,000, respectively, of the Company’s revenues were attributable to interest income on secured commercial loans that the Company offers to real estate investors, and approximately $360,000 and $441,000, respectively, of the Company’s revenues were attributable to origination fees on such loans. The loans are principally secured by collateral consisting of real estate and accompanied by personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers.

    Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was approximately $4,285,000, or $0.37 per basic and diluted share (based on approximately 11.4 million weighted-average outstanding common shares), as compared to approximately $4,128,000, or $0.36 per basic and diluted share (based on approximately 11.5 million weighted-average outstanding common shares) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $157,000, or 3.8%. This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in interest income from loans, partially offset by a decrease in origination fees.

    Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were approximately $7,330,000 compared to approximately $7,231,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $99,000, or 1.4%. The increase in revenue was due to higher interest rates charged on the Company’s commercial loans, partially offset by a reduction in loans receivable, period over period, and reduced origination fees, which were impacted by a slowdown in new loan originations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, revenues of approximately $6,128,000 and $5,889,000, respectively, were attributable to interest income on the secured commercial loans that the Company offers to real estate investors, and approximately $1,201,000 and $1,342,000, respectively, of the Company’s revenues were attributable to origination fees on such loans. The loans are principally secured by collateral consisting of real estate and accompanied by personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers.

    As of September 30, 2024, total stockholders’ equity was approximately $43,271,000.

    Assaf Ran, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated, “The recent 0.5% reduction of interest rate regenerated optimism among real estate investors. The burden of high interest started to take its toll on many of them and the pace of new deals during the third quarter declined. Therefore, we experienced a decline in initiation fees. Yet, since we have more deals in the pipeline, I hope to return to the previous pace soon.”

    About Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc.

    Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. offers short-term secured, non–banking loans (sometimes referred to as ‘‘hard money’’ loans) to real estate investors to fund their acquisition, renovation, rehabilitation or improvement of properties located in the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut, and in Florida. We operate the website: https://www.manhattanbridgecapital.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Manhattan Bridge Capital’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of the Company could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding future deals pipeline and the return to previous deal pace. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

    MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    Assets September 30, 2024
    (unaudited)
      December 31, 2023
    (audited)
    Loans receivable $ 68,711,438   $ 73,048,403
    Interest and other fees receivable on loans   1,536,643     1,395,905
    Cash   167,863     104,222
    Cash – restricted       1,587,773
    Other assets   99,180     63,636
    Right-of-use asset – operating lease, net   167,243     207,364
    Deferred financing costs, net   19,636     27,583
             Total assets $ 70,702,003   $ 76,434,886


    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    Liabilities:      
    Line of credit $ 19,170,268     $ 25,152,338  
    Senior secured notes (net of deferred financing costs of $115,756 and $172,069, respectively)   5,884,244       5,827,931  
    Deferred origination fees   618,812       719,019  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   211,786       295,292  
    Operating lease liability   180,529       220,527  
    Loan holdback   50,000        
    Dividends payable   1,315,445       1,287,073  
    Total liabilities   27,431,084       33,502,180  
    Commitments and contingencies      
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Preferred shares – $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued          
    Common shares – $.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 11,757,058 issued; 11,438,651 and 11,440,651 outstanding, respectively   11,757       11,757  
    Additional paid-in capital   45,558,674       45,548,876  
    Less: Treasury stock, at cost – 318,407 and 316,407 shares, respectively   (1,070,406 )     (1,060,606 )
    Accumulated deficit   (1,229,106 )     (1,567,321 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   43,270,919       42,932,706  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 70,702,003     $ 76,434,886  
    MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (unaudited)
      Three Months
    Ended September 30,
    Nine Months
    Ended September 30,
      2024 2023 2024 2023
    Revenue:
    Interest income from loans
    $ 1,952,957 $ 1,992,495 $ 6,128,131   $ 5,888,843  
    Origination fees   360,376   441,271   1,201,494     1,342,077  
    Total revenue   2,313,333   2,433,766   7,329,625     7,230,920  
             
    Operating costs and expenses:        
    Interest and amortization of deferred financing costs   537,218   614,389   1,831,037     1,856,079  
    Referral fees   847   361   1,847     1,652  
    General and administrative expenses   380,482   377,192   1,225,041     1,274,267  
    Total operating costs and expenses   918,547   991,942   3,057,925     3,131,998  
    Income from operations   1,394,786   1,441,824   4,271,700     4,098,922  
    Other income   4,500   4,500   13,500     29,380  
    Income before income tax expense   1,399,286   1,446,324   4,285,200     4,128,302  
    Income tax expense       (650 )   (650 )
    Net income $ 1,399,286 $ 1,446,324 $ 4,284,550   $ 4,127,652  
             
    Basic and diluted net income per common share outstanding:        
    –Basic $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $         0.37   $ 0.36  
    –Diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ 0.37   $ 0.36  
             
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding        
    –Basic   11,438,651   11,461,052   11,438,658     11,477,133  
    –Diluted   11,438,651   11,461,052   11,438,658     11,477,133  

    MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    (unaudited)

    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

      Common Shares Additional Paid in Capital Treasury Shares Accumulated Deficit Totals
      Shares Amount   Shares Cost    
    Balance, July 1, 2024 11,757,058 $11,757 $45,555,408 318,407 $(1,070,406 ) $(1,312,947 ) $43,183,812  
    Non-cash compensation       3,266         3,266  
    Dividends declared and payable             (1,315,445 )   (1,315,445 )
    Net income                                                                                           1,399,286     1,399,286  
    Balance, September 30, 2024 11,757,058 $11,757 $45,558,674 318,407 $(1,070,406 ) $(1,229,106 ) $ 43,270,919  

    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

      Common Shares Additional Paid in Capital Treasury Shares Accumulated Deficit Totals
      Shares Amount   Shares Cost    
    Balance, July 1, 2023 11,757,058 $ 11,757 $ 45,542,343 295,473 $ (963,745 ) $ (1,786,337 ) $ 42,804,018  
    Purchase of treasury shares       4,500   (20,885 )     (20,885 )
    Non-cash compensation       3,266         3,266  
    Dividends declared and payable             (1,288,753 )   (1,288,753 )
    Net income                                                                                     1,446,324     1,446,324  
    Balance, September 30, 2023 11,757,058 $ 11,757 $ 45,545,609 299,973 $ (984,630 ) $ (1,628,766 ) $ 42,943,970  

     

    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

      Common Shares Additional Paid in Capital Treasury Shares Accumulated Deficit Totals
      Shares Amount   Shares Cost    
    Balance, January 1, 2024 11,757,058 $ 11,757 $ 45,548,876 316,407 $ (1,060,606 ) $ (1,567,321 ) $ 42,932,706  
    Purchase of treasury shares       2,000   (9,800 )     (9,800 )
    Non-cash compensation       9,798         9,798  
    Dividends paid             (2,630,890 )   (2,630,890 )
    Dividends declared and payable             (1,315,445 )   (1,315,445 )
    Net income                                                                                             4,284,550     4,284,550  
    Balance, September 30, 2024 11,757,058 $ 11,757 $ 45,558,674 318,407 $ (1,070,406 ) $ (1,229,106 ) $ 43,270,919  

    FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

      Common Shares Additional Paid in Capital Treasury Shares Accumulated Deficit Totals
      Shares Amount   Shares Cost    
    Balance, January 1, 2023 11,757,058 $ 11,757 $ 45,535,811 262,113 $ (798,939 ) $ (1,885,056 ) $ 42,863,573  
    Purchase of treasury shares       37,860   (185,691 )     (185,691 )
    Non-cash compensation       9,798         9,798  
    Dividends paid             (2,582,609 )   (2,582,609 )
    Dividends declared and payable             (1,288,753 )   (1,288,753 )
    Net income                                                                                     4,127,652     4,127,652  
    Balance, September 30, 2023 11,757,058 $ 11,757 $ 45,545,609 299,973 $ (984,630 ) $ (1,628,766 ) $ 42,943,970  
    MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (unaudited)
        Nine Months
    Ended September 30,
          2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Net income   $                 4,284,550     $                 4,127,652  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities –        
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     66,427       71,449  
    Adjustment to right-of-use asset – operating lease and liability     121       1,636  
    Depreciation     3,480       3,001  
    Non-cash compensation expense     9,798       9,798  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
    Interest and other fees receivable on loans     (140,738 )     14,128  
    Other assets     (35,005 )     (38,381 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (83,505 )     (53,682 )
    Deferred origination fees     (100,207 )     1,167  
    Net cash provided by operating activities     4,004,921       4,136,768  
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Issuance of short-term loans     (29,362,922 )     (40,810,565 )
    Collections received from loans     33,749,887       44,512,989  
    Purchase of fixed assets     (4,018 )     (5,085 )
    Net cash provided by investing activities     4,382,947       3,697,339  
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Repayment of line of credit, net     (5,982,070 )     (3,561,140 )
    Dividends paid     (3,917,963 )     (4,019,478 )
    Purchase of treasury shares     (9,800 )     (185,691 )
    Deferred financing costs incurred     (2,167 )     (38,191 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (9,912,000 )     (7,804,500 )
             
    Net (decrease) increase in cash     (1,524,132 )     29,607  
    Cash and cash – restricted, beginning of period*     1,691,995       103,540  
    Cash, end of period   $ 167,863     $ 133,147  
             
    Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:        
    Cash paid during the period for taxes   $ 650     $ 650  
    Cash paid during the period for interest   $ 1,816,980     $ 1,797,254  
    Cash paid during the period for operating leases   $ 47,779     $ 47,822  
             
    Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Financing Activities:                
    Dividend declared and payable   $ 1,315,445     $ 1,288,753  
    Loan holdback relating to mortgage receivable   $ 50,000     $  

    *At December 31, 2023, cash and restricted cash consisted of $1,587,773 of restricted cash.

    Contact:
    Assaf Ran, CEO
    Vanessa Kao, CFO
    (516) 444-3400
    SOURCE: Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Make it a compassionate Christmas with Amnesty’s new retail range

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Shop for Christmas gifts that support defending human rights 

    Hundreds of products mean sustainable and ethical shopping couldn’t be easier 

    ‘A gift from the Amnesty festive range works as a present two-fold, as every purchase help us continue defending human rights and fighting atrocities around the globe’ – Sacha Deshmukh 

    Samples and high-res images available 

    Amnesty International UK has launched its Christmas catalogue with hundreds of ethically sourced and imaginative gift ideas that will delight recipients and support communities around the world. 

    Shoppers can choose from a wide range of sustainable, festive cards with each set of ten featuring the message inside of ‘Season’s Greetings’ in nine different languages – Russian, Chinese, Irish, Scots Gaelic, English, Welsh, Arabic, French and Spanish.  

    For those who want to impress an interior-design aficionado in their life, there are dazzling décor options from patchwork kantha throws, recycled sari hanging wreaths to Chara hammered vases, which have been handmade in India. 

    For friends and family who enjoy seasonal snacks there are tantalising treats to be snapped up from chocolates and fudge to spicy sauces.  And for the lovers of kitchen kits and culinary curios, options include beautiful recycled Izaan spice jars, tea-towels emblazoned with powerful prints and charming handmade bread baskets, handwoven in Vietnam using water hyacinth. 

    Amnesty is also showcasing their own range of handmade bath and body care for those who deserve a little luxury, with options of wellbeing gift sets, vegan lip balms and natural soaps. 

    Gift-grabbers can also peruse garden gifts for the green-fingered, the stunning collection of elegant fairtrade jewellery, children’s toys, gifts and organic cotton clothing and a cosy range of knitwear – seasonal socks included, of course! 

    Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said: 

    “A gift from the Amnesty Christmas range works as a present two-fold, as every purchase helps us continue defending human rights and fighting atrocities around the globe. 

    “The unique and beautiful products featured provide much-needed support to the incredible craft-makers and will connect the lucky recipients to global communities from their home.” 

    With prices to suit all shoppers, more highlights from the 2024 catalogue include: 

    Guatemalan Christmas Angel: A charming and unique tree decoration. 

    The World in your Kitchen 2025 Calendar: Every month features a new vegetarian recipe accompanied by a beautiful illustration. 

    Gaza collection: Tote bags, T-shirts and candles created by Aya Mobaydeen, an illustrator from Amman, Jordan, in collaboration with Amnesty. 

    These Rights are your Rights: With a foreword by Angelina Jolie, this paperback guide to child rights is packed with fun facts, top tips, comic illustrations by Sue Cheung and inspiring stories of young activists from around the world. 

    Virtual gifts:   For minimum fuss and maximum impact, money raised from Amnesty’s virtual gifts will be used wherever its needed most, from responding to crisis and conflict, campaigning for refugee rights, or educating the next generation of leaders and change makers. Shoppers can choose either e-card or traditional greeting card’ 

    Products can be purchased online, by phone or by post. Free packaging and posting is available on all orders over £75. 

    For more information, please visit: https://amnestyshop.org.uk/ 

     

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swedish Minister for Health Care and Ukrainian Minister of Health sign agreement on continued support to Ukraine’s path to the EU and its health care

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Health Care Acko Ankarberg Johansson and Ukrainian Minister of Health Viktor Liashko have signed a technical agreement between Sweden and Ukraine. The aim is to intensify cooperation and advance Ukraine’s process of integration into the EU. Ms Ankarberg Johansson also visited several care facilities in Kyiv, including the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital that Russia attacked in July.

    “The Government has made clear that Swedish support to Ukraine will continue for as long as necessary. This includes the area of health care, which is an essential part of the country’s resilience and reforms. For me it was important to be here on the ground and show my support and that of the entire Government to the war-affected country,” said Ms Ankarberg Johansson.

    The agreement covers matters such as cooperation on transfer of knowledge to healthcare staff, efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and exchange of experience of rehabilitation for Ukrainians affected by the war. It also covers cooperation and capacity-building aimed at supporting reforms that are required for EU integration in areas such as medicines.

    The ministers signed the agreement at Ukraine’s Ministry of Health. It builds on earlier agreements between the countries.

    Ukrainian translation of Swedish handbook on spinal cord injury

    Ms Ankarberg Johansson visited a hospital in Kyiv, where Spinalis Foundation co-founder Professor Claes Hultling presented the Ukrainian translation of the Foundation’s handbook A new page of life with spinal cord injury. Speakers during the presentation included First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, Mr Liashko, Ms Ankarberg Johansson and Professor Hultling.

    The Spinalis Foundation promotes research and rehabilitation of spinal injuries. 

    During the visit in Kyiv, Spinalis concluded an agreement on international medical partnership with the Rivne Regional Hospital for Veterans of War.

    Visit to bombed children’s hospital

    Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, Okhmatdyt, is located in Kyiv. It was the target of a Russian missile attack on 8 July 2024, and a major portion of the hospital was destroyed in the attack and is in need of reconstruction. Ms Ankarberg Johansson was given a tour of the destruction and met with patients at the hospital.

    The Government has provided nearly SEK 10 million in support to help rebuild the children’s hospital. This support goes to the volunteer organisation Beredskapslyftet, which together with Astrid Lindgren’s Children’s Hospital at Karolinska University Hospital initiated the project and is responsible for purchasing equipment.

    Following the attack, the Government decided to provide immediate humanitarian aid, which was channelled via the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and distributed directly to the affected children and their families.

    Ms Ankarberg Johansson’s visit to Kyiv took place on 15–16 October. During her stay, she also visited a primary care clinic in Makariv that was rebuilt following an attack in March 2022 and met with injured soldiers who had undergone surgical reconstruction at a military hospital. Ms Ankarberg Johansson later stopped by the pharmaceutical company Farmak and attended the conference ‘European Integration of Ukraine: Healthcare’ to deliver an opening address.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to MHRA and NICE news on donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on MHRA saying ‘Donanemab licensed for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in some adults’, and NICE draft guidance saying ‘Donanemab does not currently demonstrate value for the NHS’.

    Prof Andrew Doig, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Manchester, said

    “Donanemab is a new drug for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) which tackles the build-up of a form of amyloid-β in the brain, the likely root cause of AD. It is an antibody that is administered through a needle inserted into a vein. Donanemab was tested with a clinical trial on about 2000 people with early-stage AD, run over 18 months.

    “Donanemab shows real benefit to patients with mild AD by slowing down cognitive decline. The benefits are small, however, and there are concerns with the drug. Firstly, donanemab is not a cure for AD and it does not reverse, or even halt, the disease. All it does is to slow down the rate at which the disease progresses, as measured by loss of memory and other cognitive skills. In effect, patients who take donanemab see a delay to their loss of brain function by around six months. Secondly, carrying out a diagnosis to see who is eligible to take donanemab can only be carried out by a PET scan, similar an MRI scan, or by analysing cerebrospinal fluid, carried out by a lumbar puncture. These diagnosis methods are expensive and can be unpleasant for patients, so are not routinely available. Genetic tests to check that a patient is eligible for the drug are also useful. Thirdly, there is a small, but real risk, that donanemab can cause swelling or bleeding in the brain. About a quarter of patients in the trial showed evidence of this. Finally, the cost of the drug is very high, as is the cost of administering the drugs, as it requires regular MRI scans. Given the small benefits and high costs of the drug, NICE has not approved donanemab. NHS resources are limited (e.g. MRI machines) and are better spent elsewhere.

    “This decision will be disappointing for patients and carers who are living with the burden of this horrible disease that has no cure. Nevertheless, there is hope. Better diagnostic methods are in development, such as a simple blood test, which would mean that PET scans or lumbar punctures are not needed. Donanemab has not been ruled out forever and this decision could change. We will continue to track how well it works over longer time periods. Costs may also come down. In addition, many other AD therapies, such as other antibodies are on the way. Some of them are likely to work better than donanemab and could be approved.

    “Donanemab and other related drugs have shown that it is possible to slow cognitive decline caused by AD. They therefore point the way to a future where AD can be treated, bringing benefit to millions of people.”

     

    Prof B. Paul Morgan, UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, said:

    “NICE has reached the decision that the Alzheimer’s drug Donanemab, despite having a modest effect on rate of disease progression, does not clear the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness hurdles for approval for use in the NHS.  The drug requires monthly infusions and carries significant risk of side effects, necessitating very close monitoring using imaging and other expensive tests.

    “The decision is not surprising in that it closely mirrors that made for another Alzheimer’s drug, Lecanemab, in August.  Both drugs are monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid, the main component of the plaques that develop in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. They differ subtly in that Lecanemab targets the soluble form of amyloid to prevent plaque formation while Donanemab targets amyloid aggregates in plaques. Nevertheless, both efficiently clear amyloid and have a similar slowing effect on progression of cognitive decline in patients. Both also share the same risks, notably an increase in inflammation in brain blood vessels that can lead to bleeding in the brain. 

    “The decision will be a disappointment to Alzheimer’s sufferers and their carers. It means that there are no disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer’s currently approved in the UK. The decision also highlights the problems with the amyloid-targeting drugs – eye-wateringly expensive, difficult to administer and potentially harmful. Balancing these against a modest impact on the disease, the decision made by NICE is understandable.  These drugs are already in use in the US and elsewhere, albeit at lower than predicted uptake, and more will be learned from their wider use.  In particular, improvements in patient selection and monitoring may tip the balance in the future.

    “The final lesson from these disappointments is that we need better drugs for Alzheimer’s disease, moving beyond the focus on amyloid clearance and targeting other aspects of the disease that may provide better, safer and affordable routes to effective therapy of this awful disease.”

     

    Prof Rob Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, University College London (UCL), said:

    “NICE have made the correct and responsible decision that donanemab treatment within the NHS cannot be considered to represent a cost-effective use of resources. Importantly, the estimated potential value-based benefits of donanemab to patients with dementia and their families were between only a fifth and a sixth of the actual costs of buying and administering the treatment.

    “Although there is considerable uncertainty about both the meaningfulness of the very small benefits seen with treatment and any longer term effects beyond the 18 months of data collected in the pivotal trials, NHS access to these new drugs would not have made an appreciable difference to the experience of patients and families affected by dementia. 

    We have well-established drug treatments and psychosocial interventions for Alzheimer’s disease that are already available to people with dementia within the NHS but are not universally accessed. Our priority now should be to ensure that everyone with dementia who might benefit from these cost-effective interventions and adequately resourced adult social care services is able to access them. It would be unhelpful if the conversation about how we adequately fund NHS and social care for people with dementia was distracted by the issue of these new drugs. We should thank NICE for their leadership and clarity in this regard.”

     

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 

    “These first drugs are just the opening chapter for Alzheimer’s treatments. Today’s MHRA approval of donanemab is another step towards a future where we can begin to offer treatments to people affected by dementia. In this case, NICE’s initial recommendation is that the benefits of the drug are not significant enough to make it cost effective, which means it will not be available to patients on the NHS. This will be disappointing to many. However, I do believe we are at a pivotal moment in our research mission to develop better, safer treatments.

    “This is a long journey and is only possible because of long-term investment in research that underpins the identification and development of new treatments. The MRC-funded UK Dementia Research Institute is at the forefront of research into dementias, and working together with our many partners from patient charities, leading UK universities, the NHS and industry we are hopeful that major advances in diagnostics and treatments are ahead of us.”

     

    Prof Charles Marshall, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), said:

    “This will be very disappointing news for people affected by Alzheimer’s who are desperate for something that can slow the course of the disease. Hopefully, future developments will allow the introduction of treatments like this in the NHS. For this we will need investment in modernised dementia clinics that can deliver diagnosis and treatment appropriately, as well as evidence that Donanemab continues to slow Alzheimer’s disease over a longer time period, which could make it cost effective. We need NHS patients to be involved in generating this evidence so that we can see how effective Donanemab might be if used widely in the UK.”

     

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “While people living with dementia and their loved ones will undoubtedly be disappointed by the decision not to fund this new treatment on the NHS, the good news that new treatments can slow disease even a small amount is hopeful.  New research is bringing us closer to treatments that should be safer and more effective. This decision on the amyloid targeting drug donanemab is not a surprise as it is consistent with the recent recommendations for lecanemab, a very similar drug.  Donanemab is an antibody that removes amyloid pathology from the brain. This is not a cure. The treatment slows disease progression modestly but does not stop or reverse symptoms.  The treatment also comes with potentially serious side effects of brain swelling and brain bleeding.”

     

    Prof Tom Dening, Professor of Dementia Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, said:

    “Given the MHRA and NICE positions previously stated on lecanemab, these decisions in relation to donanemab are hardly surprising. My personal position stands more with NICE, because I think that we don’t do enough to support people with dementia after they get a diagnosis, and the expensive monoclonal antibodies are a bit of a distraction from the main issue, which is to help people live the best lives they can with the diagnosis.”

    Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: 

    “Disease-modifying therapies like donanemab and lecanemab offer a new horizon of hope in the fight against dementia. MHRA’s approval of donanemab marks another milestone in this journey, but it comes alongside a draft NICE decision not to recommend donanemab for use on the NHS. While this is disheartening, we respect the decision of the regulator. 

    “In other diseases like cancer, treatments have become more effective, safer and cheaper over time and we hope to see similar progress in dementia. 

    “With around 20 Alzheimer’s disease drugs in late-stage clinical trials, more drugs will be submitted for approval within the next few years. 

    “New treatments are an important catalyst for change, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. While preparing for the future, we must not lose sight of the million people living with dementia in the UK today – a third of whom don’t have a diagnosis. 

    “We need to see significant government investment to bring about radical change so that everyone with dementia in the UK can get an early and accurate diagnosis. Without this, people won’t be able to access existing treatments and interventions to help manage their symptoms today or be ready for the disease slowing treatments of tomorrow.” 

     

    Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

    “Today’s announcement marks another frustrating setback for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. We finally have two new treatments licensed in Britain for Alzheimer’s, but it’s incredibly disappointing that NHS patients in England and Wales won’t receive them. While these drugs are not cures and come with risk of side effects, trials show they are the first treatments to slow the decline in memory and thinking skills linked to Alzheimer’s, rather than just alleviating symptoms.

    “NICE’s recent interim decisions on lecanemab and donanemab highlight uncertainty about their benefits compared to the significant costs of delivering them in the NHS. Yet dementia remains the UK’s leading cause of death, and without action, an ageing population means more families will be affected, driving up NHS costs through emergency admissions and care.

    “NHS England has identified nearly 30 other dementia treatments that could be available by 2030, giving the government and NHS a crucial opportunity to transform how dementia is treated – just as Labour pledged in their manifesto. But we still haven’t heard from Health Secretary Wes Streeting on how he plans to break the deadlock we’re facing, where research is delivering new treatments but they remain out of reach for NHS patients. We’ve written to the Health Secretary again, calling for his leadership to bring together NICE, NHS England and industry so that people with dementia in the UK aren’t left behind.

    “Today’s decision also risks signalling that the UK is no longer a good place to launch new dementia treatments. Although the UK has a strong history in dementia research, it currently hosts just 7% of global dementia trials and under 3% of participants in phase 3 trials for dementia worldwide live here. How the government tackles these challenges will show if they’re serious about bringing innovation to the NHS and cutting the red tape that is limiting people’s access to research and innovative medicines.”

    MHRA decision and NICE draft guidance on donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease was published at 10:00am UK time Wednesday 22nd October 2024. 

    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta11221

    Declared interests

    Prof Andrew Doig: Andrew Doig is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Manchester. He is a founder and director of PharmaKure, a spin-out company working on diagnostics and drugs for Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

    Prof Rob Howard: I don’t have any relevant CoIs.

    Prof Charles Marshall: I have no relevant conflicts to declare.

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran: Siddharthan is the academic lead of Neurii, a £5M partnership to deliver patient focused digital health solutions for dementia, part funded by Eisai. The UK Dementia Research Institute holds partnerships with charities (BHF, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and LifeArc), and industry (Lilly, Eisai, Astex, SPARC and Ono).

    Hilary Evans-Newton No COI.

    Prof Tom Dening: No COI.

    Professor Fiona Carragher: No conflicts of interest.

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones: I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bashneft planted almost 750 thousand trees

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Bashneft, a Rosneft company, planted 748 thousand trees on an area of over 200 hectares in 2024. This is 45% more than the same indicator last year. The plantings took place in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

    Preserving the environment for future generations is an integral part of Rosneft’s corporate culture. The company implements large-scale environmental programs aimed at minimizing the impact on the environment, improving the environmental friendliness of production, preserving and replenishing natural ecosystems.

    Bashneft employees carried out landscaping of the territories in two stages: in the spring they planted 158 thousand trees on an area of 37 hectares, in the fall – 590 thousand seedlings on an area of 164 hectares.

    One of the key environmental actions this year was the planting of 24 thousand seedlings by employees of Bashneft-Dobycha (a subsidiary of Bashneft) in the Asly-Kul nature park in the Davlekanovsky district of Bashkiria. This is a continuation of a large-scale program aimed at preventing the swamping of Aslikul, the largest lake in Bashkortostan. Last fall, Bashkir oil workers began restoring the forest around the northwestern part of the reservoir. In total, the company’s employees planted 68 thousand pine seedlings and 10 thousand larch seedlings in this nature park, resulting in three forest areas with a total area of 19.5 hectares.

    Experts from the Biology Research Center of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences believe that the creation of a coniferous forest in the northwestern part of Lake Aslikul will help stop the process of swamping of the banks and preserve the reservoir for future generations.

    In just the last 5 years, thanks to the initiatives of Bashkir oil workers, more than 5.2 million trees have been planted on an area of over 1.5 thousand hectares. Young green areas will soon form full-fledged coniferous forests, which will contribute to the restoration and preservation of the ecological balance.

    Reference:

    PJSC ANK Bashneft is one of the oldest enterprises in the country’s oil and gas industry, which is engaged in oil production, processing and marketing. Bashneft’s key assets, including an oil refining and petrochemical complex, are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Bashneft also conducts oil exploration and production in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Perm Krai, Orenburg Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 23, 2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Rose Announces Changes to Senior District Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rose (TN-06)

    COOKEVILLE, TN—Today, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-06) announced two key changes to his Tennessee staff. Ray Render, who has served as Deputy District Director since 2019, has been promoted to District Director. Rep. Rose is also pleased to welcome back Leah Grider to the team as Deputy Chief of Staff.

    Rep. Rose released the following statement:

    Ray Render and Leah Grider have shown up for the good people of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District every day since joining my team,” Rep. Rose said.They both reflect the best of Tennessee, and I have no doubt they will continue to work diligently to meet the needs of our constituents, from East Nashville to East Tennessee.”

    About Ray Render

    Ray Render was born and raised in Madison, Tennessee, where he graduated from Madison High School in 1985. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1989. In 1993, he completed a Master of Business Administration from Belmont University.

    Following a long career at Bridgestone, Ray took on the role of Deputy District Director for Rep. Rose in 2019. At that time, he served those living in the western counties of Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District, including Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson. In 2023, when a significant section of eastern Davidson County was added to the 6th district and Robertson County was removed from the district due to redistricting by the state legislature, he ensured relationships with all new stakeholders were formed. From Madison to Lebanon to Gallatin, Ray is known by local elected officials, business owners, civic leaders, and other constituents as someone who can be counted on to help. 

    Ray’s community involvement extends far beyond his official duties. In fact, his dedication to service earned him the of title of 2023 Wilsonian of the Year. He is involved with Leadership Wilson, Leadership Middle Tennessee, Wilson Rides, Habitat for Humanity, Compassionate Hands and Various Chambers of Commerce. Most recently, Ray served as president of the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club.

    About Leah Grider

    Grider, a Smith County native, spent more than four years serving the 6th District from the Washington, D.C. office. Her new role for Team Rose will be based in Tennessee, primarily serving counties on the eastern end of the district, including Cumberland, Putnam, Fentress Pickett, and Scott. 

    Leah was raised in Carthage and is a graduate of Smith County High School. She is also an alumna of Tennessee Technological University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting.

    Prior to her work with Representative Rose, Bane worked as an Economic Development Planner for the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD), where she collaborated with elected officials, key stakeholders and community leaders from across Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District in both banking and economic development job roles.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.209 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.209 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 23, 2024)

    In order to offset the impact of factors such as the open market reverse repo maturity and tax periods, and to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB792.7 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on October 23, 2024.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Volume

    Rate

    7 days

    RMB792.7 billion

    1.50%

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月23日

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: UP Fintech Announces Pricing of Follow-on Public Offering of American Depositary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UP Fintech Holding Limited (Nasdaq: TIGR) (“UP Fintech” or the “Company”), a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors, today announced the pricing of a public offering of 15,000,000 American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing 15 Class A ordinary shares of the Company, at a public offering price of US$6.25 per ADS. The underwriters will have an option to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,250,000 additional ADSs from the Company at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, exercisable within 20 days from the date of the prospectus supplement.

    The ADS offering is expected to close on October 24, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

    The Company expects to use the net proceeds of approximately US$90.0 million from the ADS offering for strengthening the Company’s capital base and furthering the Company’s business development initiatives.

    Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited and US Tiger Securities, Inc. are acting as the joint bookrunners for the proposed ADS offering.

    The ADS offering has been made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The ADS offering has been made only by means of a prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus included in the Form F-3. The Form F-3 and the prospectus supplement are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The final prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained by contacting Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, Level 60, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong; China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited 29/F, One International Finance Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong; or, US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10022, United States of America.

    This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About UP Fintech Holding Limited

    UP Fintech Holding Limited is a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. The Company’s proprietary mobile and online trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. The Company offers innovative products and services as well as a superior user experience to customers through its “mobile first” strategy, which enables it to better serve and retain current customers as well as attract new ones. The Company offers customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, IPO subscription, ESOP management, investor education, community discussion and customer support. The Company’s proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses.

    For more information on the Company, please visit: https://ir.itigerup.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “aim,” “likely to,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements or expressions. Among other statements, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, the Company’s strategic and operational plans and expectations regarding growth and expansion of its business lines, and the Company’s plans for future financing of its business contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties, including the earnings conference call. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s ability to effectively implement its growth strategies; trends and competition in global financial markets; changes in the Company’s revenues and certain cost or expense accounting policies; and governmental policies and regulations affecting the Company’s industry and general economic conditions in China, Singapore and other countries. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 22, 2024. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

    For investor and media inquiries please contact:

    Investor Relations Contact
    UP Fintech Holding Limited
    Email: ir@itiger.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Landsbankinn hf.: Financial results of Landsbankinn for the first nine months of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Landsbankinn’s after-tax profit in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to ISK 26.9 billion, ISK 10.8 billion thereof in the third quarter.
    • Return on equity (ROE) was 11.7%, compared with 10.5% for the same period the previous year.
    • The net interest margin was 2.9% and the net interest margin of domestic households rises from 2% to 2.1% due to higher reserve requirements.
    • Net interest income amounted to ISK 44.1 billion and net fee & commission income was ISK 8.1 billion.
    • Net impairments were negative by ISK 2.0 billion, largely attributable to uncertainty about the financial impact of natural disaster on the Reykjanes peninsula.
    • The cost-income ratio was 32.3%, compared with 34.6% in the same period of 2023.
    • The total capital ratio was 24.1% at the end of the period. The total capital requirement of the Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) of the Central Bank of Iceland is 20.4%.
    • In September, the FSA published the results of its assessment, finding that Landsbankinn is eligible to control a qualifying holding in TM tryggingar hf. (TM). The conclusion of the Icelandic Competition Authority in the same case is pending.

    Lilja Björk Einarsdóttir, CEO of Landsbankinn:

    “These results reflect sound operation and growing activity. The Bank is advancing in all areas and fee and commission income is robust in line with our focus on adding services and growing our market share. On-going development of Landsbankinn’s app and new features are clearly translating into increased use, not least among young customers. We see this in pension savings, for example, where growth in supplementary pension agreements with young people has reached 17.3% since the feature was added to the app. 

    While use of our digital solutions continues to grow, customers are still active in visiting the Bank to seek advice and other services offered in our branches and Customer Service Centre. We operate 35 branches and outlets around Iceland and are always happy to see our customers – in the past quarter, around 85,000 visits were logged with cashiers and advisors. We emphasise initiative in our customer relations and mortgage holders with the Bank, whose mortgages were nearing the end of a fixed-rate term, received a call from the Bank and a consultation offer.

    In recent years, higher interest rates have resulted in good returns on the Bank’s liquid assets yet also made funding more costly, especially with higher deposit rates which customers enjoy in the form of improved return on their savings. As an example, the most favourable deposit rates the Bank currently offers corporates are 8.64% on an annualised basis. The Bank’s net interest margin has narrowed since the previous quarter and the interest margin of households, which is the difference between non-indexed mortgage rates and interest on non-fixed term savings, is currently 2.1%.

    Robust lending growth this year to date has been somewhat surprising in light of high interest rate levels but funding to meet this increase has been successful, and delinquencies remain low. The Bank’s loan book has grown by ISK 155 billion, or 9.5%. Of the total, loans to retail customers represent ISK 53.6 billion, almost all in the form of mortgages. Because of increased demand for inflation-indexed mortgages and higher funding terms on indexed bonds, we have changed the availability of indexed mortgages to, among other things, reduce demand. We continue to offer the best terms among the domestic banks but now only offer equal payment mortgages to first-time buyers. While monthly payments will be higher for those who select indexed loans, asset formation will also be quicker. This allowed us to keep interest rate hikes moderate and we are of the opinion that this change is more positive for the majority of our customers.

    A recent green issuance in the amount of EUR 300 million was very successful, achieving the most favourable terms any Icelandic bank has gotten in quite some while. Part of the proceeds from the issuance will be allocated to repay older bonds issued at even more favourable terms so that the net impact is slightly higher funding cost for the Bank.

    We await the conclusion of the Icelandic Competition Authority in the matter of the Bank’s purchase of TM. In the interim, there are rules that limit communication between the companies. If the conclusion is positive, the Bank will finalise the purchase without delay and the project can get off to a full start. With the Bank’s purchase of TM, our aim is to offer customers even better and varied service through all our service channels.”

    Landsbankinn’s financial calendar

    • Annual results 2024 30 January 2025 
    • Annual General Meeting 19 March 2025
    • Q1 2025 30 April 2025
    • Q2 2025 17 July 2025
    • Q3 2025 23 October 2025
    • Annual results 2025 29 January 2026

    For further information contact:

    Public Relations, pr@landsbankinn.is

    Investor Relations, ir@landsbankinn.is

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: EBC Financial Group and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics Announce WERD Episode on Macroeconomics and Climate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OXFORD, United Kingdom, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC) is proud to announce its continued collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics for the 2024-2025 edition of the acclaimed “What Economists Really Do” (WERD) webinar series. The upcoming event will be the first WERD event to feature a dedicated panel discussion session in a hybrid setting, titled “Sustaining Sustainability: Balancing Economic Growth and Climate Resilience”. It also marks the second collaboration between EBC and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics this year, following an earlier success in March. EBC’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics builds on the success of their previous WERD webinar, which focused on The Economics of Tax Evasion. That session explored the impact of tax evasion on both global and local economies, highlighting the importance of financial literacy in addressing complex economic issues.

    The hybrid event will take place on 14 November 2024 at the Sir Michael Dummett Lecture Theatre, Christ Church College, and will bring together prominent thought leaders to discuss the intersection of economic policies and environmental sustainability.

    As global climate challenges intensify, this event comes at a critical time when the financial sector’s role in fostering sustainable development is under increased scrutiny. In today’s economic landscape, aligning financial strategies with environmental stewardship is essential. Through sponsoring this upcoming WERD episode, EBC will shift its focus toward addressing the pressing issues of climate resilience and sustainable economic growth. The panel discussion will explore how macroeconomic policies can help address some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges while ensuring economic stability. This timely dialogue underscores EBC’s commitment to fostering discussions on how financial markets can lead the charge in sustainability.

    David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration: “We are excited to partner once more with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics for the second episode of the ‘What Economists Really Do’ webinar series for the 2024-2025 edition. This collaboration embodies our commitment to advancing academic research and addressing the pressing issue of climate change through macroeconomic perspectives. At EBC Financial Group, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change, and we are proud to support such an esteemed partner in a collective mission to shape a more sustainable future.”

    Banu Demir Pakel, session moderator and the Associate Head of External Engagement and Associate Professor of Economics, added: “We are pleased to welcome EBC Financial Group back to sponsor another special episode of ‘What Economists Really Do’ (WERD). In the previous WERD episode, we welcomed David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd to discuss ‘The Economics of Tax Evasion’—proving how invaluable industry insights can be to an academic discussion. On the basis of this success, we are looking forward to hosting a larger hybrid panel event with further guests from the industry, plus a keynote lecture from Professor Andrea Chiavari on the topic of ‘Macroeconomics and Climate.’ The Department of Economics is proud to facilitate thought-leadership discussions between academia and industry, and we are grateful for EBC’s ongoing support. We look forward to a prosperous event.”

    The University of Oxford’s Department of Economics is globally celebrated for its rigorous academic research and significant contributions to economic policy. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how macroeconomic principles can align with sustainable growth objectives, informed by perspectives from both academia and the financial sector. With discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice, this event will provide a forward-looking view of how economic policies can uplift environmental resilience and ensure global economic stability. Participants will also hear from industry leaders about the practical steps businesses and institutions can and are taking to achieve sustainable growth.

    Embracing a Broader Vision of Sustainable Development
    EBC Financial Group’s support for this initiative comes at a time of strategic global expansion. With a growing presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and India, EBC is committed to empowering local markets with financial solutions that are both robust and sustainable. By engaging with leading academic institutions like the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics, EBC aims to strengthen its role as a catalyst for positive change in regions that are traditionally underserved by major financial institutions.

    The proceeds from this year’s WERD event will support the Department and its goal to produce leading research and world-class education. Registration for the event is now open, offering both in-person and online access to accommodate a global audience. To reserve your spot, please visit this link.

    About EBC Financial Group
    Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. EBC has quickly established its position as a global brokerage firm, with an extensive presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, and across emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and India. EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

    Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group’s subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

    At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

    EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the ‘What Economists Really Do’ public engagement series by Oxford University’s Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.

    https://www.ebc.com/

    Media Contact:

    Savitha Ravindran
    Global Public Relations Manager (EMEA, LATAM)
    savitha.ravindran@ebc.com  

    Chyna Elvina
    Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
    chyna.elvina@ebc.com

    Douglas Chew
    Global Public Relations Lead
    douglas.chew@ebc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aaaa905a-4c02-44a0-bf7d-b8be3dec4b36

    The MIL Network