Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Integration between Public and Private sectors is crucial to future growth, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Integration between Public and Private sectors is crucial to future growth, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

    AI and BharatGen: Paving the Way for Inclusive Digital Transformation in India

    National Learning Week Session Emphasizes Collaborative Approach to Transform India’s Technological Landscape

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Integration between Public and Private sectors is crucial to future growth, emphasized Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in a pivotal session during the National Learning Week, jointly organized for all level of employees of all the Science Ministries and Departments.

     

    The Union Minister highlighted how the convergence of public sector requirements, private sector innovations, and government efforts is shaping the next phase of technological advancement in the country. Referring to BharatGen, India’s indigenously developed large language model (LLM), and the growing role of AI in governance, Dr.Jitendra Singh stressed that such collaborative efforts are vital to drive innovation, improve public service delivery, and ensure India remains competitive in the global AI landscape. The Minister noted that harnessing private sector expertise, combined with government initiatives like BharatGen and AI applications, will pave the way for scalable, inclusive, and efficient solutions for the nation’s diverse needs.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh further highlighted that the government’s role in this integration is to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, supports startups, and ensures that technological advancements align with national priorities. “When public demands meet private sector creativity, and government policies facilitate growth, we can achieve scalable and sustainable solutions that benefit the entire country,” the Minister stated. He praised the ongoing collaboration between the public sector and private enterprises in areas like AI and LLMs, which are vital for India’s competitive edge in the global tech landscape.

    The session also saw participation from Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Abhay Karandikar, Secretary Biotechnology Dr Rajesh Gokhale and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr.M.Ravindran, who echoed Dr.Jitendra Singh’s views on the need for a united approach to ensure sustainable growth and innovation across sectors.

    BharatGen, an indigenously developed large language model (LLM) tailored for Indian languages, was the focal point of a session organized for employees of the Science Ministries as part of the National Learning Week. The session delved into the practical applications of BharatGen across various sectors, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize public service delivery and enhance citizen engagement. By using India-centric data, BharatGen can generate high-quality text and speech outputs in multiple Indian languages, making it a key tool for promoting digital inclusion in the country.

    Experts highlighted how BharatGen can be applied to sectors such as governance, healthcare, and education, helping bridge linguistic gaps and making digital services accessible to a larger segment of India’s population. The model’s ability to understand and respond in regional languages ensures that AI technology is not limited to English speakers, providing a more personalized experience for users. BharatGen’s applications can range from AI-driven customer support for government services to real-time translations and speech-to-text functionalities.

    One of the key takeaways from the session was BharatGen’s role in promoting India’s technological independence. Unlike global AI models, BharatGen prioritizes Indian languages and cultural contexts, addressing the unique challenges faced by the country. This AI model aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that India retains control over its digital resources while empowering startups, industries, and public institutions to build on the BharatGen framework for various innovations.

     

    In a dedicated session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) during National Learning Week, employees from the Science Ministries were introduced to the transformative potential of AI in governance and public service delivery. The session highlighted how AI could be used to improve decision-making processes, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance citizen-centric services. By leveraging AI technologies, government departments can increase efficiency, reduce human error, and create more responsive systems to meet the evolving needs of the public.

    The session emphasized the ethical and responsible use of AI, particularly in safeguarding data privacy and maintaining transparency in government functions. Experts outlined the importance of developing AI frameworks that ensure fairness and accountability, particularly when dealing with sensitive data in sectors such as healthcare and governance. Participants were encouraged to explore AI applications in areas like predictive analysis for policy-making and automating routine tasks to focus on more strategic issues.

    A key highlight of the session was the importance of building AI models suited to India’s unique requirements. By focusing on regional languages and culturally relevant contexts, AI can better serve India’s diverse population. The participants were urged to continuously upgrade their AI skills, ensuring that India remains competitive globally while fostering innovation and inclusivity in public services.

    Concluding the session, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, emphasizing that such collaborations are not just beneficial but necessary for India’s long-term growth. He expressed confidence that with sustained efforts and a shared vision, India will continue to lead in technological advancements that are both inclusive and forward-looking.

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    NKR/KS/AG

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Railways taking proactive measures to Minimize Cyclone Impact: Relief Operations, Passenger Safety, and Infrastructure Restoration in Focus

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Railways

    Railways taking proactive measures to Minimize Cyclone Impact: Relief Operations, Passenger Safety, and Infrastructure Restoration in Focus

    9 war rooms being established across 2 states to promptly restore rail services amid red alert along east coast

    Adequate arrangements including food and water in place at key stations to mitigate the impact of high wind force

    ‘Ensure maximum preparedness with minimal disruption’: Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, while reviewing preparedness to deal with ‘Dana’ cyclone

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 6:41PM by PIB Delhi

    In view of the severe cyclone ‘Dana’ likely to hit the coasts of Odisha & West Bengal, a high level meeting was conducted in the Ministry of Railways in which preparedness by the concerned Zonal Railways i.e East Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway was reviewed. The High level meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Railways Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, all Board Members, General Managers of East Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway, Divisional Railway Managers of Kharagpur, Chakradharpur, Adra and Khurda Road had participated. The Minister for Railways instructed to ensure maximum preparedness with minimal disruption. He also advised that care must be taken to ensure minimum inconvenience to passengers.

    In the meeting, the General Managers of East Coast Railway & South Eastern Railway provided the details regarding preparedness by Railways, which are as under:

    • 9 Round-the-clock Dedicated War rooms shall be established at State Headquarters i.e Bhubaneswar & Garden Reach (Kolkata), Divisional offices of Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur, Chakradharpur, Adra, Ranchi, Kharagpur and Balasore. These War Room shall be manned by  the officers of Engineering, S&T, Operating, Commercial & RPF so as to take any prompt decision on account of cyclone and will ensure early restoration of services and infrastructure. War Room/Emergency Control Rooms are operational with 20 satellite phones for uninterrupted communication with power back up. Railway is also maintaining constant communication with the India Meteorological Department to receive real-time updates and mobilize resources as necessary
    • Specialized teams are positioned for the swift restoration of tracks, signalling systems, and electrification at various locations such as Soro, Jaleswar and other important stations as and when necessary. Diesel locomotives are also on standby to ensure train operations if power outages occur.
    • More than 600 staff are deployed at all strategic locations such as Bhojudih , Bokaro Steel City, Soro, Nimpura, Adra, Rajgoda, Bachhrawan, Kendua, Kalaghar, Tapang, Chatarpur, Palasa, Hindol Road, Radhakishorepur, Kenduapada, Raghunathpur, Haridaspur with adequate stocks of restoration materials like 57 BOXN boulders, 86 BOBYN Ballast and 123 BOXN sand/ Moorum/ quarry dust etc. Relief vans, 49 Heavy machineries, 7 trolleys and other equipments are also kept on standby to respond to any emergencies. Scratch rake is planned and assembled for carrying relief material or any other requirement with 6-7 coach & placed at Kharagpur. Tower Wagons are arranged and placed at Balasore, Datan, Kharagpur, Rupsa & Haldia.
    • Stations along the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam corridor are being closely monitored due to the Red Alert issued for coastal areas. Adjoining divisions viz. Chakradharpur & Adra are also kept on high alert along with Kharagpur division. A close watch is being maintained over railway bridges, tracks, yards, and signalling systems to prevent damage from heavy rain and flooding. Catch water drains and side drains are being cleared of obstructions like silt and vegetation. Standby Vehicles with drivers are planned at Soro, Balasore, Jaleswar, Kharagpur & Digha in order to tackle passenger evacuations and other contingencies.
    • DG power is planned as an alternative mode of power in Kharagpur-Panskura section, Kharagpur-Bhadrak Section, Tamluk- Haldia Section & Tamluk- Digha section respectively. De-watering pump will be placed at Tamluk, Panskura & Balasore stations. Big hoardings and bill-boards are planned to be removed from the circulating area of the major stations as a safety measure. Continuous Track-patrolling will start from 18 hrs. of 22.10.2024 to 18 hrs. of 25.10.2024, and will be extended if required.
    • Trains are to be controlled/stopped at stations depending upon the windforce and are planned to be regulated with all safety measures. Several train services have been cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated to minimize risk to passengers. These decisions are detailed in official bulletins, and passengers are advised to monitor updates via official railway channels.
    • Help Desk will be set up at all important stations viz. Puri – 8926100356, Khurda road 8926100215, Bhubaneswar- 8114382371, Cuttack– 8114382359, Paradip- 8114388302, Jajpur Keonjhar Road-8114382342, Bhadrak-8114382301, Palasa- 8114382319, Brahamapur- 8114382340 and Frequent Announcements will be made amongst passengers as well as public.
    • Medical Team with adequate Chlorine Tablet, Bleaching & other medicines are placed at Mecheda, Tamluk, Kharagpur & Balasore to tackle any need/emergency. Adequate food arrangements with baby food are made at all important stations in order to cater the trains which might be controlled due to cyclone. Water-tank of adequate capacity are planned & placed at all the important stations and at places where railway colonies are located.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2067428)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AI to be instrumental in realizing Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047: Minister Hardeep S Puri at ENRich 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    AI to be instrumental in realizing Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047: Minister Hardeep S Puri at ENRich 2024

    Potential economic impact of AI is immense; AI adoption can generate Rs 33.8 Cr of economic value in country by 2030: Hardeep Puri

    Shri Puri highlights role of AI in Transformation of Energy Sector

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 6:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Addressing the ENRich 2024, KPMG’s Annual Innovation and Energy Conclave, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the energy sector. With the theme “AI for Energy,” the Minister described the convergence of AI and energy as both timely and transformative, marking a critical step in shaping the future of the industry. He emphasized that AI is set to revolutionize operations, drive efficiency, and accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

     

    The Minister highlighted how AI is rapidly being adopted across industries and will be instrumental in realizing the  Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

    Focusing on the oil and gas sector, Shri Puri shared how AI and generative AI (GenAI) are optimizing operations by leveraging real-time data and insights. He pointed out that international oil companies are making significant investments in AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon future.

    Shri Puri noted that the Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the energy domain are also harnessing AI and Machine Learning (ML) to improve safety, security, and operational efficiencies at various locations. Through advanced tools like demand forecasting, customer analytics, and pricing analytics, AI is enhancing the overall customer experience in the energy sector.

    In the upstream oil and gas sector, the Minister said, AI-enabled mechanisms such as deep learning are being used to analyze complex seismic data for identifying potential hydrocarbon reservoirs. Additionally, he said, AI-based prediction of drilling complications and real-time optimization of drilling parameters has proven effective in improving drilling efficiency and reducing operational costs.

    Shri Puri noted the comprehensive integration of AI tools across the energy value chain, from upstream exploration and production to midstream storage and downstream refining and distribution. He observed that this shift marks a departure from the traditional engineering mindset that has long dominated the industry.

    As an example, he pointed to the modernization of India’s National Data Repository, now upgraded to a cloud-based platform. This platform supported by a government investment of Rs. 7,500 crore, enables instant access to seismic and production data, he noted.

    Citing research by J.P. Morgan, the Minister discussed the potential of generative AI to increase global GDP by $7–10 trillion over the next three years, leading to a major boost in workforce productivity and reshaping the global economy.

    Shri Puri further emphasized that India, with its growing economy, youthful population, and thriving tech ecosystem, is poised to benefit greatly from AI. Reports suggest that AI adoption could contribute at least Rs. 33.8 lakh crore to India’s economy by 2030, he said.

    He also highlighted the success of the Universal Connectivity and Digital India initiatives, which have driven a dramatic increase in internet subscribers from 251.59 million in 2014 to 954.40 million in 2024, achieving a CAGR of 14.26%.

    The Minister applauded KPMG’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and support the start-up ecosystem through initiatives like “ENRich Labs” for innovation and co-creation with the industry.

    Highlighting India’s booming start-up ecosystem, the Minister noted that India is now the world’s third-largest hub for unicorn start-ups, following the USA and China, with a combined valuation of approximately USD 350 billion. He emphasized that these start-ups are reshaping the Indian economy and transforming markets.

    Stressing on the oil and gas sector, Shri Puri shared that Oil and Gas PSUs have set up startup funds totaling Rs. 505 crore. So far, 287 start-ups have received funding, with Rs. 271 crore already disbursed to promote innovation and growth in the sector.

    The Minister also talked about the Avinya’25, launched recently based on the overwhelming success of Avinya’24. The initiative aims to encourage entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, and students to propose innovative solutions that can shape the future of the energy sector. The application period for Avinya’25 opened on 30thSeptember 2024, with a submission deadline of 2ndDecember 2024. Shri Puri urged everyone to actively participate and contribute to the event’s success

    Shri Puri concluded by urging stakeholders to explore the untapped potential in India’s energy sector, stressing the importance of sustainable business practices that align with societal and environmental goals.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN ARMY TO HOST THE SECOND EDITION OF CHANAKYA DEFENCE DIALOGUE: A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR STRATEGIC INSIGHTS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian Army is set to host the second edition of its flagship international seminar, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, on October 24 and 25,, 2024  at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Themed “Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth Through Comprehensive Security,” this high-profile event will facilitate vital discussions on integrating security dynamics within national and international policymaking, and aims to craft visionary strategies for sustainable and inclusive growth.

    The two-day event will bring together an exceptional group of policymakers, strategic thinkers, academics, defence personnel, veterans, scientists, and SMEs from India and abroad, with prominent speakers from the United States, Russia, Israel, and Sri Lanka. The dialogue will explore India’s strategic pathways towards Viksit Bharat @2047, focusing on the role of comprehensive security in national development.

    Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the event as the Chief Guest, where he will also launch the Indian Army’s Green Initiative 1.0 and Digitisation of IA 1.0. He will deliver a keynote address on ‘India’s Vision for Development and Security,’ underscoring the importance of comprehensive security in achieving Viksit Bharat @2047. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, will also address the audience, highlighting the Indian Army’s significant contributions to nation-building, including initiatives aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    The Chanakya Defence Dialogue will consist of six expert-led sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of comprehensive security:

    Session 1. Geopolitical Dynamics: Navigating the International Coliseum

    This session will delve into the shifting geopolitical landscape and how nations navigate strategic partnerships while balancing national interests and global objectives. The panel will explore the impact of evolving global power structures on India’s strategic positioning, highlighting the growing importance of alliances and multilateral cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.

    Moderator: Ms Palki Sharma (Network 18)

    Panellists:

    • Ms. Lisa Curtis (Centre for a New American Security)
    • Ms. Carice Witte (SIGNAL Group, Israel)
    • Ambassador Kanwal Sibal (Former Foreign Secretary, Government of India)

    The panel will provide insights into geopolitical shifts, focusing on India’s role in the Indo-Pacific, its relations with key global powers, and the opportunities and challenges these present for India’s national security and development goals.

    Session 2. Economic Development Strategies & National Security Imperatives

    This session will examine how economic development and national security are interconnected, exploring the importance of a resilient economy for maintaining a strong defence posture. Panellists will discuss strategies for integrating economic policies with national security imperatives, and how India can leverage its growing economic strength to enhance its global influence.

    Moderator: Ms. Gaurie Dwivedi (NDTV)

    Panellists:

    • Mr. Asanga Abeyagoonasekera (IMF Technical Advisor)
    • Dr. G S Reddy (Former Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister)
    • Dr. Sanjeev Sanyal (Member, PM’s Economic Advisory Council)

    Key themes will include leveraging economic reforms, boosting domestic industrial capacities, and aligning economic growth with defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The session will also explore how economic resilience can act as a deterrent against external threats.

    Session 3. Environmental Sustainability: Balancing Growth with Ecological Concerns

    With growing global focus on climate change, this session will explore the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. It will discuss how India can achieve development goals while ensuring that ecological concerns are addressed, particularly in the context of national security.

    Moderator: Dr. Tara Kartha (Director Research & Academics, CLAWS)

    Panellists:

    • Ms. Elizabeth Threlkeld (Stimson Center, US)
    • Mr. Rushikesh Chavan (Habitats Trust)
    • Lt Gen S A Hasnain (Retd)

    Panellists will discuss how sustainable development can contribute to long-term security by mitigating resource-driven conflicts, enhancing disaster preparedness, and ensuring the well-being of future generations. The session will emphasize the role of the military in ecological preservation, particularly in high-altitude and environmentally sensitive regions.

    Session 4. Social Cohesion and Inclusive Growth: Pillars of a Secure Nation

    This session will focus on the importance of social unity and inclusive growth for national security. The panel will examine how internal security can be strengthened by fostering social cohesion, addressing economic disparities, and promoting inclusive development across all sections of society.

    Moderator: Mr. RR Swain (Former DGP J&K Police)

    Panellists:

    • Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi (Member of Parliament)
    • Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi (Former MP and Lawyer)
    • Gen V K Singh (Retd) (Former COAS & ex-Minister of State for External Affairs)

    The discussion will highlight the role of law enforcement, legal frameworks, and policy initiatives in promoting internal security, with a focus on integrating marginalized communities into the national fabric. The panellists will offer strategies to merge social cohesion initiatives with internal security policies, fostering a shared national identity and promoting peace and stability.

    Session 5. Blurring Frontiers: The Convergence of Technology & Security

    This session will explore the integration of emerging technologies into national security frameworks. As new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and unmanned systems revolutionize warfare, the session will discuss how India can stay ahead of the curve while ensuring that technological advancements are deployed ethically and responsibly.

    Moderator: Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd)

    Panellists:

    • Dr. Chintan Vaishnav (NITI Aayog)
    • Brig Gen Eran Ortal (SIGNAL Group, Israel)
    • Mr. Dmitry Stefanovich (IMEMO, Russia)

    Panellists will explore the advantages and challenges of integrating AI, robotics, and other emerging technologies into security operations. The session will also address ethical considerations such as privacy, responsible use, and societal alignment, ensuring that technological advances serve national security without compromising civil liberties.

    Session 6. Groundbreakers: Shaping Land Warfare, Reflections for the Indian Army

    This concluding session will focus on the future of land warfare and how the Indian Army can adopt advanced technologies to enhance battlefield readiness. Panellists will examine lessons from global military practices and how India can foster homegrown defence technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

    Moderator: Vice Admiral A B Singh (Retd)

    Panellists:

    • Dr. Konstantin Bogdanov (IMEMO, Russia)
    • Prof. Amit Gupta (University of Illinois, US)
    • Dr. Patrick Bratton (US Army War College)

    The discussion will explore the evolving nature of land warfare, emphasizing the need for the Indian Army to develop indigenous technological capabilities while leveraging strategic partnerships with global military and industrial leaders. The panel will debate how to balance innovation with operational effectiveness, creating responsible and sustainable military solutions.

    On the second day, Chanakya Defence Dialogue will feature special addresses by Dr. S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, on the critical significance of India’s expanding space sector, and Ms. Ruchira Kamboj, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN, who will share insights on India’s evolving position in a multipolar world and the need for strong diplomatic measures to safeguard national interests.

    The dialogue will conclude with a closing address by Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, who will summarize the key takeaways from the event, reaffirming the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring a secure, prosperous, and Viksit Bharat @2047.

    Through its comprehensive and diverse discussions, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 will serve as a landmark platform, fostering collaboration among military leaders, policymakers, strategic thinkers, and security specialists from around the world. This event is set to influence India’s strategic direction on national security and development, helping shape a secure and thriving future for the nation.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM YASASVI)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 5:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Background/Introduction

    With a vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas”, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI). This comprehensive umbrella scheme is aimed at uplifting students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing them with access to quality education during their formative years.

    The PM YASASVI scheme consolidates and enhances several earlier initiatives, including the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for EBCs and the Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for DNTs, which were subsumed under this program starting from 2021-22. By integrating these schemes, PM YASASVI aims to ensure a more streamlined and impactful approach to supporting the educational needs of socially and economically disadvantaged students.

     

    Objective

    The overarching goal of the scheme is to promote educational empowerment among these vulnerable groups, helping them overcome financial barriers and complete their education. This initiative not only fosters individual academic growth but also contributes to the broader vision of creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

    Under this Scheme students can avail Pre-Matric Scholarship from Class 9 to 10 and Post Matric Scholarship for their higher studies at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage. Students who excel in their studies also get an opportunity of Scholarship to study in Top Class Schools and Colleges under the Scheme of ‘Top Class School Education’ and ‘Top Class College Education’. Hostel facilities are also provided to OBC students under the ‘Scheme of Construction of Hostels for OBC boys and girls.’

    PM –YASASVI for OBC, EBC and DNT students has been formulated having following five sub-schemes:

    • Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
    • Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
    • Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
    • Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students
    • Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls

    Scope

    The Pre-Matric Scholarship is designed for students in classes IX and X attending government schools, offering an annual academic allowance of Rs. 4,000 to families with an income below Rs. 2.5 lakh. For the 2023-24 academic year, Rs. 32.44 crore has been allocated to states and Union Territories for its implementation. The Post-Matric Scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education, providing academic allowances ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 based on the category of the course. For this scheme, Rs. 387.27 crore has been released for the current year.

    Additionally, the Top Class School and College Education schemes are designed to support meritorious students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories. These programs cover tuition fees, hostel expenses, and other academic costs, with school students (Class 9-12) eligible for funding up to Rs. 1.25 lakh annually. College students at top institutions receive full financial support, including tuition, living expenses, and educational materials. To further enhance access to education, Rs. 12.75 crore has been allocated in 2023-24 under the ‘Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls’ scheme, which aims to provide accommodation for socially and educationally backward students near government schools and institutions, ensuring they have better access to quality education.

    Benefits

    The PM YASASVI aligns with the government’s broader vision of fostering inclusivity, equity, and societal upliftment. By offering comprehensive support to students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories, it directly addresses the systemic barriers that prevent many from accessing quality education. This initiative not only ensures financial assistance but also promotes educational empowerment for some of the most vulnerable sections of society, thereby creating opportunities for upward mobility and self-reliance.

    The scheme’s focus on supporting students at both school and college levels helps to nurture talent from an early age and carry it through to higher education, laying a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Moreover, by integrating earlier scholarship initiatives into a single, streamlined program, PM YASASVI enhances the impact of these efforts, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable education system. PM-YASASVI is ensuring that no student is left behind in the pursuit of academic and social progress. This scheme is playing a crucial role in the welfare and upliftment of marginalized communities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

    Impact

    The PM YASASVI (Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India) scheme has made significant strides in providing financial assistance to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-Notified Tribes (DNT). In Financial Year 2023-24, a substantial sum of ₹ 193.83 cr. was allocated for the Pre-Matric Scholarship, benefiting 19.86 lakh students during 2023-24, with further beneficiaries for 2023-24 expected. Similarly, under the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme, ₹988.05 cr. was released, benefiting 27.97 lakh students in 2023-24. These scholarships aim to empower underprivileged students by alleviating financial burdens, thereby promoting education across marginalized communities.

    Additionally, the government has invested in other educational support initiatives. ₹14.30 cr. has been released for the construction of hostels, accommodating 1146 students in 2023-24. Top-class education programs and overseas study interest subsidies have also seen significant funding, reaching thousands of students. For example, ₹ 111.18 cr. was allocated to support 4762 students in top Class education in college scheme and Rs. 6.55 Cr. Was allocated to support 2602 students in Top Class education in Schools for OBC, EBC & DNT Students and ₹ 56.24 Cr. was granted as interest subsidies to 2789 students pursuing overseas education. These efforts reflect the growing impact of the PM YASASVI scheme, which is transforming the educational landscape for disadvantaged students, enabling them to achieve their academic potential and contributing to overall societal upliftment.

    *Any additional documents specified in the application form

     

    Key Points

    • Selection Process: The YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) 2023 is the basis for candidate selection, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the direction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJ&E), Government of India.
    • Eligibility: Open to OBC, EBC, and DNT students with a total annual family income of up to ₹2.50 lakhs. Additional eligibility criteria may apply, depending on the specific scholarship scheme.
    • Where to Apply: Eligible students can apply online at the National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in.

    Conclusion

    By offering a comprehensive array of scholarships and support programs, PM-YASASVI is addressing the financial constraints that often hinder access to education for marginalized communities. The integration of various earlier schemes into one streamlined initiative ensures that students are supported from their school years through to higher education, creating pathways for personal and professional growth. With the government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to quality education, the PM YASASVI Scheme is making a tangible impact on the lives of thousands of students, helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous India.

    References:

    https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pm-yasasvitcceobcebcdnts

    https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/65661651839791.pdf

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1999638

    https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1847840

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1844993&reg=3&lang=1

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1913930&reg=3&lang=1

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1808243

    https://yet.nta.ac.in/

    Click here to see in PDF:

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kajal Sumal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Learning Week: Empowering India’s Public Service through Knowledge Sharing

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Learning Week: Empowering India’s Public Service through Knowledge Sharing

    Speakers for tomorrow’s webinars (24-10-2024)

    Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    As ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ progresses under the banner of Mission Karmayogi, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the National Learning Week (NLW) continues to foster lifelong learning and skill development for civil servants. The webinars scheduled for October 24, 2024, feature prominent experts discussing a wide range of topics critical to building India’s future, including research, infrastructure, public health, workplace culture, and education.

    The goal is to provide actionable insights for government officials to improve their effectiveness and contribute to a stronger, more responsive public service.

    Key Highlights of the Day:

    Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan

    Topic: Making India an R&D Superpower

    Time: 9 am – 10 am

    Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures, will address India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in research and development (R&D). He will highlight the critical areas where India can advance to build robust innovation ecosystems that propel the country towards R&D excellence.

    Mr Vinayak Chatterjee

    Topic: Stages of Infrastructure Development: The Indian Experience

    Time: 10 am – 11 am

    Founder and Managing Trustee of The Infravision Foundation, Mr Vinayak Chatterjee will discuss India’s infrastructure development journey. His talk will cover key phases of growth, challenges faced and the path forward for creating sustainable and world-class infrastructure.

    Dr. Soumya Swaminathan

    Topic: India Public Health Towards Viksit Bharat

    Time: 12 pm – 1 pm

    Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), will shed light on India’s public health challenges and solutions. She will outline a vision for how public health efforts can contribute to realizing the goal of a developed India (‘Viksit Bharat’).

    Sister B.K. Shivani

    Topic: Creating a Mindful Work Culture: Strategies for Leaders and Teams

    Time: 3 pm – 4 pm

    Sister B.K. Shivani from the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization will lead a session on building a mindful work culture. Her presentation will focus on how leaders and teams in public service can foster a supportive, mentally healthy, and balanced work environment through mindfulness and self-awareness.

    Mr Anurag Behar

    Topic: Inclusive Education & Capacity Building for Public Service

    Time: 5 pm – 6 pm

    Mr Anurag Behar, CEO of the Azim Premji Foundation and Chancellor of Azim Premji University, Bhopal, will explore how inclusive education can contribute to strengthening public service. His session will cover the role of capacity building in ensuring that civil servants are well-equipped to serve all sections of society, particularly the marginalized.

    These sessions reflect the core tenets of Mission Karmayogi, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning, capacity building, and leadership development for public servants. The webinars aim to inspire officials to take a proactive role in shaping India’s future through informed decision-making and innovative solutions.

    ***

    NKR/KS/AG

    (Release ID: 2067371) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Members Hitting the Streets in Atlanta for Harris-Walz 

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    ATLANTA, Oct. 23, 2024 – Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are hitting the doors in Atlanta to help elect Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in their bid for the White House. In collaboration with the Georgia AFL-CIO, IAM members are canvassing union households in the Atlanta area to help drive the turnout of union households. 

    IAM International President Brian Bryant recently stated the importance of mobilizing our members for this election.

    IAM Union members in Georgia

      “We have members from Atlanta and all across the Southern Territory who came to Atlanta to have conversations with their union members on the importance of voting in this election,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Our members understand that this election is about protecting democracy, retirement security, and ensuring labor has a place at the table. We will continue to drive turnout until the polls close on election day.” 

    The labor walks will continue through Election Day, with IAM members and other union affiliates continuing their efforts to ensure a pro-labor outcome at the ballot box.

    “Our goal over the past few weeks is to make sure we are hitting the doors of every union household and making sure they understand the importance of this election,” said IAM Southern Territory Chief of Staff Reggie Dixon. “It is essential for working families throughout Georgia and the entire South. Our rights are on the ballot, and we have to fight for the future of our democracy.”

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

     

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EU budget for 2025 to focus on research, health, education, and climate action

    Source: European Parliament

    Parliament demands an EU budget for 2025 that focuses on improving people’s lives, boosting competitiveness, and addressing current challenges.

    MEPs set the overall level of commitment appropriations for the 2025 draft budget at almost €201 billion, €1.24 billion more than the Commission’s proposal from last June. Parliament wants to boost programmes vital in addressing health challenges, supporting young people, agriculture and rural areas, helping people suffering from natural disasters, boosting climate action, managing migration and security needs, and strengthening EU support for neighbouring regions experiencing geopolitical and humanitarian crises. MEPs restored €1.52  billion in funding cuts proposed by the Council, and set payment appropriations at €153.5 billion.

    Repayment costs for the European Recovery Instrument (EURI)

    The EURI repayment costs, which are twice the amount initially forecast for 2025, should not result in reduced funding for essential programmes, like Erasmus+ or R&D, according to Parliament. MEPs want to reverse cuts made by member states to appropriations dedicated to these areas and to use the new “EURI cascade mechanism” introduced by the revision of the EU’s long-term budget . This mechanism is designed to manage escalating Next Generation EU borrowing costs without affecting key initiatives, maintaining the budget’s flexibility and response capacity.

    Quotes

    Victor Negrescu (S&D, Romania), general rapporteur for the EU budget 2025 (for section III – Commission), said: “Today’s vote is a strong signal of support for a citizen-centred EU budget focused on investments in economic development and improving people’s lives. That is why we are asking for an increase of €110 million for actions in the area of health, an additional €70 million for Erasmus, €42 million to protect our citizens against the effects of natural disasters, an additional €96 million for agriculture, €120 million for humanitarian aid, and €110 million for the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhood.”

    Niclas Herbst (EPP, Germany), rapporteur for the other sections, said: “Cybersecurity is vital for EU institutions and has remained a pressing concern since 2023. Another key priority is ensuring that the institutions have enough staff to fulfil new tasks, like for the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act. Additionally, improving the security of European External Action Service buildings, particularly in delegations situated in remote and high-risk areas, is essential. To address this, an increase of €37 million is required.”

    Next steps

    The vote initiates three weeks of “conciliation” talks with the Council, with the aim of reaching a deal for next year’s budget, which then has to be voted on by Parliament and signed by its President.

    Background

    Over 90% of the EU budget funds activities in EU countries and beyond, benefiting citizens, regions, farmers, researchers, students, NGOs, and businesses. Unlike national budgets, the EU budget is primarily aimed at investment, to generate growth and opportunities across the European Union.

    The EU serves 27 countries with a total population of 450 million. With these figures in mind, the annual EU budget is actually relatively small – on average €160-180 billion annually in 2021-27. This is comparable to the national budget of Denmark, which serves 5.6 million people, and is about 30% smaller than the budget of Poland, which serves 38 million people. (Source: Commission)

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council – B10-0149/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
    Members responsible: Martin Häusling, Biljana Borzan, Anja Hazekamp

    B10‑0149/2024

    European Parliament resolution on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2024/2839(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1],

     having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed [2], and in particular Article 7(3) and Article 19(3) thereof,

     having regard to the vote of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed referred to in Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, on 26 April 2024, at which no opinion was delivered, and the vote of the Appeal Committee on 29 May 2024, at which again no opinion was delivered,

     having regard to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers[3],

     having regard to the opinion adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 30 November 2023, and published on 17 January 2024[4],

     having regard to its previous resolutions objecting to the authorisation of genetically modified organisms (‘GMOs’)[5],

     having regard to Rule 115(2) and (3) of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety,

    A. whereas, on 20 December 2020, Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Inc. based in Belgium, submitted, on behalf of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, based in the United States, an application to the national competent authority of the Netherlands for the placing on the market of foods, food ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 (the ‘GM maize’), in accordance with Articles 5 and 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (the ‘application’); whereas the application also covered the placing on the market of products containing or consisting of genetically modified maize DP915635 for uses other than food and feed, with the exception of cultivation;

    B. whereas, on 30 November 2023, EFSA adopted a favourable opinion, which was published on 17 January 2024;

    C. whereas the GM maize contains genes conferring resistance to glufosinate and produces the insecticidal IPD079Ea toxin derived from the Ophioglossum pendulum fern; whereas the genetic modification involved a multistep process using CRISPR/Cas to introduce a ‘landing pad’ at the target site, where the gene constructs for the production of the new traits are subsequently inserted;

    Lack of assessment of the complementary herbicide

    D. whereas Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013[6] requires an assessment of whether the expected agricultural practices influence the outcome of the studied endpoints; whereas, according to that Implementing Regulation, this is especially relevant for herbicide-tolerant plants;

    E. whereas the vast majority of GM crops have been genetically modified so that they are tolerant to one or more ‘complementary’ herbicides which can be used throughout the cultivation of the GM crop, without the crop dying, as would be the case for a non-herbicide tolerant crop; whereas a number of studies show that herbicide-tolerant GM crops result in a higher use of complementary herbicides, in large part because of the emergence of herbicide-tolerant weeds[7];

    F. whereas herbicide-tolerant GM crops lock farmers into a weed management system that is largely or wholly dependent on herbicides, and does so by charging a premium for GM seeds that can be justified only if farmers purchasing such seed also spray the complementary herbicides; whereas heightened reliance on complementary herbicides on farms planting the GM crops accelerates the emergence and spread of weeds resistant to those herbicides, thereby triggering the need for even more herbicide use, a vicious circle known as ‘the herbicide treadmill’;

    G. whereas the adverse impacts stemming from excessive reliance on herbicides will worsen on soil health, water quality, and above and below ground biodiversity, as well as leading to increased human and animal exposure, potentially also via increased herbicide residues on food and feed;

    H. whereas glufosinate is classified as toxic to reproduction 1B and therefore meets the ‘cut-off criteria’ set out in Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council[8]; whereas the approval of glufosinate for use in the Union expired on 31 July 2018;

    I. whereas assessment of herbicide residues and metabolites found on GM plants is considered outside the remit of the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms and is therefore not undertaken as part of the authorisation process for GMOs;

    Outstanding questions concerning assessment of the toxin IPD079Ea

    J. whereas the Ophioglossum pendulum toxin (IPD079Ea) is not a part of European flora and has never previously been introduced into the food or feed chain; whereas the mode of action of IPD079Ea has only been poorly described; whereas Member States underline that the introduction of this protein into agriculture and the food chain would require a lot more data on the mode of action and specificity of the toxins;

    Member State competent authority and stakeholder comments

    K. whereas Member States submitted many critical comments to EFSA during the three-month consultation period, including that an opinion on the safety of the GM maize cannot be given in view of the data gaps in the file relating to the requirements of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013, that the monitoring plan requires further elaboration, and that the effects of glufosinate on the gut microbiome of consumers and on the soil-microflora have not been considered by EFSA, even though they are clearly affected;

    Ensuring a global level playing field and upholding the Union’s international obligations

    L. whereas the conclusions of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture[9] call on the Commission to reassess its approach on market access for agri-food imports and exports, given the challenge of diverging standards of the Union and its trading partners; whereas fairer trade relations, at a global level, coherent with goals for a healthy environment were one of the main demands of farmers during the demonstrations of 2023 and 2024;

    M. whereas a 2017 report by the United Nations’ (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right to food found that, particularly in developing countries, hazardous pesticides have catastrophic impacts on health[10]; whereas the UN Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) Target 3.9 aims by 2030 to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination[11];

    N. whereas the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (‘Kunming-Montreal Framework’), agreed at the COP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD) in December 2022, includes a global target to reduce the risk of pesticides by at least 50 % by 2030[12];

    O. whereas Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 states that GM food or feed must not have adverse effects on human health, animal health or the environment, and requires the Commission to take into account any relevant provisions of Union law and other legitimate factors relevant to the matter under consideration when drafting its decision; whereas such legitimate factors should include the Union’s obligations under the UN SDGs and the UN CBD;

    Reducing dependency on imported feed

    P. whereas one of the lessons from the COVID-19 crisis and the still ongoing war in Ukraine is the need for the Union to end the dependencies on some critical materials; whereas in the mission letter to Commissioner-elect Christophe Hansen, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asks him to look at ways to reduce imports of critical commodities[13];

    Undemocratic decision-making

    Q. whereas, in its eighth term, Parliament adopted a total of 36 resolutions objecting to the placing on the market of GMOs for food and feed (33 resolutions) and to the cultivation of GMOs in the Union (three resolutions); whereas, in its ninth term, Parliament adopted 38 objections to placing GMOs on the market;

    R. whereas despite its own acknowledgement of the democratic shortcomings, the lack of support from Member States and the objections of Parliament, the Commission continues to authorise GMOs;

    S. whereas no change of law is required for the Commission to be able not to authorise GMOs when there is no qualified majority of Member States in favour in the Appeal Committee[14];

    T. whereas the vote on 26 April 2024 of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed referred to in Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 delivered no opinion, meaning that the authorisation was not supported by a qualified majority of Member States; whereas the vote on 29 May 2024 of the Appeal Committee again delivered no opinion;

    U. whereas on 2 July 2024, the Commission authorised the placing on the market of the GM maize;

    1. Considers that Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 exceeds the implementing powers provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003;

    2. Considers that Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 is not consistent with Union law, in that it is not compatible with the aim of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, which is, in accordance with the general principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council[15], to provide the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, and environmental and consumer interests, in relation to GM food and feed, while ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market;

    3. Calls on the Commission to repeal Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822;

    4. Calls on the Commission not to authorise herbicide-tolerant GM crops, due to the associated increased use of complementary herbicides and therefore the increased risks to biodiversity, food safety and workers’ health in line with the One Health approach;

    5. Highlights, in this regard, that authorising the import for food or feed uses of any GM plant which has been made tolerant to herbicides that are banned in the Union, such as glufosinate, is incoherent with the Union’s international commitments under, inter alia, the UN SDGs and the UN CBD, including the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Framework[16];

    6. Expects the Commission, as matter of urgency, to deliver on its commitment[17] to come forward with a proposal to ensure that hazardous chemicals banned in the Union are not produced for export;

    7. Welcomes the fact that the Commission finally recognised, in a letter of 11 September 2020 to Members, the need to take sustainability into account when it comes to authorisation decisions on GMOs[18]; expresses its deep disappointment, however, that, since then the Commission has continued to authorise GMOs for import into the Union, despite ongoing objections by Parliament and a majority of Member States voting against;

    8. Urges the Commission, again, to take into account the Union’s obligations under international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN CBD and the UN SDGs; reiterates its call for draft implementing acts to be accompanied by an explanatory memorandum explaining how they uphold the principle of ‘do no harm’[19];

    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Democratic developments in Germany and Austria – E-002056/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    14.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002056/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    In Germany and Austria, the winners of recent elections – the AfD and the FPÖ – have faced resistance from the defeated parties, who have refused to cooperate with them. These developments, as well as the current motion in the Bundestag to ban the AfD, give rise to questions as to democratic practice and respect for the Union’s fundamental values, in the context of the EU’s responsibility for upholding the democratic standards set out in the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

    • 1.What view does the Commission take, given the principle of political diversity and plurality, of the practice of systematically shutting election winners out of political cooperation?
    • 2.What view does the Commission take of the motion to ban the AfD currently being discussed in the Bundestag, with regard to the democratic principle of political diversity and freedom of expression, which the EU regards as a fundamental value?
    • 3.What criteria must be met for a ban on a party in a Member State to be compliant with the values of the Union and, in particular, the principles of democracy and the rule of law within the meaning of Article 2 TEU?

    Submitted: 14.10.2024

    Last updated: 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fund for the protection and development of the frontier regions of countries bordering Ukraine, Belarus and Russia – E-002090/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002090/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marta Wcisło (PPE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), Jacek Protas (PPE), Nils Ušakovs (S&D), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Ewa Kopacz (PPE), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Krzysztof Hetman (PPE), Roberts Zīle (ECR), Lucia Yar (Renew), Reinis Pozņaks (ECR), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Krzysztof Brejza (PPE), Mirosława Nykiel (PPE), Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), Vilis Krištopans (PfE), Adrian-George Axinia (ECR), Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz (PPE), Andrzej Buła (PPE), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Rihards Kols (ECR), Andrzej Halicki (PPE), Dariusz Joński (PPE), Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz (PPE), Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (S&D), Bartosz Arłukowicz (PPE), Magdalena Adamowicz (PPE), Michał Szczerba (PPE), Adam Jarubas (PPE), Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak (PPE), Janusz Lewandowski (PPE), Michał Wawrykiewicz (PPE), Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (PPE), Borys Budka (PPE)

    Europe is facing an unprecedented combination of internal and external threats undermining EU citizens’ security. Military, economic and security challenges are greatest in the EU’s border regions, causing depopulation, investor outflow, business bankruptcies and unemployment rates of up to 16 %. Eastern EU areas have become a buffer zone of the Union. Polish regions such as Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, and others in countries bordering Russia, Belarus or Ukraine bear the whole burden of threats while simultaneously protecting all Member States. These frontier regions have become the EU’s poorest areas. The European Union, as a values-based community, must take immediate and targeted action.

    • 1.Following the Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 and the overall political consensus on the need to strengthen European security and resilience, what specific measures does the Commission envisage to help the regions bordering Ukraine, Russia and Belarus that are bearing the greatest burden of war in Europe?
    • 2.Using the example of the Just Transition Fund, and taking the solidarity principle as a basis, is the Commission working to establish a specially dedicated fund to support these regions?
    • 3.Can the Commission undertake a study into the positive effects that the creation of such a protection and development fund could have on economic activities and industrial and infrastructure planning, as well as on the broader safety of the EU’s borders?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Granting citizenship and ‘golden passports’ in the EU – E-002092/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002092/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    The recently revealed attempts to fast-track the naturalisation of the Turkish journalist Can Dündar, a process which the Green party in the German parliament[1] have been found to have manipulated, raises serious questions about the integrity of naturalisation procedures in the EU. While the sovereignty of Member States to determine their own naturalisation rules is highly important, the potential effects of dubious naturalisation practices on the Union as a whole are a matter of concern.

    • 1.What information does the Commission have on similar cases of manipulative political influence on naturalisation procedures in other Member States?
    • 2.To what extent does the Commission see the free movement of people granted via ‘golden passports’ or politically motivated naturalisations to individuals as a risk that could jeopardise the security of the Union?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to support the Member States in ensuring integrity in naturalisation procedures without impinging upon their national sovereignty?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.nius.de/politik/news/wie-claudia-roth-und-die-gruenen-einen-deutschen-pass-fuer-einen-journalisten-beschaffen-wollten-der-fuer-correctiv-arbeitet/812de464-c801-411f-8e96-195725141dae
    Last updated: 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Conditional loans to the Palestinian Authority – E-002117/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002117/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marc Botenga (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Irena Joveva (Renew), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Irene Montero (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    On 30 September 2024, Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs invited Mr Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), to exchange views. Mr Koopman explained how the EU would change the way in which the Palestinian Authority is financed, moving away from grants to loans made conditional on reforms being carried out. He affirmed that the conditions attached should enable the EU to play a more important political role in the region.

    • 1.Can the Commission clarify which of the conditions set out in the letter of intent will enable the EU to play a greater role?
    • 2.What other conditions has the Commission, through DG NEAR, put forward that were not included in the letter of intent?
    • 3.In the Commission’s view, what are the reasons for the delay in transferring the funds?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Estrella Galán (The Left)
    Last updated: 23 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Hanover Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Declares $0.10 Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Third Quarter Performance Highlights

    • Net Income: Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 totaled $3.5 million or $0.48 per diluted share (including Series A preferred shares). Adjusted (non-GAAP) net income (excluding severance and retirement expenses) was $3.7 million or $0.50 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
    • Record Non-interest Income: The Company reported record non-interest income of $4.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $0.3 million or 9.17% from the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and $0.2 million or 6.66% from the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    • Net Interest Income: Net interest income was $13.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.3 million, or 11.04% from the September 30, 2023 quarter.
    • Net Interest Margin: The Company’s net interest margin during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 increased to 2.37% from 2.29% in the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
    • Strong Liquidity Position: At September 30, 2024, undrawn liquidity sources, which include cash and unencumbered securities and secured and unsecured funding capacity, totaled $637.1 million or approximately 240% of uninsured deposit balances.
    • Deposit Activity: Core deposits, consisting of Demand, NOW, Savings and Money Market, increased $71.0 million or 5.14% from December 31, 2023. Total deposits increased $52.9 million or 2.78% from December 31, 2023. Insured and collateralized deposits, which include municipal deposits, accounted for approximately 86% of total deposits at September 30, 2024.
    • Loan Growth: Loans totaled $2.01 billion, a net increase of $48.6 million or 3.31% annualized, from December 31, 2023. The Company’s commercial real estate concentration ratio continued to improve, decreasing to 397% of capital at September 30, 2024 from 432% of capital at December 31, 2023 and 448% of capital at September 30, 2023. The Company continues to focus loan growth primarily in residential loan products originated for sale to specific buyers in the secondary market, C&I and SBA loans, which strategically enhances our management of liquidity and capital while producing additional non-interest income.
    • Asset Quality: At September 30, 2024, the Bank’s asset quality remained solid with non-performing loans totaling $15.5 million, representing 0.77% of the total loan portfolio, and the allowance for credit losses equaling 1.17% of total loans. Loans secured by office space accounted for 2.27% of the total loan portfolio with a total balance of $45.5 million, of which less than 1% is located in Manhattan.
    • Banking Initiatives: At September 30, 2024, the Company’s banking initiatives reflected continuing momentum:
      • SBA & USDA Banking: Gains on sale of SBA loans totaled $2.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, representing a 63.83% increase over the comparable 2023 quarter. Total SBA loans sold were $27.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, representing a 47.00% increase over the comparable 2023 quarter. Premiums earned on the sale of SBA loans increased to 9.59% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 from 8.66% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
      • C&I Banking/Hauppauge Business Banking Center: The C&I Banking Team and the Hauppauge Business Banking Center increased deposits to $96.0 million as of September 30, 2024 from $36.1 million at September 30, 2023. Loan originations tied to this office were $8 million during the quarter. Momentum continues to build with current deposits of $105 million and deposit and C&I loan pipelines related to this office of $43 million and $104 million, respectively.
      • Residential Lending: The Bank continues to originate loans for its portfolio while developing the flow origination program launched in late 2023. Of the $27.3 million in closed loans originated in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, $7.4 million were originated for the Bank’s portfolio and reflected a weighted average yield of 7.59% before origination and other fees, which average 50-100 bps per loan, and a weighted average LTV of 61%.
    • Tangible Book Value Per Share: Tangible book value per share (including Series A preferred shares) was $23.28 at September 30, 2024 compared to $22.51 at December 31, 2023.  
    • Quarterly Cash Dividend: The Company’s Board of Directors approved a $0.10 per share cash dividend on both common and Series A preferred shares payable on November 13, 2024 to stockholders of record on November 6, 2024.
    • Port Jefferson Branch: The Company has received regulatory approval for the opening of a full-service branch in Port Jefferson, New York. Business development staff have already joined the Company in anticipation of the opening of this location. The Bank expects this site to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2025.

    MINEOLA, N.Y., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (“Hanover” or “the Company” – NASDAQ: HNVR), the holding company for Hanover Community Bank (“the Bank”), today reported results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and the declaration of a $0.10 per share cash dividend on both common and Series A preferred shares payable on November 13, 2024 to stockholders of record on November 6, 2024.

    Earnings Summary for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

    The Company reported net income for each of the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 of $3.5 million or $0.48 per diluted share (including Series A preferred shares). The Company recorded adjusted (non-GAAP) net income (excluding severance and retirement expenses) of $3.7 million or $0.50 per diluted share in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, versus adjusted (non-GAAP) net income (excluding a litigation settlement payment) of $2.8 million or $0.38 per diluted share in the comparable 2023 quarter. Returns on average assets, average stockholders’ equity and average tangible equity were 0.62%, 7.35% and 8.19%, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, versus 0.66%, 7.58% and 8.47%, respectively, for the comparable quarter of 2023.   Adjusted (non-GAAP) returns, exclusive of severance and retirement expenses on average assets, average stockholders’ equity and average tangible equity were 0.65%, 7.69% and 8.56%, respectively, in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, versus 0.53%, 6.00% and 6.71%, respectively, in the comparable 2023 quarter, exclusive of a litigation settlement payment.

    While net interest income and non-interest income increased during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to the September 30, 2023 quarter, this was offset by an increase in non-interest expenses, particularly compensation and benefits, resulting in flat earnings between these periods.   The increase in non-interest income is primarily related to the increase in the gain on sale of loans held-for-sale which was partially offset by a decrease in other operating income. In the September 30, 2023 quarter, the Company settled ongoing litigation and received a settlement payment of $975 thousand which was recorded in other operating income. Included in compensation and benefits expense in the third quarter of 2024 was expense related to additional staff for the SBA, C&I Banking and Operations teams and severance payments in August 2024 paid in connection with a loan personnel restructuring initiative. These expenses were offset by lower incentive compensation expense resulting from reduced projected lending activity and lower deferred loan origination costs.

    Net interest income was $13.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.3 million, or 11.04%, versus the comparable 2023 quarter due to improvement of the Company’s net interest margin to 2.37% in the 2024 quarter from 2.29% in the comparable 2023 quarter. The yield on interest earning assets increased to 6.17% in the 2024 quarter from 5.61% in the comparable 2023 quarter, an increase of 56 basis points that was partially offset by a 58 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 4.53% in 2024 from 3.95% in the third quarter of 2023.

    Earnings Summary for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $8.4 million or $1.14 per diluted share (including Series A preferred shares), versus $9.8 million or $1.33 per diluted share (including Series A preferred shares) in the comparable 2023 nine-month period.   The Company recorded adjusted (non-GAAP) net income (excluding severance and retirement expenses) of $8.6 million or $1.16 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, versus adjusted (non-GAAP) net income (excluding severance and retirement expenses and a litigation settlement payment) of $9.4 million or $1.27 per diluted share in the comparable 2023 nine-month period.

    The decrease in net income recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from the comparable 2023 period resulted from an increase in the provision for credit losses and an increase in non-interest expense, which were partially offset by an increase in non-interest income, consisting primarily of gain on sale of loans held-for-sale. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily attributed to additional staff for the SBA, C&I Banking and Operations teams.   The Company’s effective tax rate decreased to 24.50% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 26.03% in the comparable 2023 period.

    Net interest income was $39.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a slight increase of $0.1 million, or 0.14% from the comparable 2023 period. The Company’s net interest margin was 2.41% in the 2024 period and 2.65% in the comparable 2023 period. The yield on interest earning assets increased to 6.14% in the 2024 period from 5.58% in the comparable 2023 period, an increase of 56 basis points that was offset by a 95 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 4.45% in 2024 from 3.50% in the comparable 2023 period due to the rapid and significant rise in interest rates.

    Michael P. Puorro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the Company’s quarterly results: “We are pleased with third-quarter results, which reflect the benefits of our diversified revenue streams. Strategic expansion of our C&I banking and government guaranteed lending initiatives continue to deliver sustained results. The success of our Hauppauge Business Banking Center over the last 16 months has yielded exceptional results as evidenced by over $100 million in deposits. Our investment in diversifying our residential lending activities from portfolio originations to including flow originations is gaining momentum. The continued decline in interest rates forecast by many economists is expected to provide sustained net interest margin expansion over the near term, having an anticipated positive impact on earnings. We believe these factors, coupled with our commitment to efficiency across our organization, position us for continued growth and opportunity, particularly in a market with continued consolidation. We continue to strategically seek opportunities to recruit talent and expand our footprint in the underserved Long Island community and wider New York City markets.”

    Balance Sheet Highlights

    Total assets at September 30, 2024 were $2.33 billion versus $2.27 billion at December 31, 2023. Total securities available for sale at September 30, 2024 were $98.4 million, an increase of $36.9 million from December 31, 2023, primarily driven by growth in U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities.

    Total deposits at September 30, 2024 were $1.96 billion, an increase of $52.9 million or 2.78%, compared to $1.90 billion at December 31, 2023. Our loan to deposit ratio was 102% at September 30, 2024 and 103% at December 31, 2023.

    Although core deposits, comprised of Demand, NOW, Savings and Money Market, grew to $1.45 billion as of September 30, 2024 from $1.38 billion as of December 31, 2023, Demand deposit balances decreased from $207.8 million to $206.3 million during the same period. This decrease was confined to deposits made by residential loan borrowers in anticipation of residential loan closings. These funds comprise the equity residential borrowers are required to contribute to residential loan closings. The volume of these deposits rise and fall in proportion to the volume of anticipated residential loan closings. As the pace of residential lending increases, the volume of Demand deposits will increase accordingly. Demand deposits, net of balances related to residential loan closings, grew to $181.8 million as of September 30, 2024 from $166.4 million as of December 31, 2023, an increase of 9.28%, underscoring the continued success of our C&I Banking vertical.

    The Company had $366.2 million in total municipal deposits at September 30, 2024, at a weighted average rate of 4.24% versus $528.1 million at a weighted average rate of 4.62% at December 31, 2023. The Company’s municipal deposit program is built on long-standing relationships developed in the local marketplace. This core deposit business will continue to provide a stable source of funding for the Company’s lending products at costs lower than those of consumer deposits and market-based borrowings.   The Company continues to broaden its municipal deposit base and currently services 39 customer relationships.

    Total borrowings at September 30, 2024 were $125.8 million, with a weighted average rate and term of 4.25% and 22 months, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had $107.8 million and $126.7 million, respectively, of term FHLB advances outstanding. The Company had $18.0 million of FHLB overnight borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2024 and none at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company’s borrowings from the Federal Reserve’s Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (“PPPLF”) were $0 and $2.3 million, respectively.   The Company had no borrowings outstanding under lines of credit with correspondent banks at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.   The Company utilizes a number of strategies to manage interest rate risk, including interest rate swap agreements which currently provide a benefit to net interest income.

    Stockholders’ equity was $192.3 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $184.8 million at December 31, 2023. The $7.5 million increase was primarily due to an increase of $6.2 million in retained earnings and a decrease of $0.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The increase in retained earnings was due primarily to net income of $8.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which was offset by $2.2 million of dividends declared. The accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2024 was 1.10% of total equity and was comprised of a $1.0 million after tax net unrealized loss on the investment portfolio and a $1.1 million after tax net unrealized loss on derivatives.

    Loan Portfolio

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank’s loan portfolio grew to $2.01 billion, for an increase of $48.6 million or 3.31% annualized. Growth was concentrated primarily in residential, SBA and C&I loans. At September 30, 2024, the Company’s residential loan portfolio (including home equity) amounted to $745.9 million, with an average loan balance of $483 thousand and a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 57%. Commercial real estate and multifamily loans totaled $1.09 billion at September 30, 2024, with an average loan balance of $1.5 million and a weighted average loan-to-value ratio of 59%. As will be discussed below, only approximately 37% of the multifamily portfolio is subject to rent regulation. The Company’s commercial real estate concentration ratio continued to improve, decreasing to 397% of capital at September 30, 2024 from 432% of capital at December 31, 2023, with loans secured by office space accounting for 2.27% of the total loan portfolio and totaling $45.5 million. The Company’s loan pipeline with executed term sheets at September 30, 2024 is approximately $142 million, with approximately 97% being niche-residential, conventional C&I and SBA and USDA lending opportunities.  

    Historically, the Bank generated additional income by strategically originating and selling residential and government guaranteed loans to other financial institutions at premiums, while also retaining servicing rights in some sales. However, with the rapid increases in interest rates in recent years, the appetite among the Bank’s purchasers of residential loans for acquiring pools of loans declined, eliminating the Bank’s ability to sell residential loans in its portfolio on desirable terms. Commencing in late 2023, the Bank initiated development of a flow origination program under which the Bank originates individual loans for sale to specific buyers, thereby positioning the Bank to resume residential loan sales and generate fee income to complement sale premiums earned from the sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the Company sold $16.5 million of residential loans under this program and recorded gains on sale of loans held-for-sale of $0.4 million. We expect the volume of activity to increase as the year progresses and our flow pipeline continues to build. Because we continue to prioritize the management of liquidity and capital, new business development is largely focused on flow originations over portfolio growth.

    The Bank’s investment in government guaranteed lending continues to yield results. During the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company sold approximately $27.1 million and $18.4 million, respectively, in the government guaranteed portion of SBA loans and recorded gains on sale of loans held-for-sale of $2.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

    Commercial Real Estate Statistics

    A significant portion of the Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio consists of loans secured by Multi-Family and CRE-Investor owned real estate that are predominantly subject to fixed interest rates for an initial period of 5 years. The Bank’s exposure to Land/Construction loans is minor at $9.5 million, all at floating interest rates, and CRE-owner occupied loans have a sizable mix of floating rates. As shown below, these two portfolios have only 11% combined of loans maturing through the balance of 2024 and 2025, with 55% maturing in 2027 alone.

    Multi-Family Market Rent Portfolio Fixed Rate Reset/Maturity Schedule   Multi-Family Stabilized Rent Portfolio Fixed Rate Reset/Maturity Schedule
    Calendar Period
    (loan data as of
    9/30/24)
      #
    Loans
      Total O/S
    ($000’s
    omitted)
      Avg O/S
    ($000’s
    omitted)
      Avg Interest
    Rate
      Calendar Period
    (loan data as of
    9/30/24)
      #
    Loans
      Total O/S
    ($000’s
    omitted)
      Avg O/S
    ($000’s
    omitted)
      Avg Interest
    Rate
                                                     
    2024   3   $ 1,861   $ 620   7.07 %   2024   4   $ 4,014   $ 1,004   5.43 %
    2025   9     15,977     1,775   4.16 %   2025   14     19,438     1,388   4.57 %
    2026   36     119,170     3,310   3.66 %   2026   20     43,147     2,157   3.67 %
    2027   72     178,368     2,477   4.31 %   2027   53     125,417     2,366   4.22 %
    2028   18     29,980     1,666   6.16 %   2028   11     9,966     906   7.12 %
    2029+   8     5,647     706   7.32 %   2029+   5     2,326     465   6.40 %
    Fixed Rate   146     351,003     2,404   4.30 %   Fixed Rate   107     204,308     1,909   4.33 %
    Floating Rate   3     457     152   9.56 %   Floating Rate   1     1,804     1,804   6.25 %
    Total   149   $ 351,460   $ 2,359   4.32 %   Total   108   $ 206,112   $ 1,908   4.34 %
    CRE Investor Portfolio Fixed Rate Reset/Maturity Schedule
    Calendar Period
    (loan data as of
    9/30/24)
      #
    Loans
      Total O/S
    ($000’s omitted)
      Avg O/S
    ($000’s omitted)
      Avg Interest
    Rate
                           
    2024   18   $ 30,965   $ 1,720   5.56 %
    2025   27     18,259     676   5.11 %
    2026   33     45,806     1,388   4.85 %
    2027   87     149,261     1,716   4.75 %
    2028   32     32,826     1,026   6.65 %
    2029+   16     6,519     407   6.15 %
    Fixed Rate   213     283,636     1,332   5.13 %
    Floating Rate   3     12,368     4,123   8.80 %
    Total CRE-Inv.   216   $ 296,004   $ 1,370   5.28 %


    Rental breakdown of Multi-Family portfolio

    The table below segments our portfolio of loans secured by Multi-Family properties based on rental terms and location. As shown below, 63% of the combined portfolio is secured by properties subject to free market rental terms, the dominant tenant type, and both the Market Rent and Stabilized Rent segments of our portfolio present very similar average borrower profiles. The portfolio is primarily located in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. 

    Multi-Family Loan Portfolio – Loans by Rent Type
    Rent Type   # of Notes   Outstanding
    Loan Balance
      % of Total
    Multi-Family
      Avg Loan
    Size
      LTV   Current
    DSCR
      Avg #
    of Units
            ($000’s omitted)         ($000’s omitted)              
                                         
    Market   149   $ 351,460   63 % $ 2,359   61.8 % 1.40   11
    Location                                    
    Manhattan   7   $ 17,911   3 % $ 2,559   52.0 % 1.63   15
    Other NYC   94   $ 246,140   44 % $ 2,619   61.5 % 1.39   10
    Outside NYC   48   $ 87,409   16 % $ 1,821   64.8 % 1.40   12
                                         
    Stabilized   108   $ 206,112   37 % $ 1,908   63.1 % 1.38   11
    Location                                    
    Manhattan   7   $ 10,892   2 % $ 1,556   53.5 % 1.49   15
    Other NYC   89   $ 176,115   32 % $ 1,979   63.5 % 1.38   11
    Outside NYC   12   $ 19,105   3 % $ 1,592   64.7 % 1.40   16


    Office Property Exposure

    The Bank’s exposure to the Office market is minor at $45 million (2% of all loans), has a 1.8x weighted average DSCR, a 54% weighted average LTV and less than $400 thousand of exposure in Manhattan. The portfolio has no delinquencies, defaults or modifications.

    Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses

    The Bank’s asset quality ratios remain solid. At September 30, 2024, the Company reported $15.5 million in non-performing loans which represented 0.77% of total loans outstanding. Non-performing loans were $14.5 million at December 31, 2023 and $15.8 million at June 30, 2024.

    During the third quarter of 2024, the Bank recorded a provision for credit losses expense of $0.2 million. The September 30, 2024, allowance for credit losses balance was $23.4 million versus $19.7 million at December 31, 2023 and $23.6 million at June 30, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans was 1.17% at September 30 and June 30, 2024, inclusive of a $2.5 million allowance on an individually analyzed loan, versus 1.00% at December 31, 2023, which does not include the aforementioned $2.5 million allowance.  

    Net Interest Margin

    The Bank’s net interest margin increased to 2.37% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 from 2.29% in the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The increase from the prior year quarter was primarily related to the increase in the average yield on loans, partially offset by the increase in the average total cost of funds. The Bank’s net interest margin was 2.46% in the quarter ended June 30, 2024, inclusive of $321 thousand or 6 bps related to an interest recovery on the sale of a non-performing loan. There were no such recoveries in the current quarter. Further, contributing to the decrease from the prior linked quarter was an increase in the total cost of interest-bearing deposits primarily related to the delayed timing of the Fed rate cut and our decision to ensure deposit retention via shorter duration products. Despite the linked quarter margin compression, we believe the Company is well positioned for the current or more favorable interest rate environments.

    About Hanover Community Bank and Hanover Bancorp, Inc.

    Hanover Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNVR), is the bank holding company for Hanover Community Bank, a community commercial bank focusing on highly personalized and efficient services and products responsive to client needs. Management and the Board of Directors are comprised of a select group of successful local businesspeople who are committed to the success of the Bank by knowing and understanding the metro-New York area’s financial needs and opportunities. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, Hanover offers a full range of financial services. Hanover offers a complete suite of consumer, commercial, and municipal banking products and services, including multi-family and commercial mortgages, residential loans, business loans and lines of credit. Hanover also offers its customers access to 24-hour ATM service with no fees attached, free checking with interest, telephone banking, advanced technologies in mobile and internet banking for our consumer and business customers, safe deposit boxes and much more. The Company’s corporate administrative office is located in Mineola, New York where it also operates a full-service branch office along with additional branch locations in Garden City Park, Hauppauge, Forest Hills, Flushing, Sunset Park, Rockefeller Center and Chinatown, New York, and Freehold, New Jersey, with a new branch opening in Port Jefferson, New York in the first quarter of 2025.

    Hanover Community Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For further information, call (516) 548-8500 or visit the Bank’s website at www.hanoverbank.com.

    Non-GAAP Disclosure

    This discussion, including the financial statements attached thereto, includes non-GAAP financial measures which include the Company’s adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average equity, tangible common equity (“TCE”) ratio, TCE, tangible assets, tangible book value per share, return on average tangible equity and efficiency ratio. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are required to be disclosed in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s management believes that the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provides both management and investors with a greater understanding of the Company’s operating results and trends in addition to the results measured in accordance with GAAP, and provides greater comparability across time periods. While management uses non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance, this information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the numbers prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP or considered to be more important than financial results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other financial institutions.

    With respect to the calculations of and reconciliations of adjusted net income, TCE, tangible assets, TCE ratio and tangible book value per share, reconciliations to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures are provided in the tables that follow.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and may be identified by the use of such words as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue,” and “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Hanover Bancorp, Inc. Any or all of the forward-looking statements in this release and in any other public statements made by Hanover Bancorp, Inc. may turn out to be incorrect. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions that Hanover Bancorp, Inc. might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A – Risk Factors, as updated by our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, the adverse effect of health emergencies or natural disasters on the Company, its customers, and the communities where it operates may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition for an indefinite period of time. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Hanover Bancorp, Inc. does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release or to conform these statements to actual events.

    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands)
                 
        September 30,   June 30,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2023  
    Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 141,231     $ 141,115     $ 177,207  
    Securities-available for sale, at fair value   98,359       98,813       61,419  
    Investments-held to maturity   3,828       3,902       4,041  
    Loans held for sale   16,721       11,615       8,904  
                 
    Loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs   2,005,813       2,012,954       1,957,199  
    Less: allowance for credit losses   (23,406 )     (23,644 )     (19,658 )
    Loans, net   1,982,407       1,989,310       1,937,541  
                 
    Goodwill     19,168       19,168       19,168  
    Premises & fixed assets   16,373       16,541       15,886  
    Operating lease assets   8,776       9,210       9,754  
    Other assets   40,951       41,424       36,140  
      Assets $ 2,327,814     $ 2,331,098     $ 2,270,060  
                 
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity          
    Core deposits $ 1,453,444     $ 1,477,824     $ 1,382,397  
    Time deposits   504,100       464,105       522,198  
    Total deposits   1,957,544       1,941,929       1,904,595  
                 
    Borrowings   125,805       148,953       128,953  
    Subordinated debentures   24,675       24,662       24,635  
    Operating lease liabilities   9,472       9,911       10,459  
    Other liabilities   17,979       15,571       16,588  
      Liabilities   2,135,475       2,141,026       2,085,230  
                 
    Stockholders’ equity   192,339       190,072       184,830  
      Liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 2,327,814     $ 2,331,098     $ 2,270,060  
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                       
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
        9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023  
                       
    Interest income $ 34,113   $ 28,952   $ 99,965   $ 82,471  
    Interest expense   21,011     17,153     60,681     43,243  
      Net interest income   13,102     11,799     39,284     39,228  
    Provision for credit losses (1)   200     500     4,540     1,932  
      Net interest income after provision for credit losses   12,902     11,299     34,744     37,296  
                       
    Loan servicing and fee income   960     681     2,709     2,031  
    Service charges on deposit accounts   123     75     333     212  
    Gain on sale of loans held-for-sale   2,834     1,468     7,926     3,515  
    Gain on sale of investments           4      
    Other operating income   37     1,483     180     1,679  
      Non-interest income   3,954     3,707     11,152     7,437  
                       
    Compensation and benefits   6,840     5,351     18,901     16,320  
    Occupancy and equipment   1,799     1,758     5,412     4,882  
    Data processing   547     516     1,560     1,533  
    Professional fees   762     800     2,297     2,462  
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   360     386     1,043     1,101  
    Other operating expenses   1,930     1,506     5,499     5,152  
      Non-interest expense   12,238     10,317     34,712     31,450  
                       
      Income before income taxes   4,618     4,689     11,184     13,283  
    Income tax expense   1,079     1,166     2,740     3,457  
                       
      Net income $ 3,539   $ 3,523   $ 8,444   $ 9,826  
                       
    Earnings per share (“EPS”):(2)                
    Basic $ 0.48   $ 0.48   $ 1.14   $ 1.34  
    Diluted $ 0.48   $ 0.48   $ 1.14   $ 1.33  
                       
    Average shares outstanding for basic EPS (2)(3)   7,411,064     7,327,345     7,395,758     7,327,836  
    Average shares outstanding for diluted EPS (2)(3)   7,436,068     7,407,483     7,420,415     7,407,954  
                       
    (1) CECL was adopted effective 10/1/23. Prior periods were based on the incurred loss methodology.
    (2) Calculation includes common stock and Series A preferred stock.
    (3) Average shares outstanding before subtracting participating securities.
                       
    Note: Prior period information has been adjusted to conform to current period presentation.
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)
    QUARTERLY TREND
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                         
        Three Months Ended
        9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
                         
    Interest income $ 34,113   $ 33,420   $ 32,432   $ 31,155   $ 28,952
    Interest expense   21,011     20,173     19,497     18,496     17,153
      Net interest income   13,102     13,247     12,935     12,659     11,799
    Provision for credit losses (1)   200     4,040     300     200     500
      Net interest income after provision for credit losses   12,902     9,207     12,635     12,459     11,299
                         
    Loan servicing and fee income   960     836     913     778     681
    Service charges on deposit accounts   123     114     96     85     75
    Gain on sale of loans held-for-sale   2,834     2,586     2,506     2,326     1,468
    Gain on sale of investments       4            
    Other operating income   37     82     61     65     1,483
      Non-interest income   3,954     3,622     3,576     3,254     3,707
                         
    Compensation and benefits   6,840     6,499     5,562     5,242     5,351
    Occupancy and equipment   1,799     1,843     1,770     1,746     1,758
    Data processing   547     495     518     530     516
    Professional fees   762     717     818     729     800
    Federal deposit insurance premiums   360     365     318     375     386
    Other operating expenses   1,930     1,751     1,818     2,048     1,506
      Non-interest expense   12,238     11,670     10,804     10,670     10,317
                         
      Income before income taxes   4,618     1,159     5,407     5,043     4,689
    Income tax expense   1,079     315     1,346     1,280     1,166
                         
      Net income $ 3,539   $ 844   $ 4,061   $ 3,763   $ 3,523
                         
    Earnings per share (“EPS”):(2)                  
    Basic $ 0.48   $ 0.11   $ 0.55   $ 0.51   $ 0.48
    Diluted $ 0.48   $ 0.11   $ 0.55   $ 0.51   $ 0.48
                         
    Average shares outstanding for basic EPS (2)(3)   7,411,064     7,399,816     7,376,227     7,324,133     7,327,345
    Average shares outstanding for diluted EPS (2)(3)   7,436,068     7,449,110     7,420,926     7,383,529     7,407,483
                         
    (1) CECL was adopted effective 10/1/23. Prior periods were based on the incurred loss methodology.
    (2) Calculation includes common stock and Series A preferred stock.
    (3) Average shares outstanding before subtracting participating securities.
                         
    Note: Prior period information has been adjusted to conform to current period presentation.
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)(unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023
                   
    ADJUSTED NET INCOME:              
    Net income, as reported $ 3,539     $ 3,523     $ 8,444     $ 9,826  
    Adjustments:              
    Litigation settlement payment         (975 )           (975 )
    Severance and retirement expenses   219             219       456  
    Total adjustments, before income taxes   219       (975 )     219       (519 )
    Adjustment for reported effective income tax rate   55       (243 )     55       (138 )
    Total adjustments, after income taxes   164       (732 )     164       (381 )
    Adjusted net income $ 3,703     $ 2,791     $ 8,608     $ 9,445  
    Basic earnings per share – adjusted $ 0.50     $ 0.38     $ 1.16     $ 1.29  
    Diluted earnings per share – adjusted $ 0.50     $ 0.38     $ 1.16     $ 1.27  
                   
    ADJUSTED OPERATING EFFICIENCY RATIO(2):              
    Operating efficiency ratio, as reported   71.75 %     66.53 %     68.83 %     67.39 %
    Adjustments:              
    Litigation settlement payment   0.00 %     4.47 %     0.00 %     1.44 %
    Severance and retirement expenses   -1.28 %     0.00 %     -0.43 %     -0.98 %
    Adjusted operating efficiency ratio   70.47 %     71.00 %     68.40 %     67.85 %
                   
    ADJUSTED RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS   0.65 %     0.53 %     0.51 %     0.62 %
    ADJUSTED RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY   7.69 %     6.00 %     6.04 %     6.93 %
    ADJUSTED RETURN ON AVERAGE TANGIBLE EQUITY   8.56 %     6.71 %     6.73 %     7.77 %
                   
    (1)  A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are required to be disclosed in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s management believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with a greater understanding of the Company’s operating results in addition to the results measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP. While management uses non-GAAP measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance, this information should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or considered to be more important than financial results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
                   
    (2) Excludes gain on sale of securities available for sale.
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023
    Profitability:              
    Return on average assets   0.62 %     0.66 %     0.50 %     0.64 %
    Return on average equity (1)   7.35 %     7.58 %     5.93 %     7.21 %
    Return on average tangible equity (1)   8.19 %     8.47 %     6.60 %     8.08 %
    Pre-provision net revenue to average assets   0.85 %     0.98 %     0.94 %     1.00 %
    Yield on average interest-earning assets   6.17 %     5.61 %     6.14 %     5.58 %
    Cost of average interest-bearing liabilities   4.53 %     3.95 %     4.45 %     3.50 %
    Net interest rate spread (2)   1.64 %     1.66 %     1.69 %     2.08 %
    Net interest margin (3)   2.37 %     2.29 %     2.41 %     2.65 %
    Non-interest expense to average assets   2.15 %     1.94 %     2.08 %     2.06 %
    Operating efficiency ratio (4)   71.75 %     66.53 %     68.83 %     67.39 %
                   
    Average balances:              
    Interest-earning assets $ 2,201,068     $ 2,046,502     $ 2,175,478     $ 1,975,584  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   1,847,177       1,723,235       1,822,613       1,653,908  
    Loans   2,019,384       1,840,900       2,006,142       1,802,349  
    Deposits   1,891,132       1,638,777       1,835,862       1,644,964  
    Borrowings   150,770       259,549       181,445       186,187  
                   
                   
    (1) Includes common stock and Series A preferred stock.
    (2) Represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (3) Represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
    (4) Represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income excluding gain on sale of securities available for sale.
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
                   
      At or For the Three Months Ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
    Asset quality:              
    Provision for credit losses – loans (1) $ 200     $ 3,850     $ 300     $ 200  
    Net (charge-offs)/recoveries   (438 )     (79 )     (85 )     677  
    Allowance for credit losses   23,406       23,644       19,873       19,658  
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans (2)   1.17 %     1.17 %     0.99 %     1.00 %
    Non-performing loans $ 15,469     $ 15,828     $ 14,878     $ 14,451  
    Non-performing loans/total loans   0.77 %     0.79 %     0.74 %     0.74 %
    Non-performing loans/total assets   0.66 %     0.68 %     0.64 %     0.64 %
    Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans   151.31 %     149.38 %     133.57 %     136.03 %
                   
    Capital (Bank only):              
    Tier 1 Capital $ 198,196     $ 195,703     $ 195,889     $ 193,324  
    Tier 1 leverage ratio   8.85 %     8.89 %     8.90 %     9.08 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital ratio   12.99 %     12.78 %     12.99 %     13.17 %
    Tier 1 risk based capital ratio   12.99 %     12.78 %     12.99 %     13.17 %
    Total risk based capital ratio   14.24 %     14.21 %     14.19 %     14.31 %
                   
    Equity data:              
    Shares outstanding (3)   7,428,366       7,402,163       7,392,412       7,345,012  
    Stockholders’ equity $ 192,339     $ 190,072     $ 189,543     $ 184,830  
    Book value per share (3)   25.89       25.68       25.64       25.16  
    Tangible common equity (3)   172,906       170,625       170,080       165,351  
    Tangible book value per share (3)   23.28       23.05       23.01       22.51  
    Tangible common equity (“TCE”) ratio (3)   7.49 %     7.38 %     7.43 %     7.35 %
                   
    (1) Excludes $0, $190 thousand, $0 and $0 provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments for the quarters ended 9/30/24, 6/30/24, 3/31/24 and 12/31/23, respectively.
    (2) Calculation excludes loans held for sale.
    (3) Includes common stock and Series A preferred stock.
                   
    Note: Prior period information has been adjusted to conform to current period presentation.        
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    STATISTICAL SUMMARY
    QUARTERLY TREND
    (unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share data)
                   
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023
                   
    Loan distribution (1):              
    Residential mortgages $ 719,037     $ 733,040     $ 730,017     $ 689,211  
    Multifamily   557,634       562,503       568,043       572,849  
    Commercial real estate   529,948       549,725       556,708       561,183  
    Commercial & industrial   171,899       139,209       123,419       107,912  
    Home equity   26,825       27,992       26,879       25,631  
    Consumer   470       485       449       413  
                   
      Total loans $ 2,005,813     $ 2,012,954     $ 2,005,515     $ 1,957,199  
                   
    Sequential quarter growth rate   -0.35 %     0.37 %     2.47 %     4.41 %
                   
    CRE concentration ratio   397 %     403 %     416 %     432 %
                   
    Loans sold during the quarter $ 43,537     $ 35,302     $ 26,735     $ 29,740  
                   
    Funding distribution:              
    Demand $ 206,327     $ 199,835     $ 202,934     $ 207,781  
    N.O.W.   621,880       661,998       708,897       661,276  
    Savings   53,024       44,821       48,081       47,608  
    Money market   572,213       571,170       493,123       465,732  
    Total core deposits   1,453,444       1,477,824       1,453,035       1,382,397  
    Time   504,100       464,105       464,227       522,198  
    Total deposits   1,957,544       1,941,929       1,917,262       1,904,595  
    Borrowings   125,805       148,953       148,953       128,953  
    Subordinated debentures   24,675       24,662       24,648       24,635  
                   
      Total funding sources $ 2,108,024     $ 2,115,544     $ 2,090,863     $ 2,058,183  
                   
    Sequential quarter growth rate – total deposits   0.80 %     1.29 %     0.67 %     9.77 %
                   
    Period-end core deposits/total deposits ratio   74.25 %     76.10 %     75.79 %     72.58 %
                   
    Period-end demand deposits/total deposits ratio   10.54 %     10.29 %     10.58 %     10.91 %
                   
    (1) Excluding loans held for sale
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (1)(unaudited)
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                       
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
    Tangible common equity                  
    Total equity (2) $ 192,339     $ 190,072     $ 189,543     $ 184,830     $ 185,907  
    Less: goodwill   (19,168 )     (19,168 )     (19,168 )     (19,168 )     (19,168 )
    Less: core deposit intangible   (265 )     (279 )     (295 )     (311 )     (327 )
    Tangible common equity (2) $ 172,906     $ 170,625     $ 170,080     $ 165,351     $ 166,412  
                       
    Tangible common equity (“TCE”) ratio                
    Tangible common equity (2) $ 172,906     $ 170,625     $ 170,080     $ 165,351     $ 166,412  
    Total assets   2,327,814       2,331,098       2,307,508       2,270,060       2,149,632  
    Less: goodwill   (19,168 )     (19,168 )     (19,168 )     (19,168 )     (19,168 )
    Less: core deposit intangible   (265 )     (279 )     (295 )     (311 )     (327 )
    Tangible assets $ 2,308,381     $ 2,311,651     $ 2,288,045     $ 2,250,581     $ 2,130,137  
    TCE ratio (2)   7.49 %     7.38 %     7.43 %     7.35 %     7.81 %
                       
    Tangible book value per share                  
    Tangible equity (2) $ 172,906     $ 170,625     $ 170,080     $ 165,351     $ 166,412  
    Shares outstanding (2)   7,428,366       7,402,163       7,392,412       7,345,012       7,320,419  
    Tangible book value per share (2) $ 23.28     $ 23.05     $ 23.01     $ 22.51     $ 22.73  
                       
    (1)  A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are required to be disclosed in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s management believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with a greater understanding of the Company’s operating results in addition to the results measured in accordance with U.S. GAAP. While management uses non-GAAP measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance, this information should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or considered to be more important than financial results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
                       
    (2)  Includes common stock and Series A preferred stock.
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
    For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
    (unaudited, dollars in thousands)
                           
      2024
      2023
      Average       Average   Average       Average
      Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost   Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost
                           
    Assets:                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans $ 2,019,384   $ 31,356   6.18 %   $ 1,840,900   $ 26,059   5.62 %
    Investment securities   103,870     1,619   6.20 %     15,232     198   5.16 %
    Interest-earning cash   69,204     934   5.37 %     176,884     2,391   5.36 %
    FHLB stock and other investments   8,610     204   9.43 %     13,486     304   8.94 %
    Total interest-earning assets   2,201,068     34,113   6.17 %     2,046,502     28,952   5.61 %
    Non interest-earning assets:                      
    Cash and due from banks   9,360             6,700        
    Other assets   50,730             53,638        
    Total assets $ 2,261,158           $ 2,106,840        
                           
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Savings, N.O.W. and money market deposits $ 1,209,030   $ 13,941   4.59 %   $ 985,625   $ 10,186   4.10 %
    Time deposits   487,377     5,546   4.53 %     478,061     4,060   3.37 %
    Total savings and time deposits   1,696,407     19,487   4.57 %     1,463,686     14,246   3.86 %
    Borrowings   126,104     1,198   3.78 %     234,936     2,604   4.40 %
    Subordinated debentures   24,666     326   5.26 %     24,613     303   4.88 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,847,177     21,011   4.53 %     1,723,235     17,153   3.95 %
    Demand deposits   194,725             175,091        
    Other liabilities   27,826             23,994        
    Total liabilities   2,069,728             1,922,320        
    Stockholders’ equity   191,430             184,520        
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 2,261,158           $ 2,106,840        
    Net interest rate spread         1.64 %           1.66 %
    Net interest income/margin     $ 13,102   2.37 %       $ 11,799   2.29 %
                           
    HANOVER BANCORP, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
    For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
    (unaudited, dollars in thousands)
                           
      2024   2023
      Average       Average   Average       Average
      Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost   Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost
                           
    Assets:                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans $ 2,006,142   $ 92,217   6.14 %   $ 1,802,349   $ 75,581   5.61 %
    Investment securities   99,363     4,610   6.20 %     15,837     594   5.01 %
    Interest-earning cash   60,202     2,445   5.42 %     147,423     5,673   5.14 %
    FHLB stock and other investments   9,771     693   9.47 %     9,975     623   8.35 %
    Total interest-earning assets   2,175,478     99,965   6.14 %     1,975,584     82,471   5.58 %
    Non interest-earning assets:                      
    Cash and due from banks   8,431             8,238        
    Other assets   50,593             53,720        
    Total assets $ 2,234,502           $ 2,037,542        
                           
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Savings, N.O.W. and money market deposits $ 1,162,587   $ 39,541   4.54 %   $ 1,026,164   $ 27,883   3.63 %
    Time deposits   478,581     15,418   4.30 %     441,557     9,657   2.92 %
    Total savings and time deposits   1,641,168     54,959   4.47 %     1,467,721     37,540   3.42 %
    Borrowings   156,792     4,744   4.04 %     161,588     4,732   3.92 %
    Subordinated debentures   24,653     978   5.30 %     24,599     971   5.28 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,822,613     60,681   4.45 %     1,653,908     43,243   3.50 %
    Demand deposits   194,694             177,243        
    Other liabilities   26,944             24,253        
    Total liabilities   2,044,251             1,855,404        
    Stockholders’ equity   190,251             182,138        
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 2,234,502           $ 2,037,542        
    Net interest rate spread         1.69 %           2.08 %
    Net interest income/margin     $ 39,284   2.41 %       $ 39,228   2.65 %

    Investor and Press Contact:
    Lance P. Burke
    Chief Financial Officer
    (516) 548-8500

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TeraWulf Inc.’s Board of Directors Authorizes $200 Million Share Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EASTON, Md., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TeraWulf Inc. (Nasdaq: WULF) (“TeraWulf” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of vertically integrated, next-generation digital infrastructure powered by predominantly zero-carbon energy, today announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $200 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock through December 31, 2025.

    The share repurchase program reflects the Company’s confidence in its business strategy and financial health. TeraWulf intends to repurchase shares using excess cash, prioritizing this initiative after disciplined capital expenditures aimed at supporting organic growth in HPC/AI and evaluating strategic opportunities, such as potential site acquisitions.

    “We have taken decisive steps to strengthen our balance sheet, including fully retiring our debt earlier this year, while making substantial progress in executing our business strategy,” said Paul Prager, Chief Executive Officer of TeraWulf. “These achievements reinforce our confidence in TeraWulf’s long-term vision. With a stronger financial foundation, we are well-positioned to optimize our capital allocation. The Board’s approval of a $200 million share repurchase program over the next year highlights our commitment to creating value for stockholders and driving profitable growth, all while delivering strong returns.”

    When determining the amount of capital to be allocated to share repurchases, TeraWulf will consider various factors, including historical and projected business performance, cash flow, liquidity, and prevailing global economic and market conditions. The Company will also assess the market price of its common stock.

    The timing, method, price, and volume of any share repurchases will be at the Company’s discretion. Purchases may be made through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or through investment banking structures, among other avenues, subject to applicable laws. The Company is not obligated to repurchase a specific number of shares and retains the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the program at any time.

    About TeraWulf

    TeraWulf develops, owns, and operates environmentally sustainable, next-generation data center infrastructure in the United States, specifically designed for Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. Led by a team of seasoned energy entrepreneurs, the Company owns and operates the Lake Mariner facility situated on the expansive site of a now retired coal plant in Western New York. Currently, TeraWulf generates revenue primarily through Bitcoin mining, leveraging predominantly zero-carbon energy sources, including nuclear and hydroelectric power. Committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles that align with its business objectives, TeraWulf aims to deliver industry-leading economics in mining and data center operations at an industrial scale.

    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, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan,” “believe,” “goal,” “target,” “aim,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “would” and other similar words and expressions, although the absence of these words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of TeraWulf’s management and are inherently subject to a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among others: (1) conditions in the cryptocurrency mining industry, including fluctuation in the market pricing of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and the economics of cryptocurrency mining, including as to variables or factors affecting the cost, efficiency and profitability of cryptocurrency mining; (2) competition among the various providers of cryptocurrency mining services; (3) changes in applicable laws, regulations and/or permits affecting TeraWulf’s operations or the industries in which it operates, including regulation regarding power generation, cryptocurrency usage and/or cryptocurrency mining, and/or regulation regarding safety, health, environmental and other matters, which could require significant expenditures; (4) the ability to implement certain business objectives and to timely and cost-effectively execute integrated projects; (5) failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and/or on acceptable terms with regard to growth strategies or operations; (6) loss of public confidence in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies and the potential for cryptocurrency market manipulation; (7) adverse geopolitical or economic conditions, including a high inflationary environment; (8) the potential of cybercrime, money-laundering, malware infections and phishing and/or loss and interference as a result of equipment malfunction or break-down, physical disaster, data security breach, computer malfunction or sabotage (and the costs associated with any of the foregoing); (9) the availability, delivery schedule and cost of equipment necessary to maintain and grow the business and operations of TeraWulf, including mining equipment and infrastructure equipment meeting the technical or other specifications required to achieve its growth strategy; (10) employment workforce factors, including the loss of key employees; (11) litigation relating to TeraWulf and/or its business; and (12) other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Potential investors, stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. TeraWulf does not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement after it was made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or regulation. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements and the discussion of risk factors contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.

    Investors:
    Investors@terawulf.com

    Media:
    media@terawulf.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TeraWulf Inc. Announces Proposed Private Offering of $350 Million of Convertible Notes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EASTON, Md., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TeraWulf Inc. (Nasdaq: WULF) (“TeraWulf” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of vertically integrated, next-generation digital infrastructure powered by predominantly zero-carbon energy, today announced that it intends to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $350 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “Convertible Notes”) in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

    TeraWulf also expects to grant the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes an option to purchase, within a 13-day period beginning on, and including the date on which the Convertible Notes are first issued, up to an additional $75 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether, when or on what terms the offering may be completed. 

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay the cost of the capped call transactions (as described below), to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock (the “common stock”) and for general corporate purposes.

    The Convertible Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will accrue interest at a rate payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on May 1, 2025. The Convertible Notes will mature on February 1, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted in accordance with their terms. Prior to November 1, 2029, the Convertible Notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and thereafter, the Convertible Notes will be convertible at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date.

    The Convertible Notes will be convertible into cash in respect of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be converted and cash, shares of the common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the common stock, at the Company’s election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of the Company’s conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes being converted. The initial conversion rate, interest rate and other terms of the Convertible Notes will be determined at the time of pricing in negotiations with the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes.

    In connection with the pricing of the Convertible Notes, the Company expects to enter into privately negotiated capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes and/or other financial institutions (the “option counterparties”). If the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes exercise their option to purchase additional Convertible Notes, the Company expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the additional Convertible Notes to enter into additional capped call transactions with the option counterparties.

    The capped call transactions are expected generally to reduce potential dilution to the common stock upon conversion of any Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Convertible Notes, as the case may be, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap.

    In connection with establishing their initial hedges of the capped call transactions, the Company expects the option counterparties or their respective affiliates to purchase shares of the common stock and/or enter into various derivative transactions with respect to the common stock concurrently with or shortly after the pricing of the Convertible Notes. This activity could increase (or reduce the size of any decrease in) the market price of the common stock or the Convertible Notes at that time. In addition, the option counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to the common stock and/or purchasing or selling shares of the common stock or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Convertible Notes and prior to the maturity of the Convertible Notes (and are likely to do so on each exercise date for the capped call transactions or following any termination of any portion of the capped call transactions in connection with any repurchase, redemption or early conversion of the Convertible Notes). This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or decrease in the market price of the common stock or the Convertible Notes, which could affect holders of the Convertible Notes’ ability to convert the Convertible Notes and, to the extent the activity occurs following conversion of the Convertible Notes or during any observation period related to a conversion of the Convertible Notes, it could affect the amount and value of the consideration that holders of the Convertible Notes will receive upon conversion of such Convertible Notes.

    The Company expects to repurchase the shares of common stock from purchasers of the Convertible Notes in privately negotiated transactions effected concurrently with the pricing of the Convertible Notes, and the Company expects the purchase price per share of the common stock repurchased in such transactions to equal the closing price per share of the common stock on the date the offering of the Convertible Notes is priced.

    The Convertible Notes and any shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities laws of any other jurisdiction, and the Convertibles Notes and such shares of common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. The Convertible Notes will be offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Convertible Notes, nor shall there be any sale of the Convertible Notes or common stock 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 TeraWulf

    TeraWulf develops, owns, and operates environmentally sustainable, next-generation data center infrastructure in the United States, specifically designed for Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. Led by a team of seasoned energy entrepreneurs, the Company owns and operates the Lake Mariner facility situated on the expansive site of a now retired coal plant in Western New York. Currently, TeraWulf generates revenue primarily through Bitcoin mining, leveraging predominantly zero-carbon energy sources, including nuclear and hydroelectric power. Committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles that align with its business objectives, TeraWulf aims to deliver industry-leading economics in mining and data center operations at an industrial scale.

    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, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts, such as statements concerning the proposed terms of the notes and the capped call transactions, the completion, timing and size of the proposed offering of the notes and the capped call transactions, and the anticipated use of proceeds from the proposed offering (including the proposed share repurchases). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan,” “believe,” “goal,” “target,” “aim,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “would” and other similar words and expressions, although the absence of these words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of TeraWulf’s management and are inherently subject to a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions and their potential effects. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among others: (1) conditions in the cryptocurrency mining industry, including fluctuation in the market pricing of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and the economics of cryptocurrency mining, including as to variables or factors affecting the cost, efficiency and profitability of cryptocurrency mining; (2) competition among the various providers of cryptocurrency mining services; (3) changes in applicable laws, regulations and/or permits affecting TeraWulf’s operations or the industries in which it operates, including regulation regarding power generation, cryptocurrency usage and/or cryptocurrency mining, and/or regulation regarding safety, health, environmental and other matters, which could require significant expenditures; (4) the ability to implement certain business objectives and to timely and cost-effectively execute integrated projects; (5) failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and/or on acceptable terms with regard to growth strategies or operations; (6) loss of public confidence in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies and the potential for cryptocurrency market manipulation; (7) adverse geopolitical or economic conditions, including a high inflationary environment; (8) the potential of cybercrime, money-laundering, malware infections and phishing and/or loss and interference as a result of equipment malfunction or break-down, physical disaster, data security breach, computer malfunction or sabotage (and the costs associated with any of the foregoing); (9) the availability, delivery schedule and cost of equipment necessary to maintain and grow the business and operations of TeraWulf, including mining equipment and infrastructure equipment meeting the technical or other specifications required to achieve its growth strategy; (10) employment workforce factors, including the loss of key employees; (11) litigation relating to TeraWulf and/or its business; and (12) other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Potential investors, stockholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. TeraWulf does not assume any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement after it was made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law or regulation. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements and the discussion of risk factors contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.

    Investors:
    Investors@terawulf.com

    Media:
    media@terawulf.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: QCR Holdings, Inc. Announces Net Income of $27.8 Million for the Third Quarter of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Net income of $27.8 million, or $1.64 per diluted share
    • Adjusted net income of $30.3 million or $1.78 per diluted share (non-GAAP) resulting in an adjusted ROAA (non-GAAP) of 1.35%
    • Significant increase in net interest income of $3.6 million from the prior quarter, or 6%
    • Net interest margin expanded by 8 basis points to 3.34% adjusted NIM (TEY) (non-GAAP)
    • Continued strong capital markets revenue of $16.3 million
    • Tangible book value (non-GAAP) per share grew $2.35, or 20% annualized
    • TCE/TA ratio (non-GAAP) improved 24 basis points to 9.24%

    MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QCR Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: QCRH) (the “Company”) today announced quarterly net income of $27.8 million and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $1.64 for the third quarter of 2024, compared to net income of $29.1 million and diluted EPS of $1.72 for the second quarter of 2024.

    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) and adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) for the third quarter of 2024 were $30.3 million and $1.78, respectively. For the second quarter of 2024, adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $29.3 million and adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) was $1.73. For the third quarter of 2023, adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $25.4 million, and adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) was $1.51.

      For the Quarter Ended  
      September 30, June 30, September 30,  
    $ in millions (except per share data) 2024 2024 2023  
    Net Income $ 27.8 $ 29.1 $ 25.1  
    Diluted EPS $ 1.64 $ 1.72 $ 1.49  
    Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)* $ 30.3 $ 29.3 $ 25.4  
    Adjusted Diluted EPS (non-GAAP)* $ 1.78 $ 1.73 $ 1.51  
     

    *Adjusted non-GAAP measurements of financial performance exclude non-core and/or nonrecurring income and expense items that management believes are not reflective of the anticipated future operation of the Company’s business. The Company believes these adjusted measurements provide a better comparison for analysis and may provide a better indicator of future performance. See GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.

    “We produced exceptional third quarter results, highlighted by our significant growth in net interest income and margin expansion. We also had another quarter of strong capital markets and wealth management revenue,” said Larry J. Helling, Chief Executive Officer. “In addition, we grew core deposits, maintained our excellent asset quality, and significantly increased our tangible book value per share.”

    Net Interest Income Grew 6% and Net Interest Margin Expanded 8 Basis Points

    Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $59.7 million, an increase of $3.6 million from the second quarter of 2024, driven by strong growth in loans and investments combined with margin expansion. Loan yields increased and funding costs were stable. Loan discount accretion was $463 thousand during the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $195 thousand from the prior quarter.

    Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.90% and NIM on a tax-equivalent yield (“TEY”) basis (non-GAAP) was 3.37% for the third quarter, as compared to 2.82% and 3.27% for the prior quarter, respectively. Adjusted NIM TEY (non-GAAP) of 3.34% for the third quarter of 2024, represented an increase of 8 basis points from 3.26% for the second quarter of 2024.  

    “Our adjusted NIM, on a tax equivalent yield basis (non-GAAP), expanded by 8 basis points from the second quarter to 3.34% and exceeded the upper end of our guidance range,” said Todd A. Gipple, President and Chief Financial Officer. “We are very pleased with another quarter of NIM expansion. Looking ahead, we anticipate continued growth in net interest income and are guiding to further fourth quarter adjusted NIM TEY (non-GAAP) expansion in a range of between 2 to 7 basis points.”

    Strong Noninterest Income Including $16.3 Million of Capital Markets Revenue

    Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $27.2 million, a decrease from $30.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. The Company delivered $16.3 million of capital markets revenue in the quarter compared to $17.8 million in the prior quarter. Capital markets revenue was impacted by a $473 thousand loss from the execution of our third securitization during the quarter, a more modest loss than our prior guidance. Wealth management revenue was $4.5 million for the quarter, a 17% annualized increase from the second quarter. Additionally, the Company recorded $2.2 million of income from bank-owned life insurance policy proceeds in the second quarter of 2024 which did not recur during the third quarter of 2024.

    “Our capital markets business delivered strong results driven by the swap fees from our low-income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”) lending program. The demand for affordable housing remains strong, which supports the sustainability of our LIHTC lending program,” added Mr. Gipple. “Our LIHTC lending pipelines, and the associated capital markets revenue remain robust. Additionally, our wealth management business continues to grow from new client additions and increased assets under management as we expand our market share.”

    During the third quarter, the Company executed a derivative strategy with a notional value of $410 million. These derivatives are designed to safeguard the Company’s regulatory capital ratios against the adverse effects of a significant decline in long-term interest rates. These derivatives are unhedged and are marked-to-market, with gains or losses recorded in noninterest income and reflected as a non-core item. For the quarter, the Company recorded a $414 thousand loss on these derivatives.

    Well Controlled Noninterest Expenses of $53.6 Million Impacted by m2 Equipment Finance Decision

    Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 totaled $53.6 million, compared to $49.9 million for the second quarter and $51.1 million for the third quarter of 2023. The linked-quarter increase was primarily due to the previously announced one-time restructuring and goodwill impairment charges related to the decision to discontinue offering new loans and leases at m2 Equipment Finance, LLC (“m2”).  

    “Our core expenses, excluding m2 one-time charges, were $51.2 million, an increase of $1.3 million, and within our guidance range of $49 to $52 million,” said Mr. Gipple. The linked quarter increase in core expenses for the quarter was primarily driven by higher incentive compensation and advertising expenses. Year-to-date core noninterest expenses remain well controlled, having increased only 2% annually. Excluding the one-time charges and other non-core items, the Company’s adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) was 58.5% in the third quarter.

    Strong Core Deposit Growth

    During the third quarter of 2024, the Company generated strong deposit growth with core deposits increasing by $166.3 million, or 10.3% annualized, to $6.6 billion. “Year-to-date, core deposits have increased by $398.3 million, which is an annualized growth rate of 8.5%. This is a result of our dedication to expanding market share and building new relationships in our markets,” added Mr. Helling.

    Continued Loan Growth

    During the third quarter of 2024, the Company’s total loans and leases held for investment increased by $53.5 million to $6.7 billion. At quarter end, the Company held $165.9 million of LIHTC loans held for sale in anticipation of the Company’s next loan securitization.

    “Our year-to-date total loan growth excluding the impact of the loans securitized during the third quarter, is 10.5% annualized which was just above our guidance range. Year-to-date loan growth, net of loans securitized, was 5.8% annualized”, added Mr. Helling. “With the continued strength of our markets and healthy pipeline, we are maintaining our loan growth target for the full year 2024 of 8% to 10%, prior to the loan securitizations closed in the third quarter and planned for in the fourth quarter.”  

    Asset Quality Remains Excellent

    The Company’s nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) to total assets ratio was 0.39% on September 30, 2024, unchanged from the prior quarter. NPAs totaled $35.7 million at the end of the third quarter of 2024, a $1.2 million increase from the prior quarter.

    The Company’s total criticized loans, a leading indicator of asset quality, declined by $15.3 million on a linked-quarter basis, and the ratio of criticized loans to total loans and leases as of September 30, 2024, improved to 2.20%, as compared to 2.41% as of June 30, 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of improvement, resulting in a $50 million reduction in total criticized balances.

    The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $3.5 million during the quarter, representing a decline of $2.0 million from the prior quarter. The reduction in the provision for credit losses during the quarter was primarily due to overall credit quality improvements. Net charge-offs were $3.4 million during the third quarter of 2024, an increase of $1.8 million from the prior quarter. The increase in net charge offs primarily resulted from loans and leases at m2. The allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment decreased to 1.30% from 1.33% as of the prior quarter.

    Continued Strong Capital Levels and Outstanding Tangible Book Value Expansion

    As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (“TCE”) (non-GAAP) increased to 9.24%. The improvement in TCE was driven by strong earnings and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The total risk-based capital ratio decreased to 13.87% and the common equity tier 1 ratio decreased to 9.79% due to sizable loan and investment growth partially offset by strong earnings. By comparison, these ratios were 9.00%, 14.21%, and 9.92%, respectively, as of June 30, 2024. The Company remains focused on growing its regulatory capital and targeting TCE (non-GAAP) in the top quartile of its peer group.

    The Company’s tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) increased significantly by $2.35, or 20% annualized, during the third quarter of 2024. AOCI increased $12.1 million during the third quarter primarily due to declining interest rates. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) has grown by $5.19 year-to-date, for an annualized growth rate of nearly 16%. The combination of strong earnings, a modest dividend, and improved AOCI contributed to the improvement in tangible book value per share (non-GAAP).

    Conference Call Details
    The Company will host an earnings call/webcast tomorrow, October 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Dial-in information for the call is toll-free: 888-346-9286 (international 412-317-5253). Participants should request to join the QCR Holdings, Inc. call. The event will be available for replay through October 31, 2024. The replay access information is 877-344-7529 (international 412-317-0088); access code 4892655. A webcast of the teleconference can be accessed on the Company’s News and Events page at www.qcrh.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available at the same location shortly after the live event has ended.

    About Us
    QCR Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Moline, Illinois, is a relationship-driven, multi-bank holding company serving the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley, Des Moines/Ankeny and Springfield communities through its wholly owned subsidiary banks. The banks provide full-service commercial and consumer banking and trust and wealth management services. Quad City Bank & Trust Company, based in Bettendorf, Iowa, commenced operations in 1994, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, commenced operations in 2001, Community State Bank, based in Ankeny, Iowa, was acquired by the Company in 2016, Springfield First Community Bank, based in Springfield, Missouri, was acquired by the Company in 2018, and Guaranty Bank, also based in Springfield, Missouri, was acquired by the Company and merged with Springfield First Community Bank in 2022, with the combined entity operating under the Guaranty Bank name. Additionally, the Company serves the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa community through Community Bank & Trust, a division of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company. The Company has 36 locations in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $9.1 billion in assets, $6.8 billion in loans and $7.0 billion in deposits. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at www.qcrh.com.

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “bode”, “predict,” “suggest,” “project”, “appear,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” ”annualize,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “might,” “potential,” “continue,” “annualized,” “target,” “outlook,” as well as the negative forms of those words, or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.  

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or other threats thereof (including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Russian invasion of Ukraine), or other adverse external events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iii) changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (iv) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business, including as a result of the upcoming 2024 presidential election or any changes in response to failures of other banks; (vi) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) unexpected results of acquisitions, which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (ix) the loss of key executives or employees; (x) changes in consumer spending; (xi) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the Company; (xii) the economic impact of exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xiv) concentrations within our loan portfolio, large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (xv) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversity their exposure; (xvi) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xvii) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xviii) breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, (xix) changes in the interest rates and prepayment rates of the Company’s assets, and (xx) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning the Company and its business, including additional factors that could materially affect the Company’s financial results, is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Contact:
    Todd A. Gipple                                
    President                                
    Chief Financial Officer                        
    (309) 743-7745                                
    tgipple@qcrh.com

       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
       
                 
      As of  
      September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
      2024 2024 2024 2023 2023  
                 
      (dollars in thousands)  
                 
    CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET            
                 
    Cash and due from banks $ 103,840   $ 92,173   $ 80,988   $ 97,123   $ 104,265    
    Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits   159,159     102,262     77,020     140,369     80,650    
    Securities, net of allowance for credit losses   1,146,046     1,033,199     1,031,861     1,005,528     896,394    
    Loans receivable held for sale (1)   167,047     246,124     275,344     2,594     278,893    
    Loans/leases receivable held for investment   6,661,755     6,608,262     6,372,992     6,540,822     6,327,414    
    Allowance for credit losses   (86,321 )   (87,706 )   (84,470 )   (87,200 )   (87,669 )  
    Intangibles   11,751     12,441     13,131     13,821     14,537    
    Goodwill   138,596     139,027     139,027     139,027     139,027    
    Derivatives   261,913     194,354     183,888     188,978     291,295    
    Other assets   524,779     531,855     509,768     497,832     495,251    
    Total assets $ 9,088,565   $ 8,871,991   $ 8,599,549   $ 8,538,894   $ 8,540,057    
                 
    Total deposits $ 6,984,633   $ 6,764,667   $ 6,806,775   $ 6,514,005   $ 6,494,852    
    Total borrowings   660,344     768,671     489,633     718,295     712,126    
    Derivatives   285,769     221,798     211,677     214,098     320,220    
    Other liabilities   181,199     180,536     184,122     205,900     184,476    
    Total stockholders’ equity   976,620     936,319     907,342     886,596     828,383    
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 9,088,565   $ 8,871,991   $ 8,599,549   $ 8,538,894   $ 8,540,057    
                 
    ANALYSIS OF LOAN PORTFOLIO            
    Loan/lease mix: (2)            
    Commercial and industrial – revolving $ 387,409   $ 362,115   $ 326,129   $ 325,243   $ 299,588    
    Commercial and industrial – other   1,321,053     1,370,561     1,374,333     1,390,068     1,381,967    
    Commercial and industrial – other – LIHTC   89,028     92,637     96,276     91,710     105,601    
    Total commercial and industrial   1,797,490     1,825,313     1,796,738     1,807,021     1,787,156    
    Commercial real estate, owner occupied   622,072     633,596     621,069     607,365     610,618    
    Commercial real estate, non-owner occupied   1,103,694     1,082,457     1,055,089     1,008,892     955,552    
    Construction and land development   342,335     331,454     410,918     477,424     472,695    
    Construction and land development – LIHTC   913,841     750,894     738,609     943,101     921,359    
    Multi-family   324,090     329,239     296,245     284,721     282,541    
    Multi-family – LIHTC   973,682     1,148,244     1,007,321     711,422     874,439    
    Direct financing leases   19,241     25,808     28,089     31,164     34,401    
    1-4 family real estate   587,512     583,542     563,358     544,971     539,931    
    Consumer   144,845     143,839     130,900     127,335     127,615    
    Total loans/leases $ 6,828,802   $ 6,854,386   $ 6,648,336   $ 6,543,416   $ 6,606,307    
    Less allowance for credit losses   86,321     87,706     84,470     87,200     87,669    
    Net loans/leases $ 6,742,481   $ 6,766,680   $ 6,563,866   $ 6,456,216   $ 6,518,638    
                 
    ANALYSIS OF SECURITIES PORTFOLIO            
    Securities mix:            
    U.S. government sponsored agency securities $ 18,621   $ 20,101   $ 14,442   $ 14,973   $ 16,002    
    Municipal securities   965,810     885,046     884,469     853,645     764,017    
    Residential mortgage-backed and related securities   53,488     54,708     56,071     59,196     57,946    
    Asset backed securities   10,455     12,721     14,285     15,423     16,326    
    Other securities   39,190     38,464     40,539     41,115     43,272    
    Trading securities (3)   58,685     22,362     22,258     22,368        
    Total securities $ 1,146,249   $ 1,033,402   $ 1,032,064   $ 1,006,720   $ 897,563    
    Less allowance for credit losses   203     203     203     1,192     1,169    
    Net securities $ 1,146,046   $ 1,033,199   $ 1,031,861   $ 1,005,528   $ 896,394    
                 
    ANALYSIS OF DEPOSITS            
    Deposit mix:            
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 969,348   $ 956,445   $ 955,167   $ 1,038,689   $ 1,027,791    
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   4,715,087     4,644,918     4,714,555     4,338,390     4,416,725    
    Time deposits   942,847     859,593     875,491     851,950     788,692    
    Brokered deposits   357,351     303,711     261,562     284,976     261,644    
    Total deposits $ 6,984,633   $ 6,764,667   $ 6,806,775   $ 6,514,005   $ 6,494,852    
                 
    ANALYSIS OF BORROWINGS            
    Borrowings mix:            
    Term FHLB advances $ 145,383   $ 135,000   $ 135,000   $ 135,000   $ 135,000    
    Overnight FHLB advances   230,000     350,000     70,000     300,000     295,000    
    Other short-term borrowings   2,750     1,600     2,700     1,500     470    
    Subordinated notes   233,383     233,276     233,170     233,064     232,958    
    Junior subordinated debentures   48,828     48,795     48,763     48,731     48,698    
    Total borrowings $ 660,344   $ 768,671   $ 489,633   $ 718,295   $ 712,126    
                 
    (1) Loans with a fair value of $165.9 million, $243.2 million, $274.8 million and $278.0 million have been identified for securitization and are included in LHFS at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.
    (2) Loan categories with significant LIHTC loan balances have been broken out separately. Total LIHTC balances within the loan/lease portfolio were $2.0 billion at September 30, 2024.   
    (3) Trading securities consisted of retained beneficial interests acquired in conjunction with Freddie Mac securitizations completed by the Company.  
                 
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
       
                     
          For the Quarter Ended  
          September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,  
          2024 2024 2024 2023 2023  
                     
          (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                     
    INCOME STATEMENT              
    Interest income   $ 125,420   $ 119,746 $ 115,049   $ 112,248   $ 108,568    
    Interest expense     65,698     63,583   60,350     56,512     53,313    
    Net interest income     59,722     56,163   54,699     55,736     55,255    
    Provision for credit losses     3,484     5,496   2,969     5,199     3,806    
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   $ 56,238   $ 50,667 $ 51,730   $ 50,537   $ 51,449    
                     
                     
    Trust fees     $ 3,270   $ 3,103 $ 3,199   $ 3,084   $ 2,863    
    Investment advisory and management fees     1,229     1,214   1,101     1,052     947    
    Deposit service fees     2,294     1,986   2,022     2,008     2,107    
    Gains on sales of residential real estate loans, net     385     540   382     323     476    
    Gains on sales of government guaranteed portions of loans, net         12   24     24        
    Capital markets revenue     16,290     17,758   16,457     36,956     15,596    
    Earnings on bank-owned life insurance     814     2,964   868     832     1,807    
    Debit card fees     1,575     1,571   1,466     1,561     1,584    
    Correspondent banking fees     507     510   512     465     450    
    Loan related fee income     949     962   836     845     800    
    Fair value gain (loss) on derivatives and trading securities     (886 )   51   (163 )   (582 )   (336 )  
    Other       730     218   154     1,161     299    
    Total noninterest income   $ 27,157   $ 30,889 $ 26,858   $ 47,729   $ 26,593    
                     
                     
    Salaries and employee benefits   $ 31,637   $ 31,079 $ 31,860   $ 41,059   $ 32,098    
    Occupancy and equipment expense     6,168     6,377   6,514     6,789     6,228    
    Professional and data processing fees     4,457     4,823   4,613     4,223     4,456    
    Restructuring expense     1,954                  
    FDIC insurance, other insurance and regulatory fees     1,711     1,854   1,945     2,115     1,721    
    Loan/lease expense     587     151   378     834     826    
    Net cost of (income from) and gains/losses on operations of other real estate     (42 )   28   (30 )   38     3    
    Advertising and marketing     2,124     1,565   1,483     1,641     1,429    
    Communication and data connectivity     333     318   401     449     478    
    Supplies       278     259   275     333     335    
    Bank service charges     603     622   568     761     605    
    Correspondent banking expense     325     363   305     300     232    
    Intangibles amortization     690     690   690     716     691    
    Goodwill impairment     432                  
    Payment card processing     785     706   646     836     733    
    Trust expense     395     379   425     413     432    
    Other       1,128     674   617     431     814    
    Total noninterest expense   $ 53,565   $ 49,888 $ 50,690   $ 60,938   $ 51,081    
                     
    Net income before income taxes   $ 29,830   $ 31,668 $ 27,898   $ 37,328   $ 26,961    
    Federal and state income tax expense     2,045     2,554   1,172     4,473     1,840    
    Net income     $ 27,785   $ 29,114 $ 26,726   $ 32,855   $ 25,121    
                     
    Basic EPS   $ 1.65   $ 1.73 $ 1.59   $ 1.96   $ 1.50    
    Diluted EPS   $ 1.64   $ 1.72 $ 1.58   $ 1.95   $ 1.49    
                     
                     
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     16,846,200     16,814,814   16,783,348     16,734,080     16,717,303    
    Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding     16,982,400     16,921,854   16,910,675     16,875,952     16,847,951    
                     
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
       
                 
          For the Nine Months Ended  
          September 30,   September 30,  
          2024   2023  
                 
          (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                 
    INCOME STATEMENT          
    Interest income   $ 360,215     $ 301,162    
    Interest expense     189,631       135,892    
    Net interest income     170,584       165,270    
    Provision for credit losses     11,949       11,340    
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   $ 158,635     $ 153,930    
                 
                 
    Trust fees     $ 9,572     $ 8,613    
    Investment advisory and management fees     3,544       2,812    
    Deposit service fees     6,302       6,169    
    Gains on sales of residential real estate loans, net     1,307       1,288    
    Gains on sales of government guaranteed portions of loans, net     36       30    
    Capital markets revenue     50,505       55,109    
    Securities losses, net           (451 )  
    Earnings on bank-owned life insurance     4,646       3,352    
    Debit card fees     4,612       4,639    
    Correspondent banking fees     1,529       1,197    
    Loan related fee income     2,747       2,221    
    Fair value loss on derivatives and trading securities     (998 )     (680 )  
    Other       1,102       656    
    Total noninterest income   $ 84,904     $ 84,955    
                 
                 
    Salaries and employee benefits   $ 94,576     $ 95,560    
    Occupancy and equipment expense     19,059       18,242    
    Professional and data processing fees     13,893       12,048    
    Post-acquisition compensation, transition and integration costs           207    
    Restructuring expense     1,954          
    FDIC insurance, other insurance and regulatory fees     5,510       5,022    
    Loan/lease expense     1,116       2,034    
    Net cost of (income from) and gains/losses on operations of other real estate       (44 )     (64 )  
    Advertising and marketing     5,172       4,401    
    Communication and data connectivity     1,052       1,614    
    Supplies       812       921    
    Bank service charges     1,793       1,831    
    Correspondent banking expense     993       663    
    Intangibles amortization     2,070       2,222    
    Goodwill impairment     432          
    Payment card processing     2,137       1,820    
    Trust expense     1,199       983    
    Other       2,419       2,089    
    Total noninterest expense   $ 154,143     $ 149,593    
                 
    Net income before income taxes   $ 89,396     $ 89,292    
    Federal and state income tax expense     5,771       8,589    
    Net income     $ 83,625     $ 80,703    
                 
    Basic EPS   $ 4.97     $ 4.82    
    Diluted EPS   $ 4.94     $ 4.79    
                 
                 
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     16,814,787       16,731,847    
    Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding   16,938,309       16,863,203    
                 
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
       
                       
      As of and for the Quarter Ended   For the Nine Months Ended  
      September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
      September 30, September 30,  
      2024 2024 2024 2023 2023   2024 2023  
                       
      (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                       
    COMMON SHARE DATA                  
    Common shares outstanding   16,861,108     16,824,985     16,807,056     16,749,254     16,731,646          
    Book value per common share (1) $ 57.92   $ 55.65   $ 53.99   $ 52.93   $ 49.51          
    Tangible book value per common share (Non-GAAP) (2) $ 49.00   $ 46.65   $ 44.93   $ 43.81   $ 40.33          
    Closing stock price $ 74.03   $ 60.00   $ 60.74   $ 58.39   $ 48.52          
    Market capitalization $ 1,248,228   $ 1,009,499   $ 1,020,861   $ 977,989   $ 811,819          
    Market price / book value   127.81 %   107.82 %   112.51 %   100.31 %   98.00 %        
    Market price / tangible book value   151.07 %   128.62 %   135.18 %   133.29 %   120.30 %        
    Earnings per common share (basic) LTM (3) $ 6.93   $ 6.78   $ 6.75   $ 6.78   $ 6.65          
    Price earnings ratio LTM (3) 10.68 x 8.85 x 9.00 x 8.61 x 7.30 x        
    TCE / TA (Non-GAAP) (4)   9.24 %   9.00 %   8.94 %   8.75 %   8.05 %        
                       
                       
    CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Beginning balance $ 936,319   $ 907,342   $ 886,596   $ 828,383   $ 822,689          
    Net income   27,785     29,114     26,726     32,855     25,121          
    Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   12,057     (368 )   (5,373 )   25,363     (19,415 )        
    Common stock cash dividends declared   (1,012 )   (1,008 )   (1,008 )   (1,004 )   (1,003 )        
    Other (5)   1,471     1,239     401     999     991          
    Ending balance $ 976,620   $ 936,319   $ 907,342   $ 886,596   $ 828,383          
                       
                       
    REGULATORY CAPITAL RATIOS (6):                  
    Total risk-based capital ratio   13.87 %   14.21 %   14.30 %   14.29 %   14.48 %        
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   10.33 %   10.49 %   10.50 %   10.27 %   10.30 %        
    Tier 1 leverage capital ratio   10.50 %   10.40 %   10.33 %   10.03 %   9.92 %        
    Common equity tier 1 ratio   9.79 %   9.92 %   9.91 %   9.67 %   9.68 %        
                       
                       
    KEY PERFORMANCE RATIOS AND OTHER METRICS                  
    Return on average assets (annualized)   1.24 %   1.33 %   1.25 %   1.54 %   1.21 %     1.27 %   1.34 %  
    Return on average total equity (annualized)   11.55 %   12.63 %   11.83 %   15.42 %   11.99 %     12.00 %   13.18 %  
    Net interest margin   2.90 %   2.82 %   2.82 %   2.90 %   2.89 %     2.85 %   3.00 %  
    Net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP)(7)   3.37 %   3.27 %   3.25 %   3.32 %   3.31 %     3.30 %   3.37 %  
    Efficiency ratio (Non-GAAP) (8)   61.65 %   57.31 %   62.15 %   58.90 %   62.41 %     60.33 %   59.78 %  
    Gross loans/leases held for investment / total assets   73.30 %   74.48 %   74.11 %   76.60 %   74.09 %     73.30 %   77.36 %  
    Gross loans/leases held for investment / total deposits   95.38 %   97.69 %   93.63 %   100.41 %   97.42 %     95.38 %   101.72 %  
    Effective tax rate   6.86 %   8.06 %   4.20 %   11.98 %   6.82 %     6.46 %   9.62 %  
    Full-time equivalent employees   976     988     986     996     987       976     987    
                       
                       
    AVERAGE BALANCES                  
    Assets $ 8,968,653   $ 8,776,002   $ 8,550,855   $ 8,535,732   $ 8,287,813     $ 8,765,913   $ 8,041,141    
    Loans/leases   6,840,527     6,779,075     6,598,614     6,483,572     6,476,512       6,739,773     6,288,343    
    Deposits   6,858,196     6,687,188     6,595,453     6,485,154     6,342,339       6,714,251     6,272,083    
    Total stockholders’ equity   962,302     921,986     903,371     852,163     837,734       929,341     816,591    
                       
                       
                       
    (1) Includes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).            
    (2) Includes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and excludes intangible assets. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.    
    (3) LTM : Last twelve months.             
    (4) TCE / TCA : tangible common equity / total tangible assets. See GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.         
    (5) Includes mostly common stock issued for options exercised and the employee stock purchase plan, as well as stock-based compensation.    
    (6) Ratios for the current quarter are subject to change upon final calculation for regulatory filings due after earnings release.        
    (7) TEY : Tax equivalent yield. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.           
    (8) See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.              
                       
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
       
                               
                               
    ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN                        
                               
        For the Quarter Ended  
        September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023  
        Average
    Balance
    Interest
    Earned or
    Paid
    Average
    Yield or Cost
      Average
    Balance
    Interest
    Earned or
    Paid
    Average
    Yield or Cost
      Average
    Balance
    Interest
    Earned or
    Paid
    Average
    Yield or Cost
     
                               
        (dollars in thousands)  
                               
    Fed funds sold   $ 12,596 $ 173 5.37 %   $ 13,065 $ 183 5.54 %   $ 21,526 $ 284 5.23 %  
    Interest-bearing deposits at financial institutions   145,597   1,915 5.23 %     80,998   1,139 5.66 %     86,807   1,205 5.51 %  
    Investment securities – taxable   381,285   4,439 4.64 %     377,747   4,286 4.53 %     344,657   3,788 4.38 %  
    Investment securities – nontaxable (1)   760,645   10,744 5.65 %     704,761   9,462 5.37 %     600,693   6,974 4.64 %  
    Restricted investment securities   42,546   840 7.73 %     43,398   869 7.92 %     43,590   659 5.91 %  
    Loans (1)     6,840,527   116,854 6.80 %     6,779,075   112,719 6.69 %     6,476,512   103,428 6.34 %  
    Total earning assets (1) $ 8,183,196 $ 134,965 6.56 %   $ 7,999,044 $ 128,658 6.46 %   $ 7,573,785 $ 116,338 6.10 %  
                               
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 4,739,757 $ 42,180 3.54 %   $ 4,649,625 $ 40,924 3.54 %   $ 4,264,208 $ 33,563 3.12 %  
    Time deposits     1,164,560   13,206 4.51 %     1,091,870   12,128 4.47 %     999,488   10,003 3.97 %  
    Short-term borrowings   2,485   32 5.07 %     1,622   21 5.18 %     1,514   20 5.28 %  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   445,632   5,972 5.24 %     464,231   6,238 5.32 %     425,870   5,724 5.26 %  
    Subordinated debentures   233,313   3,616 6.20 %     233,207   3,582 6.14 %     232,890   3,307 5.68 %  
    Junior subordinated debentures   48,806   693 5.56 %     48,774   688 5.58 %     48,678   695 5.59 %  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 6,634,553 $ 65,699 3.93 %   $ 6,489,329 $ 63,581 3.93 %   $ 5,972,648 $ 53,312 3.54 %  
                               
    Net interest income (1)   $ 69,266       $ 65,077       $ 63,026    
    Net interest margin (2)     2.90 %       2.82 %       2.89 %  
    Net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP) (1) (2) (3)     3.37 %       3.27 %       3.31 %  
    Adjusted net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP) (1) (2) (3)     3.34 %       3.26 %       3.28 %  
                               
                               
        For the Nine Months Ended          
        September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023      
        Average Balance Interest Earned or Paid Average Yield or Cost   Average Balance Interest Earned or Paid Average Yield or Cost          
                               
        (dollars in thousands)          
                               
    Fed funds sold   $ 15,196 $ 625 5.40 %   $ 19,267 $ 741 5.14 %          
    Interest-bearing deposits at financial institutions   106,195   4,254 5.35 %     83,783   3,151 5.03 %          
    Investment securities – taxable   377,538   12,986 4.57 %     340,140   10,847 4.24 %          
    Investment securities – nontaxable (1)   717,284   29,557 5.50 %     599,070   19,892 4.43 %          
    Restricted investment securities   41,348   2,383 7.57 %     38,817   1,677 5.70 %          
    Loans (1)     6,739,773   337,244 6.68 %     6,288,343   285,136 6.06 %          
    Total earning assets (1) $ 7,997,334 $ 387,049 6.46 %   $ 7,369,420 $ 321,444 5.83 %          
                               
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 4,639,937 $ 122,207 3.52 %   $ 4,099,789 $ 84,565 2.76 %          
    Time deposits     1,121,508   37,679 4.49 %     1,020,421   27,225 3.57 %          
    Short-term borrowings   1,846   76 5.47 %     3,588   152 5.66 %          
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances   421,782   16,948 5.28 %     311,740   11,898 5.03 %          
    Subordinated debentures   233,207   10,678 6.10 %     232,784   9,922 5.68 %          
    Junior subordinated debentures   48,774   2,074 5.59 %     48,646   2,129 5.77 %          
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 6,467,054 $ 189,662 3.91 %   $ 5,716,968 $ 135,891 3.17 %          
                               
    Net interest income (1)   $ 197,387       $ 185,553            
    Net interest margin (2)     2.85 %       3.00 %          
    Net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP) (1) (2) (3)     3.30 %       3.37 %          
    Adjusted net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP) (1) (2) (3)     3.28 %       3.34 %          
                               
                               
    (1) Includes nontaxable securities and loans. Interest earned and yields on nontaxable securities and loans are determined on a tax equivalent basis using a 21% effective federal tax rate.  
    (2) See “Select Financial Data – Subsidiaries” for a breakdown of amortization/accretion included in net interest margin for each period presented.     
    (3) TEY : Tax equivalent yield. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliations.            
                               
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
       
                 
                 
      As of  
      September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30,
      2024 2024 2024 2023 2023  
                 
      (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                 
    ROLLFORWARD OF ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS/LEASES            
    Beginning balance $ 87,706   $ 84,470   $ 87,200   $ 87,669   $ 85,797    
    Change in ACL for transfer of loans to LHFS   (1,812 )   498     (3,377 )   266     175    
    Credit loss expense   3,828     4,343     3,736     2,519     3,260    
    Loans/leases charged off   (3,871 )   (1,751 )   (3,560 )   (3,354 )   (1,816 )  
    Recoveries on loans/leases previously charged off   470     146     471     100     253    
    Ending balance $ 86,321   $ 87,706   $ 84,470   $ 87,200   $ 87,669    
                 
                 
    NONPERFORMING ASSETS            
    Nonaccrual loans/leases $ 33,480   $ 33,546   $ 29,439   $ 32,753   $ 34,568    
    Accruing loans/leases past due 90 days or more   1,298     87     142     86        
    Total nonperforming loans/leases   34,778     33,633     29,581     32,839     34,568    
    Other real estate owned   369     369     784     1,347     120    
    Other repossessed assets   542     512     962            
    Total nonperforming assets $ 35,689   $ 34,514   $ 31,327   $ 34,186   $ 34,688    
                 
                 
    ASSET QUALITY RATIOS            
    Nonperforming assets / total assets   0.39 %   0.39 %   0.36 %   0.40 %   0.41 %  
    ACL for loans and leases / total loans/leases held for investment   1.30 %   1.33 %   1.33 %   1.33 %   1.39 %  
    ACL for loans and leases / nonperforming loans/leases   248.21 %   260.77 %   285.55 %   265.54 %   253.61 %  
    Net charge-offs as a % of average loans/leases   0.05 %   0.02 %   0.05 %   0.05 %   0.02 %  
                 
                 
                 
    INTERNALLY ASSIGNED RISK RATING (1) (2)            
    Special mention $ 80,121   $ 85,096   $ 111,729   $ 125,308   $ 128,052    
    Substandard (3)   70,022     80,345     70,841     70,425     72,550    
    Doubtful (3)                      
        Total Criticized loans (4) $ 150,143   $ 165,441   $ 182,570   $ 195,733   $ 200,602    
                 
    Classified loans as a % of total loans/leases (3)   1.03 %   1.17 %   1.07 %   1.08 %   1.10 %  
    Total Criticized loans as a % of total loans/leases (4)   2.20 %   2.41 %   2.75 %   2.99 %   3.04 %  
                 
                 
                 
                 
    (1) During the first quarter of 2024, the Company revised the risk rating scale used for credit quality monitoring.  
    (2) Amounts exclude the government guaranteed portion, if any. The Company assigns internal risk ratings of Pass for the government guaranteed portion.  
    (3) Classified loans are defined as loans with internally assigned risk ratings of 10 or 11 (7 or 8 prior to January 1, 2024), regardless of performance, and include loans identified as Substandard or Doubtful.  
    (4) Total Criticized loans are defined as loans with internally assigned risk ratings of 9, 10, or 11 (6, 7, or 8 prior to January 1, 2024), regardless of performance, and include loans identified as Special Mention, Substandard, or Doubtful.  
                 
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
     
       
                             
                             
          For the Quarter Ended For the Nine Months Ended  
          September 30,   June 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,  
      SELECT FINANCIAL DATA – SUBSIDIARIES   2024   2024   2023   2024   2023  
          (dollars in thousands)  
                             
      TOTAL ASSETS                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)   $ 2,552,962     $ 2,559,049     $ 2,433,084            
      m2 Equipment Finance, LLC     349,166       359,012       336,180            
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     2,625,943       2,428,267       2,442,263            
      Community State Bank     1,519,585       1,531,109       1,417,250            
      Guaranty Bank     2,360,301       2,369,754       2,242,638            
                             
      TOTAL DEPOSITS                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)   $ 2,205,465     $ 2,100,520     $ 1,973,989            
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     1,765,964       1,721,564       1,722,905            
      Community State Bank     1,269,147       1,188,551       1,132,724            
      Guaranty Bank     1,778,453       1,791,448       1,722,861            
                             
      TOTAL LOANS & LEASES                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)   $ 2,090,856     $ 2,107,605     $ 2,005,770            
      m2 Equipment Finance, LLC     353,259       363,897       341,041            
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     1,743,809       1,736,438       1,750,986            
      Community State Bank     1,161,805       1,162,686       1,098,479            
      Guaranty Bank     1,832,331       1,847,658       1,751,072            
                             
      TOTAL LOANS & LEASES / TOTAL DEPOSITS                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)     95 %     100 %     102 %          
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     99 %     101 %     102 %          
      Community State Bank     92 %     98 %     97 %          
      Guaranty Bank     103 %     103 %     102 %          
                             
                             
      TOTAL LOANS & LEASES / TOTAL ASSETS                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)     82 %     82 %     82 %          
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     66 %     72 %     72 %          
      Community State Bank     76 %     76 %     78 %          
      Guaranty Bank     78 %     78 %     78 %          
                             
      ACL ON LOANS/LEASES HELD FOR INVESTMENT AS A PERCENTAGE OF LOANS/LEASES HELD FOR INVESTMENT                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)     1.49 %     1.49 %     1.50 %          
      m2 Equipment Finance, LLC     4.11 %     3.86 %     3.52 %          
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     1.38 %     1.44 %     1.47 %          
      Community State Bank     1.06 %     1.14 %     1.28 %          
      Guaranty Bank     1.14 %     1.16 %     1.24 %          
                             
      RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)     0.76 %     0.88 %     0.97 %     0.81 %     1.00 %  
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     2.52 %     2.94 %     2.28 %     2.84 %     2.95 %  
      Community State Bank     1.46 %     1.26 %     1.38 %     1.33 %     1.43 %  
      Guaranty Bank     1.28 %     1.42 %     1.23 %     1.20 %     1.07 %  
                             
      NET INTEREST MARGIN PERCENTAGE (2)                      
      Quad City Bank and Trust (1)     3.50 %     3.39 %     3.37 %     3.40 %     3.36 %  
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust     3.88 %     3.75 %     3.78 %     3.80 %     3.83 %  
      Community State Bank     3.76 %     3.72 %     3.88 %     3.74 %     3.92 %  
      Guaranty Bank (3)     3.12 %     2.99 %     3.06 %     3.03 %     3.22 %  
                             
      ACQUISITION-RELATED AMORTIZATION/ACCRETION INCLUDED IN NET                  
      INTEREST MARGIN, NET                      
      Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust   $     $     $     $     $ (8 )  
      Community State Bank     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (3 )     69    
      Guaranty Bank     496       301       572       1,194       1,537    
      QCR Holdings, Inc. (4)     (32 )     (32 )     (32 )     (97 )     (97 )  
                             
    (1 ) Quad City Bank and Trust amounts include m2 Equipment Finance, LLC, as this entity is wholly-owned and consolidated with the Bank. m2 Equipment Finance, LLC is also presented separately for certain (applicable) measurements.  
    (2 ) Includes nontaxable securities and loans. Interest earned and yields on nontaxable securities and loans are determined on a tax equivalent basis using a 21% effective federal tax rate.      
    (3 ) Guaranty Bank’s net interest margin percentage includes various purchase accounting adjustments. Excluding those adjustments, net interest margin (Non-GAAP) would have been 2.94% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, 2.86% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and 2.97% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.        
    (4 ) Relates to the trust preferred securities acquired as part of the Guaranty Bank acquisition in 2017 and the Community National Bank acquisition in 2013.      
                             
     
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited) 
     
                           
        As of
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,  
    GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS   2024   2024   2024   2023   2023  
        (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS RATIO (1)                      
                           
    Stockholders’ equity (GAAP)   $ 976,620     $ 936,319     $ 907,342     $ 886,596     $ 828,383    
    Less: Intangible assets     150,347       151,468       152,158       152,848       153,564    
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)   $ 826,273     $ 784,851     $ 755,184     $ 733,748     $ 674,819    
                           
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 9,088,565     $ 8,871,991     $ 8,599,549     $ 8,538,894     $ 8,540,057    
    Less: Intangible assets     150,347       151,468       152,158       152,848       153,564    
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)   $ 8,938,218     $ 8,720,523     $ 8,447,391     $ 8,386,046     $ 8,386,493    
                           
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP)   9.24 %     9.00 %     8.94 %     8.75 %     8.05 %  
                           
                           
                           
    (1) This ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company’s management believes that this measurement is important to many investors in the marketplace who are interested in changes period-to-period in common equity. In compliance with applicable rules of the SEC, this non-GAAP measure is reconciled to stockholders’ equity and total assets, which are the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.  
                           
       
    QCR Holding, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
     
       
                                   
    GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS   For the Quarter Ended   For the Nine Months Ended  
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,  
    ADJUSTED NET INCOME (1)   2024   2024   2024   2023   2023   2024   2023  
        (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                                   
    Net income (GAAP)   $ 27,785     $ 29,114     $ 26,726     $ 32,855     $ 25,121     $ 83,625     $ 80,703    
                                   
    Less non-core items (post-tax) (2):                              
    Income:                              
    Securities gains (losses), net                                         (356 )  
    Fair value gain (loss) on derivatives, net     (542 )     (145 )     (144 )     (460 )     (265 )     (830 )     (537 )  
    Total non-core income (non-GAAP)   $ (542 )   $ (145 )   $ (144 )   $ (460 )   $ (265 )   $ (830 )   $ (893 )  
                                   
    Expense:                              
    Goodwill impairment     432                               432          
    Post-acquisition compensation, transition and integration costs                                         164    
    Restructuring expense     1,544                               1,544        
    Total non-core expense (non-GAAP)   $ 1,976     $     $     $     $     $ 1,976     $ 164    
                                   
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) (1)   $ 30,303     $ 29,259     $ 26,870     $ 33,315     $ 25,386     $ 86,431     $ 81,760    
                                   
    ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (1)                              
                                   
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) (from above)   $ 30,303     $ 29,259     $ 26,870     $ 33,315     $ 25,386     $ 86,431     $ 81,760    
                                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding     16,846,200       16,814,814       16,783,348       16,734,080       16,717,303       16,814,787       16,731,847    
    Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding     16,982,400       16,921,854       16,910,675       16,875,952       16,847,951       16,938,309       16,863,203    
                                   
    Adjusted earnings per common share (non-GAAP):                              
    Basic   $ 1.80     $ 1.74     $ 1.60     $ 1.99     $ 1.52     $ 5.14     $ 4.89    
    Diluted   $ 1.78     $ 1.73     $ 1.59     $ 1.97     $ 1.51     $ 5.10     $ 4.85    
                                   
    ADJUSTED RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS AND AVERAGE EQUITY (1)                              
                                   
    Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) (from above)   $ 30,303     $ 29,259     $ 26,870     $ 33,315     $ 25,386     $ 86,431     $ 81,760    
                                   
    Average Assets   $ 8,968,653     $ 8,776,002     $ 8,550,855     $ 8,535,732     $ 8,287,813     $ 8,765,913     $ 8,041,141    
                                   
    Adjusted return on average assets (annualized) (non-GAAP)     1.35 %     1.33 %     1.26 %     1.56 %     1.23 %     1.31 %     1.36 %  
    Adjusted return on average equity (annualized) (non-GAAP)     12.60 %     12.69 %     11.90 %     15.64 %     12.12 %     12.40 %     13.35 %  
                                   
    NET INTEREST MARGIN (TEY) (3)                              
                                   
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 59,722     $ 56,163     $ 54,699     $ 55,736     $ 55,255     $ 170,584     $ 165,270    
    Plus: Tax equivalent adjustment (4)     9,544       8,914       8,377       7,954       7,771       26,803       20,283    
    Net interest income – tax equivalent (Non-GAAP)   $ 69,266     $ 65,077     $ 63,076     $ 63,690     $ 63,026     $ 197,387     $ 185,553    
    Less: Acquisition accounting net accretion     463       268       363       673       539       1,094       1,501    
    Adjusted net interest income   $ 68,803     $ 64,809     $ 62,713     $ 63,017     $ 62,487     $ 196,293     $ 184,052    
                                   
    Average earning assets   $ 8,183,196     $ 7,999,044     $ 7,807,720     $ 7,631,035     $ 7,573,785     $ 7,997,334     $ 7,369,420    
                                   
    Net interest margin (GAAP)     2.90 %     2.82 %     2.82 %     2.90 %     2.89 %     2.85 %     3.00 %  
    Net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP)     3.37 %     3.27 %     3.25 %     3.32 %     3.31 %     3.30 %     3.37 %  
    Adjusted net interest margin (TEY) (Non-GAAP)     3.34 %     3.26 %     3.24 %     3.29 %     3.28 %     3.28 %     3.34 %  
                                   
    EFFICIENCY RATIO (5)                              
                                   
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   $ 53,565     $ 49,888     $ 50,690     $ 60,938     $ 51,081     $ 154,143     $ 149,593    
                                   
    Net interest income (GAAP)   $ 59,722     $ 56,163     $ 54,699     $ 55,736     $ 55,255     $ 170,584     $ 165,270    
    Noninterest income (GAAP)     27,157       30,889       26,858       47,729       26,593       84,904       84,955    
    Total income   $ 86,879     $ 87,052     $ 81,557     $ 103,465     $ 81,848     $ 255,488     $ 250,225    
                                   
    Efficiency ratio (noninterest expense/total income) (Non-GAAP)     61.65 %     57.31 %     62.15 %     58.90 %     62.41 %     60.33 %     59.78 %  
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (core noninterest expense/core total income) (Non-GAAP)     58.45 %     57.19 %     62.01 %     58.57 %     62.15 %     59.16 %     59.43 %  
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
    (1) Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per common share, adjusted return on average assets and average equity are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company’s management believes that these measurements are important to investors as they exclude non-core or non-recurring income and expense items, therefore, they provide a more realistic run-rate for future periods. 
    In compliance with applicable rules of the SEC, these non-GAAP measures are reconciled to net income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
     
    (2) Non-core or non-recurring items (post-tax) are calculated using an estimated effective federal tax rate of 21% with the exception of goodwill impairment which is not deductible for tax.    
    (3) Interest earned and yields on nontaxable securities and loans are determined on a tax equivalent basis using a 21% effective federal tax rate.        
    (4) Net interest margin (TEY) is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company’s management utilizes this measurement to take into account the tax benefit associated with certain loans and securities. It is also standard industry practice to measure net interest margin using tax-equivalent measures. In compliance with applicable rules of the SEC, this non-GAAP measure is reconciled to net interest income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. In addition, the Company calculates net interest margin without the impact of acquisition accounting net accretion as this can fluctuate and it’s difficult to provide a more realistic run-rate for future periods.          
    (5) Efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure. The Company’s management utilizes this ratio to compare to industry peers. The ratio is used to calculate overhead as a percentage of revenue.  
    In compliance with the applicable rules of the SEC, this non-GAAP measure is reconciled to noninterest expense, net interest income and noninterest income, which are the most  directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
     
       
       
                    

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Western New England Bancorp, Inc. Reports Results for Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTFIELD, Mass., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “WNEB”) (NasdaqGS: WNEB), the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”), announced today the unaudited results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.5 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. On a linked quarter basis, net income was $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $8.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to net income of $12.6 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend will be payable on or about November 21, 2024 to shareholders of record on November 7, 2024.

    James C. Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We believe our Company continues to be well positioned with strong capital and access to various liquidity sources. Our financial performance has been largely impacted by the unprecedented interest rate cycle and higher funding costs in response to the sustained increase in interest rates over the last 18-24 months. While it remains unclear whether the recent decrease in interest rates represents an end to this trend, the balance sheet is positioned to benefit from this decrease and the challenge will begin to subside as our liabilities begin to reprice lower. As we continue to manage the balance sheet in this uncertain interest rate environment, we remain focused on expense management initiatives to mitigate top line pressures and improve efficiencies over the Company’s long-term. The Company also continues to focus on our core business to grow loans and deposits as well as retention of our customers. Total deposits increased $80.5 million, or 3.8%, and total loans increased $21.7 million, or 1.1%, from year-end. Our asset quality remains strong, with nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.24% at September 30, 2024.”

    Hagan concluded, “The Company is considered to be well-capitalized as defined by the regulators and we remain disciplined in our capital management strategies. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we repurchased 714,282 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price per share of $7.61. We continue to believe that buying back shares represents a prudent use of the Company’s capital and we are pleased to be able to continue to return value to shareholders through share repurchases. Although the banking environment has been challenged, our capital management strategies have been critical to sustaining growth in book value per share, which increased $0.44, or 4.0%, while tangible book value per share increased $0.43, or 4.2%, to $10.73. The management team remains focused and well positioned to serve our community and to enhance shareholder value over the long term.”

    Key Highlights:

    Loans and Deposits

    At September 30, 2024, total loans were $2.0 billion and increased $21.7 million, or 1.1%, from December 31, 2023. The increase in total loans was due to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $3.0 million, or 0.3%, an increase in residential real estate loans, including home equity loans, of $26.4 million, or 3.7%, partially offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans of $7.0 million, or 3.2%.

    At September 30, 2024, total deposits were $2.2 billion and increased $80.5 million, or 3.8%, from December 31, 2023. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, decreased $8.3 million, or 0.5%, from $1.5 billion, or 71.5% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023, to $1.5 billion, or 68.5% of total deposits at September 30, 2024. Time deposits increased $88.8 million, or 14.5%, from $611.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $700.2 million at September 30, 2024. Brokered time deposits, which are included in time deposits, totaled $1.7 million at September 30, 2024 and at December 31, 2023. The loan-to-deposit ratio decreased from 94.6% at December 31, 2023 to 92.1% at September 30, 2024.

    Liquidity

    The Company’s liquidity position remains strong with solid core deposit relationships, cash, unencumbered securities, a diversified deposit base and access to diversified borrowing sources. At September 30, 2024, the Company had $1.1 billion in immediately available liquidity, compared to $615.0 million in uninsured deposits, or 27.7% of total deposits, representing a coverage ratio of 183%. Uninsured deposits of the Bank’s customers are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance if the customer opens an IntraFi Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) account or a reciprocal time deposit through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry System (“CDARS”). IntraFi allows for up to $250.0 million per customer of pass-through FDIC insurance, which would more than cover each of the Bank’s deposit customers if such customer desired to have such pass-through insurance.

    Allowance for Loan Losses and Credit Quality

    At September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $20.0 million, or 0.97% of total loans and 409.5% of nonperforming loans, compared to $20.3 million, or 1.00% of total loans and 315.6% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, nonperforming loans totaled $4.9 million, or 0.24% of total loans, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. Total delinquent loans decreased $1.7 million, or 28.3%, from $6.0 million, or 0.30% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 to $4.3 million, or 0.21% of total loans, at September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any other real estate owned.

    Net Interest Margin

    The net interest margin was 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to 2.42% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.44% for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Stock Repurchase Program

    On June 10, 2024, the Company announced the completion of its previously authorized stock repurchase plan (the “2022 Plan”) pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 1.1 million shares, or approximately 5% of its outstanding common stock, as of the date the 2022 Plan was adopted. On May 22, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase plan (the “2024 Plan”) under which the Company may repurchase up to 1.0 million shares, or approximately 4.6%, of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock.

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 244,441 shares of common stock under the 2024 Plan, with an average price per share of $8.18. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 714,282 shares of common stock with an average price per share of $7.61. As of September 30, 2024, there were 692,318 shares of common stock available for repurchase under the 2024 Plan.

    The repurchase of shares under the stock repurchase program is administered through an independent broker. The shares of common stock repurchased under the 2024 Plan have been and will continue to be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, depending upon market conditions. There is no guarantee as to the exact number, or value, of shares that will be repurchased by the Company, and the Company may discontinue repurchases at any time that the Company’s management (“Management”) determines additional repurchases are not warranted. The timing and amount of additional share repurchases under the 2024 Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the Company’s stock price performance, ongoing capital planning considerations, general market conditions, and applicable legal requirements.

    Book Value and Tangible Book Value

    The Company’s book value per share was $11.40 at September 30, 2024 compared to $10.96 at December 31, 2023, while tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $0.43, or 4.2%, from $10.30 at December 31, 2023 to $10.73 at September 30, 2024. See pages 19-21 for the related tangible book value calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Net Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

    The Company reported net income of $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Net interest income increased $258,000, or 1.8%, the provision for credit losses increased $1.2 million, non-interest income decreased $693,000, or 18.1%, and non-interest expense increased $92,000, or 0.6%. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.29% and 3.19%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.55% and 6.03%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income, our primary driver of revenues, increased $258,000, or 1.8%, to $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $14.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in interest income of $1.0 million, or 3.9%, partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $780,000, or 6.3%.

    The net interest margin was 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.42% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.44% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, which was partially offset by an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company had a fair value hedge which contributed to an increase in the net interest margin of seven basis points. Excluding the interest income attributed to the fair value hedge, the net interest margin was 2.33% and 2.35%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. The fair value hedge is scheduled to mature in October of 2024.

    The average yield on interest-earning assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.54% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.49% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The average loan yield, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.90% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.85% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, average interest-earning assets increased $40.6 million, or 1.7% to $2.4 billion, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $21.5 million, or 1.1%, an increase in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, $17.7 million, or 123.6%, and an increase in average other investments of $1.6 million, or 11.0%.

    The average cost of total funds, including non-interest bearing accounts and borrowings, increased eight basis points from 2.16% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 2.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased six basis points to 0.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from 0.87% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The average cost of time deposits increased five basis points from 4.39% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 4.44% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, increased five basis points from 5.00% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 5.05% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $10.4 million, or 1.9%, from $548.8 million, or 25.7% of total average deposits, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, to $559.2 million, or 25.7% of total average deposits, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $941,000, compared to a reversal for credit losses of $294,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The provision for credit losses includes a provision for credit losses on loans of $609,000 and a reserve on unfunded loan commitments of $332,000. The increase in the provision for credit losses on loans was due to changes in the economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology as well as growth in the loan portfolio. The provision for credit losses was determined by a number of factors: the continued strong credit performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in the loan portfolio mix and Management’s consideration of existing economic conditions and the economic outlook from the Federal Reserve’s actions to control inflation. The increase in reserves on unfunded loan commitments was due to an increase in commercial real estate unfunded loan commitments of $33.5 million, or 20.7%, from $161.8 million at June 30, 2024 to $195.3 million at September 30, 2024. Management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it is appropriately reserved for the current economic environment.

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $98,000, compared to net charge-offs of $10,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Non-Interest Income

    On a sequential quarter basis, non-interest income decreased $693,000, or 18.1%, to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Service charges and fees on deposits were $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended June 30, 2024. Income from bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) decreased $32,000, or 6.4%, from the three months ended June 30, 2024 to $470,000, for the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported $74,000 in other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans and did not have comparable income during the three months ended June 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company sold $20.1 million in fixed rate residential loans to the secondary market and reported income from mortgage banking activities of $246,000 and did not have comparable income during the three months ended June 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company reported unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $10,000 and $4,000, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company reported a gain on non-marketable equity investments of $987,000 and did not have comparable gains or losses from non-marketable equity investments during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense increased $92,000, or 0.6%, to $14.4 million from $14.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Salaries and employee benefits increased $211,000, or 2.7%, to $8.1 million, software expenses increased $46,000, or 8.1%, data processing expense increased $23,000, or 2.7%, FDIC insurance expense increased $15,000, or 4.6%, and debit card and ATM processing fees increased $6,000, or 0.9%. During the same period, these increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $41,000, or 7.1%, a decrease in advertising expense of $68,000, or 20.1%, a decrease in occupancy expense of $1,000, or 0.1%, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $99,000, or 7.0%.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the efficiency ratio was 80.6%, compared to 78.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 80.7% compared to 82.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increases in the efficiency ratio and the adjusted efficiency ratio were driven by lower revenues, defined as the sum of net interest income and non-interest income, during the three months ended September 30, 2024. See pages 19-21 for the related adjusted efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Income Tax Provision

    Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $618,000, or an effective tax rate of 24.5%, compared to $771,000, or an effective tax rate of 18.0%, for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by the Company’s projections of pre-tax income for the year ending December 31, 2024.

    Net Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023.

    The Company reported net income of $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $4.5 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Net interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 10.1%, provision for credit losses increased $587,000, non-interest income decreased $471,000, or 13.0%, and non-interest expense increased $288,000, or 2.0%, during the same period. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.29% and 3.19%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.70% and 7.60%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    Net interest income decreased $1.7 million, or 10.1%, to $14.7 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $16.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net interest income was due to an increase in interest expense of $3.6 million, or 37.8%, partially offset by an increase in interest and dividend income of $1.9 million, or 7.5%. Interest expense on deposits increased $3.5 million, or 44.9%, and interest expense on borrowings increased $133,000, or 7.3%. The increase in interest expense was a result of competitive pricing on deposits due to the continued higher interest rate environment and the unfavorable shift in the deposit mix from low cost core deposits to high cost time deposits.

    The net interest margin was 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.70% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.72% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities and the unfavorable shift in the deposit mix from low cost core deposits to high cost time deposits, which was partially offset by an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company had a fair value hedge which contributed to an increase in the net interest margin of seven basis points. Excluding the interest income from the fair value hedge, the net interest margin was 2.33% and 2.64%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and three months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The fair value hedge is scheduled to mature in October of 2024.

    The average yield on interest-earning assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.54% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.28% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average loan yield, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.90% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.64% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, average interest-earning assets increased $38.2 million, or 1.6% to $2.4 billion, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $31.3 million, or 1.6%, an increase in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $9.7 million, or 43.4%, an increase in average other investments of $3.7 million, or 30.8%, partially offset by a decrease in average securities of $6.5 million, or 1.8%.

    The average cost of total funds, including non-interest bearing accounts and borrowings, increased 60 basis points from 1.64% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 2.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased 23 basis points to 0.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from 0.70% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of time deposits increased 98 basis points from 3.46% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.44% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, increased 24 basis points from 4.81% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to 5.05% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, decreased $32.7 million, or 5.5%, from $591.9 million, or 27.5% of total average deposits, for the three months ended September 30, 2023, to $559.2 million, or 25.7% of total average deposits, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $941,000, compared to a provision for credit losses of $354,000, during the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the loan portfolio, specifically unfunded commercial real estate loan commitments, as well as changes in the economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology. The provision for credit losses was determined by a number of factors: the continued strong credit performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in the loan portfolio mix and Management’s consideration of existing economic conditions and the economic outlook from the Federal Reserve’s actions to control inflation. Management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it is appropriately reserved for the current economic environment.

    The Company recorded net charge-offs of $98,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to net charge-offs of $78,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income decreased $471,000, or 13.0%, from $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Service charges and fees on deposits increased $196,000, or 9.1%, and income from BOLI increased $16,000, or 3.5%, from the three months ended September 30, 2023 to the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported $74,000 in other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans and did not have comparable income during the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported income of $246,000 in mortgage banking activities due to the sale of fixed rate residential loans and did not have comparable income during the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported $10,000 in unrealized gains of marketable equity securities and did not have comparable income during the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company reported a gain on non-marketable equity investments of $238,000 and did not have comparable non-interest income during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, non-interest income included a non-taxable gain of $778,000 on BOLI death benefits. The Company did not have comparable income during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company reported a loss on the sales of premises and equipment of $3,000 and did not have comparable expense during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense increased $288,000, or 2.0%, to $14.4 million from $14.1 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Salaries and employee benefits increased $157,000, or 2.0%, to $8.1 million, debit card and ATM processing fees increased $87,000, or 15.5%, software expenses increased $83,000, or 15.7%, occupancy expense increased $58,000, or 5.0%, data processing expense increased $45,000, or 5.5%, other non-interest income increased $54,000, or 4.3%, and furniture and equipment related expenses increased $1,000, or 0.2%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $103,000, or 16.0%, a decrease in advertising expense of $91,000, or 25.1%, and a decrease in FDIC insurance expense of $3,000, or 0.9%.

    For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the efficiency ratio was 80.6%, compared to 70.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 80.7% compared to 74.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increases in the efficiency ratio and the non-GAAP adjusted efficiency ratio were driven by lower revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. See pages 19-21 for the related adjusted efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Income Tax Provision

    Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $618,000, or an effective tax rate of 24.5%, compared to $1.0 million, or an effective tax rate of 18.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 included $778,000 in non-taxable BOLI death benefits.

    Net Income for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $8.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to $12.6 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.44% and 4.74% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to 0.66% and 7.19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

    During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income decreased $7.2 million, or 13.9%, to $44.5 million, compared to $51.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net interest income was due to an increase in interest expense of $14.1 million, or 62.3%, partially offset by an increase in interest and dividend income of $6.9 million, or 9.3%. The $14.1 million increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase of $12.9 million, or 72.3%, in interest expense on deposits as a result of competitive pricing and an unfavorable shift in the deposit mix from low cost core deposits to high cost time deposits.

    The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was 2.46%, compared to 2.88% during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.48% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 2.90% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities and the unfavorable shift in the deposit mix from low cost core to high cost time deposits, which was partially offset by an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company had a fair value hedge which contributed to an increase in the net interest margin of seven and three basis points, respectively. Excluding the interest income from the fair value hedge, the net interest margin was 2.39% and 2.85%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The fair value hedge is scheduled to mature in October of 2024.

    The average yield on interest-earning assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.14% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average loan yield, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.86% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 4.49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, average interest-earning assets increased $14.5 million, or 0.6%, to $2.4 billion, from the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average loans of $23.4 million, or 1.2%, an increase in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $5.7 million, or 44.2%, and an increase in other interest-earning assets of $1.7 million, or 13.7%, partially offset by a decrease in average securities of $16.3 million, or 4.4%.

    The average cost of total funds, including non-interest bearing accounts and borrowings, increased 80 basis points from 1.32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 2.12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased 24 basis points to 0.86% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from 0.62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average cost of time deposits increased 160 basis points from 2.72% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, increased 15 basis points from 4.84% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, decreased $52.1 million, or 8.6%, from $607.3 million, or 28.0% of total average deposits, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, to $555.3 million, or 25.8% of total average deposits, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $97,000, compared to a provision for credit losses of $386,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to changes in the loan mix as well as economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology. The provision for credit losses was determined by a number of factors: the continued strong credit performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in the loan portfolio mix and Management’s consideration of existing economic conditions and the economic outlook from the Federal Reserve’s actions to control inflation. Management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it is appropriately reserved for the current economic environment.

    During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $41,000 compared to net charge-offs of $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were related to one commercial relationship acquired in October 2016 from Chicopee Bancorp, Inc. The Company recorded a $1.9 million charge-off on the relationship, which represented the non-accretable credit mark that was required to be grossed-up to the loan’s amortized cost basis with a corresponding increase to the allowance for credit losses under the CECL implementation.

    Non-Interest Income

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income increased $1.5 million, or 17.9%, from $8.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $9.6 million. Service charges and fees on deposits increased $328,000, or 5.0%, and income from BOLI increased $37,000, or 2.7%.

    During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported a gain of $987,000 on non-marketable equity investments, compared to a gain of $590,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported income of $246,000 from mortgage banking activities due to the sale of fixed rate residential real estate loans and did not have comparable income during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported $74,000 in other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans and did not have comparable income during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported $22,000 in unrealized gains of marketable equity securities and did not have comparable income during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Gains and losses from the investment portfolio vary from quarter to quarter based on market conditions, as well as the related yield curve and valuation changes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported a loss on the sales of premises and equipment of $6,000 compared to $3,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded a $1.1 million final termination expense related to the defined benefit pension plan (the “DB Plan”) termination. The Company did not have comparable income or expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, non-interest income included a non-taxable gain of $778,000 on BOLI death benefits. The Company did not have comparable income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest expense decreased $63,000, or 0.1%, to $43.5 million, compared to $43.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in non-interest expense was primarily due to a decrease in professional fees of $513,000, or 23.3%, a decrease in salaries and employee benefits of $218,000, or 0.9%, a decrease in advertising expense of $159,000, or 14.2%, a decrease in other non-interest expense of $120,000, or 2.9%, and a decrease in furniture and equipment related expense of $10,000, or 0.7%. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in software related expenses of $309,000, or 19.7%, an increase in debit card and ATM processing fees of $264,000, or 16.7%, an increase in data processing of $208,000, or 8.8%, an increase in FDIC insurance expense of $88,000, or 9.0%, and an increase in occupancy expense of $88,000, or 2.4%.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the efficiency ratio was 80.3%, compared to 72.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 81.8% compared to 73.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increases in the efficiency ratio and the non-GAAP adjusted efficiency ratio were driven by lower revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. See pages 19-21 for the related adjusted efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

    Income Tax Provision

    Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $2.2 million, representing an effective tax rate of 20.9%, compared to $3.4 million, representing an effective tax rate of 21.3%, for nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Balance Sheet

    At September 30, 2024, total assets were $2.6 billion, an increase of $75.9 million, or 3.0%, from December 31, 2023. The increase in total assets was primarily due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $44.0 million, or 152.4%, an increase in total loans of $21.7 million, or 1.1%, and an increase in investment securities of $8.7 million, or 2.4%.

    Investments

    At September 30, 2024, the investment securities portfolio totaled $369.4 million, or 14.0% of total assets, compared to $360.7 million, or 14.1%, of total assets, at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, the Company’s available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities portfolio, recorded at fair market value, increased $18.8 million, or 13.7%, from $137.1 million at December 31, 2023 to $155.9 million. The held-to-maturity (“HTM”) securities portfolio, recorded at amortized cost, decreased $10.1 million, or 4.5%, from $223.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $213.3 million at September 30, 2024.

    At September 30, 2024, the Company reported unrealized losses on the AFS securities portfolio of $24.6 million, or 13.6% of the amortized cost basis of the AFS securities portfolio, compared to unrealized losses of $29.2 million, or 17.5% of the amortized cost basis of the AFS securities at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, the Company reported unrealized losses on the HTM securities portfolio of $30.7 million, or 14.4%, of the amortized cost basis of the HTM securities portfolio, compared to $35.7 million, or 16.0% of the amortized cost basis of the HTM securities portfolio at December 31, 2023.

    The securities in which the Company may invest are limited by regulation. Federally chartered savings banks have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured financial institutions, repurchase agreements, overnight and short-term loans to other banks, corporate debt instruments and marketable equity securities. The securities, with the exception of $4.6 million in corporate bonds, are issued by the United States government or government-sponsored enterprises and are therefore either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed as to the timely payment of contractual principal and interest. These positions are deemed to have no credit impairment, therefore, the disclosed unrealized losses with the securities portfolio relate primarily to changes in prevailing interest rates. In all cases, price improvement in future periods will be realized as the issuances approach maturity.

    Management regularly reviews the portfolio for securities in an unrealized loss position. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not record any credit impairment charges on its securities portfolio and attributed the unrealized losses primarily due to fluctuations in general interest rates or changes in expected prepayments and not due to credit quality. The primary objective of the Company’s investment portfolio is to provide liquidity and to secure municipal deposit accounts while preserving the safety of principal. The Company expects to strategically redeploy available cash flows from the securities portfolio to fund loan growth and deposit outflows.

    Total Loans

    Total loans increased $21.7 million, or 1.1%, from December 31, 2023, to $2.0 billion at September 30, 2024. The increase in total loans was due to an increase in commercial real estate loans of $3.0 million, or 0.3%, an increase in residential real estate loans, including home equity loans, of $26.4 million, or 3.7%, partially offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans of $7.0 million, or 3.2%. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company sold $20.1 million in fixed rate residential loans to the secondary market with servicing retained.

    The following table presents the summary of the loan portfolio by the major classification of the loan at the periods indicated:

      September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
      (Dollars in thousands)
       
    Commercial real estate loans:      
    Non-owner occupied $ 878,265     $ 881,643  
    Owner-occupied   204,524       198,108  
    Total commercial real estate loans   1,082,789       1,079,751  
           
    Residential real estate loans:      
    Residential   631,649       612,315  
    Home equity   116,923       109,839  
    Total residential real estate loans   748,572       722,154  
           
    Commercial and industrial loans   210,390       217,447  
           
    Consumer loans   4,631       5,472  
    Total gross loans   2,046,382       2,024,824  
    Unamortized premiums and net deferred loans fees and costs   2,620       2,493  
    Total loans $ 2,049,002     $ 2,027,317  
                   

    Credit Quality

    Management continues to closely monitor the loan portfolio for any signs of deterioration in borrowers’ financial condition and also in light of speculation that commercial real estate values may deteriorate as the market continues to adjust to higher vacancies and interest rates. We continue to proactively take steps to mitigate risk in our loan portfolio.

    Total delinquency was $4.3 million, or 0.21% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $6.0 million, or 0.30% of total loans at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, nonperforming loans totaled $4.9 million, or 0.24% of total loans, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. Total nonperforming assets totaled $4.9 million, or 0.18% of total assets, at September 30, 2024, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.25% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any other real estate owned.

    At September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.97% as compared to 1.00% at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 409.5% as compared to 315.6% at December 31, 2023.

    Total classified loans, defined as special mention and substandard loans, increased $3.7 million, or 9.4%, from $39.5 million, or 1.9% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 to $43.2 million, or 2.1%, of total loans at September 30, 2024. We continue to maintain diversity among property types and within our geographic footprint. More details on the diversification of the loan portfolio are available in the supplementary earnings presentation.

    Deposits

    Total deposits increased $80.5 million, or 3.8%, from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2023 to $2.2 billion at September 30, 2024. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, decreased $8.3 million, or 0.5%, from $1.5 billion, or 71.5% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023, to $1.5 billion, or 68.5% of total deposits, at September 30, 2024. Non-interest-bearing deposits decreased $10.9 million, or 1.9%, to $568.7 million, money market accounts increased $1.5 million, or 0.2%, to $635.8 million, savings accounts decreased $8.2 million, or 4.4%, to $179.2 million and interest-bearing checking accounts increased $9.3 million, or 7.1%, to $140.3 million. Time deposits increased $88.8 million, or 14.5%, from $611.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $700.2 million at September 30, 2024. Brokered time deposits, which are included in time deposits, totaled $1.7 million at September 30, 2024 and at December 31, 2023.

    The table below is a summary of our deposit balances for the periods noted:

      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   December 31, 2023
      (Dollars in thousands)
    Core Deposits:          
    Demand accounts $ 568,685     $ 553,329     $ 579,595  
    Interest-bearing accounts   140,332       149,100       131,031  
    Savings accounts   179,214       186,171       187,405  
    Money market accounts   635,824       611,501       634,361  
    Total Core Deposits $ 1,524,055     $ 1,500,101     $ 1,532,392  
                           
    Time Deposits:   700,151       671,708       611,352  
    Total Deposits: $ 2,224,206     $ 2,171,809     $ 2,143,744  
                           

    During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company continued to experience an unfavorable shift in deposit mix from low cost core deposits to high cost time deposits as customers continue to migrate to higher deposit rates. The Company continues to focus on the maintenance, development, and expansion of its core deposit base to meet funding requirements and liquidity needs, with an emphasis on retaining a long-term customer relationship base by competing for and retaining deposits in our local market. At September 30, 2024, the Bank’s uninsured deposits represented 27.7% of total deposits, compared to 26.8% at December 31, 2023.

    FHLB and Subordinated Debt

    At September 30, 2024, total borrowings decreased $4.1 million, or 2.6%, from $156.5 million at December 31, 2023 to $152.4 million. Short-term borrowings decreased $11.7 million, or 72.7%, to $4.4 million, compared to $16.1 million at December 31, 2023. Long-term borrowings increased $7.6 million, or 6.3%, from $120.6 million at December 31, 2023 to $128.3 million at September 30, 2024. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, borrowings also consisted of $19.7 million in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes.

    The Company utilized the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), which was created in March 2023 to enhance banking system liquidity by allowing institutions to pledge certain securities at par value and borrow at a rate of ten basis points over the one-year overnight index swap rate. The BTFP was available to federally insured depository institutions in the U.S., with advances having a term of up to one year with no prepayment penalties. The BTFP ceased extending new advances in March 2024. At December 31, 2023, the Company’s outstanding balance under the BTFP was $90.0 million. There were no outstanding balance under the BTFP at September 30, 2024.

    As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $452.0 million of additional borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank, $404.9 million of additional borrowing capacity under the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window and $25.0 million of other unsecured lines of credit with correspondent banks.

    Capital

    At September 30, 2024, shareholders’ equity was $240.7 million, or 9.1% of total assets, compared to $237.4 million, or 9.3% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. The change was primarily attributable to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $3.4 million, cash dividends paid of $4.5 million, repurchase of shares at a cost of $5.6 million, partially offset by net income of $8.4 million. At September 30, 2024, total shares outstanding were 21,113,408.

    The Company’s regulatory capital ratios continue to be strong and in excess of regulatory minimum requirements to be considered well-capitalized as defined by regulators and internal Company targets. Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio was 14.4% at September 30, 2024 and 14.7% at December 31, 2023.  The Bank’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio to adjusted average assets was 9.61% at September 30, 2024 and 9.62% at December 31, 2023.

    Dividends

    Although the Company has historically paid quarterly dividends on its common stock and currently intends to continue to pay such dividends, the Company’s ability to pay such dividends depends on a number of factors, including restrictions under federal laws and regulations on the Company’s ability to pay dividends, and as a result, there can be no assurance that dividends will continue to be paid in the future.

    About Western New England Bancorp, Inc.

    Western New England Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company and the parent company of Westfield Bank, CSB Colts, Inc., Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries are headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts and operate 25 banking offices throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. To learn more, visit our website at www.westfieldbank.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.”  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.  These factors include, but are not limited to:

    • unpredictable changes in general economic conditions, financial markets, fiscal, monetary and regulatory policies, including actual or potential stress in the banking industry;
    • the duration and scope of potential pandemics, including the emergence of new variants and the response thereto;
    • unstable political and economic conditions which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans and gather deposits;
    • inflation and governmental responses to inflation, including recent sustained increases and potential future increases in interest rates that reduce margins;
    • the effect on our operations of governmental legislation and regulation, including changes in accounting regulation or standards, the nature and timing of the adoption and effectiveness of new requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, Basel guidelines, capital requirements and other applicable laws and regulations;
    • significant changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements;
    • new legal obligations or liabilities or unfavorable resolutions of litigation;
    • disruptive technologies in payment systems and other services traditionally provided by banks;
    • the highly competitive industry and market area in which we operate;
    • changes in business conditions and inflation;
    • operational risks or risk management failures by us or critical third parties, including without limitation with respect to data processing, information systems, cybersecurity, technological changes, vendor issues, business interruption, and fraud risks;
    • failure or circumvention of our internal controls or procedures;
    • changes in the securities markets which affect investment management revenues;
    • increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance premiums and assessments;
    • the soundness of other financial services institutions which may adversely affect our credit risk;
    • certain of our intangible assets may become impaired in the future;
    • new lines of business or new products and services, which may subject us to additional risks;
    • changes in key management personnel which may adversely impact our operations;
    • severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events which could significantly impact our business; and
    • other risk factors detailed from time to time in our SEC filings.

    Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Other Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
      September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, September 30,
        2024     2024     2024     2023     2023     2024     2023  
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:              
    Loans $ 25,134   $ 24,340   $ 24,241   $ 23,939   $ 23,451   $ 73,715   $ 67,230  
    Securities   2,121     2,141     2,114     2,094     2,033     6,376     6,276  
    Other investments   189     148     136     140     166     473     418  
    Short-term investments   396     173     113     597     251     682     424  
    Total interest and dividend income   27,840     26,802     26,604     26,770     25,901     81,246     74,348  
                   
    INTEREST EXPENSE:              
    Deposits   11,165     10,335     9,293     8,773     7,704     30,793     17,876  
    Short-term borrowings   71     186     283     123     117     540     1,466  
    Long-term debt   1,622     1,557     1,428     1,444     1,444     4,607     2,513  
    Subordinated debt   254     254     254     254     253     762     760  
    Total interest expense   13,112     12,332     11,258     10,594     9,518     36,702     22,615  
                   
    Net interest and dividend income   14,728     14,470     15,346     16,176     16,383     44,544     51,733  
                   
    PROVISION FOR (REVERSAL OF) CREDIT LOSSES   941     (294 )   (550 )   486     354     97     386  
                   
    Net interest and dividend income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses   13,787     14,764     15,896     15,690     16,029     44,447     51,347  
                   
    NON-INTEREST INCOME:              
    Service charges and fees on deposits   2,341     2,341     2,219     2,283     2,145     6,901     6,573  
    Income from bank-owned life insurance   470     502     453     432     454     1,425     1,388  
    Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable equity securities   10     4     8     (1 )       22      
    Gain on sale of mortgages   246                     246      
    Gain on non-marketable equity investments       987             238     987     590  
    Loss on disposal of premises and equipment           (6 )       (3 )   (6 )   (3 )
    Loss on defined benefit plan termination                           (1,143 )
    Gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit                   778         778  
    Other income   74                     74      
    Total non-interest income   3,141     3,834     2,674     2,714     3,612     9,649     8,183  
                   
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:              
    Salaries and employees benefits   8,112     7,901     8,244     7,739     7,955     24,257     24,475  
    Occupancy   1,217     1,218     1,363     1,198     1,159     3,798     3,710  
    Furniture and equipment   483     483     484     494     482     1,450     1,460  
    Data processing   869     846     862     788     824     2,577     2,369  
    Software   612     566     699     598     529     1,877     1,568  
    Debit/ATM card processing expense   649     643     552     559     562     1,844     1,580  
    Professional fees   540     581     569     674     643     1,690     2,203  
    FDIC insurance   338     323     410     338     341     1,071     983  
    Advertising   271     339     349     377     362     959     1,118  
    Other   1,315     1,414     1,250     2,020     1,261     3,979     4,099  
    Total non-interest expense   14,406     14,314     14,782     14,785     14,118     43,502     43,565  
                   
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   2,522     4,284     3,788     3,619     5,523     10,594     15,965  
                   
    INCOME TAX PROVISION   618     771     827     1,108     1,033     2,216     3,408  
    NET INCOME $ 1,904   $ 3,513   $ 2,961   $ 2,511   $ 4,490   $ 8,378   $ 12,557  
                   
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.09   $ 0.17   $ 0.14   $ 0.12   $ 0.21   $ 0.40   $ 0.58  
    Weighted average shares outstanding   20,804,162     21,056,173     21,180,968     21,253,452     21,560,940     21,013,003     21,631,067  
    Diluted earnings per share $ 0.09   $ 0.17   $ 0.14   $ 0.12   $ 0.21   $ 0.40   $ 0.58  
    Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   20,933,833     21,163,762     21,271,323     21,400,664     21,680,113     21,122,208     21,681,251  
                   
    Other Data:              
    Return on average assets (1)   0.29 %   0.55 %   0.47 %   0.39 %   0.70 %   0.44 %   0.66 %
    Return on average equity (1)   3.19 %   6.03 %   5.04 %   4.31 %   7.60 %   4.74 %   7.19 %
    Efficiency ratio   80.62 %   78.20 %   82.03 %   78.27 %   70.61 %   80.27 %   72.71 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (2)   80.67 %   82.68 %   82.04 %   78.26 %   74.38 %   81.79 %   72.98 %
    Net interest margin   2.40 %   2.42 %   2.57 %   2.64 %   2.70 %   2.46 %   2.88 %
    Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis   2.42 %   2.44 %   2.59 %   2.66 %   2.72 %   2.48 %   2.90 %
    (1) Annualized.          
    (2) The adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) represents the ratio of operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income, excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, gain on non-marketable equity investments, loss on disposal of premises and equipment, loss on defined benefit plan termination and gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit.
     
    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Dollars in thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
        2024       2024       2024       2023       2023  
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 72,802     $ 53,458     $ 22,613     $ 28,840     $ 62,267  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   155,889       135,089       138,362       137,115       130,709  
    Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost   213,266       217,632       221,242       223,370       225,020  
    Marketable equity securities, at fair value   252       233       222       196        
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock – at cost   7,143       7,143       3,105       3,707       3,063  
                       
    Loans   2,049,002       2,026,226       2,025,566       2,027,317       2,014,820  
    Allowance for credit losses   (19,955 )     (19,444 )     (19,884 )     (20,267 )     (19,978 )
    Net loans   2,029,047       2,006,782       2,005,682       2,007,050       1,994,842  
                       
    Bank-owned life insurance   76,570       76,100       75,598       75,145       74,713  
    Goodwill   12,487       12,487       12,487       12,487       12,487  
    Core deposit intangible   1,531       1,625       1,719       1,813       1,906  
    Other assets   71,492       75,521       76,206       74,848       79,998  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,640,479     $ 2,586,070     $ 2,557,236     $ 2,564,571     $ 2,585,005  
                       
    Total deposits $ 2,224,206     $ 2,171,809     $ 2,143,747     $ 2,143,744     $ 2,176,303  
    Short-term borrowings   4,390       6,570       11,470       16,100       8,890  
    Long-term debt   128,277       128,277       120,646       120,646       121,178  
    Subordinated debt   19,741       19,731       19,722       19,712       19,702  
    Securities pending settlement   2,513       102                   2,253  
    Other liabilities   20,697       23,104       25,855       26,960       25,765  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   2,399,824       2,349,593       2,321,440       2,327,162       2,354,091  
                       
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   240,655       236,477       235,796       237,409       230,914  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 2,640,479     $ 2,586,070     $ 2,557,236     $ 2,564,571     $ 2,585,005  
                       
    WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Other Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
                                           
      Three Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Shares outstanding at end of period   21,113,408       21,357,849       21,627,690       21,666,807       21,927,242  
                       
    Operating results:                  
    Net interest income $ 14,728     $ 14,470     $ 15,346     $ 16,176     $ 16,383  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   941       (294 )     (550 )     486       354  
    Non-interest income   3,141       3,834       2,674       2,714       3,612  
    Non-interest expense   14,406       14,314       14,782       14,785       14,118  
    Income before income provision for income taxes   2,522       4,284       3,788       3,619       5,523  
    Income tax provision   618       771       827       1,108       1,033  
    Net income   1,904       3,513       2,961       2,511       4,490  
                       
    Performance Ratios:                  
    Net interest margin   2.40 %     2.42 %     2.57 %     2.64 %     2.70 %
    Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis   2.42 %     2.44 %     2.59 %     2.66 %     2.72 %
    Interest rate spread   1.60 %     1.66 %     1.85 %     1.96 %     2.07 %
    Interest rate spread, on a fully tax-equivalent basis   1.62 %     1.67 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     2.09 %
    Return on average assets   0.29 %     0.55 %     0.47 %     0.39 %     0.70 %
    Return on average equity   3.19 %     6.03 %     5.04 %     4.31 %     7.60 %
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   80.62 %     78.20 %     82.03 %     78.27 %     70.61 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)   80.67 %     82.68 %     82.04 %     78.26 %     74.38 %
                       
    Per Common Share Data:                  
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.09     $ 0.17     $ 0.14     $ 0.12     $ 0.21  
    Earnings per diluted share   0.09       0.17       0.14       0.12       0.21  
    Cash dividend declared   0.07       0.07       0.07       0.07       0.07  
    Book value per share   11.40       11.07       10.90       10.96       10.53  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (2)   10.73       10.41       10.25       10.30       9.87  
                       
    Asset Quality:                  
    30-89 day delinquent loans $ 3,059     $ 3,270     $ 3,000     $ 4,605     $ 4,097  
    90 days or more delinquent loans   1,253       2,280       1,716       1,394       1,527  
    Total delinquent loans   4,312       5,550       4,716       5,999       5,624  
    Total delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans   0.21 %     0.27 %     0.23 %     0.30 %     0.28 %
    Nonperforming loans $ 4,873     $ 5,845     $ 5,837     $ 6,421     $ 6,290  
    Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans   0.24 %     0.29 %     0.29 %     0.32 %     0.31 %
    Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets   0.18 %     0.23 %     0.23 %     0.25 %     0.24 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans   409.50 %     332.66 %     340.65 %     315.64 %     317.62 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans   0.97 %     0.96 %     0.98 %     1.00 %     0.99 %
    Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) $ 98     $ 10     $ (67 )   $ 136     $ 78  
    Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) as a percentage of average loans   0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.01 %     0.00 %

    ____________________________
    (1) The adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) represents the ratio of operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income, excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, gain on non-marketable equity investments, loss on disposal of premises and equipment, loss on defined benefit plan termination and gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit.
    (2) Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) represents the value of the Company’s tangible assets divided by its current outstanding shares.

    The following table sets forth the information relating to our average balances and net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 and reflects the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average       Average Yield/   Average       Average Yield/   Average       Average Yield/
      Balance   Interest   Cost(8)   Balance   Interest   Cost(8)   Balance   Interest   Cost(8)
      (Dollars in thousands)
    ASSETS:                                        
    Interest-earning assets                                        
    Loans(1)(2) $ 2,038,593   $ 25,253     4.93 %   $ 2,017,127   $ 24,454     4.88 %   $ 2,007,267   $ 23,568     4.66 %
    Securities(2)   354,696     2,121     2.38       354,850     2,141     2.43       361,216     2,033     2.23  
    Other investments   15,904     189     4.73       14,328     148     4.15       12,155     166     5.42  
    Short-term investments(3)   32,043     396     4.92       14,328     173     4.86       22,349     251     4.46  
    Total interest-earning assets   2,441,236     27,959     4.56       2,400,633     26,916     4.51       2,402,987     26,018     4.30  
    Total non-interest-earning assets   153,585               156,701               156,503          
    Total assets $ 2,594,821             $ 2,557,334             $ 2,559,490          
                                             
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:                                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                        
    Interest-bearing checking accounts $ 131,133     271     0.82     $ 131,449     253     0.77     $ 144,792     269     0.74  
    Savings accounts   179,844     38     0.08       185,690     51     0.11       195,020     41     0.08  
    Money market accounts   621,340     3,172     2.03       622,062     2,930     1.89       656,066     2,488     1.50  
    Time deposit accounts   688,797     7,684     4.44       650,054     7,101     4.39       563,135     4,906     3.46  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,621,114     11,165     2.74       1,589,255     10,335     2.62       1,559,013     7,704     1.96  
    Borrowings   153,317     1,947     5.05       160,484     1,997     5.00       149,507     1,814     4.81  
    Interest-bearing liabilities   1,774,431     13,112     2.94       1,749,739     12,332     2.83       1,708,520     9,518     2.21  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   559,224               548,781               591,933          
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   23,466               24,453               24,504          
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   582,690               573,234               616,437          
    Total liabilities   2,357,121               2,322,973               2,324,957          
    Total equity   237,700               234,361               234,533          
    Total liabilities and equity $ 2,594,821             $ 2,557,334             $ 2,559,490          
    Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)       (119 )               (114 )               (117 )      
    Net interest and dividend income     $ 14,728               $ 14,470               $ 16,383        
    Net interest rate spread(4)         1.60 %           1.66 %           2.07 %
    Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis(5)         1.62 %           1.67 %           2.09 %
    Net interest margin(6)         2.40 %           2.42 %           2.70 %
    Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis(7)         2.42 %           2.44 %           2.72 %
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities         137.58 %           137.20 %           140.65 %
                                             

    The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balances and net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

      Nine Months Ended September 30,
      2024   2023
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average Yield/
    Cost(8)
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Average Yield/
    Cost(8)
     
                                           
      (Dollars in thousands)
    ASSETS:                          
    Interest-earning assets                          
    Loans(1)(2) $ 2,025,858   $ 74,058     4.88 %   $ 2,002,485   $ 67,586     4.51 %
    Securities(2)   356,340     6,376     2.39       372,623     6,276     2.25  
    Other investments   14,248     473     4.43       12,528     418     4.46  
    Short-term investments(3)   18,634     682     4.89       12,922     424     4.39  
    Total interest-earning assets   2,415,080     81,589     4.51       2,400,558     74,704     4.16  
    Total non-interest-earning assets   154,894               154,525          
    Total assets $ 2,569,974             $ 2,555,083          
                               
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:                          
    Interest-bearing liabilities                          
    Interest-bearing checking accounts $ 132,708     759     0.76 %   $ 142,716     780     0.73 %
    Savings accounts   183,872     128     0.09       207,513     142     0.09  
    Money market accounts   623,216     8,689     1.86       711,173     6,813     1.28  
    Time deposit accounts   655,700     21,217     4.32       498,193     10,141     2.72  
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,595,496     30,793     2.58       1,559,595     17,876     1.53  
    Short-term borrowings and long-term debt   158,183     5,909     4.99       130,796     4,739     4.84  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,753,679     36,702     2.80       1,690,391     22,615     1.79  
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   555,253               607,338          
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities   24,931               23,886          
    Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   580,184               631,224          
                               
    Total liabilities   2,333,863               2,321,615          
    Total equity   236,111               233,468          
    Total liabilities and equity $ 2,569,974             $ 2,555,083          
    Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)       (343 )               (356 )      
    Net interest and dividend income     $ 44,544               $ 51,733        
    Net interest rate spread (4)         1.70 %           2.35 %
    Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis (5)         1.71 %           2.37 %
    Net interest margin (6)         2.46 %           2.88 %
    Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis (7)         2.48 %           2.90 %
    Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities       137.72 %           142.01 %

    (1) Loans, including nonaccrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs and unadvanced funds.
    (2) Loan and securities income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income to agree to the amount reported on the consolidated statements of net income.
    (3) Short-term investments include federal funds sold.
    (4) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (5) Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between the tax-equivalent weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
    (6) Net interest margin represents net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
    (7) Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
    (8) Annualized.

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors that is useful in understanding its results of operations and financial condition.  Because not all companies use the same calculation, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures calculated by other companies.  A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided below.

      For the quarter ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
      (Dollars in thousands)
                       
    Loan interest (no tax adjustment) $ 25,134     $ 24,340     $ 24,241     $ 23,939     $ 23,451  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment   119       114       110       113       117  
    Loan interest (tax-equivalent basis) $ 25,253     $ 24,454     $ 24,351     $ 24,052     $ 23,568  
                       
    Net interest income (no tax adjustment) $ 14,728     $ 14,470     $ 15,346     $ 16,176     $ 16,383  
    Tax equivalent adjustment   119       114       110       113       117  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) $ 14,847     $ 14,584     $ 15,456     $ 16,289     $ 16,500  
                       
    Average interest-earning assets $ 2,441,236     $ 2,400,633     $ 2,403,086     $ 2,427,112     $ 2,402,987  
    Net interest margin (no tax adjustment)   2.40 %     2.42 %     2.57 %     2.64 %     2.70 %
    Net interest margin, tax-equivalent   2.42 %     2.44 %     2.59 %     2.66 %     2.72 %
                       
    Book Value per Share (GAAP) $ 11.40     $ 11.07     $ 10.90     $ 10.96     $ 10.53  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                  
    Goodwill   (0.59 )     (0.58 )     (0.58 )     (0.58 )     (0.57 )
    Core deposit intangible   (0.08 )     (0.08 )     (0.07 )     (0.08 )     (0.09 )
    Tangible Book Value per Share (non-GAAP) $ 10.73     $ 10.41     $ 10.25     $ 10.30     $ 9.87  
                       
      For the quarter ended
      9/30/2024   6/30/2024   3/31/2024   12/31/2023   9/30/2023
      (Dollars in thousands)
                       
    Efficiency Ratio:                  
    Non-interest Expense (GAAP) $ 14,406     $ 14,314     $ 14,782     $ 14,785     $ 14,118  
                       
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 14,728     $ 14,470     $ 15,346     $ 16,176     $ 16,383  
                       
    Non-interest Income (GAAP) $ 3,141     $ 3,834     $ 2,674     $ 2,714     $ 3,612  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                  
    Unrealized (gains) losses on marketable equity securities   (10 )     (4 )     (8 )     1        
    Gain on non-marketable equity investments         (987 )                 (238 )
    Loss on disposal of premises and equipment               6             3  
    Gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit                           (778 )
    Non-interest Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP) $ 3,131     $ 2,843     $ 2,672     $ 2,715     $ 2,599  
    Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP) $ 17,859     $ 17,313     $ 18,018     $ 18,891     $ 18,982  
                       
    Efficiency Ratio (GAAP)   80.62 %     78.20 %     82.03 %     78.27 %     70.61 %
                       
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense (GAAP)/Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP))   80.67 %     82.68 %     82.04 %     78.26 %     74.38 %
                       
      For the nine months ended
      9/30/2024   9/30/2023
      (Dollars in thousands)
           
    Loan income (no tax adjustment) $ 73,715     $ 67,230  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment   343       356  
    Loan income (tax-equivalent basis) $ 74,058     $ 67,586  
           
    Net interest income (no tax adjustment) $ 44,544     $ 51,733  
    Tax equivalent adjustment   343       356  
    Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis) $ 44,887     $ 52,089  
           
    Average interest-earning assets $ 2,415,080     $ 2,400,558  
    Net interest margin (no tax adjustment)   2.46 %     2.88 %  
    Net interest margin, tax-equivalent   2.48 %     2.90 %  
           
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio:      
    Non-interest Expense (GAAP) $ 43,502     $ 43,565  
           
    Net Interest Income (GAAP) $ 44,544     $ 51,733  
           
    Non-interest Income (GAAP) $ 9,649     $ 8,183  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:      
    Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities   (22 )      
    Loss on disposal of premises and equipment, net   6       3  
    Gain on bank-owned life insurance         (778 )
    Gain on non-marketable equity investments   (987 )     (590 )
    Loss on defined benefit plan curtailment         1,143  
    Non-interest Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP) $ 8,646     $ 7,961  
    Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP) $ 53,190     $ 59,694  
           
    Efficiency Ratio (GAAP)   80.27 %     72.71 %
           
    Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense (GAAP)/Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP))   81.79 %     72.98 %
                   

    For further information contact:
    James C. Hagan, President and CEO
    Guida R. Sajdak, Executive Vice President and CFO
    Meghan Hibner, First Vice President and Investor Relations Officer
    413-568-1911

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Reducing Plastic Pollution and Improving Human Health

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

    In this Bite-Size Learning session, “Reducing Plastic Pollution and Improving Human Health”, Erin Simon, Vice President of Plastic Waste and Business at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), discusses the harmful impacts of plastic on human health and the environment and steps that WWF and its partners are taking to address it, including through WWF’s Resource: Plastic initiative.

    The session also covers actions being taken by the Administration, including recently announced White House commitments to reducing plastic pollution within the federal government and the global plastics treaty process. The session provides an understanding about what federal agencies, businesses, and individuals alike can do to act on the plastics crisis.

    Be Part of the Solution

    The Go Green Get Healthy HHS program is challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) workforce to focus on small changes each of us can make to reduce plastic waste now and all year!

    Besides creating an environmental nightmare, plastic pollution has a health impact. Plastic does not biodegrade, it just gets smaller and smaller, forming nano- and microplastics. Plastic is made from a derivative of crude oil and often contains toxic chemicals. As plastic breaks down, toxic chemicals are released into the ground, water, and air which affects the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. To learn more about the effect of microplastics on your health, watch Earth Day 2024 presentations on this Go Green Get Healthy HHS playlist on the HHS YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrl7E8KABz1Ht0EWIT9IcaKpXKy8ViQ3m. Plus, you can view the FY 2023 HHS Green Champion Awards ceremony in the playlist.

    Join the millions of people worldwide reducing plastic waste by choosing to refuse single-use plastic. BE part of the solution! As Confucius says, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”

    Greater change occurs when a larger group makes smaller changes versus a smaller group that makes large changes. For example, if all HHS employees reduced plastic use by 90%, they would save nearly 11,000 tons of plastic waste annually! And, if the entire federal government staff reduced plastic use by just 10%, 45,000 tons of plastic waste would be reduced each year.
    Use the Home Plastic Checklist https://www.plasticfreeseas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Plastic-free-living-checklist.jpg to get started.

    So come on, step up and lead the way!

    There were 665 attendees who benefitted from this session! The event was hosted by the Go Green Get Healthy HHS sustainability team on August 27, 2024. Gain knowledge and power by attending our Bite-Size Learning sessions! If you have any questions, please email GoGreen@hhs.gov.

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Human Rights Committee Welcome France’s Efforts to Combat Homophobia, Raise Questions on Violence in New Caledonia and Rules Governing Identity Checks

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the sixth periodic report of France on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee Experts welcoming France’s national plan combatting hatred against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and plans to combat homophobia, while raising questions on violence in New Caledonia and rules governing identity checks. 

    One Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed the national plan for equality and against hatred and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (2020-2026) and the government plan (2023-2026) to combat homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

    Another Expert said it appeared that the current violence in the non-self-governing territory of New Caledonia was linked to reforms of the Nouméa Accord and a lack of progress in the decolonisation process.  What was the progress made on the issue of self-determination of the non-self-governing territory of New Caledonia as well as that of French Polynesia, and the participation and consultation processes put in place with the indigenous peoples living in these territories to obtain their free and informed consent and access to independence? 

    Another Expert asked if the State party could indicate whether mandatory training on racial and ethnic discrimination and profiling was systematically offered to law enforcement officials, both in metropolitan France and in the overseas territories?  Did the State party systematically collect data to monitor the use of identity checks, both in metropolitan France and in the overseas territories?  Would the State party be prepared to implement a template for all individuals subject to an identity check?  Would it be willing to introduce a centralised record of all identity checks to have an overview of how they were used, with whom and where?

    The delegation said France supported the recognition of indigenous peoples.  New Caledonia was one of the most advanced examples of the French Government recognising the rights of indigenous peoples.  Since the Nouméa Accord, an institutional framework had been put into place allowing for shared governance between the communities, representing the customs of the Kanak people.  On 1 October, the Prime Minister announced the postponement of elections in 2025, which was unanimously agreed by Parliament.  Since 1998, France had been cooperating with the decolonisation committee and the work had been fruitful.

    The delegation said all French citizens were equal before the law. The code of ethics for the police and national gendarmerie prohibited discriminatory identity checks.  When the law authorised an identity check, the police should not rely on any physical trait, unless there were specific grounds. Any act of discrimination could be reported by someone who believed they were a victim of discriminatory profiling. There were several ways to do this, including through the various controlling and monitoring authorities and the judiciary.

    Introducing the report, Isabelle Rome, Ambassador for Human Rights of France and head of the delegation, said human rights were a priority for France.  In December 2023, the President of the Republic announced that a House of Human Rights would be created in Paris to support civil society organizations. France had strengthened its public policies on the judiciary, democracy and the law enforcement agencies since 2022, paying particular attention to conditions for the use of force, and compliance with the rules of ethics during all police operations.  Ms. Rome concluded by saying that France believed in its democratic model, in liberty, equality and fraternity, as illustrated this summer by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    In concluding remarks, Ms. Rome thanked the Committee for the dialogue.  France was deeply attached to the rule of law and the Committee’s recommendations would be scrupulously considered.  The country was committed to renewing dialogue with the territory of New Caledonia and its inhabitants. 

    Tania María Abdo Rocholl, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for the dialogue, which had covered a wide range of subjects under the Covenant.   The Committee aimed to ensure the highest level of implementation of the Covenant in France. 

    The delegation of France was made up of representatives of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas; the Ministry of Justice; the State Council; the Interministerial delegation to the fight against racism, anti-Semitism, and hatred; the French office for the protection of refugees and stateless persons; and the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-second session is being held from 14 October to 7 November 2024.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 October, to begin its consideration of the second periodic report of Türkiye (CCPR/C/TUR/2).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the sixth periodic report of France (CCPR/C/FRA/6).

    Presentation of Report

    ISABELLE ROME, Ambassador for Human Rights of France and head of the delegation, said human rights were a priority for France.  In December 2023, the President of the Republic announced that a House of Human Rights would be created in Paris to support civil society organizations.  Launched in 2021, the Marianne initiative for human rights defenders aimed to encourage the activities of human rights defenders, both in their country of origin, and by welcoming them in France.  The fight against the death penalty was also a priority for France.  France would host the ninth World Congress against the Death Penalty in Paris in 2026.  France was also contributing to the organization of the first World Congress on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva on 15 and 16 January 2025. 

    The State’s new feminist diplomacy strategy would be published by the end of 2024.  France was proud that the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were the first gender-balanced games in history.  Through its diplomatic and consular network, France supported projects of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law, the fight against impunity, access to justice, and mechanisms to monitor the effective exercise of civil and political rights.  In 2019, France launched the Partnership for Information and Democracy, which was joined by 54 States from all regions, to guarantee freedom of expression.  In May 2024, the President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of New Zealand announced the creation of a new non-governmental organization, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the work of the Christchurch Call to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. 

    France had strengthened its public policies on the judiciary, democracy and the law enforcement agencies since 2022, paying particular attention to conditions for the use of force, and compliance with the rules of ethics during all police operations.  The national law enforcement plan published in 2021 provided for an adaptation of the employment strategies of the republican security companies and the mobile gendarmerie squadrons during public demonstrations.  The right to demonstrate was guaranteed by the Constitution in France.  By getting in touch with the prefects and police units involved in public demonstrations, journalists could be added to communication channels, allowing them to receive live information and ask questions. 

    Between 2020 and 2024, the Ministry of Justice’s budget increased by 33 per cent, from €7.6 billion in 2020 to €10.1 billion in 2024. In five years, the French Ministry of Justice would have recruited as many magistrates as in the last 20 years. To combat prison overcrowding, the Ministry of Justice was implementing a proactive prison regulation policy, based on the development of alternatives to incarceration, the strengthening of early release mechanisms, and an ambitious prison real estate programme creating 15,000 net prison places.  An Interministerial Committee for Overseas Territories was set up in July 2023.  France had mobilised authorities to enable and guarantee the return to calm and security of people in New Caledonia. Emergency measures were deployed last June.  The mediation and work mission continued its work, with the aim of renewing political dialogue. 

    France had been implementing a new interministerial plan for gender equality 2023-2027, which contained 161 measures divided into four priority areas: the fight against violence against women; the global approach to women’s health; professional and economic equality; and the dissemination and transmission of a culture of equality.  The law of July 2023 aimed at strengthening women’s access to responsibilities in the public service.  It increased the mandatory quota of first-time female appointments to senior and management positions to 50 per cent.  On 8 March 2024, France became the first country in the world to enshrine the freedom to have access to voluntary termination of pregnancy in its Constitution. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert welcomed that France’s report was prepared in consultation with the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, whose role was to monitor France’s international commitments and the implementation of recommendations issued by international and regional bodies.  In May 2024, despite the provisions of the Nouméa Accord which provided for a process of gradual transfer of power from France to New Caledonia, the National Assembly voted in favour of expanding the electorate of New Caledonia.  Thousands of Kanak demonstrators mobilised to denounce these reforms, which were allegedly passed without adequate consultation or free, prior and informed consent.  In the absence of sufficient dialogue on the part of the authorities, a violent conflict had been raging since that date. 

    The French Government had deployed considerable military resources to restore order, but at the cost of numerous allegations of excessive use of force that led to several deaths among Kanak protesters and security forces, as well as injuries.  According to information received by the Committee, at least 11 people were shot dead and 169 others were injured; 2658 demonstrators were arrested, many of whom were arbitrarily arrested and detained, dozens of them were also transferred to metropolitan France. 

    It appeared that the current violence in the non-self-governing territory of New Caledonia was linked to reforms of the Nouméa Accord and a lack of progress in the decolonisation process.  What was the progress made on the issue of self-determination of the non-self-governing territory of New Caledonia as well as that of French Polynesia, and the participation and consultation processes put in place with the indigenous peoples living in these territories to obtain their free and informed consent and access to independence?

    There had been several prominent court cases regarding the removal of headscarves in France.  In the opinion of the French State, should the Committee’s Views be followed only in the case where the Committee considered a complaint to be inadmissible or agreed with the arguments presented by the French Government? Were there intentions to lift reservations to the Covenant?  Who currently appointed the magistrates of the courts?  What was the current state of the constitutional reform initiated with a view to making the Prosecutor’s Office independent of the executive?  How could the full independence of judges and prosecutors be guaranteed?

    Since 2015, France had put in place measures to combat terrorism, which had been seen over the years to be increasingly detrimental to people’s rights and freedoms.

    Was the new legislation accompanied by sufficient guarantees against the risk of arbitrary and discriminatory implementation of these measures?  What independent and impartial expertise did public authorities have to assess the impact of new technologies on the exercise of the rights and freedoms recognised by the Covenant? 

    It was understood that mass surveillance technology was used during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  How did the State party ensure that it did not lead to profiling that disproportionately affected racial, ethnic and religious minorities?  How did the State party ensure that continuous surveillance by algorithm-based systems did not violate the right to privacy and respected the requirements of proportionality and necessity?  For how long could the data collected in this way be kept? 

    What were the current conditions for the communication of information to the intelligence services, particularly in the area of sensitive data? What information could be transmitted and what traceability requirements were in place?  Under what conditions could information provided by the intelligence services be made available to the judicial authority and the Public Prosecutor’s Office?  What means of access was available to defendants and those accused of acts of terrorism?

    Another Expert said the Committee was informed that people of colour were subjected to identity checks by the police about 20 times more often than other citizens.  They also faced discriminatory treatment during police stops and searches, including direct fines, often without objective suspicion and without being informed of the reasons.  What could be done to ensure that the use of identity checks and fines was not left to the discretion of law enforcement agencies, and was based only on objective and individualised conditions, and not on racial origins?  Did the State party have explicit guidelines for law enforcement agencies that clearly prohibited racial profiling in police operations as well as discriminatory identity checks? 

    Could the State party indicate whether mandatory training on racial and ethnic discrimination and profiling was systematically offered to law enforcement officials, both in metropolitan France and in the overseas territories?  Did the State party systematically collect data to monitor the use of identity checks, both in metropolitan France and in the overseas territories?  Would the State party be prepared to implement a template for all individuals subject to an identity check?  Would it be willing to introduce a centralised record of all identity checks to have an overview of how they were used, with whom and where?

    The Committee had received extensive information that showed the persistent problem of systemic racial discrimination, as well as the use of negative stereotypes against minorities.  What measures had the State party taken to effectively combat all forms of hate speech and hate crimes against racial, ethnic and religious minorities? What training was provided to law enforcement officers, judges and prosecutors, and what awareness campaigns were organised to prevent and combat hate crime and hate speech?  Would France develop data collection and research in compliance with data protection rules, to effectively identify cases of racial or ethnic profiling and offences in metropolitan France and overseas?

    The Committee welcomed the national plan for equality and against hatred and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (2020-2026) and the government plan (2023-2026) to combat homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  How would the State party ensure adequate resources and the active participation of civil society in the implementation of these plans?  Did these programmes sufficiently take into account minorities within minorities, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex asylum seekers? 

    The Committee was informed that some of the measures granting extensive powers to the administrative authorities, developed in the context of the state of emergency, had been granted permanent status.  What measures had the State party taken to ensure that initial emergency measures were in conformity with the Covenant in terms of necessity and proportionality?  How did the State party promote the accessibility of judicial procedures and ensure that they were effective?

    How would France ensure that anti-terrorism legislation did not disproportionately target Muslims and that actions were based on alleged criminal behaviour rather than religious practices?  How did the State party ensure that house searches and dissolution of organizations were conducted by the courts?  What was the percentage of terrorist offences in relation to criminal offences committed in the last five years?  The Committee was informed of the law establishing a new security regime, which subjected the accused to certain obligations, with a view of ensuring their reintegration.  How did France ensure that this monitoring system, which was based on the rather vague notion of “dangerousness”, was not arbitrary and did not disproportionately infringe on the rights of persons who had served their sentences?

    One Committee Expert said the Committee particularly welcomed the State party’s commitment of significant financial resources to address the needs of vulnerable groups during the health crisis of COVID-19. What was the impact of the measures described in the State party’s report, to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic did not exacerbate inequalities, discrimination and exclusion, including among vulnerable groups?  Specifically, regarding domestic violence against women, which was said to have increased during the pandemic, what was the assessment of the effectiveness and impact of the measures taken? 

    While noting the information provided by the State party, including on the judicial review of the restrictions imposed, could the proportionality of the measures imposed to address COVID-19 be explained, including the ban on any gathering of more than 10 people imposed for a certain period? What assessment did the State party make of this experience for a better consideration of human rights in future crises?      

    Another Expert said the State party had reported on humanitarian repatriations from Syria of women and children of French nationality.  With regard to returns, according to public reports, there was still a significant number of women and children detained or held in camps and rehabilitation centres in Syria.  What was the number, the current situation, and the measures taken by the State party to ensure the full repatriation of all French women and children still in detention camps and rehabilitation centres for minors in Syria? 

    What was the estimated number of detained men and women in Syria who participated as Islamic State fighters?  Had measures been taken to ensure that due process standards were strictly respected in the trials before the Syrian national courts? According to information, in May and June 2019, 11 French nationals had been sentenced to death in Iraq for their involvement as Islamic State fighters.  Could the delegation provide an update on that information and indicate what steps the State party had taken to prevent the continued imposition of death sentences on its nationals in that country?  What other penalties had been applied to these French nationals in lieu of the death penalty?

    The Committee had requested information related to the Arms Trade Treaty, in order to know whether the State party carried out an evaluation for the granting of export licenses aimed at determining that the recipient country used the weapons included in the respective license within the framework of respect for the right to life.  Did the evaluation of an arms export take this into account?  Had any measures been taken to ensure a total ban on arms sales to countries where there was a clear risk that such weapons could be used to violate international human rights law?  Was it possible to access information on arms exports so that civil society could carry out oversight?  What measures had been taken to prevent the negative effects on the right to life of the operations of French companies abroad, especially in the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique? 

    A Committee Expert said the Committee was informed that there had been a rise in police violence in recent years, with multiple incidents resulting in fatal outcomes, some of them young boys.   Could more information be provided on trainings on racism for police officers?  Had improvements been made, bearing in mind previous incidents?  The Committee was informed that investigations and legal procedures of unlawful killings by law enforcement officials were not expeditious, sometimes even leading to de facto police impunity, or that sentences were not commensurate with the gravity of the crime. 

    Had there been plans to amend legal norms and review legal conditions for the use of firearms by the police and the gendarmerie, aiming to reduce the risks of disproportionate use of lethal force, and to strike a better balance with the principles of absolute necessity and strict proportionality?  What was the status of investigations of fatalities and injuries, including those related to alleged excessive use of force, which emerged during conflicts that started in May 2024 in New Caledonia? Had trainings been undertaken for those operating in France’s overseas territories? 

    The Committee welcomed the reported introduction of the new right to appeal introduced by article 803-8 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, as a step forward.  However, Experts had been informed that there were several challenges preventing its full use and benefits.  Since the right to a judicial remedy against undignified conditions of detention was introduced in 2021, what were the steps taken by the State party to disseminate it within the incarcerated population?  Was the information on the creation of a new legal tool easily reachable in all penitentiaries under the jurisdiction of the State party?  Had legal aid been introduced to those incarcerated persons who could not afford a lawyer or judicial taxes?  Were there plans to introduce wider use of alternatives to detention or a more restricted use of detention as a last resort?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said France supported the recognition of indigenous peoples.  New Caledonia was one of the most advanced examples of the French Government recognising the rights of indigenous peoples.  Since the Nouméa Accord, an institutional framework had been put into place allowing for shared governance between the communities, representing the customs of the Kanak people.  On 1 October, the Prime Minister announced the postponement of elections in 2025, which was unanimously agreed by Parliament.  Since 1998, France had been cooperating with the decolonisation committee and the work had been fruitful.

    Since 2015, the technical intelligence community had been working on a specific legal framework.  The law included respect for the private lives of citizens and had a strict principle of proportionality.  The law set forth the procedures to be respected when it came to implementing intelligence techniques, including prior authorisation by the Prime Minister.  There were restrictions on how long the data could be held.  The enhanced video surveillance was enacted in advance of the Olympics and Paralympics Games.  France chose to engage in a rigorous oversight mechanism regarding this surveillance.  This was a tool for detecting events without having to resort to facial recognition. 

    All French citizens were equal before the law.  The code of ethics for the police and national gendarmerie prohibited discriminatory identity checks.  When the law authorised an identity check, the police should not rely on any physical trait, unless there were specific grounds.  Any act of discrimination could be reported by someone who believed they were a victim of discriminatory profiling.  There were several ways to do this, including through the various controlling and monitoring authorities and the judiciary.

    At the end of the state of emergency, which followed the attacks carried out on France in 2015, the Government acknowledged the need to keep these tools in place due to the possibility of other attacks.  Four new measures had then been created.  These laws were only for preventing terrorism and were accompanied with significant guarantees for citizens.  The law of 30 July 2021 on preventing acts of terrorism gave these measures permanency.  The Constitutional Council believed this was a balanced approach that ensured achieving the goal of preventing terrorism while respecting private life.  House searches could not be instigated unless there was prior authorisation from a judge; 1,447 remedies were presented for the state of emergency.  The law of 2021 applied to people who had been sentenced to acts of terrorism. Sentences for terrorist activities represented around 0.04 per cent of all criminal activities. 

    A plan had been developed to prepare the plan on combatting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex hatred, involving members of civil society.  The plan contained 16 key measures, including a ten-million-euro fund by 2027 to improve the host centres for these individuals.  The goal was to have two centres per region in France.  For hate speech, the legislation provision had recently been strengthened.  In 2021, there was a vote to govern the digital space and that law had a set of provisions on combatting online hate speech to better regulate illegal behaviour. There had been significant progress made in this area, given that a bill had been introduced in the European Parliament to regulate heinous content online. 

    In France, 2020 was the year that the State had the lowest rate of femicide.  This meant that the measures set up were effective, and that the police and justice systems were able to act swiftly to combat family violence.  There were also provisions which allowed complaints to be raised. 

    Measures adopted during the pandemic were considered to be proportional.  The measures taken to address the pandemic did not overturn other measures in place. During COVID-19, the number of calls to victim support groups for violence had increased.  The accelerated measures implemented by France to support victims included electronic bracelets to ensure restraining orders were complied with.   In 2021, emergency plans were implemented to ensure people were protected.  At the end of the pandemic, the State provided hotlines 24/7 and reception centres in shopping malls.  More specialised support was also provided in courts. 

    International commitments by France to human rights did not involve a repatriation of citizens in an area where France had no control.  Authorities responded systematically to requests for repatriation made by French citizens.  Since 2019, repatriation efforts for minors had been organised.  France exported weapons to countries that wished to strengthen their armies, only with strict national oversight. 

    Force was only used when necessary in cases set forth by law and in a manner which was proportional to the threat.  A police or member of the gendarmerie would only use force if it was essential in their work, such as in cases of self-defence.  Police had additional guidelines on the use of weapons.  There should never be doubt regarding the reasons of an arrest warrant. 

    France had a law which allowed for all inmates to request guarantees for their detention conditions, ensuring they were dignified. A provision was in place which allowed individuals to benefit from jurisdictional support, in place since 2023. Template forms for this purpose were provided to all detainees upon their detention. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the problem with the New Caledonia information was the outcome of the projects which arose in France in 1984. The idea of postponing elections to 2025 was a positive sign as this would allow for mediation between the local and French authorities.  Over recent years, there had been a considerable strengthening of anti-terrorist measures.  However, the majority of terrorist threats were foiled by international cooperation efforts.  Were the measures justified by the threats the State faced?  How could this be transmitted between different intelligence branches?  How long was intelligence data stored and what measures were provided to keep the information secure? 

    Another Expert asked for disaggregated data on what law enforcement officials had been charged with?  Were inmates allowed to apply to a collective appeal so that others could benefit? 

    An Expert said there were laws which prohibited discrimination in identification checks; how was it ensured that this legislation was implemented?

    Another Committee Expert asked for the delegation to bear in mind the matter of redress granted to victims of violence. 

    One Expert asked for a more specific response to the measures adopted to comply with the rulings of the European courts against certain cases against France?  How did the State party ensure effective judicial control and parliamentary oversight in weapon exportation? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the French overseas territories met all international criteria under the law.  France had completed the decolonisation process and no longer administered non-self-governing territories.  As for French Polynesia, in 2023, France decided to speak before the General Assembly, illustrating ongoing dialogue between the State and French Polynesia. France supported the development of French Polynesia. 

    The French Government followed the individual communications procedure before the Committee.  Any communications were the subject of broad consultations among many ministries and institutions. 

    When France ended the state of emergency of 2015 to 2017, the risk of terrorism in the country was still high.  While this risk had come down, threats still persisted; 45 attacks had been foiled between 2017 and now. 

    In 2022, over 700 people brought cases to court regarding acts of violence committed by people in public authority.  Over 200 of these led to convictions. 

    The Ministry of Education and Youth was currently creating a programme to consider the new kinds of racism and anti-Semitism which had cropped up in recent years. 

    The French law enforcement force represented the population and was diverse.  Inmates could ask for specific improvements to detention conditions which impacted their dignity.  Improvements had been carried out in several penitentiaries as a result of this. Several inmates could present these complaints together.   

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said since the end of the state of health emergency on 10 July 2020, the situation of exiled people in Calais had deteriorated.  The nearly 1,200 homeless men, women and children in Calais had seen their living conditions deteriorated due to the brutal “evacuations” of several large camps, and the dramatic reduction in vital services such as food distributions, and lack of access to showers and water points.  Additionally, around 100 unaccompanied minors had settled in tents in Jules Ferry Square to highlight that they had been abandoned by the State. Could the State party comment on this?

    According to information received, journalists and media organizations were reportedly facing increasing challenges in carrying out their duties, including restrictions on reporting, potential abuses of power, and other pressures that undermined press freedom.  Reporters without Borders reported that police reportedly assaulted several “clearly identifiable” journalists.  There were several cases cited to support these allegations, including journalists in New Caledonia who stated they were constantly harassed for their coverage of the riots.  Could the delegation comment on these allegations?  What measures did the State party intend to take to better protect journalists and human rights defenders in the exercise of their work? Had the perpetrators of the mentioned cases been prosecuted and what was the outcome, including convictions and reparations?

    Another Expert noted the numerous allegations of prison overcrowding in the State party and the serious health risks during the most critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic, asking what were the reasons for providing, through decree-law 2020-303, for the full continuation of pre-trial detention, which even affected minors?  What were the conditions for the application of the measure of full maintenance of pre-trial detention to children and how many children were affected by this measure? How did law no. 2021-646 of 25 May 2021 on global security preserving freedoms effectively guarantee respect for privacy, especially in the use of portable cameras by law enforcement officers and cameras installed on unmanned aerial vehicles?  Did it include the principles of proportionality and necessity? In the case of the use of surveillance devices in public demonstrations by law enforcement officers, were there safeguards or limitations to prevent their use from affecting the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression? 

    It was alleged that four former national secretaries of the General Confederation of Labour were being investigated for defamation and public slander following a complaint filed against them by the Directorate of the National School of Prison Administration.  Could information on this be provided?  The Committee would also like information on the processes followed against various union, political and community leaders for the crime of glorifying terrorism after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.  It was reported that during the recent Olympic Games, there were many cases of systematic Islamophobia that mainly affected Muslim athletes and communities, a situation exacerbated by the security measures adopted. Could the delegation comment on this? What measures had the State party taken to combat hate speech against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons?

    One Expert said the Committee had unfortunately been informed that the situation of migrants in Calais and Grande-Synthe was still very worrying, with authorities continuing to apply the “zero point of fixation” policy, under which temporary shelters were systematically dismantled, sometimes with excessive use of force, every 48 hours.  How were migrants informed of the 48 hour rule and the possible dismantling of their temporary shelters?  Could the State consider the use of more humane and proportionate alternatives to dismantling these shelters, including increasing the capacity of reception centres?  What measures had been adopted to facilitate reporting on police abuses? 

    The Committee was concerned by reports that migrants had been detained at the French-Italian border without having obtained legal documents explaining their detention.  How did France ensure that such detentions were not arbitrary and that all migrants were informed of their procedural rights?  The Committee was also informed that the immigration law of 2 January 2024 expanded the criteria for expulsion to include minor offences, and allowed authorities to place a foreign person in administrative detention for reasons related to a potential threat to public order without justification, as well as allowing detention to be extended and reducing procedural rights.  How was it ensured that these measures were compatible with the provisions of the Covenant? 

    The Committee had received information that the State party continued to issue expulsion notices for the return of persons to countries where they were at risk of serious violations of their rights.  How did the State party ensure respect for the principle of non-refoulement in all cases of expulsion?  Regarding the internal borders of the Schengen area, in particular the issue of rapid refoulement at the border between France and Italy, the Committee noted with appreciation the State party’s follow-up to the conclusion of the Court of Justice of the European Union.  The Committee welcomed the annulment by the Council of State, in February, of certain parts of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum. 

    However, information had been received that foreign nationals continued to be forcibly returned to Italy without having had access to a proper asylum procedure.  How did France ensure the individualised examination of all applications and effective access to asylum procedures?  Did the State intend to end the use of bone tests in law and in practice?  What was the objective of the January 2024 law to establish files to identify unaccompanied minors suspected of a criminal offence?  Who controlled these files and who kept them?  What measures had been taken to ensure adequate temporary accommodation and emergency accommodation for unaccompanied minors?

    One Committee Expert said France had adopted the third national action plan against human trafficking (2024-2027) at the beginning of 2024.  Could the evaluation of achievements from the second action plan be provided and what goals were set for the third plan?  What were the measures developed to combat trafficking?  Could victims receive compensation within the criminal procedure, or did they have to undergo civil suits for compensation?  What safeguards were in place to protect victims themselves from criminal accountability?  What methods had been developed for victims’ identification?  Had trainings been organised for prosecutors, judges and lawyers on human trafficking? 

    The Committee was concerned by numerous reports that the ban on manifestation of religious beliefs by means of clothing, headgear or other religious symbols was a source of tension in French society and was seen by some as disrespect for multiculturism, fuelling the sense of discrimination, racism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.  What measures were being taken to ensure that the ban on expressing religion by means of religious clothing, headgear or symbols did not have a discriminatory effect in practice?  How was it ensured that all visible religious symbols were treated equally? What criteria was used to decide what symbol should be treated as conspicuous and thus be banned, while others were treated as discrete and allowed?  How did the State party avoid that the ban on manifestation of religious beliefs by means of clothing affected predominantly Muslim girls and women? 

    What safeguards were in place to ensure that provisions on the dissolution of association would not be broadly interpreted and end in violating the right to freedom of assembly?  There had been examples of associations, such as Uprisings of the Earth, labelled as eco-terrorists.  Could the delegation provide its views on this?  The Committee was concerned at the expansion of police powers to stop and check persons in the vicinity of protests, and the effect that this could have on the effective enjoyment of the right of peaceful assembly.  A significant number of protesters had been arrested and detained and a small percentage of the protesters arrested had been charged.  What was the position of the State party on these allegations?  How were personal dignity and respect understood by the courts?

    Another Expert said the year 2023 was marked by a succession of bans on demonstrations, particularly related to the mobilisation against the pension reform, or those carried out in support of the Palestinian people.  In October 2023, the Minister of the Interior issued a memo calling on local authorities to pre-emptively ban all demonstrations of solidarity with the Palestine people.  The ban was challenged before the Council of State, which determined that local authorities had to judge on a case-by-case basis the risks to public order and thus avoid repression by invoking public order, excessive force or arbitrary arrest.  This had had repercussions, even in the area of the right to information, which was concerning.

    Did the National Law Enforcement Scheme adopted in September 2020 mention the path of “de-escalation”, as a strategic principle for policing political manifestations in Europe, supported by the European Union?  The Committee had expressed concern about allegations of ill treatment, excessive use of force, and disproportionate use of intermediate force weapons, in particular during arrests, forced evacuations, and law enforcement operations.  A 2017 law (the Cazeneuve law) created a common framework for the use of weapons, allowing police to use armed force in five different cases.  However, the number of deaths had increased fivefold after the 2017 law, causing France to become the country in the European Union with the largest numbers of people killed or injured by shots fired by police. 

    Could the delegation explain the extent to which law enforcement agencies followed the applicable protocols in practice, with supporting statistics, and respected the principles of necessity, proportionality, precaution, non-discrimination and self-defence in the use of weapons?  What measures, in terms of training for law enforcement agencies, were envisaged?  Would the State party be willing to review the legal framework on the use of weapons and limit the use of firearms within the Security Code?  What follow-up had been given to decision 2020-131 of the Defender of Rights on general recommendations on law enforcement practices with regard to the rules of ethics? 

    According to a decision by the Ombudsman, France was the only country in Europe to use stun grenades to keep demonstrators at bay. Would grenades continue to be used despite the serious mutilations and injuries they caused?  Could the delegation provide updated information on the number of persons who had died as a result of police operations during arrests, including through the excessive use of force, and on the outcome of investigations into such deaths, sanctions imposed, and reparations provided to victims and their families?  Could statistics be provided on the number of proposals for sanctions presented by the Defender of Rights and what became of them, in particular the number of prosecutions? 

    Would the Brigades for the Repression of Motorised Violent Actions be dissolved?  The State party’s report provided information on complaints and investigations initiated concerning members of the security forces.  What measures would be taken to make the relevant statistical data more reliable, disaggregated and complete?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the evacuations of camps in Calais which took place were done through either a legal or an administrative decision. These decisions were carried out with proper supervision and were overseen by the Government and social organizations.  Unaccompanied minors were housed in emergency shelter systems when possible and the same for adults when possible. 

    France guaranteed the right to protest and freedom of collective speech and expression of ideas.  The French State allowed journalists free circulation.  France was seeking to strike a balance because there were now many journalists without press identification who ran risks, placing themselves between protesters and law enforcement officials.  Law enforcement officers were called on to show professional behaviour at all times, including in situations where protests were violent. 

    Videos in public spaces were used to call attention to pre-determined actions; they did not have any impact on the right to protest. France supported the European plan for protecting journalists against violence.  This had allowed for additional guarantees to be provided in certain cases. 

    French authorities were mobilised to support efforts against hate speech, and there were efforts to address this phenomenon within the Ministry of Justice.  When cases were thrown out, they could be appealed before the appeals court.  Investigations into allegations of hate speech were underway. 

    The administrative police were evacuating camps, which were aimed at putting an end to illegal occupation and squatting of lands.  These operations on the ground involved parameters being established.  Regarding expulsions in Calais, 36 operations had taken place.  They were based on the same legal foundations; the anti-squat laws had been utilised to proceed with the evacuation.  Minors were always supported.  The State was aware of the situation of unaccompanied minors in Calais. Systems had been put in place to address these realities and identify the unaccompanied minors.  Work was being done with associations on the ground in Calais, including Doctors without Borders.  The shelters were only 20 minutes from Calais and allowed for daily operations and support.  This distance was far enough to protect unaccompanied minors from traffickers found in these camps. 

    When foreigners were not eligible for asylum seeking procedures, they could then be placed under administrative detention in administrative detention centres.  These decisions were subjected to oversight by judges.  During the detention period, foreigners benefitted from health care support and legal counsel.  Voluntary returnees received financial support.  Some countries were not considered to be safe, and therefore returns were only on a voluntary basis.  Since October 2022, the Government was active in Mayotte, allowing active participation in the asylum-seeking process. 

    There were 2,100 victims of trafficking and exploitation in 2023, a six per cent increase compared to 2022.  Around 882 people had been sentenced for exploitation and trafficking.  France thanked civil society for helping contribute to the National Action Plan against Trafficking.  Training was an important part of the strategy to combat trafficking; there was a training course on human trafficking with a focus on modern slavery. Training was provided to 150 different professionals.  To care for the victims of human trafficking, several mechanisms were in place, including an early detection mechanism.

    France guaranteed the rights of citizens at the highest level, and any restrictions applied to all religions equally.  There was freedom for an individual to display religious signs, but this needed to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  Any restriction on a religious symbol was only imposed if they were identified as a risk to the public service. 

    Freedom of expression was guaranteed in France, but this could result in some groups promoting racist and hate speech.  The law of 2021 amended the list of cases where a dissolution could take place, broadening the list of discriminatory measures which could lead to a dissolution. 

    The Public Ministry could carry out prosecutions.  Sometimes the Prosecutor could enact educational measures instead, which was used in some cases of minors.  The judges of France were required to argue for their decisions, given that there were no automatic sentences in the State.  This was also true for those found guilty of threatening public order. 

    France was one of the first countries to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.  There had been a significant increase in anti-Semitic acts since October 2023. Freedom to demonstrate was a fundamental right protected by the Constitution and protests were not subjected to authorisation.  There should be a notification to law enforcement around 15 days before to protect the safety of those participating and those living in the area.  The prohibition of protests was only carried out if it was believed they were a threat to public order, and this was done with the oversight of a judge.  Exceptionally, some protests had been prohibited due to the risk they posed to public order. 

    The use of firearms in France was regulated by the Criminal Code. This allowed a gradual response to respect necessity and proportionality to the violence and the threat.  The goal was to reduce the risk of threatening life and the integrity of people.  The police and gendarmerie were trained on how to use these weapons.  Regarding the brigades, several changes in the practices of demonstrators, including the increase in use of social media, had meant that for three years, the strategy had changed.  On average, there were two to three protests every day in Paris.  To meet this challenge, the brigades were developed and had been used to break up certain disruptive groups.  Since October 2023, the Ministry of Justice had circulated a document on combatting offences related to terrorist activities. 

    The fight against Islamophobia was a strong State policy. The strong Muslim community in France should be able to live with their beliefs peacefully to enjoy their religion. Any law which might be seen as a restriction did not target any specific population or any specific religion. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked if minors in Mayotte could be afforded the same protections as in metropolitan France? 

    Another Expert said hate speech online affected artists and activists in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. What had been done to prevent this? 

    An Expert said there had been a significant increase in those killed or wounded during protests or police operations.  Were grenades and defensive bullets still used?  What happened when police used these weapons? Was there a compulsory inquiry? Was there oversight regarding each use of weapons? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    Minors were subjected to an age evaluation before they were recorded as minors.  If recorded as a minor, they should not undergo another evaluation.  The dismantling of camps was based on public legal rulings.  The individuals were informed, and efforts were made to help them find shelters or to change their immigration status.  Readmission into the Schengen space was a complex issue. 

    There was a doctrine for the use of medium weapons which allowed gradual and proportionate use.  Recent changes allowed France to address the risk of wounds with these weapons.  Law enforcement officers needed to be clearly trained on each type of weapon on a regular basis.  There was a proposal to replace grenades with non-lethal “flash-bangs”. Random visits were undertaken to police and gendarmerie stations as a form of auditing.  Efforts were made to identify the amount of time weapons were used. 

    Closing Remarks

    ISABELLE ROME, Ambassador for Human Rights of France and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue.  France was deeply attached to the rule of law and was a living democracy; the Committee’s recommendations would be scrupulously considered.  France would continue to progress with an open-minded spirit, in partnership with civil society and the national human rights institution.  The country was committed to renewing dialogue with the territory of New Caledonia and its inhabitants. 

    TANIA MARÍA ABDO ROCHOLL, Committee Chairperson, thanked the delegation for the dialogue, which had covered a wide range of subjects under the Covenant.  The Committee aimed to ensure the highest level of implementation of the Covenant in France. 

    __________

    CCPR.24.024E

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.

    English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Funding for encampments: Minister Nixon

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “The province has not received, nor has the province declined, an offer on encampment funding. It is disappointing to see that the federal government is playing politics with vulnerable Albertans.

    “We did receive a letter from federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser that initiated planning for federal encampment funding. However, there was no offer of encampment funding and at no point was a deadline provided to the province to finalize an agreement. Officials have met regularly to discuss the best use of these potential funds, including as recently as Monday, Oct. 21.

    “This year alone, Alberta’s government is investing almost $210 million in homelessness initiatives – the highest investment in the province’s history. We have increased our shelter capacity to the most in Alberta history and are operating below capacity.

    “While Alberta is open to federal partnership on these issues, we are not interested in playing politics with the federal government. Alberta will continue investing in this life-changing work, with or without the federal government.”

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA to Help Michigan Businesses Affected by Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in Michigan for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses from drought that began on Oct. 8.

    The declaration includes the primary County of Lenawee, and the adjacent counties of Hillsdale, Jackson, Monroe and Washtenaw in Michigan, and Fulton and Lucas in Ohio.  

    “When farmers face crop losses and a disaster is declared by the Secretary of Agriculture, SBA working capital loans become a lifeline for eligible small businesses,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “These loans are the backbone that helps rural communities bounce back and thrive after a disaster strikes.”

    Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.  Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions. 

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4% for small businesses and  
    3.25% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Eligibility is based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits. 

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    For information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 6592955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. 

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 16, 2025. 

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power was in Phnom Penh for the second day of her visit to Cambodia. She met with Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace, where they discussed the U.S. and Cambodia’s shared interest in fostering a deeper bilateral relationship. Noting that her visit marked the first time a USAID Administrator had traveled to Cambodia, Administrator Power recognized the significant progress achieved through collaboration between USAID and the Government of Cambodia in areas such as health, education, and environmental protection. 

    Administrator Power also recognized Cambodia’s achievements on reducing deaths from tuberculosis and malaria. Administrator Power and Prime Minister Manet discussed the importance of the U.S. and Cambodia working together to address the online scam industry, demining and the removal of unexploded ordnance, global health security, reducing lead exposure for children, and other issues of mutual concern. Administrator Power underscored the strong U.S. support around the world and in Cambodia for workers’ rights and civil society, as well as concerns about issues such as closing civic space and press freedoms. 

    Administrator Power met with Yeang Chheang, a medical entomologist who saved countless lives by distributing malaria medication during the deadly Khmer Rouge regime in the mid-1970s, and who subsequently helped rebuild Cambodia’s National Malaria Program. She congratulated Mr. Chheang for receiving the “Unsung Hero” award at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai in December 2023 for his efforts to eliminate malaria and shared her appreciation for his valuable contributions to the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). With U.S. government support through PMI, by 2025 Cambodia is on track to become the first PMI bilateral country to reach malaria elimination.  

    Administrator Power participated in meetings to hear from Cambodians about how the U.S. can best support progress on rights, governance, and rule of law. These meetings included engagements with civil society leaders, as well as other individuals with perspectives on these issues.

    Administrator Power also visited the Mekong River, along with USAID partners, Cambodian government officials, researchers, students, conservationists, and fisherpeople. Traveling by boat down the Tonle Sap River to the confluence with the Mekong River, Administrator Power released endangered fish into the river waters to demonstrate USAID’s support for healthy and thriving inland waterways that promote livelihoods, economic independence, autonomy, and food security. She underscored the U.S. government’s support under the Mekong-U.S. Partnership for autonomy, protecting endangered aquatic marine life, and safeguarding the ecosystem of the Mekong watershed and other natural resources in Cambodia. USAID will continue to support Mekong conservation efforts in Cambodia and their expansion to the broader Mekong sub-region.

    Additionally, Administrator Power met with U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh and USAID/Cambodia staff to celebrate their efforts and achievements to advance the U.S.-Cambodia relationship. To close out her trip, Administrator Power held a press conference and announced more than $50 million in new USAID and U.S. government programs and initiatives to assist farmers, expand the Wonders of the Mekong, support civil society and media, and more.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at a Press Conference in Phnom Penh

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Thank you all. It is great to see everyone this evening. 

    It has been a great pleasure for me to be back in Cambodia for my fourth visit. In previous visits, of course, I have been awed by the majesty and rich culture of Angkor Wat, the incredible power and importance of the Tulsa Lang Genocide Museum, and, of course, the beauty of the Mekong River.

    Being back here and discussing the deepening engagement between our two countries has been very enlightening for me. The partnership of today builds on several decades of investment by USAID in support of the dignity and prosperity of the Cambodian people. 

    I feel, personally, very fortunate to be the first USAID Administrator to visit Cambodia while in this role, and I have taken many notes about the priorities of the Government officials, students, and civil society leaders that I’ve had the chance to engage with.

    Over the past few decades, the Cambodian people have made really remarkable strides to improve health, education, and economic growth. We, in the United States, again, have been able to support these efforts, including with a total of $3 billion in assistance over the past more-than-30 years. 

    We, in these years, supported the efforts of public health heroes like Mr. Yang Chiang, this country’s first entomologist, who I had the honor of meeting today. A man who has dedicated his life to trying to eliminate malaria here in Cambodia, and an individual who has been able to see with so many of you that Cambodia now has marked six straight years without a single death from malaria, and thus, again, is on the cusp of meeting this goal of eliminating malaria in this country.

    We also have supported Cambodia’s education system to get more kids into school. Since 2007, the number of children enrolled in preschool programs has more than doubled, and Cambodia is close, in fact, to achieving universal access to primary education. USAID programs have doubled reading scores among the children that we have worked with, and we are now seeing the Cambodian Government using these same approaches to help even more young people. 

    We worked as well to increase trade between our two countries, and today, the United States is Cambodia’s largest export market. Over the past five years, indeed, Cambodia’s exports to the United States have more than doubled. There is meaningful progress like this to celebrate, and on this trip, I am glad to announce over $50 million in new funding from across the U.S. government to try to build on some of this progress.

    With these funds, we will invest in helping Cambodian farmers connect with markets and adopt new technologies to keep producing plentiful and safe food, even as the climate changes. We will invest in keeping the Cambodian people safe by clearing landmines and other unexploded ordinances, building on decades of efforts to address the dangerous legacies of war. And importantly, we will invest in supporting civil society, labor, and independent media, investments that will not only support Cambodia’s democratic future but its economic future, as well. 

    On this visit, I have met with Cambodians from all walks of life – families fostering kids with disabilities, students and environmentalists, workers who care for some of this country’s most sacred sites, doctors, nurses and community health workers, labor activists, and brave individuals who seek to hold those with power accountable to the principles enshrined in this country’s constitution: democracy, human rights, transparency. 

    There is great potential for the relationship between the United States and Cambodia to grow stronger, and, as is the case in all of our important relationships, there are also concerns, including about unjustified arrests and threats to basic rights. We are following the case of journalist Mech Dara very closely, including some potential developments today. I had a chance to both meet with Dara’s family, and to raise this issue, along with other concerning cases, in my meeting with the Prime Minister today. 

    All of these cases are sensitive, but I will just underscore that we have emphasized our support for finding positive resolutions. More broadly, as I discussed with Prime Minister Hen Mannet earlier today, American and international companies see real opportunity here in Cambodia. But, in order to invest here, they want to see meaningful improvements in the business enabling environment, to tackle corruption, to improve respect for labor rights, and to address the cyber scam operations plaguing Cambodia’s international reputation. 

    Working toward greater transparency, accountability and protection of human rights can unlock extraordinary prosperity for the Cambodian people. That can be the promise of a new generation, and we, in the United States, will be eager partners in working together to achieve it. 

    Thank you so much, and I look forward to taking your questions.

    QUESTION: Thank you. Hi, I’m Prak Chan Thul from Kiripost. So, you said you announced $50 new million for Cambodia. What? What have you heard from the authorities of the Cambodian government that in return of this new aid and what have you – what will you promise in the case of Mech Dara, will he be released? Thank you.

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Thank you. I’m not going to comment further on Mech Dara’s case beyond to stress the importance of independent media, of checks and balances, and of the rule of law. 

    With regard to the new investments that have been announced. They range from an additional investment in the prevention of tuberculosis. I was able, yesterday in Siem Reap, to witness a very energetic effort to reach at least some of the Cambodians who have tuberculosis, but often do not know they have TB until it is not only too late for them, but too late for others, given how the disease spreads. So, USAID is partnering with community-based organizations that will reach citizens where they are, not expecting citizens to experience a symptom and then travel a long way to get a diagnosis, but an effort really to make the diagnostic technology more mobile and more readily available. And, this is with an eye to helping Cambodia and Cambodians reach the goal that the government has set to eliminate TB by 2030. So, this is a $4 million investment in a local organization that is driving some of this community based work to get rid of TB. 

    In addition, just to stay in the area of public health, we have announced an additional $1 million to invest in doing a survey for the Cambodian people of blood lead levels. There is significant lead poisoning among children in many developing countries, including Cambodia, but understanding exactly where those elevated levels of lead in the blood are clustered, understanding the sources of lead poisoning is absolutely critical to eliminating lead poisoning going forward. 

    And, this was something – both this and TB and, of course, all of the work we have done together on malaria, were each topics that I had a chance to discuss with the Prime Minister, and sensed a lot of enthusiasm to go forward again with the efforts to eliminate TB, and the effort now to get a handle on precisely what the sources of lead poisoning are so as to embark on a multi-faceted effort to regulate lead and to ensure that Cambodia’s children are no longer exposed to something that can be very harmful to educational attainment, and can ultimately even cause premature death. 

    We also are announcing an investment of an additional $5 million to support workers, civil society, and independent media. And here, let me just note, obviously these are investments in non-governmental actors. But, one of the topics that we discussed at length with the Prime Minister was his broad ambition to attract more foreign investment, to take steps that will ensure that the economy continues to grow and even grows more, and creates jobs for all of the young people who are looking for jobs every year. But, it is really, really important for investors to have confidence in the rule of law, for corruption to be tackled, so that, for example, American companies can feel confident that they can invest here without having to pay bribes or engage in kickbacks, which are illegal in the United States. 

    And so, these investments in civil society, in media, in the dignity of work and workers – all of these are investments as well in Cambodia’s economic development and that broad ambition that so many Cambodians have for their children to enjoy a more prosperous future than they themselves.

    QUESTION: Hi, my name is Danielle Keaton Olson. I’m a freelance journalist based in Phnom Penh, and I was wondering so, Cambodian-based labor rights organization called Central has gotten under fire for receiving foreign funding. The Cambodian government has criticized it for receiving foreign funding. And, of course, there’s been the arrest of our colleague and the U.S. recognized Trafficking-In-Persons report hero, Mech Dera. Are these raising alarms or concerns within USAID at this moment?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, I have had the chance on this visit to sit down with individuals from Central and to hear firsthand about the experiences that they have been having, the level of the scrutiny of their operations, and the concerns that they have about being able to continue doing the work that has proven so important for workers rights here in Cambodia. I also had a chance in Siem Reap to meet with individuals who have helped organize, those who actually maintain these cherished tourist sites, and who themselves have organized in order to secure better wages, better working conditions, better hours, et cetera. 

    President Biden is laser-focused on labor rights at home and indeed has shown tremendous initiative and leadership on promoting global labor rights. And so, it was very important in having this visit for us to sit down and dig into just those issues. And, one of the arguments that I made today with the government, and it’s an argument again that U.S. officials are making all around the world, is that labor rights and workers abilities – a worker’s ability and workers’ abilities to advocate for themselves without fear of persecution, is absolutely critical to growing the economy in a manner that expands livelihoods and prosperity for all Cambodians. 

    So, this is not simply an issue of human rights, which it is, it is also absolutely critical that the freedom to organize, the freedom to associate, the freedom to express one’s concerns, be protected. And, I think that is the foundation to an economy that will not only grow but grow in an inclusive manner that benefits ordinary Cambodians and not merely those who have benefited from growth in prior generations.

    QUESTION: Sorry. Has it – just to clarify – Has it raised some concerns about USAID ability to support these values that, in terms of labor rights and independent media, that the U.S. government values?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, as I indicated in announcing additional support, you know, when these rights are challenged, it becomes all the more important for USAID to be working in partnership with those who are bravely defending those rights. And so, I actually think it underscores the importance of these investments, and I think that is certainly the message that I heard from the labor organizers that I’ve spoken with over the last few days – is both the resources to support those who are organizing, but also what we call the development diplomacy, you know, raising these – raising with senior government officials, the importance of these rights being protected and respected. And, the United States is not alone in raising these concerns. Obviously, other democracies are intent as well in raising concerns about, again, some of what appear to be the growing pressures on workers and on unions and on labor organizers. 

    QUESTION: Good evening, madam. My name is Hul Reaksmey. I am reporter from Voice of America. My question is, what is your observation about Chinese growing in Cambodia, when you talk about Cambodia effort to improve democracy?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Sorry, just a little bit hard to hear. Maybe just slow down, and I heard the first part, but just the last part of your question?

    QUESTION: Does the Chinese growing influence undermine efforts of Cambodia to improve democracy?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Thank you. Well, one of the things that the United States stresses in the countries where it works around the world is the importance of transparency, a spirit of partnership, the importance of natural resources being protected and preserved. As we just discussed, the importance of civil society and non-governmental actors, holding government accountable, and maybe this is a point I would stress even the most strongly, the importance of the investments we make, strengthening a country’s path to independence, rather than any kind of dependence. And so, one of the things that really stands out for me in terms of the U.S. development model is that we provide our support by-and-large through grants. 

    It’s extremely important to us that when we invest in health programming or education programming or food security efforts, like the USDA program that I’ve announced on this visit; or demining, like the additional $12 million that I announced on this visit, that the Cambodian people understand that these resources are invested in a spirit of partnership. 

    We are listening to our Cambodian partners and trying to mobilize resources in support of their objectives. What we do not want is for Cambodia or the Cambodian people to be somehow indebted to us in a manner that actually impedes this country’s economic development. 

    So, just to give you one statistical example of this. The United States invests about nine dollars in grants for every dollar of loan that the United States provides. The PRC invests about nine dollars in loans for every dollar in grants. And, one of the challenges – and these numbers are lower, I think, than the actual number, but at least that is the ratio, at least – one of the challenges that can saddle future generations with the obligation to repay debt, often at high interest, debt that was incurred long before.

    Again, our goal is for Cambodia to move, once and for all, from aid to trade. We know the capability of the Cambodian people. We see it in the incredible economic growth that this country has enjoyed. We see it in the resilience of the people who have gone through so much over the generations. And, what we seek to do is to be catalytic and responsive to our partners objectives, but the ultimate objective is for a sovereign and independent Cambodia to make its own choices about how to deploy its own resources, including its tremendous human capital.

    QUESTION: Hello, good evening ma’am. And my name is Ko Ratha from the Cambodia-China Times, and we call in Khmer the CC-Times. And, I have some questions for you. I just would like to say, this is very busy trip to Cambodia. And my first question is, how do you think about the development in Cambodia? As you mentioned that this is your fourth trip to Cambodia. And the second one is, why Americans decided to support more aid to Cambodia? And the last one, what is your encouragement in order to use aid in the right way and now the U.S. purpose?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, I have only been USAID Administrator now for more than three and a half years, let’s say, but one of the things that is wonderful about visiting Cambodia is to see the way in which previous investments by USAID and really from the American people, have produced such significant results here. 

    I gave the example of the elimination of malaria. The work done to eliminate malaria was done by Cambodians. It’s Cambodia that achieved, is on the verge, I should say, of achieving that very, very significant accomplishment. But USAID has been present over the last several decades in supporting that work. I mentioned in education that USAID has made investments in looking to see what forms of education are having the greatest impact with students. That’s a, you know, relatively small program, but that produced really valuable information, and now the Ministry of Education is using that information to inform its decisions about curriculum. 

    I think these are two really important examples of how this assistance can flow. It starts with respecting the judgment and the priorities of the Cambodian people. One of the things about USAID that is not well known, and even that I was not aware of before I came to USAID, is that three quarters of our staff in the countries in which we work are nationals of the countries in which we work. So, here, of course, that means that the vast majority of our staff here in Cambodia are Cambodians who live in their communities – who listen to their neighbors, who understand the importance of making health progress, and also understand the importance of fighting corruption, and ensuring that political reform and economic development go hand in hand. 

    So, I think that is our posture going forward – as we have been present in the country in some form since just after the Paris Peace Agreements, since 1993-1994 – we have learned a lot, and the people from whom we have learned the most are the Cambodian people. So, I think our presence here is not about, you know, geopolitical competition, it is about advancing the dignity, prosperity, and peace for Cambodians. 

    QUESTION: I wanted to follow up on the aid that was rescinded and then reinstated last year after the election, which the State Department called the Cambodian election last year, neither free nor fair, and then $18 million U.S. aid was withheld. Then that decision was reversed two months later. The U.S. Embassy told Cambodian news at the time that the aid was reinstated to, “encourage the new government to live up to its stated intentions to be more open and democratic.” So, a year later, I just wanted to follow up and ask, do you think it worked?

    ADMINISTRATOR POWER: Well, first, I think it’s important to discuss the aid itself, and I don’t need to repeat what we’ve already discussed here today, but when we invest $12 million in demining, that means fewer kids are going to run into unexploded ordinances. When we invest in moving diagnostic equipment that does X-rays of the lungs, that means fewer people are going to carry TB without knowing it. And, when we invest after COVID-19 and the horrible toll that that took here, not only on human health, but on the economy. When we invest in lab equipment and surveillance to prevent future global health security threats, that’s a really important investment in Cambodia’s health and stability, but also in America’s health. Every investment in global health security that we make internationally ultimately benefits us all, since we are connected. 

    So, I think that there absolutely is an effort to engage the government that has been now in office for 14 months, and to raise concerns about individuals who have, in some cases, exposed challenges in Cambodia that the Cambodian people benefit from seeing exposed like the scamming centers, like corruption, like human rights abuse by police or others. 

    We over this last or really over these last decades, but including with the new government, have made investments in labor organizing, in independent media, in these civil society organizations. At the same time, we have pressed these issues through our development diplomacy. 

    I don’t think that the United States, anywhere in the world, gives up on its efforts to promote human rights, to stress the linkage between economic progress and checks and balances, and again, the protection and promotion of human rights. And, of course, there are issues of concern, just as there were when the pause was put in place. 

    But, our programming resources do not go to the government. They go to non-governmental organizations. They go to the very organizations that, in many cases, are holding government accountable. In health, of course, goes to community based organizations that, yes, work alongside the Ministry of Health, but it is really important to take note that our assistance is to the people of this country, and that assistance, as we examine it, if it is advancing dignity, advancing checks and balances, it’s important to sustain those investments over time. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States Announces New Programs and more than $38 Million in Additional Funding for Cambodia

    Source: USAID

    Today in Phnom Penh, Administrator Samantha Power announced new investments and support for the Cambodian people through a range of new and expanded U.S. activities in food security, the environment, civil society, media, and labor. Cambodia remains an essential partner to the United States as we work to achieve a shared vision for a free and open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. 

    As part of the U.S. government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and food systems, Administrator Power highlighted a new Food for Progress award of more than $29 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This funding will help Cambodia improve implementation and development of food safety regulations by improving post-harvest handling of soybean meal, increasing adoption of climate smart technologies, providing training on best food safety practices, and strengthening market linkages. Under the Mekong-US Partnership, USAID will also support new efforts to conserve the rich biodiversity of the lower Mekong River basin, which is home to more than 1,000 species of fish but increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change and infrastructure development. Underscoring the strong U.S. commitment to protecting biodiversity, USAID will extend and expand for the next five years its work with the government and local communities in Cambodia to conserve and sustain the wonders of the Mekong, as well as work with other countries of the lower Basin. 

    In a meeting with members of Cambodian civil society, Administrator Power also announced more than $6 million in new USAID funding for civil society, media, and labor in support of Cambodia’s constitutional commitments to democratic rule, respect for human rights, and support for civil society. Additionally, Administrator Power announced $3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor to increase collaboration and partnerships between and among persons with disabilities. This funding will help address the prevalence of child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking among persons with disabilities and reduce barriers that impede their access to decent work. USAID will also continue to support Cambodian returnees from the United States as they reintegrate into Cambodian society and establish stable, constructive, and independent lives. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Member Of Anti-Government Militia Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Possession Of Machinegun Conversion Devices And A Silencer

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Joshua Fries (30, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons: a silencer (Count One) and machinegun conversion devices (Count Two). Fries faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

    According to court documents, Fries provided a confidential informant with two auto sears (machinegun conversion devices) and a silencer, all of which he made himself. During their conversations, Fries disclosed to the informant that he was part of a local anti-government militia group and that he made silencers, auto sears, and other weapons for the militia. Contrary to federal law, none of these devices were registered to Fries in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record—a database maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.   

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: DT Cloud Acquisition Corporation Announces Entering into a Business Combination Agreement with Maius Pharmaceutical

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, New York, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DT Cloud Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: DYCQU, DYCQ, DYCQR) (“DT Cloud” or the “SPAC”), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, and Maius Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Maius” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical R&D company, announced that they had entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) for the merger transactions (the “Business Combination,” and the transactions in connection with the Business Combination collectively, the “Transaction”). As contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement, upon closing of the Transaction, Maius will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maius Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., a newly formed holding company (“Pubco”), the securities of which will be listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”).

    Maius is a biopharmaceutical R&D company focusing on innovative formulations and targeted small-molecule chemical drugs. The Company focuses on developing new drugs in three major areas: anticancer drugs, autoimmune medication and anti-infectives. Its core products include small-molecule chemical drug candidates and peptide drug candidates. It has independently established an integrated drug development platform, combining a chemical drug screening system with a drug delivery system.

    Transaction Overview

    Upon consummation of the Business Combination, the outstanding shares of DT Cloud and Maius will be converted into the ordinary shares of Pubco. The Business Combination Agreement provides for an equity value of $250 million for Maius at the time of the closing of the Business Combination.

    The Transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both DT Cloud and Maius and is expected to be consummated in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals, the approvals by the shareholders of DT Cloud and Maius, respectively, and the satisfaction of certain other customary closing conditions, including, among others, a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”), of which the proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and the approval by Nasdaq of the listing application of Pubco. Upon the closing of the Business Combination, Pubco, the combined company, is expected to operate under the name of “Maius Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.” and with a new trading symbol.

    The description of the Business Combination contained herein is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Business Combination Agreement. A more detailed description of the transaction terms and a copy of the definitive Business Combination Agreement will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by DT Cloud with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Advisors

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Ogier (Cayman) LLP and Han Kun Law Offices are serving as legal counsel to DT Cloud. Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP, Appleby (Cayman) Ltd. and Beijing Yingke Law Firm Shenzhen Office are serving as legal counsel to Maius.

    About Maius

    Maius is a biopharmaceutical R&D company focusing on the research and development of innovative formulations and targeted small-molecule chemical drug candidates. The Company focuses on developing new drugs in three major areas: anticancer drugs, autoimmune medication and anti-infectives. Its core products under development include small-molecule chemical drugs and peptide drugs. It has independently established an integrated drug development platform, combining a chemical drug screening system with a drug delivery system. 

    About DT Cloud Acquisition Corporation

    DT Cloud is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. While DT Cloud may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry, it intends to focus its search on industries that complement its management team’s background. DT Cloud is led by Shaoke Li, its Chief Executive Officer, and Guojian Chen, its Chief Financial Officer.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to future results of operations and financial position, planned products and services, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations of the Company, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends, estimated implied pro forma enterprise value of the combined company following the Mergers (the “Combined Company”), the cash position of the Combined Company following the closing of the Transaction, SPAC and the Company’s ability to consummate the Transaction, and expectations related to the terms and timing of the Transaction, as applicable, are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggests,” “plan,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “propose,” “continue,” “intend,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology although not all forward-looking statements contain such terminology. All forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and forecasts and reflect the views, assumptions, expectations, and opinions of SPAC and the Company as of the date of this press release, and are therefore subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties, some of which are not currently known to SPAC or the Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against SPAC, the Company or others following the announcement of the Transaction, the Business Combination Agreement and other ancillary documents with respect thereto; (3) the amount of redemption requests made by SPAC public shareholders and the inability to complete the Transaction due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of SPAC, to obtain financing to complete the business combination or to satisfy other conditions to closing and; (4) changes to the proposed structure of the Mergers that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the Mergers; (5) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the Transaction; (6) the risk that the Transaction disrupts current plans and operations of the Company as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Transaction; (7) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (8) costs related to the business combination; (9) risks associated with changes in applicable laws or regulations and the Company’s international operations; (10) the possibility that the Company or the Combined Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (11) the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (12) the Company’s mission, goals and strategies; (13) the Company’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; (14) expected growth of the global digital trading and investing services industry; (15) expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; (16) the Company’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and service; (17) the Company’s expectations regarding its relationships with users, customers and third-party business partners; (18) competition in the Company’s industry; (19) relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company’s industry; (20) general economic and business conditions globally and in jurisdictions where the Company operates; and (21) assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 of SPAC, and the “Risk Factors” section of the Registration Statement relating to the Transaction which is expected to be filed with the SEC, and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither SPAC nor the Company presently know or that SPAC or the Company currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of these factors, risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release may not occur, and any estimates, assumptions, expectations, forecasts, views or opinions set forth in this press release should be regarded as preliminary and for illustrative purposes only and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. SPAC and the Company assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Transaction, SPAC and the Company intend to cause the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC, which will include a proxy statement to be distributed to SPAC’s shareholders in connection with its solicitation for proxies for the vote by SPAC’s shareholders in connection with the Transaction. You are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available because, among other things, they will contain updates to the financial, industry and other information herein as well as important information about SPAC, the Company and the Transaction. Shareholders of SPAC will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement when filed, as well as other filings containing information about SPAC, the Company and the Transaction, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the business combination.

    INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    SPAC, the Company and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from SPAC’s shareholders in connection with the Transaction. You can find information about SPAC’s directors and executive officers and their interest in SPAC can be found in its Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024. A list of the names of the directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees of SPAC and the Company, as well as information regarding their interests in the Transaction, will be contained in the Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC by the Company. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants in the solicitation process may also be included in other relevant documents when they are filed with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Transaction and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of SPAC, the Company or the Combined Company, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Contact:

    For investors:

    DT Cloud Acquisition Corporation
    Shaoke Li
    Chief Executive Officer
    30 Orange Street
    London
    United Kingdom, WC2H 7HF
    Email: jack.li@dtcloudspac.com

    Maius Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Mingfeng Shi
    Chief Executive Officer
    Room 913, Building 1, No. 515 Huanke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
    Email: maius@maiuspharma.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: South Plains Financial, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUBBOCK, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — South Plains Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPFI) (“South Plains” or the “Company”), the parent company of City Bank (“City Bank” or the “Bank”), today reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $11.2 million, compared to $11.1 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $13.5 million for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2024 was $0.66, compared to $0.66 for the second quarter of 2024 and $0.78 for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Average cost of deposits for the third quarter of 2024 was 247 basis points, compared to 243 basis points for the second quarter of 2024 and 207 basis points for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.65% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 3.63% for the second quarter of 2024 and 3.52% for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Nonperforming assets to total assets were 0.59% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.57% at June 30, 2024 and 0.12% at September 30, 2023.
    • Return on average assets for the third quarter of 2024 was 1.05% annualized, compared to 1.07% annualized for the second quarter of 2024 and 1.27% annualized for the third quarter of 2023.
    • Tangible book value (non-GAAP) per share was $25.75 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $24.15 as of June 30, 2024 and $21.07 as of September 30, 2023.
    • The consolidated total risk-based capital ratio, Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and Tier 1 leverage ratio at September 30, 2024 were 17.61%, 13.25%, and 11.76%, respectively. These ratios significantly exceeded the minimum regulatory levels necessary to be deemed “well-capitalized”.

    Curtis Griffith, South Plains’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I’m pleased with our third quarter results, which I believe demonstrate that the Bank is performing at a high level. We remain well capitalized and focused on managing our loan portfolio as the credit environment continues to normalize. Against this backdrop, we are maintaining our credit discipline and not stretching to chase loan growth. We are also building liquidity as we expect the Federal Reserve to continue reducing their market interest rate to stimulate economic growth looking to the year ahead. Importantly, we are seeing a level of optimism from our customers that we have not seen over the last seven to eight quarters and our new business production pipeline is the strongest that it has been in more than two years. Looking forward, we remain confident in the credit profile of our loan portfolio and are cautiously optimistic that we will see loan growth accelerate in the quarters ahead. Additionally, we are beginning to see deposit cost pressures ease, which we expect will be supportive of our net interest margin as well as continued deposit growth.”

    Results of Operations, Quarter Ended September 30, 2024

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income was $37.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $35.9 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $35.7 million for the third quarter of 2023. Net interest margin, calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.65% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 3.63% for the second quarter of 2024 and 3.52% for the third quarter of 2023. The average yield on loans was 6.68% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 6.60% for the second quarter of 2024 and 6.10% for the third quarter of 2023. The average cost of deposits was 247 basis points for the third quarter of 2024, which is 4 basis points higher than the second quarter of 2024 and 40 basis points higher than the third quarter of 2023.

    Interest income was $61.6 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $59.2 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $56.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. Interest income increased $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 from the second quarter of 2024, which was primarily comprised of an increase of $934 thousand in loan interest income and an increase of $1.5 million in interest income on other interest-earning assets. The growth in loan interest income was due to a rise of 8 basis points in the yield on loans, partially offset by a decrease in average loans of $12.7 million. The increase in interest income on other interest-earning assets was predominately a result of increased liquidity from growth in deposits and a net decrease in loans during the third quarter. Interest income increased $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase of average loans of $64.2 million and higher market interest rates during the period, resulting in growth of $5.3 million in loan interest income.

    Interest expense was $24.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $23.3 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $20.8 million for the third quarter of 2023. Interest expense increased $1.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2024 and increased $3.5 million compared to the third quarter of 2023. The $1.0 million increase was primarily as a result of growth in average interest-bearing deposits of $64.4 million. The $3.5 million increase was primarily as a result of growth in average interest-bearing deposits of $111.2 million and a 43 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

    Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest income was $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $12.7 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $12.3 million for the third quarter of 2023. The decrease from the second quarter of 2024 was primarily due to a decrease of $1.5 million in mortgage banking revenues, mainly from a decrease of $1.4 million in the fair value adjustment of the mortgage servicing rights assets as interest rates that affect the value declined in the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, there was a decrease of $750 thousand in bank card services and interchange revenue mainly as a result of incentives received during the second quarter of 2024 and a decrease of $315 thousand in income from investments in Small Business Investment Companies. The decrease in noninterest income for the third quarter of 2024 as compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to a decrease of $2.7 million in mortgage banking activities revenue mainly from a decline of $2.7 million in the fair value adjustment of the mortgage servicing rights assets as interest rates that affect the value declined in the third quarter of 2024. Further, there was approximately $700 thousand in insurance proceeds received for property damage in the third quarter of 2024, which affected other noninterest income in both period comparisons.

    Noninterest expense was $33.1 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $32.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $31.5 million for the third quarter of 2023. The $556 thousand increase from the second quarter of 2024 was largely the result of a rise of $226 thousand in net occupancy expenses, primarily from increased utilities, growth of $155 thousand in marketing and development expenses, and smaller increases in other noninterest expenses – including operational and fraud losses, losses on disposal of fixed assets, settlements, and charitable donations. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $432 thousand in personnel costs as there was an additional $350 thousand in accrued expense in the second quarter related to incentive-based compensation. The increase in noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2024 as compared to the third quarter of 2023 was largely the result of an increase of $274 thousand in IT and data services related to the Company’s cloud project, an increase of $247 thousand in professional services mainly from legal expenses, and smaller increases in other noninterest expenses – including losses on disposal of fixed assets, settlements, and charitable donations.

    Loan Portfolio and Composition

    Loans held for investment were $3.04 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $3.09 billion as of June 30, 2024 and $2.99 billion as of September 30, 2023. The $56.9 million, or 1.8%, decrease during the third quarter of 2024 as compared to the second quarter of 2024 occurred primarily as a result of the expected payoff of a $16 million short-term bridge note that was originated in the second quarter of 2024, the early payoff of a $17 million residential land development loan, and an $18 million decrease in consumer auto loans. As of September 30, 2024, loans held for investment increased $43.8 million, or 1.5%, from September 30, 2023, primarily attributable to strong organic loan growth, occurring mainly in multi-family property loans, direct-energy loans, and single-family property loans, partially offset by decreases in consumer auto loans and construction, land, and development loans.

    Deposits and Borrowings

    Deposits totaled $3.72 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $3.62 billion as of June 30, 2024 and $3.62 billion as of September 30, 2023. Deposits increased by $94.8 million, or 2.6%, in the third quarter of 2024 from June 30, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, deposits increased $98.7 million, or 2.7%, from September 30, 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits were $998.5 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $951.6 million as of June 30, 2024 and $1.05 billion as of September 30, 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits represented 26.9% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024. The quarterly change in total deposits was mainly due to organic growth in both noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits. The year-over-year increase in total deposits was primarily the result of organic growth in interest-bearing deposits, given the overall focus in the banking industry on improving liquidity, partially offset by a decline in noninterest-bearing deposits.

    Asset Quality

    The Company recorded a provision for credit losses in the third quarter of 2024 of $495 thousand, compared to $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2024 and a negative provision of $700 thousand in the third quarter of 2023. The provision during the third quarter of 2024 was largely attributable to net charge-off activity, partially offset by decreased loan balances.

    The ratio of allowance for credit losses to loans held for investment was 1.41% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 1.40% as of June 30, 2024 and 1.41% as of September 30, 2023.

    The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.59% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 0.57% as of June 30, 2024 and 0.12% as of September 30, 2023. The previously disclosed $20.0 million multi-family property credit, which was placed on nonaccrual status in the second quarter of 2024 after the maturity date was accelerated, was subsequently modified during the third quarter. The modification included more stringent credit metrics. Although the loan remains in nonaccrual status, the loan continues to pay as agreed and is showing improving credit trends. Annualized net charge-offs were 0.11% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 0.10% for the second quarter of 2024 and 0.05% for the third quarter of 2023.

    Capital

    Book value per share increased to $27.04 at September 30, 2024, compared to $25.45 at June 30, 2024. The change was primarily driven by $8.9 million of net income after dividends paid and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of $16.6 million. The increase in AOCI was attributed to the after-tax increase in fair value of our available for sale securities, net of fair value hedges, as a result of decreases in long-term market interest rates during the period. Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) increased 33 basis points to 9.77% in the third quarter of 2024.

    Conference Call

    South Plains will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2024 financial results today, October 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call and conference materials will be available on the Company’s website at https://www.spfi.bank/news-events/events.

    A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed on the investor section of the Company’s website as well as by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 1-412-317-6671). The pin to access the telephone replay is 13749147. The replay will be available until November 6, 2024.

    About South Plains Financial, Inc.

    South Plains is the bank holding company for City Bank, a Texas state-chartered bank headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. City Bank is one of the largest independent banks in West Texas and has additional banking operations in the Dallas, El Paso, Greater Houston, the Permian Basin, and College Station, Texas markets, and the Ruidoso, New Mexico market. South Plains provides a wide range of commercial and consumer financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in its market areas. Its principal business activities include commercial and retail banking, along with investment, trust and mortgage services. Please visit https://www.spfi.bank for more information.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures include Tangible Book Value Per Share, Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets, and Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Income. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial position and performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP financial measures.

    We classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flows. Not all companies use the same calculation of these measures; therefore, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as presented by other companies.

    A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this press release.

    Available Information

    The Company routinely posts important information for investors on its web site (under www.spfi.bank and, more specifically, under the News & Events tab at www.spfi.bank/news-events/press-releases). The Company intends to use its web site as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, investors should monitor the Company’s web site, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts.

    The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s web site is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect South Plains’ current views with respect to future events and South Plains’ financial performance. Any statements about South Plains’ expectations, beliefs, plans, predictions, forecasts, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “predicts,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “estimate,” “plans,” “projects,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “intends” and similar words or phrases. South Plains cautions that the forward-looking statements in this press release are based largely on South Plains’ expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond South Plains’ control. Factors that could cause such changes include, but are not limited to, the impact on us and our customers of a decline in general economic conditions and any regulatory responses thereto; potential recession in the United States and our market areas; the impacts related to or resulting from bank failures and any continuation of uncertainty in the banking industry, including the associated impact to the Company and other financial institutions of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by government agencies in response thereto; increased competition for deposits in our market areas and related changes in deposit customer behavior; the impact of changes in market interest rates, whether due to the current elevated interest rate environment or future reductions in interest rates and a resulting decline in net interest income; the resurgence of elevated levels of inflation or inflationary pressures, in the United States and our market areas; the uncertain impacts of ongoing quantitative tightening and current and future monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; increases in unemployment rates in the United States and our market areas; declines in commercial real estate values and prices; uncertainty regarding United States fiscal debt, deficit and budget matters; cyber incidents or other failures, disruptions or breaches of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks; severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, geopolitical instability or other external events; the impact of changes in U.S. presidential administrations or Congress; competition and market expansion opportunities; changes in non-interest expenditures or in the anticipated benefits of such expenditures; the risks related to the development, implementation, use and management of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learnings; potential increased regulatory requirements and costs related to the transition and physical impacts of climate change; current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions; and changes in applicable laws and regulations. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties to which South Plains’ business and future financial performance are subject is contained in South Plains’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q on file with the SEC, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of such documents, and other documents South Plains files or furnishes with the SEC from time to time, which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements due to additional risks and uncertainties of which South Plains is not currently aware or which it does not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to its business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and South Plains does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, new information, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in the press release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contact: Mikella Newsom, Chief Risk Officer and Secretary
      (866) 771-3347
      investors@city.bank
       

    Source: South Plains Financial, Inc.

     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Consolidated Financial Highlights – (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
     
      As of and for the quarter ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Selected Income Statement Data:                            
    Interest income $ 61,640     $ 59,208     $ 58,727     $ 57,236     $ 56,528  
    Interest expense   24,346       23,320       23,359       22,074       20,839  
    Net interest income   37,294       35,888       35,368       35,162       35,689  
    Provision for credit losses   495       1,775       830       600       (700 )
    Noninterest income   10,635       12,709       11,409       9,146       12,277  
    Noninterest expense   33,128       32,572       31,930       30,597       31,489  
    Income tax expense   3,094       3,116       3,143       2,787       3,683  
    Net income   11,212       11,134       10,874       10,324       13,494  
    Per Share Data (Common Stock):                            
    Net earnings, basic $ 0.68     $ 0.68     $ 0.66     $ 0.63     $ 0.80  
    Net earnings, diluted   0.66       0.66       0.64       0.61       0.78  
    Cash dividends declared and paid   0.14       0.14       0.13       0.13       0.13  
    Book value   27.04       25.45       24.87       24.80       22.39  
    Tangible book value (non-GAAP)   25.75       24.15       23.56       23.47       21.07  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic   16,386,079       16,425,360       16,429,919       16,443,908       16,842,594  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, dilutive   17,056,959       16,932,077       16,938,857       17,008,892       17,354,182  
    Shares outstanding at end of period   16,386,627       16,424,021       16,431,755       16,417,099       16,600,442  
    Selected Period End Balance Sheet Data:                            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 471,167     $ 298,006     $ 371,939     $ 330,158     $ 352,424  
    Investment securities   606,889       591,031       599,869       622,762       584,969  
    Total loans held for investment   3,037,375       3,094,273       3,011,799       3,014,153       2,993,563  
    Allowance for credit losses   42,886       43,173       42,174       42,356       42,075  
    Total assets   4,337,659       4,220,936       4,218,993       4,204,793       4,186,440  
    Interest-bearing deposits   2,720,880       2,672,948       2,664,397       2,651,952       2,574,361  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   998,480       951,565       974,174       974,201       1,046,253  
    Total deposits   3,719,360       3,624,513       3,638,571       3,626,153       3,620,614  
    Borrowings   110,307       110,261       110,214       110,168       122,493  
    Total stockholders’ equity   443,122       417,985       408,712       407,114       371,716  
    Summary Performance Ratios:                            
    Return on average assets (annualized)   1.05 %     1.07 %     1.04 %     0.99 %     1.27 %
    Return on average equity (annualized)   10.36 %     10.83 %     10.72 %     10.52 %     14.01 %
    Net interest margin (1)   3.65 %     3.63 %     3.56 %     3.52 %     3.52 %
    Yield on loans   6.68 %     6.60 %     6.53 %     6.29 %     6.10 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits   3.36 %     3.33 %     3.27 %     3.14 %     2.93 %
    Efficiency ratio   68.80 %     66.72 %     67.94 %     68.71 %     65.34 %
    Summary Credit Quality Data:                            
    Nonperforming loans $ 24,693     $ 23,452     $ 3,380     $ 5,178     $ 4,783  
    Nonperforming loans to total loans held for investment   0.81 %     0.76 %     0.11 %     0.17 %     0.16 %
    Other real estate owned   973       755       862       912       242  
    Nonperforming assets to total assets   0.59 %     0.57 %     0.10 %     0.14 %     0.12 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment   1.41 %     1.40 %     1.40 %     1.41 %     1.41 %
    Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (annualized)   0.11 %     0.10 %     0.13 %     0.08 %     0.05 %
                                           
      As of and for the quarter ended
      September 30
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Capital Ratios:                            
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets   10.22 %     9.90 %     9.69 %     9.68 %     8.88 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)   9.77 %     9.44 %     9.22 %     9.21 %     8.40 %
    Common equity tier 1 to risk-weighted assets   13.25 %     12.61 %     12.67 %     12.41 %     12.19 %
    Tier 1 capital to average assets   11.76 %     11.81 %     11.51 %     11.33 %     11.13 %
    Total capital to risk-weighted assets   17.61 %     16.86 %     17.00 %     16.74 %     16.82 %

    (1)   Net interest margin is calculated as the annual net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Average Balances and Yields – (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
           
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate
    Assets                                  
    Loans $ 3,069,900   $ 51,513     6.68 %   $ 3,005,699   $ 46,250     6.10 %
    Debt securities – taxable   524,641     5,300     4.02 %     561,068     5,422     3.83 %
    Debt securities – nontaxable   154,806     1,016     2.61 %     159,577     1,054     2.62 %
    Other interest-bearing assets   336,887     4,032     4.76 %     325,201     4,031     4.92 %
                                       
    Total interest-earning assets   4,086,234     61,861     6.02 %     4,051,545     56,757     5.56 %
    Noninterest-earning assets   172,922                 177,216            
                                       
    Total assets $ 4,259,156               $ 4,228,761            
                                       
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity                                  
    NOW, Savings, MMDA’s $ 2,247,299     18,143     3.21 %   $ 2,223,014     16,061     2.87 %
    Time deposits   431,307     4,510     4.16 %     344,395     2,904     3.35 %
    Short-term borrowings   3         0.00 %     3         0.00 %
    Notes payable & other long-term borrowings           0.00 %             0.00 %
    Subordinated debt   63,891     835     5.20 %     76,077     1,012     5.28 %
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   46,393     858     7.36 %     46,393     862     7.37 %
                                       
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,788,893     24,346     3.47 %     2,689,882     20,839     3.07 %
    Demand deposits   976,048                 1,071,175            
    Other liabilities   63,661                 85,713            
    Stockholders’ equity   430,554                 381,991            
                                       
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 4,259,156               $ 4,228,761            
                                       
    Net interest income       $ 37,515               $ 35,918      
    Net interest margin (2)               3.65 %                 3.52 %
                                           

    (1)   Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
    (2)   Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Average Balances and Yields – (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      For the Nine Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
                           
      Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate   Average
    Balance
      Interest   Yield/Rate
    Assets                                  
    Loans $ 3,055,679   $ 151,031     6.60 %   $ 2,892,887   $ 128,724     5.95 %
    Debt securities – taxable   537,425     16,096     4.00 %     574,159     16,027     3.73 %
    Debt securities – nontaxable   155,489     3,062     2.63 %     194,492     3,870     2.66 %
    Other interest-bearing assets   287,192     10,052     4.68 %     212,384     7,010     4.41 %
                                       
    Total interest-earning assets   4,035,785     180,241     5.97 %     3,873,922     155,631     5.37 %
    Noninterest-earning assets   176,230                 183,149            
                                       
    Total assets $ 4,212,015               $ 4,057,071            
                                       
    Liabilities & stockholders’ equity                                  
    NOW, Savings, MMDA’s $ 2,251,569     53,792     3.19 %   $ 2,090,250     38,529     2.46 %
    Time deposits   399,646     12,153     4.06 %     309,250     6,239     2.70 %
    Short-term borrowings   3         0.00 %     111     5     6.02 %
    Notes payable & other long-term borrowings           0.00 %             0.00 %
    Subordinated debt   63,845     2,505     5.24 %     76,031     3,037     5.34 %
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   46,393     2,575     7.41 %     46,393     2,402     6.92 %
                                       
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   2,761,456     71,025     3.44 %     2,522,035     50,212     2.66 %
    Demand deposits   964,829                 1,085,345            
    Other liabilities   68,458                 74,865            
    Stockholders’ equity   417,272                 374,826            
                                       
    Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity $ 4,212,015               $ 4,057,071            
                                       
    Net interest income       $ 109,216               $ 105,419      
    Net interest margin (2)               3.61 %                 3.64 %
                                           

    (1)   Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
    (2)   Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, divided by average interest-earning assets.

     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
               
    Assets          
    Cash and due from banks $ 60,863     $ 62,821  
    Interest-bearing deposits in banks   410,304       267,337  
    Securities available for sale   606,889       622,762  
    Loans held for sale   11,389       14,499  
    Loans held for investment   3,037,375       3,014,153  
    Less:  Allowance for credit losses   (42,886 )     (42,356 )
    Net loans held for investment   2,994,489       2,971,797  
    Premises and equipment, net   53,323       55,070  
    Goodwill   19,315       19,315  
    Intangible assets   1,882       2,429  
    Mortgage servicing rights   24,573       26,569  
    Other assets   154,632       162,194  
    Total assets $ 4,337,659     $ 4,204,793  
               
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 998,480     $ 974,201  
    Interest-bearing deposits   2,720,880       2,651,952  
    Total deposits   3,719,360       3,626,153  
    Subordinated debt   63,914       63,775  
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   46,393       46,393  
    Other liabilities   64,870       61,358  
    Total liabilities   3,894,537       3,797,679  
    Stockholders’ Equity          
    Common stock   16,386       16,417  
    Additional paid-in capital   97,367       97,107  
    Retained earnings   371,782       345,264  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (42,413 )     (51,674 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   443,122       407,114  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 4,337,659     $ 4,204,793  
     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
      September 30,
    2024
      September 30,
    2023
                           
    Interest income:                      
    Loans, including fees $ 51,505   $ 46,242     $ 151,008   $ 128,703
    Other   10,135     10,286       28,567     26,094
    Total interest income   61,640     56,528       179,575     154,797
    Interest expense:                      
    Deposits   22,653     18,965       65,945     44,768
    Subordinated debt   835     1,012       2,505     3,037
    Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   858     862       2,575     2,402
    Other                 5
    Total interest expense   24,346     20,839       71,025     50,212
    Net interest income   37,294     35,689       108,550     104,585
    Provision for credit losses   495     (700 )     3,100     4,010
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   36,799     36,389       105,450     100,575
    Noninterest income:                      
    Service charges on deposits   2,023     1,840       5,785     5,286
    Income from insurance activities   28     30       92     1,478
    Mortgage banking activities   1,890     4,602       9,232     12,146
    Bank card services and interchange fees   3,302     3,157       10,415     10,156
    Gain on sale of subsidiary       290           33,778
    Other   3,392     2,358       9,229     7,236
    Total noninterest income   10,635     12,277       34,753     70,080
    Noninterest expense:                      
    Salaries and employee benefits   18,767     18,709       56,954     61,400
    Net occupancy expense   4,255     4,111       12,204     12,246
    Professional services   1,807     1,560       5,028     4,924
    Marketing and development   1,015     853       2,629     2,573
    Other   7,284     6,256       20,815     23,206
    Total noninterest expense   33,128     31,489       97,630     104,349
    Income before income taxes   14,306     17,177       42,573     66,306
    Income tax expense   3,094     3,683       9,353     13,885
    Net income $ 11,212   $ 13,494     $ 33,220   $ 52,421
     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Loan Composition
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
               
    Loans:          
    Commercial Real Estate $ 1,120,448   $ 1,081,056
    Commercial – Specialized   406,255     372,376
    Commercial – General   526,448     517,361
    Consumer:          
    1-4 Family Residential   562,401     534,731
    Auto Loans   253,509     305,271
    Other Consumer   65,789     74,168
    Construction   102,525     129,190
    Total loans held for investment $ 3,037,375   $ 3,014,153
     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Deposit Composition
    (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      As of
      September 30,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
               
    Deposits:          
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 998,480   $ 974,201
    NOW & other transaction accounts   496,176     562,066
    MMDA & other savings   1,780,337     1,722,170
    Time deposits   444,367     367,716
    Total deposits $ 3,719,360   $ 3,626,153
     
    South Plains Financial, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands)
     
      For the quarter ended
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income                                    
    Net income $ 11,212     $ 11,134     $ 10,874     $ 10,324     $ 13,494  
    Income tax expense   3,094       3,116       3,143       2,787       3,683  
    Provision for credit losses   495       1,775       830       600       (700 )
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income $ 14,801     $ 16,025     $ 14,847     $ 13,711     $ 16,477  
    Efficiency Ratio                            
    Noninterest expense $ 33,128     $ 32,572     $ 31,930     $ 30,597     $ 31,489  
                                 
    Net interest income   37,294       35,888       35,368       35,162       35,689  
    Tax equivalent yield adjustment   221       223       223       225       229  
    Noninterest income   10,635       12,709       11,409       9,146       12,277  
    Total income   48,150       48,820       47,000       44,533       48,195  
                                 
    Efficiency ratio   68.80 %     66.72 %     67.94 %     68.71 %     65.34 %
                                 
    Noninterest expense $ 33,128     $ 32,572     $ 31,930     $ 30,597     $ 31,489  
    Less: Subsidiary transaction and related expenses                            
    Less:  net loss on sale of securities                            
    Adjusted noninterest expense   33,128       32,572       31,930       30,597       31,489  
                                 
    Total income   48,150       48,820       47,000       44,533       48,195  
    Less:  gain on sale of subsidiary                           (290 )
    Adjusted total income   48,150       48,820       47,000       44,533       47,905  
                                 
    Adjusted efficiency ratio   68.80 %     66.72 %     67.94 %     68.71 %     65.73 %
      As of
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Tangible common equity                            
    Total common stockholders’ equity $ 443,122     $ 417,985     $ 408,712     $ 407,114     $ 371,716  
    Less:  goodwill and other intangibles   (21,197 )     (21,379 )     (21,562 )     (21,744 )     (21,936 )
                                 
    Tangible common equity $ 421,925     $ 396,606     $ 387,150     $ 385,370     $ 349,780  
                                 
    Tangible assets                            
    Total assets $ 4,337,659     $ 4,220,936     $ 4,218,993     $ 4,204,793     $ 4,186,440  
    Less:  goodwill and other intangibles   (21,197 )     (21,379 )     (21,562 )     (21,744 )     (21,936 )
                                 
    Tangible assets $ 4,316,462     $ 4,199,557     $ 4,197,431     $ 4,183,049     $ 4,164,504  
                                 
    Shares outstanding   16,386,627       16,424,021       16,431,755       16,417,099       16,600,442  
                                 
    Total stockholders’ equity to total assets   10.22 %     9.90 %     9.69 %     9.68 %     8.88 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets   9.77 %     9.44 %     9.22 %     9.21 %     8.40 %
    Book value per share $ 27.04     $ 25.45     $ 24.87     $ 24.80     $ 22.39  
    Tangible book value per share $ 25.75     $ 24.15     $ 23.56     $ 23.47     $ 21.07  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Horizon Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results, Including EPS of $0.41 and Continued Profitability Improvement, as well as Accretive Balance Sheet Initiatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) – Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon” or the “Company”), the parent company of Horizon Bank (the “Bank”), announced its unaudited financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $18.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to net income of $14.1 million, or $0.32, for the second quarter of 2024 and compared to net income of $16.2 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2023.

    Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $46.3 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, compared to net income of $53.2 million, or $1.21, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

    Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

    • Net interest income increased for the fourth consecutive quarter to $46.9 million, compared to $45.3 million in the linked quarter of 2024. Net interest margin, on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis1, expanded for the fourth consecutive quarter to 2.66%, compared to 2.64% in the linked quarter of 2024.
    • Total loans held for investment (“HFI”) were $4.8 billion at September 30, 2024, relatively unchanged from June 30, 2024 balances. However, consistent with the Company’s stated growth strategy, the commercial portfolio showed continued organic growth momentum during the quarter, which was offset with planned run-off of lower-yielding indirect auto loans in the consumer loan portfolio. 
    • Positive deposit growth of 1.7% during the quarter, to $5.7 billion at period end. The quarter was highlighted by stable non-interest bearing deposit balances and growth in core relationship consumer and commercial portfolios. 
    • Credit quality remains strong, with annualized net charge offs of 0.03% of average loans during the third quarter. Non-performing assets to total assets of 0.32% remains well within expected ranges, with no material change in the loss outlook. Provision for loan losses of $1.0 million reflects continued positive credit performance.

    “Horizon continues to execute well on its key strategic initiatives of consistently improving our operating performance through a more productive balance sheet, growth in non-interest income and continued disciplined in our operating model. As a result, we are optimistic on the positive momentum of the franchise through year-end 2024 and into 2025. During the quarter, our commercial team was able to deliver another quarter of quality loan growth, even coming off a strong end to the second quarter. The strength of Horizon’s core deposit franchise showed solid performance, and our credit metrics remain well managed. These efforts led to a third consecutive quarter of sequential growth in pre-tax pre-provision income,” President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Prame said. “Importantly, we continue our efforts to optimize our business model, and are pleased to announce the repositioning of a portion of our securities portfolio and the intended sale of our mortgage warehouse business during the fourth quarter. These shareholder accretive actions are expected to yield sustainable improvement in the profitability of our business that will be evident in the fourth quarter, and positively impact Horizon’s financial performance in 2025.”

    _________________________
    1
    Non-GAAP financial metric. See non-GAAP reconciliation included herein for the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Accretive Fourth Quarter 2024 Strategic Actions

    Horizon announced strategic actions taking place in the fourth quarter of 2024, which are designed to simplify its business, strengthen the balance sheet and improve long-term structural profitability. In October, the Company completed the repositioning of about $325 million of available-for-sale securities. Additionally, the Company has signed a letter of intent to sell its mortgage warehouse business, which is expected to generate a gain-on-sale. Details on these actions, the use of proceeds, and the expected financial impact are available in the Company’s third quarter 2024 investor presentation published at investor.horizonbank.com.

     
    Financial Highlights
    (Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data and Ratios, Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
      2024   2024   2024   2023   2023
    Income statement:                  
    Net interest income $ 46,910     $ 45,279     $ 43,288     $ 42,257     $ 42,090  
    Credit loss expense   1,044       2,369       805       1,274       263  
    Non-interest income   11,511       10,485       9,929       (20,449 )     11,830  
    Non-interest expense   39,272       37,522       37,107       39,330       36,168  
    Income tax expense   (75 )     1,733       1,314       6,419       1,284  
    Net income $ 18,180     $ 14,140     $ 13,991     $ (25,215 )   $ 16,205  
                       
    Per share data:                  
    Basic earnings per share $ 0.42     $ 0.32     $ 0.32     $ (0.58 )   $ 0.37  
    Diluted earnings per share   0.41       0.32       0.32       (0.58 )     0.37  
    Cash dividends declared per common share   0.16       0.16       0.16       0.16       0.16  
    Book value per common share   17.27       16.62       16.49       16.47       15.89  
    Market value – high   16.57       12.74       14.44       14.65       12.68  
    Market value – low   11.89       11.29       11.75       9.33       9.90  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic   43,712,059       43,712,059       43,663,610       43,649,585       43,646,609  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted   44,112,321       43,987,187       43,874,036       43,649,585       43,796,069  
    Common shares outstanding (end of period)   43,712,059       43,712,059       43,726,380       43,652,063       43,648,501  
                       
    Key ratios:                  
    Return on average assets   0.92 %     0.73 %     0.72 %   (1.27)        %     0.81 %
    Return on average stockholders’ equity   9.80       7.83       7.76       (14.23 )     8.99  
    Total equity to total assets   9.52       9.18       9.18       9.06       8.71  
    Total loans to deposit ratio   83.92       85.70       82.78       78.01       76.52  
    Allowance for credit losses to HFI loans   1.10       1.08       1.09       1.13       1.14  
    Annualized net charge-offs of average total loans(1)   0.03       0.05       0.04       0.07       0.07  
    Efficiency ratio   67.22       67.29       69.73       180.35       67.08  
                       
    Key metrics (Non-GAAP)(2):                  
    Net FTE interest margin   2.66 %     2.64 %     2.50 %     2.43 %     2.41 %
    Return on average tangible common equity   12.65       10.18       10.11       (18.76 )     11.79  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets   7.58       7.22       7.20       7.08       6.72  
    Tangible book value per common share $ 13.46     $ 12.80     $ 12.65     $ 12.60     $ 12.00  
                       
                       
    (1) Average total loans includes loans held for investment and held for sale.
    (2) Non-GAAP financial metrics. See non-GAAP reconciliation included herein for the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
     

    Income Statement Highlights

    Net Interest Income

    Net interest income was $46.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $45.3 million in the second quarter of 2024, driven by net growth in average interest earning assets of $117.5 million and continued net FTE interest margin expansion during the quarter. Horizon’s net FTE interest margin1 was 2.66% for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 2.64% for the second quarter of 2024, attributable to the favorable mix shift in average interest earning assets toward higher-yielding loans and in the average funding mix toward lower-cost deposit balances. Interest accretion from the fair value of acquired loans did not contribute significantly to the third quarter net interest income, or net FTE interest margin.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    During the third quarter of 2024, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $1.0 million. This compares to a provision for credit losses of $2.4 million during the second quarter of 2024, and $0.3 million during the third quarter of 2023. The decrease in the provision for credit losses during the third quarter of 2024 when compared with the second quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to less total loan growth in the current quarter relative to the prior quarter.

    For the third quarter of 2024, the allowance for credit losses included net charge-offs of $0.4 million, or an annualized 0.03% of average loans outstanding, compared to net charge-offs of $0.6 million, or an annualized 0.05% of average loans outstanding for the second quarter of 2024, and net charge-offs of $0.7 million, or an annualized 0.07% of average loans outstanding, in the third quarter of 2023.

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses as a percentage of period-end loans HFI was 1.10% at September 30, 2024, compared to 1.08% at June 30, 2024 and 1.14% at September 30, 2023.

    Non-Interest Income

    For the Quarter Ended September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    (Dollars in Thousands) 2024
      2024
      2024
      2023   2023
    Non-interest Income                  
    Service charges on deposit accounts $ 3,320     $ 3,130     $ 3,214     $ 3,092     $ 3,086  
    Wire transfer fees   123       113       101       103       120  
    Interchange fees   3,511       3,826       3,109       3,224       3,186  
    Fiduciary activities   1,394       1,372       1,315       1,352       1,206  
    Gains (losses) on sale of investment securities                     (31,572 )      
    Gain on sale of mortgage loans   1,622       896       626       951       1,582  
    Mortgage servicing income net of impairment   412       450       439       724       631  
    Increase in cash value of bank owned life insurance   349       318       298       658       1,055  
    Other income   780       380       827       1,019       964  
    Total non-interest income $ 11,511     $ 10,485     $ 9,929     $ (20,449 )   $ 11,830  
                                           

    Total non-interest income was $11.5 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2024, due primarily to higher realized gains on sale of mortgage loans and increased other income.

    _________________________
    1
    Non-GAAP financial metric. See non-GAAP reconciliation included herein for the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Non-Interest Expense

    For the Quarter Ended September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
    (Dollars in Thousands) 2024
      2024
      2024
      2023
      2023
    Non-interest Expense                  
    Salaries and employee benefits $ 21,829     $ 20,583     $ 20,268     $ 21,877     $ 20,058  
    Net occupancy expenses   3,207       3,192       3,546       3,260       3,283  
    Data processing   2,977       2,579       2,464       2,942       2,999  
    Professional fees   676       714       607       772       707  
    Outside services and consultants   3,677       3,058       3,359       2,394       2,316  
    Loan expense   1,034       1,038       719       1,345       1,120  
    FDIC insurance expense   1,204       1,315       1,320       1,200       1,300  
    Core deposit intangible amortization   844       844       872       903       903  
    Other losses   297       515       16       508       188  
    Other expense   3,527       3,684       3,936       4,129       3,294  
    Total non-interest expense $ 39,272     $ 37,522     $ 37,107     $ 39,330     $ 36,168  
                                           

    Total non-interest expense was $39.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with $37.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase in non-interest expense during the third quarter of 2024 was primarily driven by a $1.2 million increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, which is partially attributable to a legacy benefits program expense, and a $0.6 million increase in outside services and consultants expense related to strategic initiatives.

    Income Taxes

    Horizon’s effective tax rate was -0.4% for the third quarter of 2024, as compared to 10.9% for the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate during the third quarter was primarily due to an increase in net realizable tax credits for the current year, which reduced the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets increased by $14.9 million, or 0.2%, to $7.93 billion as of September 30, 2024, from $7.91 billion as of June 30, 2024. The increase in total assets is primarily due to increases in federal funds sold of $79.5 million, or 230.6%, to $113.9 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $34.5 million as of June 30, 2024. The increase in federal funds sold during the period was partially offset by a decrease in other assets of $46.6 million, or 28.1%, to $119.0 million as of September 30, 2024, from $165.7 million as of June 30, 2024.

    Total investment securities remained unchanged, at $2.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to June 30, 2024, as the positive market impact to available for sale securities was offset by normal pay-downs and maturities. There were no purchases of investment securities during the third quarter of 2024.

    Total loans HFI and loans held for sale were relatively consistent at $4.8 billion as of September 30, 2024 compared to $4.8 billion as of June 30, 2024, as growth in commercial loans of $9.5 million were offset by a decline in consumer loans of $43.3 million.

    Total deposit balances increased by $96.9 million, or 1.7%, to $5.7 billion as of September 30, 2024 when compared to balances as of June 30, 2024. Non-interest bearing deposit balances were essentially unchanged during the quarter.

    Total borrowings decreased by $86.4 million, or 7.0%, to $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2024, primarily related to the repayment of a portion of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, when compared to balances as of June 30, 2024.

    Capital

    The following table presents the consolidated regulatory capital ratios of the Company for the previous three quarters:

    For the Quarter Ended September 30,   June 30,   March 31, December 31,
      2024*   2024   2024** 2023**
    Consolidated Capital Ratios            
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)   13.52 %     13.41 %     13.75 %   14.04 %
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   11.70 %     11.59 %     11.89 %   12.13 %
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   10.74 %     10.63 %     10.89 %   11.11 %
    Tier 1 capital (to average assets)   9.01 %     9.02 %     8.91 %   8.61 %
    *Preliminary estimate – may be subject to change  
    **Prior periods were previously revised (see disclosure in Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ending June 30, 2024)  
       

    As of September 30, 2024, the ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets is 9.52%. Book value per common share was $17.27, increasing $0.65 during the third quarter of 2024.

    Tangible common equity1 totaled $588.5 million at September 30, 2024, and the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets1 was 7.58% at September 30, 2024, up from 7.22% at June 30, 2024. Tangible book value, which excludes intangible assets from total equity, per common share1 was $13.46, increasing $0.66 during the third quarter of 2024.

    Credit Quality

    As of September 30, 2024, total non-accrual loans increased by $5.3 million, or 29.0%, from June 30, 2024, to 0.49% of total loans HFI. Total non-performing assets increased $5.1 million, or 25.0%, to $25.6 million, compared to $20.5 million as of June 30, 2024. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 0.32% compared to 0.26% as of June 30, 2024.

    As of September 30, 2024, net charge-offs decreased by $0.2 million to $0.4 million, compared to $0.6 million as of June 30, 2024 and remain just 0.03% annualized of average loans.

    _________________________
    1
    Non-GAAP financial metric. See non-GAAP reconciliation included herein for the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    Earnings Conference Call

    As previously announced, Horizon will host a conference call to review its third quarter financial results and operating performance.

    Participants may access the live conference call on October 24, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET) by dialing 833-974-2379 from the United States, 866-450-4696 from Canada or 1-412-317-5772 from international locations and requesting the “Horizon Bancorp Call.” Participants are asked to dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call.

    A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the conference through November 1, 2024. The replay may be accessed by dialing 877-344-7529 from the United States, 855-669-9658 from Canada or 1–412–317-0088 from other international locations, and entering the access code 9847279.

    About Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) is the $7.9 billion-asset commercial bank holding company for Horizon Bank, which serves customers across diverse and economically attractive Midwestern markets through convenient digital and virtual tools, as well as its Indiana and Michigan branches. Horizon’s retail offerings include prime residential and other secured consumer lending to in-market customers, as well as a range of personal banking and wealth management solutions. Horizon also provides a comprehensive array of in-market business banking and treasury management services, as well as equipment financing solutions for customers regionally and nationally, with commercial lending representing over half of total loans. More information on Horizon, headquartered in Northwest Indiana’s Michigan City, is available at horizonbank.com and investor.horizonbank.com.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Certain information set forth in this press release refers to financial measures determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, we have included non-GAAP financial measures relating to net income, diluted earnings per share, pre-tax, pre-provision net income, net interest margin, tangible stockholders’ equity and tangible book value per share, efficiency ratio, the return on average assets, the return on average common equity, and return on average tangible equity. In each case, we have identified special circumstances that we consider to be non-recurring and have excluded them. We believe that this shows the impact of such events as acquisition-related purchase accounting adjustments and swap termination fees, among others we have identified in our reconciliations. Horizon believes these non-GAAP financial measures are helpful to investors and provide a greater understanding of our business and financial results without giving effect to the purchase accounting impacts and one-time costs of acquisitions and non–recurring items. These measures are not necessarily comparable to similar measures that may be presented by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measure. See the tables and other information below and contained elsewhere in this press release for reconciliations of the non-GAAP information identified herein and its most comparable GAAP measures.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward–looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Horizon”). For these statements, Horizon claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Horizon, including the information in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

    Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: current financial conditions within the banking industry; changes in the level and volatility of interest rates, changes in spreads on earning assets and changes in interest bearing liabilities; increased interest rate sensitivity; the aggregate effects of elevated inflation levels in recent years; loss of key Horizon personnel; increases in disintermediation; potential loss of fee income, including interchange fees, as new and emerging alternative payment platforms take a greater market share of the payment systems; estimates of fair value of certain of Horizon’s assets and liabilities; changes in prepayment speeds, loan originations, credit losses, market values, collateral securing loans and other assets; changes in sources of liquidity; macroeconomic conditions and their impact on Horizon and its customers; legislative and regulatory actions and reforms; changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be adopted and required by regulatory agencies; litigation, regulatory enforcement, and legal compliance risk and costs; rapid technological developments and changes; cyber terrorism and data security breaches; the rising costs of cybersecurity; the ability of the U.S. federal government to manage federal debt limits; climate change and social justice initiatives; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to effectively implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; acts of terrorism, war and global conflicts, such as the Russia and Ukraine conflict and the Israel and Hamas conflict; and supply chain disruptions and delays. These and additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Horizon’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward–looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Horizon does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the events or circumstances after the date on which the forward–looking statement is made, or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

       
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
      (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data, Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2024
      2024
      2023   2023
      2024
      2023
    Interest Income                          
    Loans receivable $ 75,488     $ 71,880     $ 66,954     $ 65,583     $ 63,003     $ 214,322     $ 178,961  
    Investment securities – taxable   8,133       7,986       7,362       8,157       8,788       23,481       26,253  
    Investment securities – tax-exempt   6,310       6,377       6,451       6,767       7,002       19,138       21,617  
    Other   957       738       4,497       3,007       1,332       6,192       1,960  
    Total interest income   90,888       86,981       85,264       83,514       80,125       263,133       228,791  
    Interest Expense                          
    Deposits   30,787       28,447       27,990       27,376       24,704       87,224       58,481  
    Borrowed funds   11,131       11,213       11,930       11,765       11,224       34,274       30,713  
    Subordinated notes   830       829       831       870       880       2,490       2,641  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   1,230       1,213       1,225       1,246       1,227       3,668       3,469  
    Total interest expense   43,978       41,702       41,976       41,257       38,035       127,656       95,304  
    Net Interest Income   46,910       45,279       43,288       42,257       42,090       135,477       133,487  
    Provision for loan losses   1,044       2,369       805       1,274       263       4,218       1,185  
    Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses   45,866       42,910       42,483       40,983       41,827       131,259       132,302  
    Non-interest Income                          
    Service charges on deposit accounts   3,320       3,130       3,214       3,092       3,086       9,664       9,135  
    Wire transfer fees   123       113       101       103       120       337       345  
    Interchange fees   3,511       3,826       3,109       3,224       3,186       10,446       9,637  
    Fiduciary activities   1,394       1,372       1,315       1,352       1,206       4,081       3,728  
    Gains (losses) on sale of investment securities                     (31,572 )                 (480 )
    Gain on sale of mortgage loans   1,622       896       626       951       1,582       3,144       3,372  
    Mortgage servicing income net of impairment   412       450       439       724       631       1,301       1,984  
    Increase in cash value of bank owned life insurance   349       318       298       658       1,055       965       3,051  
    Other income   780       380       827       1,019       964       1,987       1,675  
    Total non-interest income   11,511       10,485       9,929       (20,449 )     11,830       31,925       32,447  
    Non-interest Expense                          
    Salaries and employee benefits   21,829       20,583       20,268       21,877       20,058       62,680       58,932  
    Net occupancy expenses   3,207       3,192       3,546       3,260       3,283       9,945       10,095  
    Data processing   2,977       2,579       2,464       2,942       2,999       8,020       8,684  
    Professional fees   676       714       607       772       707       1,997       1,873  
    Outside services and consultants   3,677       3,058       3,359       2,394       2,316       10,094       7,548  
    Loan expense   1,034       1,038       719       1,345       1,120       2,791       3,635  
    FDIC insurance expense   1,204       1,315       1,320       1,200       1,300       3,839       2,680  
    Core deposit intangible amortization   844       844       872       903       903       2,560       2,709  
    Other losses   297       515       16       508       188       828       543  
    Other expense   3,527       3,684       3,936       4,129       3,294       11,147       10,255  
    Total non-interest expense   39,272       37,522       37,107       39,330       36,168       113,901       106,954  
    Income /(Loss) Before Income Taxes   18,105       15,873       15,305       (18,796 )     17,489       49,283       57,795  
    Income tax expense   (75 )     1,733       1,314       6,419       1,284       2,972       4,599  
    Net Income /(Loss) $ 18,180     $ 14,140     $ 13,991     $ (25,215 )   $ 16,205     $ 46,311     $ 53,196  
    Basic Earnings /(Loss) Per Share $ 0.42     $ 0.32     $ 0.32     $ (0.58 )   $ 0.37     $ 1.06     $ 1.22  
    Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share   0.41       0.32       0.32       (0.58 )     0.37       1.05       1.21  
                                                           
      Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
      (Dollars in Thousands)
      September 30,
    2024
      June 30,
    2024
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2023
      September 30,
    2023
    Assets                  
    Interest earning assets                  
    Federal funds sold $ 113,912     $ 34,453     $ 161,704     $ 401,672     $ 71,576  
    Interest earning deposits   12,107       4,957       9,178       12,071       4,718  
    Interest earning time deposits   735       1,715       1,715       2,205       2,207  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   53,826       53,826       53,826       34,509       34,509  
    Investment securities, available for sale   541,170       527,054       535,319       547,251       865,168  
    Investment securities, held to maturity   1,888,379       1,904,281       1,925,725       1,945,638       1,966,483  
    Loans held for sale   2,069       2,440       922       1,418       2,828  
    Gross loans held for investment (HFI)   4,803,996       4,822,840       4,618,175       4,417,630       4,359,002  
    Total Interest earning assets   7,416,194       7,351,566       7,306,564       7,362,394       7,306,491  
    Non-interest earning assets                  
    Allowance for credit losses   (52,881 )     (52,215 )     (50,387 )     (50,029 )     (49,699 )
    Cash   108,815       106,691       100,206       112,772       98,843  
    Cash value of life insurance   37,115       36,773       36,455       36,157       149,212  
    Other assets   119,026       165,656       160,593       177,061       152,280  
    Goodwill   155,211       155,211       155,211       155,211       155,211  
    Other intangible assets   11,067       11,910       12,754       13,626       14,530  
    Premises and equipment, net   93,544       93,695       94,303       94,583       94,716  
    Interest receivable   39,366       43,240       40,008       38,710       37,850  
    Total non-interest earning assets   511,263       560,961       549,143       578,091       652,943  
    Total assets $ 7,927,457     $ 7,912,527     $ 7,855,707     $ 7,940,485     $ 7,959,434  
    Liabilities                  
    Savings and money market deposits $ 3,420,827     $ 3,364,726     $ 3,350,673     $ 3,369,149     $ 3,322,788  
    Time deposits   1,220,653       1,178,389       1,136,121       1,179,739       1,250,606  
    Borrowings   1,142,744       1,229,165       1,219,812       1,217,020       1,214,016  
    Repurchase agreements   122,399       128,169       139,309       136,030       142,494  
    Subordinated notes   55,703       55,668       55,634       55,543       59,007  
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   57,423       57,369       57,315       57,258       57,201  
    Total interest earning liabilities   6,019,749       6,013,486       5,958,864       6,014,739       6,046,112  
    Non-interest bearing deposits   1,085,535       1,087,040       1,093,076       1,116,005       1,126,703  
    Interest payable   11,400       11,240       7,853       22,249       16,281  
    Other liabilities   55,951       74,096       74,664       68,680       76,969  
    Total liabilities   7,172,635       7,185,862       7,134,457       7,221,673       7,266,065  
    Stockholders’ Equity                  
    Preferred stock                            
    Common stock                            
    Additional paid-in capital   358,453       357,673       356,599       356,400       355,478  
    Retained earnings   454,050       442,977       435,927       429,021       461,325  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (57,681 )     (73,985 )     (71,276 )     (66,609 )     (123,434 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   754,822       726,665       721,250       718,812       693,369  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,927,457     $ 7,912,527     $ 7,855,707     $ 7,940,485     $ 7,959,434  
                                           
      Loans and Deposits        
      (Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)        
      September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   % Change
      2024   2024   2024   2023   2023   Q3’24 vs Q2’24   Q3’24 vs Q3’23
    Commercial:                          
    Commercial real estate $ 2,105,459     $ 2,117,772     $ 1,984,723     $ 1,962,097     $ 1,916,056       (1 )%     10 %
    Commercial & Industrial   808,600       786,788       765,043       712,863       673,188       3 %     20 %
    Total commercial   2,914,059       2,904,560       2,749,766       2,674,960       2,589,244       %     13 %
    Residential Real estate   801,356       797,956       782,071       681,136       675,399       %     19 %
    Mortgage warehouse   80,437       68,917       56,548       45,078       65,923       17 %     22 %
    Consumer   1,008,144       1,051,407       1,029,790       1,016,456       1,028,436       (4 )%     (2 )%
    Total loans held for investment   4,803,996       4,822,840       4,618,175       4,417,630       4,359,002       %     10 %
    Loans held for sale   2,069       2,440       922       1,418       2,828       (15 )%     (27 )%
    Total loans $ 4,806,065     $ 4,825,280     $ 4,619,097     $ 4,419,048     $ 4,361,830       %     10 %
                               
    Deposits:                          
    Interest bearing deposits                          
    Savings and money market deposits $ 3,420,827     $ 3,364,726     $ 3,350,673     $ 3,369,149     $ 3,322,788       2 %     3 %
    Time deposits   1,220,653       1,178,389       1,136,121       1,179,739       1,250,606       4 %     (2 )%
    Total Interest bearing deposits   4,641,480       4,543,115       4,486,794       4,548,888       4,573,394       2 %     1 %
    Non-interest bearing deposits                          
    Non-interest bearing deposits   1,085,535       1,087,040       1,093,076       1,116,005       1,126,703       %     (4 )%
    Total deposits $ 5,727,015     $ 5,630,155     $ 5,579,870     $ 5,664,893     $ 5,700,097       2 %     %
                                                           
      Average Balance Sheet
      (Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended
      September 30, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2023
      Average
    Balance
    Interest(4) Average
    Rate(4)
      Average
    Balance
    Interest(4) Average
    Rate(4)
      Average
    Balance
    Interest(4) Average
    Rate(4)
    Assets
    Interest earning assets                      
    Federal funds sold $ 64,743   $ 860     5.28 %   $ 47,805   $ 645     5.43 %   $ 92,305   $ 1,247     5.36 %
    Interest earning deposits   8,781     97     4.39 %     7,662     93     4.88 %     8,018     85     4.21 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock   53,826     1,607     11.88 %     53,827     1,521     11.36 %     34,509     618     7.10 %
    Investment securities – taxable (1)   1,301,830     6,526     1.99 %     1,309,305     6,465     1.99 %     1,650,081     8,170     1.96 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable (1)   1,125,295     7,987     2.82 %     1,132,065     8,072     2.87 %     1,220,998     8,863     2.88 %
    Total investment securities   2,427,125     14,513     2.38 %     2,441,370     14,537     2.39 %     2,871,079     17,033     2.35 %
    Loans receivable (2) (3)   4,775,788     75,828     6.32 %     4,662,124     72,208     6.23 %     4,280,700     63,254     5.89 %
    Total interest earning assets $ 7,330,263   $ 92,905     5.04 %   $ 7,212,788   $ 89,004     4.96 %   $ 7,286,611   $ 82,237     4.59 %
    Non-interest earning assets                      
    Cash and due from banks $ 108,609         $ 108,319         $ 100,331      
    Allowance for credit losses   (52,111 )         (50,334 )         (49,705 )    
    Other assets   471,259           508,555           587,514      
    Total average assets $ 7,858,020         $ 7,779,328         $ 7,924,751      
                           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
    Interest bearing liabilities                      
    Interest bearing deposits $ 3,386,177   $ 18,185     2.14 %   $ 3,334,490   $ 16,814     2.03 %   $ 3,267,594   $ 12,661     1.54 %
    Time deposits   1,189,148     12,602     4.22 %     1,134,590     11,633     4.12 %     1,271,104     12,043     3.76 %
    Borrowings   1,149,952     10,221     3.54 %     1,184,172     10,278     3.49 %     1,180,452     10,399     3.50 %
    Repurchase agreements   123,524     910     2.93 %     125,144     935     3.00 %     136,784     825     2.39 %
    Subordinated notes   55,681     830     5.93 %     55,647     829     5.99 %     58,983     880     5.92 %
    Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts   57,389     1,230     8.53 %     57,335     1,213     8.51 %     57,166     1,227     8.52 %
    Total interest bearing liabilities $ 5,961,871   $ 43,978     2.93 %   $ 5,891,378   $ 41,702     2.85 %   $ 5,972,083   $ 38,035     2.53 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities
    Demand deposits $ 1,083,214         $ 1,080,676         $ 1,159,241      
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   74,563           80,942           77,942      
    Stockholders’ equity   738,372           726,332           715,485      
    Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,858,020         $ 7,779,328         $ 7,924,751      
    Net FTE interest income (non-GAAP) (5)   $ 48,927         $ 47,302         $ 44,202    
    Less FTE adjustments (4)     2,017           2,023           2,112    
    Net Interest Income   $ 46,910         $ 45,279         $ 42,090    
    Net FTE interest margin (Non-GAAP) (4)(5)       2.66 %         2.64 %         2.41 %
     
    (1) Securities balances represent daily average balances for the fair value of securities. The average rate is calculated based on the daily average balance for the amortized cost of securities.
    (2) Includes fees on loans held for sale and held for investment. The inclusion of loan fees does not have a material effect on the average interest rate.
    (3) Non-accruing loans for the purpose of the computation above are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding. Loan totals are shown net of unearned income and deferred loan fees.
    (4) Management believes fully taxable equivalent, or FTE, interest income is useful to investors in evaluating the Company’s performance as a comparison of the returns between a tax-free investment and a taxable alternative. The Company adjusts interest income and average rates for tax-exempt loans and securities to an FTE basis utilizing a 21% tax rate
    (5) Non-GAAP financial metric. See non-GAAP reconciliation included herein for the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
     
      Credit Quality        
      (Dollars in Thousands Except Ratios, Unaudited)        
      Quarter Ended        
      September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,   % Change
      2024   2024   2024   2023   2023   3Q24 vs 2Q24   3Q24 vs 3Q23
    Non-accrual loans                          
    Commercial $ 6,830     $ 4,321     $ 5,493     $ 7,362     $ 6,919       58 %     (1 )%
    Residential Real estate   9,529       8,489       8,725       8,058       7,644       12 %     25 %
    Mortgage warehouse                                 %     %
    Consumer   7,208       5,453       4,835       4,290       4,493       32 %     60 %
    Total non-accrual loans   23,567       18,263       19,053       19,710       19,056       29 %     24 %
    90 days and greater delinquent – accruing interest   819       1,039       108       559       392       (21 )%     109 %
    Total non-performing loans   24,386       19,302       19,161       20,269       19,448       26 %     25 %
                               
    Other real estate owned                          
    Commercial $ 1,158     $ 1,111     $ 1,124     $ 1,124     $ 1,287       4 %     (10 )%
    Residential Real estate                     182       32       %     (100 )%
    Mortgage warehouse                                 %     %
    Consumer   36       57       50       205       72       (37 )%     (50 )%
    Total other real estate owned $ 1,194     $ 1,168     $ 1,174     $ 1,511     $ 1,391       2 %     (14 )%
                               
    Total non-performing assets $ 25,580     $ 20,470     $ 20,335     $ 21,780     $ 20,839       25 %     23 %
                               
    Loan data:                          
    Accruing 30 to 89 days past due loans $ 18,087     $ 19,785     $ 15,154     $ 16,595     $ 13,089       (9 )%     38 %
    Substandard loans   59,775       51,221       47,469       49,526       47,563       17 %     26 %
    Net charge-offs (recoveries)                          
    Commercial   (55 )     57       (57 )     233       142       (196 )%     (139 )%
    Residential Real estate   (9 )     (4 )     (5 )     21       (39 )     (125 )%     77 %
    Mortgage warehouse                                 %     %
    Consumer   439       534       488       531       619       (18 )%     (29 )%
    Total net charge-offs   375       587       426       785       722       (36 )%     (48 )%
                               
    Allowance for credit losses                          
    Commercial   32,854       31,941       30,514       29,736       29,472       3 %     11 %
    Residential Real estate   2,675       2,588       2,655       2,503       2,794       3 %     (4 )%
    Mortgage warehouse   862       736       659       481       714       17 %     21 %
    Consumer   16,490       16,950       16,559       17,309       16,719       (3 )%     (1 )%
    Total allowance for credit losses $ 52,881     $ 52,215     $ 50,387     $ 50,029     $ 49,699       1 %     6 %
                               
    Credit quality ratios                          
    Non-accrual loans to HFI loans   0.49 %     0.38 %     0.41 %     0.45 %     0.44 %        
    Non-performing assets to total assets   0.32 %     0.26 %     0.26 %     0.27 %     0.26 %        
    Annualized net charge-offs of average total loans   0.03 %     0.05 %     0.04 %     0.07 %     0.07 %        
    Allowance for credit losses to HFI loans   1.10 %     1.08 %     1.09 %     1.13 %     1.14 %        
                                                   
    Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Fully-Taxable Equivalent (“FTE”) Interest Margin
    (Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
        2024   2024   2024   2023   2023
    Interest income (GAAP) (A) $ 90,888     $ 86,981     $ 85,264     $ 83,514     $ 80,125  
    Taxable-equivalent adjustment:                    
    Investment securities – tax exempt (1)     1,677       1,695       1,715       1,799       1,861  
    Loan receivable (2)     340       328       353       314       251  
    Interest income (non-GAAP) (B)   92,905       89,004       87,332       85,627       82,237  
    Interest expense (GAAP) (C)   43,978       41,702       41,976       41,257       38,035  
    Net interest income (GAAP) (D) =(A) – (C)   46,910       45,279       43,288       42,257       42,090  
    Net FTE interest income (non-GAAP) (E) = (B) – (C)   48,927       47,302       45,356       44,370       44,202  
    Average interest earning assets (F)   7,330,263       7,212,788       7,293,559       7,239,034       7,286,611  
    Net FTE interest margin (non-GAAP) (G) = (E*) / (F)   2.66 %     2.64 %     2.50 %     2.43 %     2.41 %
                         
    (1) The following represents municipal securities interest income for investment securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity
    (2) The following represents municipal loan interest income for loan receivables classified as held for sale and held for investment
    *Annualized
     
    Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Tangible Common Equity
    (Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
        2024   2024   2024   2023   2023
                         
    Net income (loss) (GAAP) (A) $ 18,180     $ 14,140     $ 13,991     $ (25,215 )   $ 16,205  
                         
    Average stockholders’ equity (B)   738,372       726,332       725,083       702,793       715,485  
    Average intangible assets (C)   166,819       167,659       168,519       169,401       170,301  
    Average tangible equity (Non-GAAP) (D) = (B) – (C) $ 571,553     $ 558,673     $ 556,564     $ 533,392     $ 545,184  
    Return on average tangible common equity (“ROACE”) (non-GAAP) (E) = (A*) / (D)   12.65 %     10.18 %     10.11 %   (18.76 )%     11.79 %
    *Annualized                    
                         
    Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets
    (Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
        2024   2024   2024   2023   2023
    Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP) (A) $ 754,822     $ 726,665     $ 721,250     $ 718,812     $ 693,369  
    Intangible assets (end of period) (B)   166,278       167,121       167,965       168,837       169,741  
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (C) = (A) – (B) $ 588,544     $ 559,544     $ 553,285     $ 549,975     $ 523,628  
                         
    Total assets (GAAP) (D)   7,927,457       7,912,527       7,855,707       7,940,485       7,959,434  
    Intangible assets (end of period) (B)   166,278       167,121       167,965       168,837       169,741  
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) (E) = (D) – (B) $ 7,761,179     $ 7,745,406     $ 7,687,742     $ 7,771,648     $ 7,789,693  
                         
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (Non-GAAP) (G) = (C) / (E)   7.58 %     7.22 %     7.20 %     7.08 %     6.72 %
                                             
    Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Tangible Book Value Per Share
    (Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended
        September 30,   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,   September 30,
        2024
      2024
      2024
      2023
      2023
    Total stockholders’ equity (GAAP) (A) $ 754,822     $ 726,665     $ 721,250     $ 718,812     $ 693,369  
    Intangible assets (end of period) (B)   166,278       167,121       167,965       168,837       169,741  
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) (C) = (A) – (B) $ 588,544     $ 559,544     $ 553,285     $ 549,975     $ 523,628  
    Common shares outstanding (D)   43,712,059       43,712,059       43,726,380       43,652,063       43,648,501  
                         
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) (E) = (C) / (D) $ 13.46     $ 12.80     $ 12.65     $ 12.60     $ 12.00  
                                             
    Contact: John R. Stewart, CFA
      EVP, Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: (219) 814–5833
    Fax: (219) 874–9280
    Date: October 23, 2024
       

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins CNN News Central to Discuss Latest Trump Smear Campaign, Biden-Harris Failed Economic and Foreign Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    ‘The American public can see right through it.’
    PHILADELPHIA, PA—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), former U.S. Ambassador to Japan in the Trump Administration, today joined CNN News Central to discuss the latest outrageous smear campaign against former President Donald Trump and the Biden-Harris Administration’s failures in both the economy and foreign policy.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Partial Transcript
     Hagerty on his personal experience serving in the Trump Administration: “I’ll say this: I did serve with President Trump as U.S. Ambassador to Japan. We have more U.S. military stations there in Japan than any place else in the world overseas. President Trump came to visit me three times—we always met with our military there—and I never saw anything but the utmost respect, both President Trump’s respect for our military, and their love and respect for him. That’s what I know.”
    Hagerty on John Kelly’s slanderous claims against Trump: “It’s wholly inconsistent with my experience with President Trump. I also have reason to doubt it because there’ve been articles published about ‘losers’ and the things that were supposedly said in Normandy. I called the Ambassador right away. Again, these are old stories that are being drug up, of course, within two weeks of the election. But when I called the Ambassador, she said [the claims were] absolutely not true [regarding] what was attributed to John Kelly [in 2020], 20 other staffers said that was the case as well. I think this is being brought up at a time to divert and deflect. Here’s the story: American people right now need to be asking themselves a very basic question: Are they better off today than they were when President Trump was in office? Kamala Harris is claiming all these things that she might be able to do, yet she’s done none of them for the past three and a half years. What we’ve got is a situation where Kamala Harris can’t find any place where she would differ from Joe Biden. Seventy two percent of Americans think that this country is on the wrong track. All they have to do is look back to the time when President Trump was in office; that debunks these claims. President Trump had our economy working. People respected us—nations respected us—we had people better off in every demographic group. And I think that’s why Americans are seeing President Trump’s polls move forward, and I think that’s why we see these desperate things coming out here at the last minute, again, within the last two weeks, citing something from the deep past. It’s irrelevant at this point. Americans need to know: Will [they] be better off? Seventy two percent of Americans say we’re on the wrong track right now; I think they’re ready for change […] Real wages [are] what I think most people care about. Real wages [are] what they care about, and they were better off [under Trump].”
    Hagerty on the false claim that Trump doesn’t respect the military: “His record as commander in Chief debunks [these baseless claims] in my mind…Because why? He actually did have us in position where there were no wars. You have [President] Joe Biden as Commander in Chief; what did he do? He and [Vice President] Kamala Harris, the last in the room, made a terrible decision in Afghanistan that led to the death of 13 service members, very personal to me. One of them was Ryan Knauss, a Tennessean. And I had to call Ryan’s parents and tell them what happened. You think about it: Joe Biden is there at the return of the remains at Dover. He doesn’t even have time for them; he’s looking at his watch. And when he’s in debate, he tells the world that no military man or woman died under his watch. He just forgot about the 13 that died on his watch. That’s presidential disrespect; I don’t see that coming up. Instead, you have claims that cannot be verified from someone that obviously doesn’t like President Trump and was fired by President Trump […] President Trump is a patriot. He loves this country.”
    Hagerty on Trump’s foreign policies having substantially greater success than Biden-Harris’ policies: “I’ve actually seen Donald Trump in the room with Vladimir Putin and with Xi Jinping, with [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, with [Former Prime Minister Shinzo] Abe. He’s able to hold his own. I certainly don’t think Kamala Harris could do that. Donald Trump knows how to negotiate. He knows how to deal with world leaders, and he can deal from a position of strength. That’s what Americans need right now. That’s what Americans should be asking themselves this close to the election, is who will represent our nation? Who will put us back in a posture of strength? Donald Trump clearly can do that because he’s done it before. Under his watch, we had no major wars breakout. As soon as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris came back into office, we saw the exact opposite. We’ve got hot wars now in the Middle East—you see what’s happening in Ukraine and Russia…It’s a very bad situation that’s occurred over the past three and a half years. Kamala Harris could have done something about it if she were serious. Obviously, she didn’t, and I think the American public can see right through it.”

    MIL OSI USA News